SoundID Reference Upgrade from Sonarworks Reference 3 or 4 Studio Edition calibration plugin interface

SoundID Reference Upgrade from Sonarworks Reference 3 or 4 Studio Edition: Speaker and Headphone Calibration Plugin Free Download

Rated 4.5/5 on Plugin Boutique (153 ratings)

SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones Upgrade from Sonarworks Reference 3 or 4 Studio Edition is a calibration plugin by Sonarworks that corrects speaker and headphone response to a reference target, available as a DAW plugin and a standalone system-wide app.

VST2AUAAXStandaloneWindowsmacOS64-bit

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

SoundID Reference Upgrade from Sonarworks Reference 3 or 4 Studio Edition is an upgrade path for existing owners of Sonarworks' calibration software. It measures your speakers with a microphone and applies correction, or applies a headphone calibration profile to your existing headphones. The developer describes the aim as a consistent reference sound across speakers and headphones, so mixes can be judged the same way in different rooms and on different gear.

Best for

Speaker calibration
Headphone mixing reference
Mix translation checks
Remote collaboration
Live tracking monitoring

Developer: Sonarworks
Category: Referencing Tools
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

DAW plugin and standalone system-wide calibration app
Speaker calibration with a measurement microphone
Library of more than 500 headphone calibration profiles
Adjustable target curve with real-time editing
Choice of zero latency, mixed, or linear phase filters
Custom frequency range for applying calibration
20 predefined translation check simulations

03In depth

Speaker and Headphone Calibration Workflow

For speakers, Sonarworks recommends treating your room acoustically before calibrating, since the software does not replace acoustic treatment. Calibration requires a measurement microphone, and the developer notes that the measurement process takes about 15 minutes. After measuring, you save the speaker profile and apply the correction either through the plugin in your DAW or through the standalone app, which corrects sound from any source on your computer.

For headphones, the software ships with presets of more than 500 headphone calibration profiles. Applying a profile sets the frequency response target to be flat across the audible range, which the developer says is designed to emulate neutral-sounding speakers.

Key Controls and Filter Modes

The plugin includes a custom target that lets you adjust the target curve in real time and choose the frequency range where calibration applies. Three filter modes are available: zero latency for live tracking, and mixed or linear phase processing for greater clarity.

A library of 20 predefined translation simulations lets you check a mix against different listening environments.

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	VST2, AU, AAX, Standalone
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What formats and operating systems does SoundID Reference support?

The plugin is available in VST2, AU, AAX and Standalone formats, in 64-bit, on Windows and macOS.

What do I need to use SoundID Reference?

You need a supported 64-bit operating system, 2 GB RAM and a 1024 x 768 display, plus an audio interface with +48V phantom power and 44.1 kHz sample rate capability. You also need Sonarworks-supported or individually calibrated headphones, and a SoundID Reference measurement microphone or another omnidirectional measurement microphone for speakers. Speakers and headphones are not included.

Is there a trial version?

Yes, the product offers a trial.

07Developer

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