Cut our album mixing time by using reference tracks in a specific way
Instead of just A/B testing, we now drop reference tracks directly into the session and match levels precisely. This exposes frequency imbalances instantly, saving hours of guesswork. Keep the references muted but solo them periodically to check progress. It forces objectivity when your ears get tired.
Tin can sounds can actually cut through a mix in a useful way. That raw texture sometimes beats overprocessed tracks. You might have stumbled onto something cool.