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Reference Track Comparison

Performs a detailed A/B comparison between your audio and a reference track. Measures differences in spectral balance, loudness, dynamics, and stereo width, using normalized spectral curves.

Parameters

Parameter Type Default Description
file_path string required Path to your audio file
reference_path string required Path to reference track (WAV or FLAC recommended)

Example Output

Illustrative summary; MCP responses use structured JSON.

$ compare_to_reference my-master.wav reference-track.wav

Reference Comparison Your file: my-master.wav Reference: reference-track.wav

Loudness: Integrated LUFS: -14.2 LUFS Reference: -11.8 LUFS slightly_below True Peak: -1.0 dBTP Reference: -0.6 dBTP on_target Loudness Range: 6.5 LU Reference: 5.8 LU on_target

Frequency (dB, normalized, yours vs reference): 31 Hz: +0.8 Reference: +0.5 on_target 62 Hz: +1.1 Reference: +0.3 on_target 125 Hz: +0.6 Reference: +0.4 on_target 250 Hz: +0.2 Reference: +0.1 on_target 500 Hz: -0.3 Reference: -0.5 on_target 1 kHz: +0.4 Reference: +0.9 on_target 2 kHz: +0.1 Reference: +1.2 slightly_below 4 kHz: -0.9 Reference: +0.8 slightly_below 8 kHz: -1.8 Reference: +0.3 slightly_below 16 kHz: -2.6 Reference: -0.4 slightly_below

Dynamics: RMS: -12.1 dBFS Reference: -10.4 dBFS slightly_below Crest Factor: 8.4 dB Reference: 6.2 dB slightly_above Dynamic Range: 9.1 dB Reference: 8.3 dB on_target

Stereo: Correlation: 0.62 Reference: 0.55 on_target Width: 0.72 Reference: 0.81 on_target

What the Numbers Mean

  • Loudness — Integrated LUFS, true peak, and loudness range (LU), each compared directly against the reference. Level-match playback when auditioning: level differences can bias your listening judgment even when the normalized spectral comparison is useful.

  • Frequency — Each of the 10 octave bands (31 Hz to 16 kHz) is compared as a normalized dB offset between your track and the reference. Positive means you have more energy there than the reference; negative means less.

  • Ratings — Level and spectral deviations use inclusive boundaries of 1, 3, and 6 in the metric’s units. Width and correlation use 0.05, 0.15, and 0.25 because they are unitless ratios. These map to on_target, slight, moderate, and significant above/below labels. Profile ranges are measured from their nearest boundary; unavailable measurements are unmeasurable.

Example Prompts

A/B check

Compare my master at final.wav against the reference at ref-dua-lipa.wav — where am I falling short?

Spectral match

Is my mix brighter or darker than the reference? Compare the spectrum

Width comparison

How does the stereo width of my mix compare to this commercial release?

Pro tip

Level-match before comparing. If your track is quieter than the reference, differences in “brightness” or “punch” may just be level perception. Ask your AI to compare with loudness normalization for a fairer comparison.