Originally released in 2015, Audified’s MixChecker plug-in was designed to offer a quick and easy way to audition how mixes would sound on a range of different playback devices. A Pro version arrived in 2017, adding over 50 devices and a range of handy additional features, but that has now been superseded by MixChecker Ultra, which sports a refreshed GUI design, yet more built-in devices, impulse response support and more.
The collection of built-in now extends to over 90 of the most popular audio playback devices, allowing users to check how their mixes sound on a wide range of laptop, phone and earbud speaker emulations, as well as car sound systems and Bluetooth speakers. Along with the consumer devices, the plug-in is also equipped with profiles based on a wide variety of professional studio monitors and headphones. Playback volume can be adjusted on a per-device basis, and as the plug-in’s engine is capable of simulating their non-linear behaviours, it’s possible to turn on a Distortion feature to see if the signal is likely to clip the selected devices.
It’s not just the playback devices themselves that MixChecker Ultra provides, it’s also capable of simulating a range of physical environments — impulse responses are also supported, so it’s possible to load in spaces from your own collection.
Along with the secondary referencing tools, Audified have implemented the following collection of metering modules that can be expanded to a larger window to provide detailed signal analysis:
- Loudness: A tool for checking how a mix compares to the levels expected by popular streaming services.
- Dynamics: Displays the peak to short-term loudness ratio of a track.
- Spectrum: A spectral analysis of the incoming signal.
- Gonio: A goniometer display that helps to identify phase-related issues.
- Stereo: Visualises how different frequency ranges are distributed across the stereo field.
- Player: Hosts WAV or MP3 tracks that can be used as a reference within the other modules.
Compatibility
MixChecker Ultra is supported on PCs running Windows 7 and above, and Macs running macOS 10.11 or higher. VST3, AU and AAX plug-in versions are available.
Pricing & Availability
MixChecker Ultra is available now, priced at $149.
