Use reference tracks and reference monitors

Psychophysicists tell us our sensations are influenced by change. We tend to ignore consistent stimuli, like the hum of a refrigerator. As engineers, it’s important to switch listening systems regularly and compare with reference tracks.¹ Dan Worrall likens these to palate cleansers.² Reference tracks and reference monitors are like the carbonated water served with espresso.

Consider shuffling reference tracks around so you’re not always comparing 1:49 of your mix with 1:49 of the reference.³ This can help offer different perspectives and refresh the ears.

Visit Bob Katz’s Honor Roll to find some albums with great dynamics ranges. See Recommended reference tracks. See also Mixing engineers I admire.

I remember learning from Gabe that our sense of temperature is by conductivity.