What’s your favourite reference track to compare against when mixing?

Paul Jarrett

“Giorgio by Moroder, Daft Punk. A million-dollar-sounding track from a perfectly mixed and mastered record. That whole album is like the Rosetta Stone for mixing live instruments and electronic music.”

Jimmy Wilkerson

“I’ve had a couple of tracks that were mixed professionally by a couple of different people. I use them both with [Sample Magic] Magic AB. Since I started referencing, my mix game has taken a giant leap forward.”

Mikołaj Bezeg

“Probably every record from Koan Sound. For example, Forgotten

Myths – amazing work put in the mixing process, while maintaining the impact of every instrument… I feel like these guys are sound engineering geniuses and amazing artists at the same time.”

Sancho Panza

“Linkin Park, Burn It Down. It’s heavy, thick, has amazing low mids, has programmed and organic elements, and was mixed by the master of masters, Manny Marroquin.”

Ntokozo Mathabela

“D’Angelo’s Send It On. For me, it has the best low end I’ve ever heard. If I can get my low end to sound close to that, then I’ve done a great job.”

Michael Jilbert

“Turf Wars by Datsik, Protohype and Init – because of the wide frequency range, awesome vocal hooks, sharp tonal delays and spacious reverb. It feels more like an environment than a song.”

Ben Montfort

“Smash! by Ummet Ozcan. It’s an aggressive track, with the sub on the kick being the bassline, along with subtle distorted mid bass. It’s dynamic but still controlled.”

Paul O’Regan

“I don’t have a particular reference track, but I’m always trying to emulate the production of Riton’s Hammer of Thor – a brilliant balance of ephemeral synth work and punchy percussion.”

Dave Bohl

“I love that huge sound Bob Clearmountain got on Bryan Adams’ Reckless album. Every instrument stands out clearly and the room sounds huge!”

Trevor Anthony Hosford

“World In My Eyes by Depeche Mode. Perfection is always the best reference.”

Ian V Jones

“I write tech-house and techno, but for balance, panning and sonic placement , you really can’t beat this: Donald Fagen, I.G.Y. (What a Beautiful World).