How do you compare your audio to reference tracks in Audacity?

1 Import your audio and reference tracks

The first step is to import your audio and reference tracks into Audacity. You can do this by clicking File > Import > Audio and selecting the files from your computer. Alternatively, you can drag and drop the files into the Audacity window. You will see the waveform of each track in a separate track panel. You can rename the tracks by clicking on the track name and typing a new one. You can also adjust the volume and pan of each track using the sliders on the left side of the track panel.

5 Analyze the loudness and dynamics

The fifth step is to analyze the loudness and dynamics of your audio and reference track. Loudness is how loud or quiet a sound is perceived by the human ear, while dynamics is how much the loudness varies over time. You can use the Meter Toolbar in Audacity to see the loudness and dynamics of a track. To do this, you need to enable the Meter Toolbar by clicking View > Toolbars > Meter Toolbar. A toolbar will appear showing two meters: one for input and one for output. The input meter shows the loudness and dynamics of the sound coming into Audacity from your microphone or other device, while the output meter shows the loudness and dynamics of the sound going out of Audacity to your speakers or headphones. You can adjust the settings of the meters by clicking on the menu button on the toolbar. You should analyze the loudness and dynamics of both your audio and reference track and compare them to see how they differ in terms of peak level, average level, headroom, compression, and limiting.

6 Adjust your audio according to your reference track

The final step is to adjust your audio according to your reference track. Audacity offers various effects and tools that can help you modify your audio and make it sound more professional and consistent with your reference track. These include Equalization, which allows you to boost or cut specific frequencies; Compression, which reduces the dynamic range of your audio; Limiting, which prevents clipping or distorting; and Normalization, which adjusts the overall level. When using these effects and tools, you should apply them carefully and gradually, listening to your audio and reference track before and after each change. You can also use the Undo and Redo buttons on the toolbar to revert or repeat any changes. Ultimately, the goal is to achieve a natural and pleasing sound that suits your genre, style, and preference.