Yes, SoundID Voice AI and SoundID Reference can be used together very effectively in modern studio workflows. These complementary audio technology tools serve different purposes – Voice AI transforms vocal recordings with AI-powered processing whilst Reference ensures accurate sound reproduction through calibrated monitoring. When combined, they create a powerful production environment where vocal processing decisions are made with precise audio calibration, resulting in better mix translation and more professional outcomes.
What is the difference between SoundID Voice AI and SoundID Reference?
SoundID Voice AI and SoundID Reference serve completely different functions in music production workflows. SoundID Voice AI is an AI-driven voice plugin that transforms vocal recordings using advanced sound shaping and correction features. It offers over 50 royalty-free voice and instrument presets that can convert vocals into different characters, create backing vocals, or even transform humming into instruments like drums, guitar, or violin.
In contrast, SoundID Reference is sound calibration software designed to ensure accurate monitoring in recording studios. It calibrates speakers and headphones to provide neutral, reference-quality sound reproduction, helping engineers make better mixing decisions that translate well across different playback systems.
The target applications differ significantly. Voice AI focuses on creative vocal processing during recording and production phases, whilst Reference addresses the monitoring environment throughout the entire mixing and mastering process. Voice AI works as a plugin within your DAW, processing audio tracks directly. Reference operates at the system level, correcting the acoustic response of your monitoring setup.
Both tools complement each other perfectly – Voice AI handles the creative transformation of vocals, whilst Reference ensures you’re hearing those transformations accurately through properly calibrated monitors.
How do you set up SoundID Voice AI and SoundID Reference in the same workflow?
Setting up both products requires careful attention to signal routing and system configuration. Start by installing SoundID Reference and calibrating your monitoring system first, as this establishes your accurate listening environment. Reference should be the last component in your monitoring chain, after your audio interface but before your speakers or headphones.
For SoundID Voice AI integration, install the plugin in your DAW following the standard VST3, AU, or AAX installation process. The plugin works seamlessly within popular DAWs including Cubase, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Reaper, Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Presonus Studio One.
Here’s the recommended signal flow:
- Record your vocal track in the DAW
- Insert SoundID Voice AI plugin on the vocal track
- Route the DAW output through your audio interface
- Apply SoundID Reference calibration to your monitors
- Monitor the processed audio through calibrated speakers/headphones
System requirements include 4GB of free RAM for Voice AI’s local processing mode, whilst Reference has minimal system impact. Both products require stable internet connections, though Voice AI offers local processing options for unlimited use.
What are the benefits of using both SoundID products together?
The combination creates significant workflow advantages for music producers and engineers. When you process vocals with Voice AI, you’re immediately hearing the results through Reference’s calibrated monitoring, ensuring your creative decisions translate accurately to other playback systems.
This setup enhances audio accuracy by providing a neutral listening environment whilst applying vocal transformations. You can confidently assess whether Voice AI’s processed vocals sit properly in your mix, make EQ adjustments, and ensure the vocal character translates well across different speakers and headphones.
Professional applications include:
- Demo production with realistic vocal previews heard through accurate monitoring
- Backing vocal creation with precise stereo imaging and frequency balance
- Voice-to-instrument conversion with accurate harmonic assessment
- Character voice creation for media production with reliable mix translation
The creative possibilities expand when you can trust your monitoring environment. You might experiment more boldly with voice AI transformations and creative processing, knowing that what you hear is an accurate representation of your work.
This combination particularly benefits home studio producers who need professional-quality vocal processing but lack access to multiple vocalists or expensive studio time.
Are there any compatibility considerations when running both programs simultaneously?
Both products run smoothly together with minimal system resource conflicts. Voice AI requires 4GB of RAM for local processing, whilst Reference uses negligible system resources. Modern computers typically handle both applications without performance issues.
Hardware specifications should include at least 8GB of total RAM to accommodate both products plus your DAW. A stable internet connection remains important, as Voice AI requires online authentication even in local processing mode, and Reference benefits from periodic updates to its calibration database.
Software configuration considerations include:
- Ensure your audio interface drivers are up to date
- Set appropriate buffer sizes in your DAW (128-256 samples typically work well)
- Configure Reference as your default audio output device
- Verify Voice AI plugin compatibility with your specific DAW version
Both products support Windows 10/11 and macOS 11+ operating systems. The main technical consideration involves managing CPU usage if you’re running multiple instances of Voice AI across different tracks whilst maintaining Reference’s calibration processing.
Cloud processing with Voice AI can reduce local CPU load, using the token-based system (10 tokens per second of processed audio) to offload AI processing to remote servers whilst maintaining Reference’s local calibration.
When used together, these Sonarworks tools create a comprehensive audio production environment that addresses both creative vocal processing and accurate monitoring – essential components for professional music production in any studio setting.
