Everything you need to know

Upgrading from an older Reference version

Upgrading your Reference 4 or Reference 3 to SoundID Reference.


SoundID Reference

Upgrade options

Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 to SoundID Reference is a paid option, see table below for your specific update option


Reference 4 Headphone Edition
or Reference 3 Headphone plug-in
Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Headphone to
SoundID Reference for Headphones
$ 39
€ 39
Reference 4 Studio Edition
or Reference 3 Speaker plug-in
Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Studio to
SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones
$ 89
€ 89
Reference 4 Studio Edition Upgrade from Reference 4 Studio Edition to SoundID Reference for Multichannel $ 299
€ 299
Reference 4 Headphone Edition
Educational license
Upgrade from Reference 4 Headphone Edition Educational license to
SoundID Reference for Headphones Educational license
$ 19
€ 19
Reference 4 Studio Edition
Educational license
Upgrade from Reference 4 Studio Edition Educational license to
SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones Educational license
$ 49
€ 49
Educational upgrades

Educational licenses bought from the Sonarworks store starting from October 10th, 2019 of 2019 can also be upgraded to acquire an Educational license of SoundID Reference.

However, educational licenses purchased from our retailers within this period cannot be upgraded.

If you have bought an educational license before the mentioned date, please contact Support by submitting a support request.

What’s new?

Reference has gotten even better

The latest update includes long-awaited custom target and translation check features, along with multiple user interface and driver improvements.


Upgrade Process

How to upgrade

Step 1
Create a Sonarworks user account
To upgrade your license you should first create a user account
Step 2
Register your current license activation key
Once you have created an account, select the Register key or code button at the bottom of the accounts page and add your Reference 3 or 4 key.
Step 3
Add your upgrade code
Once you have added your Reference 3 or 4 key. You can add the upgrade code you have received upon the purchase in email.
Step 4
Activate Reference on this device
Click on the "Activate on this device" button. It will bring up the SoundID Reference software and activate the license.

Frequently asked questions

Upgrade FAQ

We have provided multiple upgrade options for customers who already own a Reference 3 or Reference 4 license and in this article, we will explain how to perform them.

Read the full walk-trough in our support center →

Already have SoundID Reference for Headphones, but want to upgrade to the Studio edition?

Learn more →

Yes, you can try out fully functional software 21-day free. SoundID Reference trial can run in parallel with Reference 4. If you already used your trial but would like to re-consider, please reach out to Support with a request to extend your trial

SoundID Reference is the recent successor of Reference 4 software. Our latest software version delivers the same consistently accurate reference sound so you can trust every mixing decision. But with the new update, we have added new features like translations check and powerful custom target curve adjustments and made significant improvements to even further improve your workflow. Find out more in this article →