Yes, you can use reference tracks in your DAW without any plugins, but Metric AB saves so much time and effort. You simply put it on the master track, load up a bunch of references, gain match them, then toggle between your track and the ones you want to emulate. You can also compare frequency curves and stereo images in a single window.
A very helpful tool
★★★★☆
by On The Corner
Helps with referencing - Good bye to copying same files over and over again!
Best Analyzy!
★★★★★
by MiamiDude
This has everything you need to analyze your audio. Referencing tracks a breeze! Top!
Matrix AB
★★★★★
by jnjbeatz
Matrix AB is a complete tool for frequency and level analysis of your mix. It offers all its visualization and analysis functionalities of Loudness Range, Dynamic Range, Short Term, Momentary and Integrated. It allows you to see the RMS and True Peak level, and also to see the stereo distribution of the overall mix. It is a tool that will even be useful at the Mastering level. Very useful tool to have in your Plugin Alliance catalog.
Metric ab is tier 1
★★★★★
by Beezy
This plug in is prolly my favorite plug in because it has help me in my journey of creating great mixes and even masters. I usually use it in layer mode and switch back and forth to my mix and reference tracks are the wave. Ref tracks are important in mastering and mixing to understand a great sound also to see if your tracks match up or have similar curves to your reference tracks. Obviously it takes a lot of experience to create quality mixes this was something that took me to another level. I also always use mastered tracks and mix with my limiters and soft clipper on so i can match loudness from the beginning and then i put ab at the end of my chain… i will never choose to mix without it ever. This is my first ever great review for any plug in ever.
best i've seen
★★★★★
by tyson
i've been using this for several years at this point, and i think its the best analysis tool there is. every single piece of information you could ever need is right in front of you, and it's not going to overload your project with a bunch of 3d renderings and stuff that's overkill. i keep this on the master of my projects from beginning to end, and i keymap different parameters throughout. i will map the sides button and check stereo imaging, map the switch button and check out reference tracks. its a great tool
So impactful
★★★★★
by Jono. B
Amazing tool, speed up referencing and really zoom in on all aspects. It doesn't take too long to understand. dELIGHTED
Use everyday
★★★★★
by Phil
Now native Apple Silicon. I have never used anything as much as this, literally on every project. You will have to pry this plugin from my cold, dead hands.
Metric AB
★★★★★
by JJ
I couldn't live without this plugin. I spent so many hours on YouTube watching tutorials and learning the basics of sound design. I also spent time in a studio with a friend who is a producer. The single best advice I was given was to have a good reference track of a well mastered song to A/B compare to what ever I am working on. This plug in singlehandedly allowed me to do that effortlessly inside the project, but also have valuable visuals of frequencies and levels. Being able to switch back and forth instantaneously has helped train my ear more than 1,000 YouTube videos all saying conflicting info. I trust my ears and a good master now, not a tuber looking for views.