AB Assist 2
by NUGEN Audio · Utility · A/B comparison tool
Not rated yet
A comparison plugin for switching between up to four audio sources, such as takes, mixes, masters or plugin chains, including surround.
Loudness matching, mono fold-down checks and a blind test mode remove level and expectation bias from the decision.
Best for: Mix Bus, Mastering. Genres: all genres.
Keywords: auto-gain, mono-compatible, A/B compare, full mix, mastering, metering, reference & monitoring, bus processing, mix bus, smooth, utility.
What it does
AB Assist 2 is "a tool for quickly comparing multiple pieces of audio," built around blind testing to take bias out of listening decisions. Its tagline is "See the forest for the trees."
- Four sources: compare up to four sources, up from two in the first version, including surround mixes at any channel count.
- Level matching: automatic matching by short-term loudness (LUFS), separate from a manual trim.
- Blind test mode: sources are randomly relabeled so you don't know which one is playing.
- Mono check and fades: mono fold-down comparison and smooth fades between sources.
- Linked instances: plugin instances on each source communicate directly, with no send routing needed.
Owners of the first version can upgrade.
Source: NUGEN Audio product page
When to use it
AB Assist 2 is the choice when you want to compare your own takes, mix versions or processing options blind and level-matched, especially in surround. Where ADPTR Audio Metric AB and Mastering The Mix REFERENCE 3 focus on comparing your mix to commercial reference tracks, and MeldaProduction MCompare switches between plugin chains, AB Assist 2 focuses on blind, level-matched comparison.
- Best for: choosing between takes, mix revisions, masters or plugin settings without loudness or expectation bias.
- Genres: any.
- Look elsewhere if: you mainly want to match your mix to commercial references with tonal and loudness analysis; REFERENCE 3 or Metric AB do more there.
- Standout: blind testing across four sources with automatic LUFS matching.
What producers say
Coverage is limited so far; Music Connection's review was positive about the workflow.
- Music Connection (2023) Barry Rudolph said it makes comparisons more scientific yet is "simple to use and bias-free," and of the automatic linking of plugin instances wrote "I love this feature!"
Where to buy
- Best Service: $49
- NUGEN Audio: $49
- Plugin Boutique: $49
Tutorials and reviews
- NAMM 2024 - NUGEN Audio - AB Assist 2
- AB Assist 2 - Mix Referencing Tool VST/Plugin by Nugen Audio
- Dale Pro Audio - NUGEN Audio AB Assist 2 Mix Comparison
- Nugen Audio A|B Assist2 New Features
- An Introduction to AB Assist 2
Similar plugins
- MCompare by MeldaProduction · Reference/A-B tool · $59
- Metric AB by ADPTR Audio · Reference/A-B tool · $99.99
- 4U+ BlindTest by HOFA · Blind listening test tool · Free
- ListenHub by Sonnox · Software monitor controller/referencing · $79
- Purr-LUFS by Noisebud · LUFS gain matcher
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