8.4Great
iZotope Insight 2 is a metering and analysis suite for loudness, spectrum, stereo field, and mix diagnostics in music and post.
Plugin comparison
Insight 2 vs Mastering The Mix REFERENCE
Specs, price and the Dubspot Score, side by side — with our verdict on which effect to buy.
Independent score / workflow fit / buying signal
Contenders
The side-by-side
Effect / Mastering The Mix
Mastering The Mix REFERENCE
8.3Great
REFERENCE 3 is a plugin that lets you A/B your mix against professional reference tracks and shows what adjustments are needed to match them.
Score verdict
Which should you buy?
On the Dubspot Score, Insight 2 comes out ahead (8.4). That said, the right pick depends on your workflow and budget — read both reviews before deciding.
Technical matrix
Specs compared
| Signal | Insight 2 | Mastering The Mix REFERENCE |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $199 | — |
| Dubspot Score | 8.4 | 8.3 |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | AU (Mac), VST3, AAX |
| Type | Metering and analysis suite | — |
| Developer | iZotope | — |
| Typical price | $199 | — |
| Formats | VST3, AU, AAX | — |
| Primary job | Loudness, spectrum, stereo, and mix diagnostics | — |
| Catalog status | Current as of 2026 | — |
| Price (official) | — | £59.00 GBP (no fixed USD price shown; site offers a currency selector) |
| Formats (Mac) | — | 64-bit AU, VST3, or AAX host; Apple Silicon native |
| Formats (Windows) | — | 64-bit VST3 or 64-bit AAX host |
| Key tools | — | Mix Descriptors, Masterscope, Mix Balance, Mix Instructor, and Match % |
| Mac requirements | — | OS X 10.15 or higher |
| Windows requirements | — | Windows 10 or higher |
See the full plugin database for more comparisons.