SoundID Reference for Multichannel Upgrade calibration software by Sonarworks

SoundID Reference for Multichannel Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Studio Edition Free Download

SoundID Reference for Multichannel Upgrade is a calibration plugin from Sonarworks for measuring and correcting multichannel speaker setups, from stereo up to 9.1.6 Atmos rooms. It is offered as an upgrade for owners of Reference 3 or 4 Studio Edition.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

Sonarworks built this version of SoundID Reference around multichannel monitoring. The developer says it measures speakers with an individually calibrated microphone and applies a correction so a mix translates consistently across the room. The same software can also calibrate headphones, with ready-to-use profiles for more than 480 models. The package includes a DAW plugin in AAX, AU, VST2 and VST3 formats, plus a standalone app for stereo use.

Best for

Atmos mixing rooms
Multichannel speaker calibration
Headphone and speaker matching
Mastering room correction
Film and game surround mixing

Developer: Sonarworks
Category: Referencing Tools
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Speaker calibration for layouts from stereo up to 9.1.6 channels
Measurement microphone with individual multi-angle calibration curves
Ready-to-use headphone calibration for 480+ models
Flat target curve or Dolby Atmos Music curve
Custom target curve with adjustable calibration frequency range
Phase-based time alignment for satellite and LFE channels
Zero latency plugin DSP for multichannel
Native support for Apple Silicon, including M1
Profile export to supported hardware devices
Activation key usable on 3 machines

03In depth

Speaker Measurement and Calibration for Multichannel Rooms

The measurement process is guided step by step. You measure each speaker with the SoundID Reference measurement microphone, which comes with individual multi-angle calibration curves. The software then applies phase-based time alignment to satellite and LFE channels, which the developer says reaches sub-millisecond accuracy.

Supported layouts range from 2.0 stereo through 5.1.4, 7.1.6 and 9.1.6. Sonarworks describes the result as a more accurate frequency response and a sharper soundstage across the whole system.

Target Curves and Hardware Export

You can correct the room toward a flat response, toward the Dolby Atmos Music curve, or toward a custom target. The calibration range can be limited for the whole setup or for separate channel groups.

The plugin runs with zero latency. If you use supported hardware, you can export the calibration profile to devices including the Avid MTRX with SPQ DSP, Avid MTRX Studio, DAD AX32 with SPQ DSP, the Dolby Atmos Renderer Mastering Suite, and Jones-Scanlon Studio Monitors.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Sonarworks
Type	Plugin
Category	Referencing Tools
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

Which formats and operating systems does it support?

The plugin is available in AAX, AU, VST2 and VST3 formats. It supports macOS 10.14 Mojave through macOS 12 Monterey and Windows 10 and Windows 11.

What do I need to run the speaker measurement?

The measurement process requires an audio interface with +48V phantom power support, and the same interface must be used for input and output. The setup must include a single external hardware device, though additional preamp units are supported.

Which sample rates are supported?

The software supports 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88 kHz, 96 kHz and 192 kHz sample rates.

Who is this upgrade for?

The upgrade is offered to previous owners of Reference 4 Studio Edition, according to the developer. A standard version of SoundID Reference for Multichannel is also available.

07Developer

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