HOFA 4U BlindTest
HOFA 4U + BlindTest
Objective A/B Testing Inside Your DAW
HOFA 4U + BlindTest is a free blind comparison plugin that lets you objectively test plugins, processing chains or mix variations directly inside your DAW. Instead of trusting visual bias or brand expectations, BlindTest forces you to judge what actually matters, the sound.
If you’re serious about making better mix decisions, this is one of the smartest free tools you can install.
System Requirements:
- 32 bit
- 64 bit
- VST / AU
- Windows
- macOs
Remove Bias, Trust Your Ears
We all like to think we mix objectively, but visual cues heavily influence perception. A flashy GUI, a famous brand name or a higher price tag can trick your brain into “hearing” improvements that aren’t actually there.
HOFA 4U+ BlindTest eliminates that bias with a reliable shuffle-based blind testing system. Insert the plugin as the last processor on every track you want to compare. The plugin handles soloing internally, muting the other tracks automatically.
Press Shuffle, and the compared tracks are anonymised and reordered randomly. Now you can switch between them without knowing which is which, rate each from 0 to 5, and leave comments about your impressions. When finished, reveal the identities and see whether your expectations matched reality.
You can repeat the shuffle multiple times to average your results and create a more reliable personal sound study.
Level-Matched, Professional Testing Workflow
One of the biggest mistakes in A/B comparisons is loudness bias. Louder almost always sounds “better.” BlindTest includes per-track peak metering and gain control, allowing precise level matching before you compare.
The GUI is freely scalable, letting you hide your DAW’s mixer or plugin windows to avoid visual distractions during evaluation. You can also drag unused tracks into an INACTIVE section to narrow your comparison set during testing rounds.
The freeware version allows comparison of up to three tracks simultaneously, which is more than enough for testing different EQs, compressors, mastering chains or mix revisions.
Key Features:
Objective Blind Testing Inside Your DAW.
- Shuffle mode that anonymises and randomises tracks
- Compare up to 3 tracks (free version)
- Built-in loudness compensation with gain controls
- Peak level metering for accurate level matching
- 0–5 rating system with comment field
- Repeatable shuffle for averaged results
- INACTIVE section for sorting during tests
- Freely scalable GUI to minimise visual bias
- VST, VST3, AU, AAX, RTAS (32 & 64-bit)
FAQ
Because visual bias is real. Brand names, GUI design and even price influence perception. Blind testing forces purely auditory decisions, leading to more accurate mix choices.
Yes. Each compared track has peak metering and gain control so you can level-match before judging. This prevents louder versions from sounding artificially better.
The free version allows up to three tracks. The full version supports additional comparisons.
Absolutely. It’s ideal for testing mastering chains, limiter settings, EQ variations or different processing philosophies without bias.
Yes. You can reshuffle and repeat the comparison multiple times, then review your ratings and comments to see if your impressions remain consistent.
Yes. It supports VST, VST3, AU, AAX and more, and is tested across major DAWs including Cubase, Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Reaper, Studio One and others.
