Use reference mastering, character and song regions effectively

Platform, intensity, character and references answer different questions. Platform sets intended loudness. Intensity controls processing strength. Character shapes density and coloration. References provide tonal guidance, not a copy of someone else’s master.

Three references, one shared tonal target

Choose up to three similarly arranged, sonically relevant tracks. Equal weights contribute equally to the shared target. Reduce or remove an unsuitable reference rather than simply raising influence. Reference files may have different playback levels: fine profiles describe relative energy distributions.

Influence, bass preference, brightness and smoothing are independent. Fine profile EQ stays small and broad. Zero influence bypasses all reference adjustments. If the source or an active reference lacks a current profile, a notice explains that compatible broad matching remains available.

Character is not a second volume control

The middle of the 3D dial is balanced. Towards Transparent, compression and saturation become more restrained; towards Punch, they increase within limits. This changes compression ratios and saturation strength, not LUFS targets or peak ceilings. Intensity then scales processing; at zero intensity the character processing is off.

Drag vertically or sideways. Arrow keys, larger Shift steps and Home/End also work. Double-click or Reset restores the middle. Changes apply to the next automatic master, not retrospectively to a completed file.

What the energy map actually detects

Analysis distinguishes quieter, steady and denser regions from measured energy and dynamics relative to the song. It does not claim to understand lyrics, verses, choruses or musical intent. Consistent material may produce one region; silence and very short files may produce no map.

Section control gently reduces bus compression in quieter and denser regions with smooth transitions. It does not boost quiet sections or force the intro and chorus to equal loudness. Older analyses without a map remain compatible; reanalysis adds the information.

Automatic processing, dynamic EQ and manual refinement

Dynamic EQ reacts to short buildups in two broad low-mid/presence regions. It is not an arbitrary resonance search and does not replace individual-track corrections. The limiter protects output and may stay below an aggressive loudness target to preserve dynamics.

After automatic mastering, refine a loop manually. Live preview is a fast approximation; the optional server check uses the export chain with the selected section’s context. A full rerender creates the new download. Reference and character context stay with the completed master, while manual control values take priority.

Compare carefully and save the right file

A/B starts at original levels. Enable loudness matching to judge tone and attacks without a volume advantage. Check quiet sections, the ending and small speakers too. Save your chosen output and PDF report in time. A new manual full-track master counts towards your daily allowance like a regular run.

Mix Check, reference comparison and stereo/phase checks help with preparation. WAV to MP3, Audio Cutter and Voice Cleaner solve different tasks; stem separation is not a replacement for mastering.