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MixMaster Pro
Capability

AI Reference Track Comparison

Compare against commercial references with measurable gaps. Save references to your library and re-attach them on later analyses (Pro/Studio) - repeat A/B on revisions without re-uploading each time.

Compare Your Mix FreeSee Plans

What the comparison detects

Every comparison runs both tracks through the same measurement system and reports the deltas across four dimensions.

Frequency Balance Differences

Shows where your mix has more or less energy than the reference across every frequency band - from sub bass and kick weight to high-end air - so you can identify the tonal gaps precisely.

Loudness and Dynamic Range

Compares integrated loudness (LUFS) and dynamic range between your mix and the reference. Highlights whether the perceived volume gap is a mastering issue or a mix density issue.

Stereo Image and Width

Measures stereo width differences at low, mid, and high frequencies - showing whether the reference has a wider chorus, tighter low end, or more open high-frequency stereo than your mix.

Energy and Mix Translation

Compares how energy moves across song sections in your mix versus the reference - identifying whether the arrangement creates lift at the same emotional points that commercial productions target.

How it works

  1. Upload your mix and a reference

    Upload your WAV, AIFF, FLAC, or MP3 alongside any commercial reference track in the same format. Or pick from the built-in reference library.

  2. The analysis runs both files together

    MixMaster Pro measures both tracks across the same parameters - loudness, frequency balance, stereo width, and dynamics - then computes the deltas between them.

  3. You see where the gaps are

    The comparison report shows you a side-by-side breakdown with specific numbers: how many dB your low end differs, how much wider the reference stereo image is, and what to address first.

Saved references stay on your account

A single A/B check is useful once. When you save a reference to your library, you can attach it to future analyses without re-uploading (Pro/Studio) - the same target sound, available on the next bounce.

Compare v1, v2, and v3 against that reference and the diff shows whether tonal, loudness, and stereo gaps are closing. That is Reference Intelligence in practice: saved files plus comparison data, not a one-time readout.

  • Reference library stores files privately on your account.
  • Repeat A/B across revisions on the same mix.
  • Maya on Studio can discuss reference gaps from your bound report and comparison.

Example comparison output

Realistic comparison scenarios showing the kind of findings a reference comparison surfaces. Illustrative examples - not real user data.

Example output - illustrative only

Tighter Low End on the Reference

Detection

Your mix has 3.2 dB more energy in the 60-120 Hz range than the reference, which has a tighter, more defined kick and bass relationship.

Action item

Apply a gentle high-pass on bass elements below 40 Hz and tighten the kick/bass relationship with sidechain compression or a low-cut on the bass in sections where the kick hits.

Evidence

Frequency comparison: your mix at +3.2 dB (60-120 Hz) vs. reference. Bass RMS: your mix -14.2 dBFS vs. reference -16.1 dBFS.

Next step

Check your bass and kick relationship in mono before applying the fix to ensure the sidechain is not removing too much sustain.

Wider Chorus on the Reference

Detection

The reference track widens significantly at 2-8 kHz during the chorus. Your mix stays roughly the same width throughout.

Action item

Add stereo width to the vocal doubles or pads in the chorus using a subtle haas delay or stereo imager on those elements only.

Evidence

Stereo width comparison: reference chorus measures 0.74 correlation vs. your mix at 0.91 in the same frequency band.

Next step

Check mono compatibility after widening - a correlation meter in your DAW should stay above 0.5 to avoid phase cancellation on mono speakers.

Loudness Gap Before Mastering

Detection

Your mix is 3.8 LUFS quieter than the reference. The gap is partly mix density and partly limiting headroom you haven't used yet.

Action item

Focus on mix density first - add parallel compression to drums and bass to fill out the RMS before reaching for more limiting. Then apply a final limiter at -0.3 dBTP.

Evidence

Integrated loudness: your mix -21.0 LUFS vs. reference -17.2 LUFS. True peak headroom on your mix: -3.1 dB (room to push).

Next step

Aim for -18 to -16 LUFS on the mix bus before mastering. Avoid pushing louder at the mix stage as it limits mastering headroom.

Example comparison structureIllustrative - not an API contract
{
  "parameter": "low_end_balance",
  "your_mix_db": -14.2,
  "reference_db": -16.1,
  "delta_db": 1.9,
  "finding": "your_mix_heavier_in_60_120hz",
  "action_item": {
    "description": "Tighten bass and kick relationship",
    "suggested_approach": "sidechain_compression_or_low_cut"
  }
}

Who this is for

Producers finishing tracks

Know exactly how your mix stacks up against the records you're trying to compete with before sending it to a label or platform.

Mix engineers on client work

Use reference data to back up mix decisions with objective measurements when discussing changes with clients.

Self-taught producers

Learn what professional mixes actually measure like and close the gap between your work and commercial releases with specific data.

Engineers checking translations

Identify whether your mix is matching the reference on a different playback system or whether a specific frequency range is the problem.

See where your mix stands

Upload your mix and a reference track. Get a side-by-side breakdown showing every measurable difference in under two minutes.

Compare Your Mix Free

Frequently asked questions

Related capabilities

AI Mix Analysis

Get a standalone analysis of your mix before comparing.

Revision Feedback

Track changes between versions after acting on comparison feedback.

AI Mixing Mentor

Ask Maya how to close the gap to the reference.

Audio Tools

Separate or restore audio before the next comparison.