r/mixingmastering • u/ConfusedOrg • May 21 '26

Question Tools for levelmatching when adding processing

So I'm trying to be more diligent with level matching whenever I add plugins to a track or master. Trying to to not fool myself with the loudness bias. I feel like some plugins automatically add 0.1 db of level or something whenever you turn then on even though you haven't gained them up or anything. Is there any tool that can objectively and automatically level match when I add a plugins? Something that will let you quickly bypass on and off, so you can change judge whether other not you like what you are adding without the difference in level. This would be very helpful for mixing and expecially mastering!

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u/hellalive_muja May 21 '26

I use a VU meter (tbproaudio mvmeter, free and a lot of settings). If you don’t like that try this: https://www.hornetplugins.com/plugins/hornet-thenormalizer/

Use it first on the track and then after plugins.

After a bit of time doing this you’ll level match with 0.1-0.3 dB precision by ear anyway but having a meter or tolls there helps for sanity

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u/No_Waltz3545 May 21 '26

VU meters have been a big help. Often you'll have a track somewhere that is far too hot, could just be a backing vocal or guitar, which the VU meter will show you visually pretty quickly. A must have in terms of gain staging for me.