ListenHub referencing and monitoring plugin by Sonnox interface

ListenHub: Referencing and Monitoring Tool by Sonnox

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (875 ratings)

ListenHub is a macOS referencing and monitoring tool from Sonnox that lets producers A/B their mix against commercial tracks, using metering, band solos and multiple outputs.

VST3AUAAXStandalonemacOSiOS64-bit

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01Overview

ListenHub is a studio tool from Sonnox for checking your mix against reference tracks. It accepts several simultaneous inputs, including system audio, files in your DAW and your in-progress mix, so you can compare sources from streaming services or your own library. Its monitoring features cover band solos, channel solos for mono and stereo checks, stepped volume control and loudness metering. It runs as a plugin in AAX, AU and VST3 formats, and as a standalone app on macOS.

Best for

Mix referencing
A/B against commercial tracks
Mono compatibility checks
Stereo width analysis
Monitor controller setups
Loudness consistency checks

Developer: Sonnox
Category: Referencing Tools
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Multiple simultaneous inputs for system audio, DAW files and your mix
Switch between several outputs for different monitor sets
Host AU plugins on any output with their own configuration
Band solos combined with the spectral analyser
Channel solo for mono compatibility and stereo width checks
Stepped volume control for repeatable listening levels
Match Input Loudness corrects level differences between references
Auto-mute catches loud bursts to protect ears and speakers
Short-term LUFS meter for consistent level across an arrangement

03In depth

Referencing and monitoring features

ListenHub is built around comparison. You can switch between several outputs for different pairs of monitor speakers or headphones, and use its Match Input Loudness button to correct level differences between reference tracks, so the louder track does not sound better by default.

Band solos work alongside the spectral analyser, which helps you find problem frequencies or study specific ranges in mixes you admire. Channel solo lets you check mono compatibility and stereo width.

The Short-term LUFS meter helps keep a consistent level across different sections of an arrangement.

Metering and loudness control

The loudness tools focus on dynamics and level. ListenHub reports whether a mix sounds crushed, loud, competitive or lively, and Auto-mute cuts loud bursts to protect your ears and speakers.

Stepped volume control gives you repeatable listening levels from session to session, which makes comparisons more consistent. Because streaming services apply their own loudness normalisation, the developer suggests setting short-term loudness to the loudest part of the track instead of relying on integrated loudness.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Sonnox
Type	Plugin
Category	Referencing Tools
Formats	VST3, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	macOS, iOS
Architecture	64-bit

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is ListenHub used for?

ListenHub is used to reference a mix against other tracks. You can A/B against songs from streaming services, files in your DAW or your own media player, and use band solos, channel solos and loudness metering to compare them.

Which formats and operating systems does ListenHub support?

ListenHub is available as VST3, AU, AAX and Standalone formats. It runs on macOS, and the developer lists 64-bit support. A free remote app for iPhone, iPad and Android is also available.

What do I need to use ListenHub?

The system requirements list macOS 10.13 High Sierra or later, with Intel and M1 Apple Silicon supported. AAX requires Pro Tools 11 or later. Licensing supports two activations per licence through an iLok USB device or iLok Cloud, and iLok Cloud needs a constant internet connection.