Individual headphone calibration

The ultimate in tonal accuracy.

Sonarworks Reference 4 enables mixing and mastering on headphones with confidence.

Buy individually calibrated headphones Calibrate your headphones

The truth about studio headphones

Reference headphones don’t exist

Every headphone sounds different. Not only does the sound of headphones differ from model to model, but despite manufacturers best efforts, even the same model of headphones provide different sound. It is difficult and expensive to implement lower sample-to-sample variation since it results in more rejected products.

Frequency response dispersion of 30 randomly selected headphone units of one model (shown as area) with one selected unit (shown as curve)
on off

In spite of the difficulty, it is possible to overcome sound deficiencies in headphones. By using state of the art calibration technology, Sonarworks identifies the differences and calibrates every headphone to perform as close to reference as possible. Sonarworks can squeeze the last drop of performance out of your existing headphones. If preferred, you can buy a new pre-calibrated set. All calibrated headphones receive a unique correction profile that is tailor-made for that particular set.

What is individual calibration

Professional instruments call for precision calibration

Even the finest acoustic measurement microphones come with a calibration profile made specifically for them. Headphones are no different. Most headphones exhibit +/-3dB or higher sample to sample variation, thus limiting the accuracy that is possible through model average calibration.

Our custom calibration service produces calibration profiles for individual headphone set with +/-0.9dB or even better accuracy across all audio frequency range. Furthermore, with individual calibration, we are able to account for left and right channel differences between drivers.

Individual calibration service

Accuracy +/- 0.9 dB
Perceived FR with variance due to individual anatomical features
  • Stereo calibration

Two available options:

  1. Pre-calibrated new headphones
  2. Lab measurement and calibration of your existing headphones

Average calibration profile

Accuracy +/- 3 dB
Perceived FR with variance due to variance within one model and individual anatomical features

Benefits of individual headphone calibration

Mixes that sound better and deliver more impact

Ultimate reliability and translatability

Get the same reference sound on all individually calibrated headphones and Sonarworks calibrated studio monitors. No more re-learning when upgrading to a different headphone model. Seamless transition between studio setups and predictable translation of your mixes to any sound system.

Learn more about headphone calibration features

Correct stereo balance

Stereo positioning errors are hard to detect if your L/R drivers sound different. Individual calibration solves the issue, making it easier to pan instruments correctly.

Learn more about headphone calibration features

Collaboration without tonal differences

Regardless of the distance between you and your partner or the headphones you use, we can make sure you get the same sound. Two sets of individually calibrated headphones is the closest you get to being in the same room, listening to the same track.

Learn more about headphone calibration features

How it works?

Buy new headphones from our store
or send us your headphones

In both cases each headset goes through individual measurement and custom calibration.

Buy new Send in your headphones
1

Choose new headphones

Choose a brand-new pair of headphones from our store.

2

Individual measurement

Your new headset goes through individual measurement and custom calibration in our lab.

3

Receive the headphones

New headphones and a custom calibration profile are sent back to you.

4

Enjoy reference sound

Enjoy ultimate sound accuracy when you receive your new pre-calibrated headphones.

1

Send in your headphones

Send your headphones to our headquarters.

2

Individual measurement

Your headset goes through individual measurement and custom calibration in our lab.

3

Receive your headphones

Your headphones and a custom calibration profile are sent back to you.

4

Enjoy reference sound

Enjoy ultimate sound accuracy when you receive your calibrated headphones.

Choose your calibration type

Two ways to improve sound

Pre-calibrated headphones

New headphones with individual calibration for ultimate accuracy

Starting from € 194
Buy now
  • +/- 0.9 dB
    Accuracy
  • 1 – 3 weeks
    Delivery time
  • Y AU, AAX Native, RTAS, VST formats
  • Y New headphones included

Headphones upgrade

Individual calibration service for your existing headphones

Starting from € 149
Buy now
  • +/- 0.9 dB
    Accuracy
  • 3-5 weeks
    Delivery time
  • Y AU, AAX Native, RTAS, VST formats
  • N New headphones included


FAQ

Shipping costs for the return trip will be added during checkout, the customer must cover shipping to us separately. we use FedEx, it takes 2-5 business days, tracking is provided.

Sonarworks ltd
Smerla iela 3, Riga, Latvia LV-1006

No, over and on-ear headphones only.

Couldn’t find your answer?

Contact Sonarworks support