Matchering vs Soren

Matchering is open-source software for matching and mastering audio. Give it a TARGET track and a REFERENCE track, and it produces a mastered TARGET that follows the reference’s RMS, frequency response, peak amplitude, and stereo width. Matchering 2.0 comes as a containerized web application, Python library, and ComfyUI node, and is integrated into the UVR5 Desktop App. The Python library also provides a command-line application and can connect with the Python ecosystem. It requires Python 3.8.0 or later and a machine with 4 GB of RAM. WAV and MP3 are supported input formats, though MP3 loading needs a separate FFmpeg installation. The project says the algorithm uses digital signal processing rather than a neural network, and works well across nearly all genres, especially EDM, with an exception for experimental music with a very specific form. The free plan is listed at free under GPLv3, with no published paid plans. The maker advises against exposing its web application to the public Internet without security and scalability changes.

Soren is a standalone app for automated audio mastering, not a DAW plugin. Its Mix Agent analyzes mixes before mastering and suggests changes for tonal imbalance and resonances. Users can choose among 10 genre profiles and 27 curated Smart References, or upload a reference track for analysis of spectral balance, dynamics, and tonal qualities. Controls include spectral and stereo processing toggles, custom LUFS targeting, and safeguards against over-processing. Export formats are WAV at 44.1 or 48 kHz in 16 or 24 bit, and MP3 at 320 or 256 kbps, with three True Peak limiting options. Processing happens locally; the maker says internet access is not needed after initial online activation. Desktop requirements are macOS 12 or higher or Windows 10/11, with at least 8 GB RAM recommended. The page lists support for files up to 90 minutes on Apple Silicon M1 with 16 GB RAM, and says Soren is available for iPhone and iPad. A free trial is available, and pricing starts at €249.