A reference track in the context of mixing outlines the idea of listening to tracks of a similar production value and listening to what is going on within. As a labour of love and passion sometimes approaching music with a methodological mindset can be off-putting and seems a little boring. However, as Pensado states “mixing without referencing is like running a race without knowing who your competing against”. In this statement Pensado is outlining the importance of knowing whats going on around you. The fact is the perfect mix is very subjective and different audiences want a different product. So to know what we are supposed to be aiming for, we use reference tracks. This as a concept for me was a little deterring for a while. I wanted to be creative and have the freedom to do the things I enjoy. However, having implemented the use of reference tracks, I know understand that it in fact has the opposite effect. It gives you a goal and opens horizons by removing ego and knowledge from the act of mixing and provides a platform for experimentation.
Throughout the remainder of this year, I will be using reference tracks wherever necessary to improve the quality of my mixes. This having been said I have already come across a few flaws within the concept. Having found it good practice to ask the artists I’m working without to suggest a few reference tracks, bands, genres etc, I hit the inevitable wall of – They want to sound like that, but they sound nothing like that. I found the only way to conquer this problem is by politely talking with the artist and explaining, providing insight where they are not able to see and as kindly as possible urging them to either adjust the music or provide a different reference. It can also be hard sometimes to find a reference track suitable for the track I am mixing.
Jordan Vaughan: Creative Sound Design 