Mastering The Mix Reference 2 is a powerful mixing and mastering utility plugin designed to help music producers achieve professional-sounding results. This comprehensive tool allows users to compare their mixes or masters to up to 12 reference tracks, providing invaluable insights into the tonal balance, stereo width, compression, and loudness of their productions. Reference 2 features a sleek, user-friendly interface with a refreshed design that improves workflow and user experience. The plugin’s core functionality revolves around its ability to instantly and accurately match the loudness of the user’s track to reference tracks, ensuring fair comparisons and informed decision-making during the mixing and mastering process. Reference 2 offers visual and actionable insights through its Trinity Display, which includes Level Line for EQ adjustments, Stereo Width analysis, and Punch Dots for dynamic range comparison. These features collectively enable users to shape their sound to match the quality of their favorite tracks.
Pros:
• Comprehensive referencing tool with support for up to 12 reference tracks
• Accurate loudness matching with multiple options for level matching
• Visual insights for EQ balance, stereo width, and dynamic range comparison
• Includes REFSEND plugin for bypassing FX chains in A/B comparisons
• Improved user interface and workflow enhancements
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for beginners due to the wealth of features and analysis tools
Reference 2 also includes an additional source plugin called REFSEND, which allows users to bypass entire FX chains for loudness-matched A/B comparisons. This feature is particularly useful for evaluating the impact of effects and processing on a mix without being influenced by volume differences.
Reference 2 boasts an array of features designed to streamline the referencing process and provide users with actionable insights. The plugin’s level matching capabilities are particularly noteworthy, offering three distinct modes: “Match to Original,” which aligns reference tracks to the DAW’s track; “Match to quietest,” which finds the lowest volume among references and the DAW’s track; and “All to -14 LUFS st,” which matches all tracks to the common loudness standard for streaming platforms.
The Trinity Display is a central feature of Reference 2, providing visual representations of crucial mix elements. The Level Line shows where EQ adjustments are needed, with downward movement indicating the need for a frequency boost and upward movement suggesting a cut. The Stereo Width analysis allows users to compare the stereo field of their mix to reference tracks, although it currently only displays one track at a time. The Punch Dots visualize short-term dynamic range, helping users determine if their mix requires more or less compression compared to their references.
Reference 2 introduces an expanded EQ balance algorithm that delves deeper into the tonal differences between the user’s mix and reference tracks. It displays a complete curve and can show either the EQ curve needed to match the reference or the inverted difference, depending on user preference. This feature is invaluable for identifying and addressing tonal imbalances in a mix.
The plugin’s metering layout has been enhanced to include peak, dBTP (decibels true peak), LUFS integrated, and short-term options. This comprehensive metering suite enables users to monitor various aspects of their mix’s loudness and dynamics with precision.
Reference 2 also offers improved track alignment capabilities, with both automatic and manual options for perfectly syncing the original track with reference tracks. This feature is particularly useful when comparing specific sections or elements of a mix to professional references.
The Mirror mode in Reference 2 allows the reference track to play at the same point as the DAW’s track, while the Free mode gives users the flexibility to select specific points in the reference track for listening and create custom loops. These modes enhance the plugin’s versatility and allow for more targeted comparisons.
A standout feature of Reference 2 is the ability to MIDI map the switching between original and reference tracks. This functionality allows users to toggle between tracks even when the plugin interface isn’t open or selected, streamlining the workflow and enabling quick comparisons during mixing sessions.
When compared to other referencing tools on the market, Reference 2 stands out for its comprehensive feature set and visual analysis tools. While plugins like Sample Magic’s Magic AB and Plugin Alliance’s Metric AB offer similar A/B comparison capabilities, Reference 2’s Trinity Display and detailed EQ balance analysis provide a more in-depth look at the differences between tracks. Reference 2’s REFSEND plugin, which allows for bypassing entire FX chains, is a unique feature not commonly found in competing products. This gives Reference 2 an edge in terms of flexibility and precision in A/B testing. However, some users may find alternatives like iZotope’s Tonal Balance Control or FabFilter’s Pro-Q 3 with its EQ matching feature more intuitive for specific tasks like tonal balance correction. Nonetheless, Reference 2’s all-in-one approach to referencing, combining loudness matching, EQ analysis, stereo width comparison, and dynamic range visualization, makes it a strong contender in the mixing and mastering utility plugin market.
This plugin is best for:
• Professional mixing and mastering engineers seeking a comprehensive referencing tool
• Music producers aiming to achieve commercial-grade sound quality in their mixes
• Audio engineers who require detailed visual analysis of their mixes compared to reference tracks
• Users who want to improve their critical listening skills and understanding of professional mixes
Reference 2 by Mastering The Mix is a powerful and feature-rich plugin that significantly enhances the mixing and mastering workflow. Its ability to provide accurate loudness matching, detailed visual analysis, and comprehensive comparison tools makes it an invaluable asset for audio professionals striving for commercial-quality results. The improved user interface and expanded features in this version, such as the enhanced EQ balance algorithm and flexible level matching options, demonstrate Mastering The Mix’s commitment to refining and evolving their product. While the plugin’s extensive feature set may present a learning curve for beginners, the depth of analysis and insights it offers make it well worth the investment of time to master. The inclusion of the REFSEND plugin for bypassing FX chains in A/B comparisons is a particularly thoughtful addition that sets Reference 2 apart from many of its competitors. The visual tools provided by Reference 2, especially the Trinity Display with its Level Line, Stereo Width analysis, and Punch Dots, offer a unique and intuitive way to understand and address the differences between a user’s mix and professional reference tracks. This visual approach, combined with the plugin’s accurate metering and loudness matching capabilities, empowers users to make informed decisions and achieve more polished, professional-sounding results. Overall, Reference 2 is a comprehensive solution for those serious about improving their mixing and mastering skills. It provides the tools and insights necessary to bridge the gap between amateur and professional-sounding productions, making it a valuable addition to any audio engineer’s toolkit.