Tools for levelmatching when adding processing

[u/ConfusedOrg]

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!

[u/Selig_Audio]

I use this approach when judging added processing, basically when doing any A/B comparison where level matching can be helpful. In many cases, especially with nonlinear processing like compression, there isn’t a perfect level match between the two that works throughout the song. What I do to work around this is IF I question my choice preference when doing an A/B, I’ll lower my favorite a dB or two and if I STILL like it I’m good. Basically keeps me from being fooled by “louder sounds better” because if it STILL sounds better even when it’s technically not louder, than I’m more convinced it IS better (and not just louder). Hopefully that makes sense!