Reference mastering: match your track to a reference

Two ways to use a reference

• Reference track. The master follows the tone and loudness of the reference. If the reference is louder than your recording, the lab asks whether you want the reference loudness or your own. Tone and stereo width follow the reference either way, so the result is still your track, moved toward the reference.
• Spectrum-only match. You apply a reference to a finished master as a second file. Only the spectral balance changes; the loudness stays where it is. A strength control sets how far the tone moves toward the reference.

Is reference mastering free?

No. Reference mastering is a paid feature. In the lab it uses a token, and you need to be signed in to choose a reference. Paid credit packs are on sale on Echoteka, so you can buy them on the pricing page.

How to pick a good reference

• Choose a commercially released track in a similar style, so the tonal balance you copy makes sense for your music.
• Listen to the reference on the system you know best, and check that it is a finished master rather than a rough demo.
• Use one reference per track. Mixing several references usually leaves the result without a clear direction.

What a reference cannot do

A reference sets a direction, not a copy. It will not rewrite the arrangement, repair a mix that is badly out of balance, or remove noise from a poor recording. Fix those in the mix first, then use the reference for the final tone and level.

Reference or a style preset?

A style preset applies a fixed chain built for a genre. A reference uses the balance of one specific song, which is more precise when you know exactly how a finished track should sound. If you have no reference in mind, start with a preset in the lab and come back to this when you do.