Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. Prices were checked on the date shown and may change.
An introduction to Mastering The Mix REFERENCE 3, based on information from the maker and distributors: what it does, how to use it and who it may suit. It is not scored.
REFERENCE 3 helps you make faster, more confident mix and mastering decisions by showing you exactly how your track compares to professional releases, and what to adjust to get closer.
— Mastering The Mix official site
What is REFERENCE 3?
REFERENCE 3 is a reference-track comparison plug-in from Mastering The Mix. It level-matches your own mix and professional reference tracks so you can switch between them and see on screen where they differ.
Basically, you place REFERENCE 3 at the end of the master bus and load reference audio files into its library. Each reference is described by tonal balance, stereo width, dynamics and loudness, so you can compare it with your own track.
The screen also puts the differences into numbers and words. Match percentage shows how close you are, Mix Balance suggests level gaps for vocals, drums, music and bass, and Mix Instructor describes in writing what to adjust. It is built for people who want hints, not only A/B listening.
It supports VST3, AU and AAX on macOS and Windows, with two license seats as standard. Streaming audio is referenced through REFSEND and a suitable audio routing setup rather than by importing a streaming link. A 30-day money-back guarantee is stated on the official page.
Level-matched A/B comparison
You can switch between your mix and a reference at matched loudness. This helps you focus on actual differences instead of being swayed by one track simply being louder.
Smart Reference Tracks
The plug-in analyzes the track you are working on and suggests matching references from your library. It gives you a starting point when you are unsure which reference to use.
Master Scope
It shows the EQ and stereo-width adjustments needed to approach your reference, and highlights phase issues and overcompression. It is handy when checking low-end amount or width.
Mix Descriptors
Each reference shows its tonal balance, stereo width, dynamics and loudness, and where it sits compared with most professional releases. Useful for understanding a reference's character.
Mix Balance
It suggests gain moves for vocals, drums, music and bass to match the reference. Good for seeing per-part level gaps as numbers.
Mix Instructor and Match %
Written guidance explains what to change, and band solo helps you verify it. Match % quantifies how close tonal balance, stereo, dynamics and loudness are, giving a progress indicator.
Auto-loop and Track Align
Smart Loop automatically loops the loudest section of a reference, and Track Align helps line tracks up. Both reduce the effort of A/B listening.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Reference-track comparison plug-in |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX |
| Platforms | macOS and Windows |
| License | 2 license seats as standard |
| Main functions | Level-matched A/B, Smart Reference Tracks, Master Scope, Mix Balance, Match %, Mix Instructor, REFSEND support |
What is included and system requirements
- Formats: VST3, AU, AAX
- Platforms: macOS and Windows
- License: 2 seats as standard
- Official-store offer: the page presents Mastering Essentials (EXPOSE 2, LEVELS, LIMITER) with a REFERENCE 3 purchase
- A free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee are offered
How to use it
- Insert REFERENCE 3 as the last plug-in on your DAW's master bus.
- Import the audio files you want to use as references into the library.
- Play your own mix, then switch to a loaded reference to compare.
- Because comparison is level-matched, you can focus on content rather than volume.
- Use Master Scope and Mix Descriptors to see differences in tonal balance, width and dynamics.
- Treat Mix Balance and Mix Instructor guidance as hints to back up your own judgment.
- Adjust the individual tracks in your mix while watching the Match %.
- Before exporting, bypass REFERENCE 3 and check that your output is unaffected.
Final checks before release
At the end of a mix, you might place your mix next to a favorite track to check low-end amount and width. It could give you a clue where listening alone leaves you unsure.
Setting mastering targets
People who master their own songs might use it to confirm loudness and dynamics targets as numbers.
Learning a genre's traits
You could load several tracks from your target genre and compare their tonal balance and width tendencies against your own track.
Support for judging in a home room
When you are not confident about your room's acoustics, the on-screen display might help you notice low-end or phase problems.
Who it may suit
- Those who want to see on screen how their track differs from professional releases
- Those who want tonal balance, width and loudness checked together on the master bus
- Those who want to make reference-based A/B listening more efficient
- Those who want written hints on how to adjust a mix
Good to know before you buy
- It imports audio files directly; streaming audio needs REFSEND and a suitable audio routing setup.
- A separate upgrade from REFERENCE 2 is sold (Plugin Boutique).
- On-screen suggestions are guides; trust your own ears for final decisions.
- The official store shows GBP 59; Plugin Boutique shows USD 80.
How it differs from similar products
We do not pick a winner; the official figures are placed side by side.
REFERENCE 2
Per the official FAQ, REFERENCE 3 adds Smart Reference Tracks, Mix Descriptor Tags, the rebuilt Master Scope, Mix Instructor, Match Percentage, Smart Loop, Track Align, phase and overcompression analysis, REFSEND support and Mix Balance guidance over REFERENCE 2.
Price
$80 (Plugin Boutique, checked 2026-10-27). Prices can vary by region and promotion, so check the official page before buying.
See REFERENCE 3 on the product page
Sources: masteringthemix.com pluginboutique.com (checked 2026-10-27)
Comments