SoundID Reference does not support simultaneous calibration of multiple monitor sets in a single measurement session. However, the professional audio calibration software allows you to create and manage separate calibration profiles for different monitor configurations, which you can then switch between as needed. This approach enables you to maintain multiple calibrated setups within your studio environment.
Can SoundID Reference calibrate multiple sets of monitors simultaneously?
No, SoundID Reference cannot calibrate multiple monitor sets simultaneously during the measurement process. The software requires you to measure each monitor configuration separately using its guided measurement procedure.
When you run the calibration process, SoundID Reference focuses on one monitor setup at a time. This includes measuring the frequency response, phase characteristics, and room acoustics for that specific configuration. The software then creates a dedicated calibration profile for those particular monitors in that specific listening position.
However, this limitation doesn’t prevent you from having multiple calibrated setups in your studio. You can measure different monitor pairs separately and create distinct profiles for each configuration. The software stores these profiles individually, allowing you to switch between calibrated setups depending on your current mixing or monitoring needs.
For multichannel systems up to 9.1.6 configurations, SoundID Reference for Multichannel can calibrate all speakers within that single surround sound setup as one cohesive system, but this still counts as one calibration session rather than multiple simultaneous calibrations.
How does SoundID Reference handle different monitor configurations?
SoundID Reference manages various monitor configurations by creating separate calibration profiles for each setup. The software treats each monitor pair or multichannel arrangement as a distinct audio system requiring its own measurement and correction profile.
The software accommodates different monitor types seamlessly. You might have near-field monitors on your desk, mid-field monitors positioned further back, and perhaps a multichannel surround setup for immersive audio work. Each configuration gets its own dedicated profile that accounts for the specific characteristics of those speakers and their positioning within your room.
For professional studios running different brands simultaneously, SoundID Reference creates individual profiles for each brand and model combination. The software doesn’t discriminate between manufacturers and applies the same rigorous measurement and correction process regardless of whether you’re calibrating high-end studio monitors or more modest near-field speakers.
The profile management system lets you organise these different configurations logically. You can name profiles descriptively, such as “Desk Near-fields,” “Rear Mid-fields,” or “Surround Setup,” making it easy to identify which calibration corresponds to which monitor arrangement.
What is the workflow for calibrating multiple monitors with SoundID Reference?
The workflow for calibrating multiple monitor sets involves measuring each configuration separately and creating distinct profiles for each setup. You’ll repeat the measurement process for every monitor pair or multichannel system you want to calibrate.
Start by positioning the SoundID Reference measurement microphone at your primary listening position for the first monitor set. Launch the measurement process and let the software play test tones through those specific monitors. The guided measurement procedure typically takes around 15-20 minutes per setup, depending on your room characteristics.
After completing the first measurement, save that calibration profile with a descriptive name. Then, switch to your second monitor set and repeat the entire measurement process. Position the microphone appropriately for this new configuration, as the listening position might differ between near-field and mid-field setups.
The step-by-step process looks like this:
- Connect and activate your first monitor set
- Position the measurement microphone at the optimal listening position
- Run the automated measurement sequence
- Save the resulting profile with a clear, descriptive name
- Switch to your second monitor configuration
- Reposition the microphone if necessary
- Repeat the measurement process for the new setup
- Save this second profile separately
Once you’ve created profiles for all your monitor sets, you can switch between them using the SoundID Reference plugin or standalone application. Some hardware integrations also allow you to store multiple profiles directly on compatible audio interfaces.
Why would professionals need multiple monitor calibration setups?
Professional audio environments often require multiple calibrated monitor setups to ensure mixes translate well across different listening scenarios. Having various reference points helps engineers make informed decisions about their audio content.
A/B comparisons between different monitor types reveal how your mix performs on various speaker configurations. You might catch issues on your near-field monitors that aren’t apparent on your main monitors, or vice versa. This cross-referencing approach helps identify potential translation problems before your mix reaches the mastering stage.
Different production stages often benefit from different monitoring approaches. During detailed editing and vocal processing, you might prefer the intimacy and precision of near-field monitors. When checking overall balance and impact, larger mid-field or main monitors provide better perspective on the full frequency spectrum and dynamic range.
Many professionals also use multiple monitor setups to simulate different listening environments. Your main monitors might represent the ideal listening scenario, while a second pair of smaller monitors could simulate how your mix sounds on typical consumer speakers or in smaller rooms.
For those working with both stereo and multichannel content, having separate calibrated setups becomes essential. Your stereo monitoring setup serves traditional mixing needs, while your calibrated surround system handles immersive audio projects. Learn more about advanced audio production tools that complement multi-monitor workflows.
The ability to switch between calibrated setups quickly streamlines the mixing process. Rather than second-guessing how your mix translates, you can confidently check it on multiple calibrated systems, knowing that each setup provides accurate, reliable feedback within its intended context.
Multiple monitor calibration setups ultimately serve quality control purposes. By maintaining several calibrated reference points, you create a comprehensive monitoring environment that catches potential issues early and ensures your mixes translate consistently across different playback systems.
While SoundID Reference doesn’t calibrate multiple monitors simultaneously, its profile management system makes it straightforward to maintain several calibrated setups within your studio. This approach gives you the flexibility to choose the most appropriate monitoring configuration for each stage of your production process, ensuring your audio translates well across different listening environments. We’ve designed this workflow to be efficient and practical, supporting the complex monitoring needs of modern professional audio production.
