2.x Mastering The Mix REFERENCE

How To Use REFERENCE

1. Load Your References

Load up an instance of REFERENCE as the final plugin on your master bus. REFERENCE should come after your metering plugin but before any speaker / headphone calibration software (if you use it). Drag and drop the reference tracks you want to use onto the Wave Transport.

2. Level Match

Your mix will most likely be a lot quieter than your reference tracks giving you the misconception that it has a weaker bass and less clarity in the high frequencies. The Level Match button will allow you to compare your mix to the reference tracks without bias, allowing you to make informed mixing decisions.

3. Gain Insights

The visuals in the Trinity Display show you how your EQ balance, stereo width and compression compares to your reference track. You can also click to solo a frequency band allowing you to zone in on the intricate differences between your mix and your references.

MAC OSX Requirements

• OS X 10.15 or higher.
• 64-bit AU, VST 2/3 or AAX host.
• Apple Silicon Native.

Windows Requirements

• Windows 10 or higher.
• 64-bit VST 2/3 or 64-bit AAX host.

V2.0.6: Build Dec 19, 2023

This update includes:

• Bug fixes
• Increased manual track align adjustment to 30 seconds.

V2.0.5: Build Jul 25, 2022

This update includes:

• Bug Fixes

V2.0.4: Build Jun 23, 2022

This update includes:

• Manual gain settings remembered per reference track.
• Version number corrected.

V2.0.3: Build May 6, 2022

This update includes:

• Hot Keys can be switched off in settings.
• Issue whereby dropping a reference track does not load fixed.
• 
Issue where multiple copies of the same reference loads fixed.
• Windows tooltips layout fixed.
• Known Bug: Manual gain settings not remembered per reference track (fixed for 1.7 release).

V2.0.2: Build Dec 22, 2021

This update includes:

• Updates to licensing and AAX
• Bug Fixes

V2.0.1: Build Feb 12, 2021

• Big Sur + Apple Silicon support optimizations specifically for the new Apple M1 processor.
• Improved graphics performance.
• Updated authorization error messages with links to fast solutions.
• Reduced UI height to fit on smaller screens. UI height now adjustable.
• Issue where level matching can cause spikes in volume now fixed.
• Fixes for looping issues and Cubase/Wavelab compatibility.
• Level Line EQ set to ‘Match’ by default. This means the EQ line you see in the Trinity Display is the exact curve to dial into your EQ to sound like your selected reference track.
• Bug fixes

V2 Build Nov 6, 2020

• Complete user interface refresh with user experience and workflow improvements.
• Expanded level matching options. You can level match your references to your original track, or the quietest track, or set all tracks to -14LUFS.
• Improved EQ balance algorithm that goes deeper into the differences between the tonal balance of your song and your reference track and displays a complete curve.
• EQ balance algorithm can display the EQ curve needed to get your mix sounding like your reference or the inverted difference depending on your preferences.
• Stereo width analysis and visual improvements.
• REFERENCE now comes with an additional source plugin called REFSEND that allows you to bypass entire FX chains to make loudness-matched A/B comparisons. This keeps you honest with yourself about the changes you’re making to your music and ensures positive progress.
• New metering layout, with peak, dBTP (decibels true peak) LUFS integrated and short-term options.
• A more accurate and reliable track align algorithm.
• Switching between the original and reference track can be MIDI mapped, allowing switching even when the plugin interface isn’t open or selected.

Bug Fixes

• REFERENCE 2 is a free update for everyone who owns REFERENCE 1. Download and run the latest installer from https://www.masteringthemix.com/products/reference to upgrade. Your existing license will work to keep REFERENCE activated.

Known Issues:

• Punch dots reversed movement. This will be solved in next update.