|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085 |
What reference tracks do you recommend for the genres you like to produce in and do you use them for the "overall" sound/balance or to reference a specific part of the production?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391 |
Under the Table and Dreaming
Dark Side of the Moon
I don't use 'tracks' but rather the CD/Album as a whole.
might just be me on this though (unless I'm trying to match a specific target song given by client)
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,722
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 12,722 |
It depends entirely on the song being produced (for me, anyway). I try to think of a song similar in style and tempo to what I am working on.
Usually it would be to "match"/balance the overall sound. But there are times when it's just about a particular part...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,352
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,352 |
I think this is totally dependent on the genre you are using. My answers for my preferred music genre are not going to be of any use to you. But you are wise to ask for good samples in your genre once you identify it for us. You are also wise to use this technique when mixing and mastering.
Now, it's also helpful to specify the historical period you want to use as your reference. Was it during the heyday of Autotune? And especially, was it during the recently somewhat-completed loudness wars?
BIAB 2025 Win Audiophile. Software: Studio One 7 Pro, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Presonus 192 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Slate VSX, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
What genre? A decent place to start is to look through Bob Katz's loudness and dynamics honor roll in your genre of interest. https://www.digido.com/honor-roll/While his list is focused on mastering, it's also a great reference for listening to incredible mixes and arrangement (which is where the whole process actually needs to be realized - can't all be made up in the mastering). -Scott
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 5,085 |
This is the article that inspired the questions. https://sonicscoop.com/2017/04/24/reference-tracks-next-generation/Personally at the moment I'm playing with two songs on my new monitors when I'm not listening to other music I'm working on remixing a country song and mixing my first instrumental - a jazz influenced easy listening thing which I quite like. I haven't found the "right" reference track for either yet. But I'm finding that listening in general makes me more aware overall. Edit - I was gonna edit to say more but I hit the wrong key and computer started reading every word on the screen out loud over and over...I didn't even know it could do that...had to exit to make it stop. Be back later on. Thanks to everyone who's posted. 
Last edited by Sundance; 10/28/18 04:29 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668 |
This is so subjective.
First I would recommend something in the same genre as a good overall, catch all kind of reference when mixing.
Going deeper....
Any of the TRIO CDs ( Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, EmmyLou Harris) are great references for trying to get a superb acoustic instrument track.
Another benchmark standard for quality in recording.... Steely Dan's masterful album, Aja. The epitome of writing, recording, production. nuff said.
These are just two of many. Each engineer and FOH will have their own list of favorites for reference and system setting.
Each of the specifically mentioned projects are superbly recorded and produced. It's easy to hear the individual parts as each instrument comes in and goes out. Pay really close attention to the details of the mix. How EQ is applied on things, reverb, panning, etc.
One thing I notice on beginners music mixes is that it's generally a jumble of all the instruments. In other words, everything packed into one space where you have a really hard time picking out what individual instruments are doing. When you listen to the referenced mixes, this is not the case. You can hear everything in the mix with space between the instruments, yet it is a full bodied mix. You can hear the nuances of the dobro, the bass, the snare, and the vocals set nicely on/in the mix.
It's good to use reference tracks but don't beat yourself up if you don't get it exact, or in some cases, even close. You are in your small home studio, whereas the producer and engineer are in a fully equipped studio and have a ton more experience. Our goal is to listen, learn, and apply those lessons to improve.
My measuring stick is to occasionally go back and listen to the music I was mixing 10 years ago..... 5 years ago.......3 years ago..... 1 year ago. Do I hear a definite improvement in the sonic quality over that time? If so, I'm progressing on the path. If on the other hand, my new stuff sounds like the 10 year old stuff, maybe it's time to reevaluate how I'm doing things because everyone should be getting better at this thing called music and mixing, with time.
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised..... Many folks start to care about the mix when they have the tracks recorded and then start the "mixing" process of adding EQ, verb, compression. However, that is waaaaaaay too late. You must pay attention to the recording of the individual tracks. For us, the users of BB & Real Tracks, fortunately, most of this is a given, since we have really good track quality with the real tracks. The problem comes in when we add anything live. Anything that's recorded with a mic. This includes but isn't limited to the guitar and vocals. Those tracks are just as important to get a great quality on as the RTs. Too often the live tracks are deficient and lacking.
Once recorded, you can't often fix a poorly recorded guitar or vocal track in the mix by adding reverb and EQ. Spend the time instead to get a nice full dB level, clean, and articulate track. If you listen to the track and have to add FX to it to make it sound good..... delete it and record it again. As an example, Paul McCartney once spent over 2 days recording a doubled vocal track for one of the Beatles songs. We can spend a few hours or so to get it right. This is one of the biggest problems I see and hear in people's mixes. The old "I can fix it in the mix" syndrome is lazy and wrong. No.... fix it in the track.... it's easier and will sound better. Delete it and record it again.
And I will say, I'm as guilty as anyone for saying to myself, "that's good enough. I can hide those problems in the mix". Sometimes I can and other times I can't and end up going back to record it again.
Hope this helps and adds to the conversation.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
I agree that you have to listen to something in the genre. I also think you have to consider how many years ago something was recorded. For example, I like the production style on the old Al Green records. It was subtle and soulful, not in your face at all. But things are different now, so that may influence you.
I am working on a blues/soul project now. I am listening to Sam and Dave and some of the Chess recordings.
I also use certain CD's to see how my recording quality compares to something I know is good. For that, I listen to Aja and Gaucho by Steely Dan, The Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears. Of course, I never hit those marks but it gives me something to work toward.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,391 |
2bSolo
Yeah, those Steely Dan references are nice examples.
Something about Aja set a standard for the time.
Two Against Nature wasn't too shabby either. At least for a recording reference ..
I took the OP to mean basic 'go-to' recordings used to, well, reference as a comparison for recording quality vs what I have.
Last edited by rharv; 10/29/18 12:34 PM.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,381 |
I thought I'd be alone in referencing Steely Dan. For me, now, at my level, it serves 2 functions.
1. As something to work toward. Steely Dan sounds like "winter" to me. My typical mixes have tended to sound like a humid summer, with 100% chance of afternoon Thunderstorms. I can't emulate Steely Dan, but I can work towards that.
2. As a reality check. I can listen to a mix and think I've got it working, then add a mastering preset and BAM--BRIGHTER, FULLER, and having me convinced I'm a genius. Then I listen to the reference track, silently weep, and give it another go.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 10,668 |
I thought I'd be alone in referencing Steely Dan. For me, now, at my level, it serves 2 functions.
1. As something to work toward. Steely Dan sounds like "winter" to me. My typical mixes have tended to sound like a humid summer, with 100% chance of afternoon Thunderstorms. I can't emulate Steely Dan, but I can work towards that.
2. As a reality check. I can listen to a mix and think I've got it working, then add a mastering preset and BAM--BRIGHTER, FULLER, and having me convinced I'm a genius. Then I listen to the reference track, silently weep, and give it another go. Ozone will do that to you.
You can find my music at: www.herbhartley.comAdd nothing that adds nothing to the music. You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both. The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 464 |
They don't call their engineer The Immortal for nothing. Those records would not have been the same without him and Gary Katz.
You listen to Aja and everything has a sonic space. Parts don't attack you, they just wait for you to discover them. It takes multiple listenings to begin to get what they are doing. So many musicians and engineers consider this a standard. I have to wonder who is cranking out some of the crap out there.
One other album I forgot is Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits. It features several styles and makes all them sound excellent.
2b
i5-3210 laptop. Win 10 Home. 2.5ghz, 64 bit. 6gb RAM. Focusrite Scarlet 2i2.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,888
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,888 |
I use the same approach as Floyd, it depends entirely on the song I'm working on.
I have quite a few CD's loaded on my music computer, I just pick a track that is close to the sound I'm aiming for and use that as a reference.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 3 |
You can Use Floyd music balance between voice and instruments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Video: New User Interface (GUI)
Join Tobin as he takes you on a tour of the new user interface in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®! This modern GUI redesign offers a sleek new look with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, and a smoother workflow. The brand-new side toolbar puts track selection, the MultiPicker Library, and other essential tools right at your fingertips. Plus, our upgraded Multi-View lets you layer multiple windows without overlap, giving you a highly flexible workspace. Many windows—including Tracks, Piano Roll, and more—have been redesigned for improved usability and a cleaner, more intuitive interface, and more!
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Windows & Mac Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Introducing XPro Styles PAK 10 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
We've just released XPro Styles PAK 10 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 28 RealTracks and RealDrums!
Few things are certain in life: death, taxes, and a brand spankin’ new XPro Styles PAK! In this, the 10th edition of our XPro Styles PAK series, we’ve got 100 styles coming your way! We have the classic 25 styles each from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, and rounding out this volume's wildcard slot is 25 styles in the Praise & Worship genre! A wide spanning genre, you can find everything from rock, folk, country, and more underneath its umbrella. The included 28 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Here’s just a small sampling of what you can look forward to in XPro Styles PAK 10: Soft indie folk worship songs, bumpin’ country boogies, gospel praise breaks, hard rockin’ pop, funky disco grooves, smooth Latin jazz pop, bossa nova fusion, western swing, alternative hip-hop, cool country funk, and much more!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1 - 10 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 10 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 21 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2025 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
We're excited to bring you our latest Xtra Styles PAK installment—the all new Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box version 2025 (and higher)!
Rejoice, one and all, for Xtra Styles PAK 21 for Band-in-a-Box® is here! We’re serving up 200 brand spankin’ new styles to delight your musical taste buds! The first three courses are the classics you’ve come to know and love, including offerings from the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres, but, not to be outdone, this year’s fourth course is bro country! A wide ranging genre, you can find everything from hip-hop, uptempo outlaw country, hard hitting rock, funk, and even electronica, all with that familiar bro country flair. The dinner bell has been rung, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 21 today!
In this PAK you’ll discover: Energetic folk rock, raucous train beats, fast country boogies, acid jazz grooves, laid-back funky jams, a bevy of breezy jazz waltzes, calm electro funk, indie synth pop, industrial synth metal, and more bro country than could possibly fit in the back of a pickup truck!
Special offers until December 31st, 2025!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1 - 21 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 21 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 21.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 21 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 21 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,345
Posts791,140
Members39,859
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean