Listen-A|B
An audio A/B comparison and reference listening tool for macOS 15 or later.
Features
- Sample-accurate instant switching — switch between tracks during playback with no gap and no drift; all tracks share a single playhead.
- Level match (EBU R128) — automatic gain matching based on ITU-R BS.1770 loudness, so you compare the mix, not the volume.
- Automatic & manual sync — align start timing by waveform analysis, then fine-tune by hand on a zoomable waveform.
- Loop (gapless) — repeat a section with crossfaded, click-free loop points.
- Markers — project markers for navigation, plus markers embedded in WAV files by your DAW.
- Project files — save a whole comparison session as a
.listenabfile and reopen it later. - DAW-style keyboard presets — eight presets (Cubase Style, Pro Tools Style, and more) plus full key customization.
Free and PRO
The free version is fully functional for two-track A/B comparison. Pro is a one-time in-app purchase.
| Free | Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracks | 2 | Up to 10 tracks |
| Gain matching | Integrated (fixed) | Integrated / Momentary / True Peak |
| Automatic sync | — | ✓ |
| Manual sync adjustment | — | ✓ |
| Markers embedded in audio files | Count shown only | Displayed, with navigation |
Everything else — instant switching, level match, loop, project markers, project files, and keyboard presets — is included in both versions.
FAQ
Which audio formats are supported?
Any format macOS itself can decode (via AVFoundation): WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC/M4A, FLAC, Apple Lossless, and more.
What happens if my files have different sample rates?
The first file you import sets the session sample rate. Files at other rates are automatically converted to the session rate on import; files at the same rate are used as-is. Mono files are played on both channels.
How do I restore my Pro purchase?
Open the upgrade sheet (click the PRO badge, or choose Upgrade to Pro… from the app menu) and click Restore Purchases. Make sure you are signed in with the same Apple Account you used for the original purchase.
What is a .listenab project file?
A small file that saves your comparison session: which audio files are loaded, sync offsets, the reference track, markers, the loop region, and comparison settings. It references your audio files in place — audio is never copied into the project. Save with ⌘S, open with ⌘O.
Is any of my data sent anywhere?
No. Listen-A|B has no analytics, no tracking, and no ads. Your audio never leaves your Mac. See the privacy policy for details.
How do I change the keyboard shortcuts?
Press ⌘, to open Keyboard Settings. Pick one of the eight DAW-style presets, or click any key chip to rebind it. You can save your own layout as a user preset.
Why can’t I see the markers embedded in my file?
The free version shows only how many markers a file contains; displaying and navigating them is a Pro feature. Embedded markers are currently read from WAV files (cue/label chunks as written by common DAWs).
Contact
Questions, bug reports, feature requests: support@wilya.uk