How to switch between master and reference track efficiently? (Mute XOR)

I have always used exclusive Solo mode, and typically bounce the project to another track, but exclusive Solo should also work with busses (send ref track to one, project to other, with both feeding the main outs).

++ for SampleMagic AB and also MeldaProduction's MCompare.
Also check out Ian Shepard's PERCEPTION plug-in.

And another + for Magic AB. Simple concept but really efficient and convenient; I like not have to bounce around the timeline looking for specific points in a reference tracks then using exclusive solo go between mix/reference. It's also great because all reference tracks can be volume adjusted individually as well as the master volume for the references, so you don't have to worry about shattering your eardrums. :)

Edit: There is a flaw in the method I am about to describe (and perhaps others). If you have sends on any of the tracks then read the following post (well read it anyway if you are going read and use my dumfuk advice because I don't wanna mess anyone up).
 
http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3286229
 
OP...
 
==============================================================
 
The way I do it is this...
 
I always insert a "Premaster" bus before the actual Master. All tracks get sent to the Premaster (by way of all the sub busses I create for everything). So it goes like this... Tracks > Sub Group Busses > Premaster > Master > Physical Outputs.
 
I keep my Master bus completely free of any effects and I keep it at 0db Unity gain as I work. I use the Premaster for any master type effects and to adjust levels if need be but generally the premaster is there just to test how my mix will respond to compression/EQ or other mastering type stuff. I am trying more and more to leave it completely clear and rely on the mix then just turn on/fiddle with those effects to get a rough idea of how glue compression and mastering EQ may go down once I get to the mastering stage.
 
Since my Master bus is totally free and clear of all effects and all my tracks go to the Premaster it creates a situation where I can route my reference track(s) main output to the Master and absolutely nothing will be altering the sound.
 
So then all I have to do is keep the reference track muted. Then when I want to compare my current mix to the reference track all I do is SOLO the reference track (which mutes everything else in the project) then unmute it. So it's maybe a one second silence at most as I click the solo/mute button. Not an instantaneous. one click a/b but it really isn't that far off.
 
Since I keep my general output level from the premaster (going into the Master) at around -6db I just have to make sure the reference track is outputting to the Master bus at -6db and it gives a proper relative volume comparison.
 
I actually keep previous mixdowns of the project and reference tracks in the same track within their own lanes. That way I can just solo the lane of the ref track/previous mixdown I want to compare with and use the method described above. This can cause a problem if my exports were -6db exports (for premaster) because then my ref tracks are of course going to be louder than the -6db exports (so with the 6db I removed to get the ref tracks matching my premaster bus level those exports end up outputting at -12db) but that can be worked around by putting the -6db exports in their own track and not lowering the level at all or leaving them in the main ref track and using clip automation to compensate for the volume difference).
 
It's a pretty decent system but I do need to spend some time with Exclusive Solo which I think might make things even smoother... and not just for this application.

Hi everybody, first of all I want to thank for all the information. I think all the tips are great and will help to deal with reference tracks.
I’ve an absolute minimalistic setup. It’s the DAW, some analog synth stuff, and a MPC. For monitoring, I’ve to work with my studio  headphone (closed) and a second one (open) for comparing mixes. My interface has just one line input – but a big volume knob which is very nice in practice. Yes, it is a bad idea to mix without monitor speakers. But I don’t have the space for a bigger setup (WAF) and I decided that mixing with headphones is better than making no music at all. In this situation a reference track is really helpful.
Tonight I will check the plug-ins you recommended. Using external sources sounds promising, but I’ve to upgrade to a reasonable interface (io) first. I will do some notes about my experiences, because it seems to be a typical rookie challenge and some information could help others, too.

And on a semi related note, here's something I'm presently investigating that appears quite good:

http://forum.cakewalk.com...ee-Trial-m3285695.aspx

Like I said earlier the best approach is to not have the reference track anywhere near your DAW. It avoids all possible issues. I have attended a few mastering sessions with top mastering engineers and they all have the ref tracks feeding into other playback stereo inputs on the console.
 
For DAW people something like the Presonus Monitor Station is a good call because it has these extra external inputs and levels can be adjusted as well to match rms levels easily between your mix and the ref track.

What I do is put a master FX (EZmix) on the master bus. That ca easily be turned on and of. That way I hear the Master mix kind os sound when I mix. But I guest they are just tools for this use. And for a great sound you should get help to do the master. And use real tools. Not just playing tools like EZmix.