Reference Mixing is a method used by producers in order to keep the track that they’re mixing fresh and on a forward path. Mixing a track with no breaks can lead our ears to become deaf to certain things we otherwise should’ve heard at first listen. So in order to ‘freshen’ the mix using a reference can remind us of the task.
Not only this, but when it comes to mixing, rather than using a more methodic approach, producers tend to subconsciously gravitate towards their own personal interests which can disrupt and later how the tracks mix is intended. Reference mixing helps by narrowing down the mix to what is actually needed for the track rather than what the producer prefers. It acts as guidelines the producer can follow and come back to.
A song i have chosen that i will be using as my reference in the future is Night Air by Jamie Woon. The mix of this track is very clean overall with room for each sound to come through. I particularly like the reverb and echo added which creates a strong sense of atmosphere. Theres a subtle but big use of reverb on the vocals which bleeds nicely into the beat. The track maintains a clean mix through the controlled added reverb and effects. Towards the end, the mix completely switches style becoming more sharp, keeping the listener entertained with the switch up.
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