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REFERENCE 3 Upgrade from REFERENCE 2 mix referencing plugin interface by Mastering The Mix
Mastering The Mix·Referencing Tools

REFERENCE 3 Upgrade from REFERENCE 2: Mix Referencing Plugin by Mastering The Mix

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (42 ratings)

REFERENCE 3 Upgrade from REFERENCE 2 is an upgrade plugin from Mastering The Mix for existing REFERENCE 2 owners. It is a mix referencing tool that compares your work in progress against professional tracks and shows what to adjust.

VST3AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit
AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique
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01Overview

REFERENCE 3 Upgrade from REFERENCE 2 is aimed at producers, mix engineers and mastering engineers who want to check a mix against professional tracks. The plugin level matches your mix and the reference so differences in tonal balance, stereo width and dynamics are easier to hear. It also suggests what to change, from EQ direction to gain balance between vocals, drums, music and bass. The product is an upgrade for owners of REFERENCE 2.

Best for

  • Mix comparison
  • Mix balance checks
  • Mastering reference
  • Stereo width matching
  • Phase and mono checks
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02Key features

What you get

  • Smart Reference Tracks suggest matches from your own library
  • Mix Descriptor Tags label each reference's sonic character
  • Master Scope unifies tonal, stereo, phase and dynamics analysis
  • Level Line shows EQ boosts and cuts toward the reference
  • Width Display gives frequency-by-frequency stereo guidance
  • Mix Balance suggests gain moves for vocals, drums, music and bass
  • Mix Instructor gives written low, mid and high band guidance
  • Level Match, Track Align, Smart Loop and REFSEND for fair A/B comparison
03In depth

Smart Referencing and Master Scope Analysis

Load your own reference library once, and Smart Reference Tracks suggests the most relevant tracks for the song you are working on. Mix Descriptor Tags label each reference with its sonic character, so you can see whether a track is bright, warm, wide, narrow or loud before you play it.

Master Scope combines tonal balance, stereo width, phase and dynamics analysis in one view. Level Line shows the EQ boosts and cuts needed to move closer to the reference, and Width Display shows where the mix should be wider or tighter across the frequency range.

Mix Balance and Written Guidance

Mix Balance suggests gain changes for vocals, drums, music and bass. Mix Instructor turns the visual analysis into written instructions for the low, mid and high bands, which can help less experienced users know what to adjust.

Phase Analysis highlights areas that may lose punch or disappear in mono, and Overcompression Detection shows where the mix has less dynamic movement than the chosen reference. Match Percentage gives a measurable target as you work.

04Specs

Will it run?

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

DeveloperMastering The Mix
TypePlugin
CategoryReferencing Tools
FormatsVST3, AU, AAX
Operating systemsWindows, macOS
Architecture64-bit
05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does REFERENCE 3 support?

REFERENCE 3 is available in VST3, AU and AAX formats for Windows and macOS. It is a 64-bit plugin.

What do I need to run REFERENCE 3?

On Mac you need OS X 10.15 or higher and a 64-bit AU, VST3 or AAX host, with Apple Silicon Native support. On Windows you need Windows 10 or higher and a 64-bit VST3 or AAX host. AAX works with Pro Tools 11 and later only.

Is REFERENCE 3 an upgrade for existing users?

Yes. The product is an upgrade for owners of REFERENCE 2. The full version is sold separately.

07Developer

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