Reference anything
A/B your mix against whatever is already playing on your computer. Spotify, Apple Music, a YouTube tab. No files necessary, just stream and A/B.
VST3 and AU (AAX not currently supported) · macOS and Windows · 2 machines per licence
Free and full
| One download, one plugin | Free $0 | Full $25 once |
|---|---|---|
| A/B switching | ||
| Play and pause the reference | ||
| Gain matching | ||
| MIDI / keybind mapping | ||
| Auto gain match | – | |
| LUFS metering, A and B | – | |
| Tonal comparison, A and B | – | |
| Spotify search | – | |
| Track name, artwork, scrub bar | – | |
| Skipping and looping | – |
A licence key unlocks the full version in place. 2 machines, no subscription, and the free version never expires.
What it does
Normally, referencing means finding the track, importing it, lining it up and level-matching it by hand.
Stream AB uses what you are already listening to. Put it on your master, hit B: your mix mutes and the reference plays. Hit A and your mix is back. It never touches your audio - it mutes, unmutes, and applies a gain trim so the two are level-matched.
The full version also searches Spotify from inside the plugin - no Premium, no login - shows what is playing, and measures both sides so you can compare with numbers as well as by ear.
A/B is a real plugin parameter, so you can map it to a MIDI controller or keybind and switch without touching the mouse.
The detail is on the how it works page.
New in 1.2.0
Stream AB now measures both sides.
Loudness
A LUFS reading for your mix and the reference, measured the same way, so the two can be compared.
Tonal comparison
Both sides on one plot - a fine curve or four broad bands, with the other side ghosted behind.
Auto gain match
One button listens to both sides and sets your gain, so the switch judges tone instead of volume.
Full release notes on the changelog.
Compatibility
macOS
- macOS 11.0 or later - 13.0 for the metering
- Intel and Apple silicon
- AU and VST3 (AAX not currently supported)
- Tested in Logic Pro, Ableton Live, FL Studio, Cubase, Reaper, GarageBand
Windows
- Windows 10 (1809) or later, 64-bit
- VST3 (AAX not currently supported)
- Tested in FL Studio, Ableton Live, Reason, Cubase, Reaper
Any DAW that loads VST3 or AU should work - those are just the ones actually tested. Search needs the Spotify desktop app; activating a licence needs an internet connection, once. The free version needs neither.
A note on macOS: showing what is playing and measuring the reference both depend on things Apple controls, and Apple has restricted them before. If a macOS update closes them, you lose the track display or the reference’s meters - never the A/B switching. The detail.
Hope you enjoy it
Stream AB takes the friction out of referencing. Any problems, email me - it goes straight to a person.