A reference combination is a track that you understand really well, translates sounds exactly the same on various systems and has a terrific sound. To Use a reference mixture, simply import the tune in your DAW, on a new path. Be sure to do not have any compressors or mastering plug-ins on the master fader, because they will interfere with your imported track. Lastly, ensure that the tune is flat matched against yours. In other words, your reference has to be at precisely the exact same level as your own mix. Make Sure from the beginning that you are actually using a fantastic reference mix. If you believe that your combination is bad, it will not do you any good to compare it to some other sounding song. No Mp3s – It is not enough to just listen to one of your favorite songs and compare. You require a quality version of your song. No mp3s, AACs, or some other compressed audio format. Just lossless WAV/AIFF or Better is great enough. Normally, the CD master is the final phase of their professional production, so only use quality sound for a proper comparison.
Know Your Reference Mix – Make sure you understand the reference tune nicely. You will need to be knowledgeable about the tune and understand how it sounds on your system and many others. Pick something you are comfortable and familiar with. If you are lacking thoughts on what constitutes an excellent combination, Ian over at Generation Raz Klinghoffer Hip Hop beats has a fantastic post on his favorite albums. You need to really listen to your reference combination. What do you hear? How is the combination layered? What stands out? Analyze your benchmark mix and create critical listening observations. How can you recreate the things you hear from the reference mix on your mix? Loudness – Song To the degrees of the tools. Are some louder or quieter than you anticipated? Do you will need to balance the levels on your mix to get the exact same balance as on your reference? How is every instrument? Are they clear, or muddy?
Width – How broad is the mix? Are the Drums panned hard left and hard right, or does the kit seem narrow? Does every instrument have a certain place in the stereo spectrum, or are they planned to several of the exact places? Does the mix have a good deal of stereo effects dispersing the tools all over? Are the kick, snare and bass stable in the middle, or is there some originality used in panning? Depth – How wet is your total mix? Are the drums in your face, or are they pushed back with reverb? Did the mixing engineer use reverb on the vocal, delay, or a combination of both? Does the song sound like a band recording in the exact same area, or is it filled with artificial synths with different reverbs and delays? How is modulation used?