Plug-In Recommendation: Reference Track Comparing

[Rick Cornish]

Hey folks.........
I used to have a nice little plug-in called Magic AB that enabled me to import reference tracks into DP, balance the audio level with my mix-in-progress, set start or loop points, and then A/B my track with the refs. Much more handy than just importing tracks into DP.

The company that made Magic AB abandoned the product, so it no longer works. I've been looking for a replacement and found ADPTR Audio Metric AB on Plugin Alliance, which looks very cool, but it's $200, which is more than I'd care to spend.

Does anyone know of any other similar plugins out there?

[James Steele]

Hey Rick... I also have ADPTR Metric AB, but I got it on sale. Definitely never buy at Plugin Alliance at full price, because tomorrow there will be a coupon code or it will be on sale for $29, etc.

One thing that's interesting is I learned though a post at Gearspace that Plugin Alliance sometimes lags behind in posting the latest installers. For example, there is an M1 native version available directly from the developer. If you send a message to support the developer will get back to you send you the installer.

Here's the developer page:

https://www.adptraudio.com/metric-ab

Looks like he has a deal though where he only sells through Plugin Alliance. If you get on their email address, they pretty regularly send discount codes, etc. I can't remember how much I paid but it wasn't even close to the $199 regular price.

[Rick Cornish]

Hey Rick... I also have ADPTR Metric AB, but I got it on sale. Definitely never buy at Plugin Alliance at full price, because tomorrow there will be a coupon code or it will be on sale for $29, etc.

If you get on their email address, they pretty regularly send discount codes, etc. I can't remember how much I paid but it wasn't even close to the $199 regular price.

Thanks, James. I *am* on the PA list (I own 18 of their plugs, but none yet from this developer). I was inundated with deal emails from them over the holidays, but wasn't looking at the time, now—nothing. Guess I'll wait for a voucher.

Metric AB looks like a great plugin, so—unless someone has another one like it to recommend—I'll just have to wait to pounce.

[James Steele]

Well if you end up getting it, and you install it and if it turns out that the installer didn't install the AS-native version, definitely contact the developer. Maybe someone knows of an alternative and can speak up?

[Rick Cornish]

Well if you end up getting it, and you install it and if it turns out that the installer didn't install the AS-native version, definitely contact the developer. Maybe someone knows of an alternative and can speak up?

Well, I'm still running Intel for the foreseeable future, so that's not an issue for me.

[sayatnova]

I am also in this same boat, except that I did buy the ADPTR Metric AB plugin (whilst on sale)during BF sales, but have been annoyed it is not M1 native, yet. It works, just be nice to have it be more efficient. This and the PA Lindell 50, 354e (still at v. 1.00...), and 80 are still not M1 native...

Right, that said, this is also a contender: https://www.sonnox.com/toolbox/listenhub
It also allows you to use streaming sources as you references, which is pretty massive considering that reality.

There are still some issues with the ListenHub, it seems (thread at the Purple Place goes over this), but I am close to checking it out. Supposed to be able to use plugins in the interface, such as Sonarworks room correction. But, Youlean loudness meters seems to still have problems. So, I am waiting a bit.

[James Steele]

I am also in this same boat, except that I did buy the ADPTR Metric AB plugin (whilst on sale)during BF sales, but have been annoyed it is not M1 native, yet. It works, just be nice to have it be more efficient.

Contact the developer directly. Go here: https://www.adptraudio.com/

Then use the contact form and write to them that you bought it a Plugin Alliance and that you heard you could get a native version by writing to them and they will send you a link to Google Drive with a native installer. As I said to Rick, Plugin Alliance is lagging a bit. Then again it might be a beta, but it appears to work fine in DP.

[James Steele]

Hey Rick... I haven't read exactly how this plugin works, but I got an email from Nugen about this plug called A|B Assist and you have to complete a brief survey in order to be *allowed* to "buy" it, or whatever... and you get a $100 voucher added to your Nugen account.

https://nugenaudio.com/abassist/

After I did the survey, I added the plugin to my cart and it was only $19. Apparently you have to get to $100 in plugs before voucher can be used. I didn't dig deep into the details, but thought I'd pass along in case this might work for you.

[James Steele]

Meh. Just watched the video about it. Doesn’t really seem to do what Metric A/B does.

[labman]

We too use ADPTR Metric AB. In addition to the compare the metering built in and the audition modes are handy.

[sayatnova]

Thanks James,

Just sent a message to the Metric AB Folks. Hopefully it works!

Now if only the Lindell 50, 80, and 354E plugins would get updated, as well, that would be great! Their Lindell website email and support do not even work, anymore to ask them directly. PA said they are working on it, and have said this for over a year to get these updated... Very annoying,

[Rick Cornish]

FWIW: I was getting of waiting for a sale and found a guy on eBay who had a couple licenses of Metric AB for sale. I was skeptical, but it worked out fine. I paid $25 to the owner plus a $20 transfer fee to PA.


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[tihulu]

I use sonnible true level and ADPTR Metric AB, they both work pretty fine. but I think Metric AB is more convenient with instant loudness match button, and different playback options. If you wanna freebie iztotope Audiolens is ok too. Here are some other options as well.

[rnappi]

Hey folks.........Does anyone know of any other similar plugins out there?

Perhaps Melda Production MCompare?
https://www.meldaproduction.com/MCompare

[Releaux]

I use Perception AB from meterplugs.com for this purpose. I also use it to A/B/(C/D/…) different mastering chains. It's a bit pricey, but pretty slick once you wrap your head around where to place the various instances.