A reference track is a professionally mixed track to compare your current mix with. It doesn’t have to be a specifically popular song, just a mix that has sonic characteristics similar to those the mixing engineer is trying to achieve in their mix.
It is used to make post-production processes easier. Like in drawing, even though you can create something great relying on your gut feeling only, it is much easier and more reliable to have a reference to compare your work with. Since mixing music is all about achieving a certain sonic aesthetic to favour the song, the reference track for every genre will be different.
Such a track is especially useful when mixing in an unfamiliar environment, providing a reliable benchmark by comparing it to something an engineer knows is well-mixed. It becomes a reliable point of reference, ensuring that the mix maintains a consistent standard of excellence, even when the studio surroundings are potentially unpredictable.
In practice, when using a reference track, the mixing engineer actively switches between their mix and the reference track. They evaluate aspects like balance, stereo imaging, dynamics, and more. Nowadays, there are plugins that streamline this comparison by analyzing frequencies, stereo spread, and various parameters, making the referencing process more efficient. Although some would argue it is better to use one’s ear to mix, not to rely on visual representation of the sound.
The same tools are often used for technical and creative purposes. For instance, EQ can be utilized technically to address frequency imbalances, eliminate unwanted frequencies, or enhance clarity. Simultaneously, it serves creatively by shaping the tonal character of individual instruments or adding colour to the overall mix, as every frequency has its own characteristics (that is why the sound can be described as “bright”, “dark”, “boxy” or “crisp” and so on).
Some of the basic tools are gain levels and panning. So, here are examples of the use of pan in the same genre:
For clarity of elements: One Dance by Drake or N95 by Kendrick Lamar
For clarity and creative use of panning: Baby I’m Bleeding by JPEGMAFIA or Mood Swings by Little Simz
“Best Reference Track for All Genres.” Mastering the Mix, 18 Dec. 2020, www.masteringthemix.com/blogs/learn/best-reference-track-for-all-genres. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.
Gibson, David. Art of Mixing : A Visual Guide to Recording, Engineering, and Production. New York, Routledge, 1997.
Messitte, Nick. “13 Tips for Using References While Mixing.” IZotope, 27 Apr. 2022, www.izotope.com/en/learn/13-tips-for-using-references-while-mixing.html. Accessed 3 Mar. 2024.
Miraglia, Dusti. “Vocal EQ Chart: The Ultimate Vocal EQ Cheat Sheet (2023).” Unison, 17 May 2023, unison.audio/eq-chart/. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.
Texidor, Lewis. “Reference Mixes – Why Use Them and Why They Are Vital.” Audient, audient.com/tutorial/reference-mixes/. Accessed 2 Mar. 2024.