Reference Track Analyzer

Compare the frequency curve of your mix against a commercial reference track. 100% free, private, and secure.

Click to select an audio file

or drag and drop it here

Why use a reference track?

Even the greatest mixing engineers in the world use reference tracks. A reference track is a professionally mixed and mastered song that you compare against your own mix. It resets your ears and gives you an objective standard to aim for.

If you are mixing a pop song, comparing it directly to a massive hit by Dua Lipa or The Weeknd will instantly expose if your vocals are too quiet or if your kick drum lacks punch.

How to compare your mix

Upload your current mix, and then upload the professional reference song you want to mimic. Our analyzer will overlay both songs onto a frequency spectrum graph.

You will instantly see the differences. If the reference track has a massive curve in the high frequencies but your mix is totally flat, you know you need to go back and add some high-end EQ to your synthesizers and vocals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I turn the reference track down?

Yes! Professional tracks are already mastered and will be incredibly loud. You must turn the reference track down by a few decibels so it matches the volume of your unmastered mix before you compare them.

Can I upload an MP3 as a reference?

While you can use an MP3, it is highly recommended to use a lossless WAV file for your reference track. MP3s have their extreme high and low frequencies rolled off, which will give you an inaccurate picture.

Why is my track so much quieter?

The reference track has been through the mastering process, where a limiter crushes the dynamics to make the overall song much louder. You should only be comparing the frequency balance, not the absolute volume.