SoundID Reference for Headphones

In this article, we'll have a look at the SoundID Reference for Headphones software, and how to begin your experience with SoundID Reference.

1. System requirements - check before getting started
2. Activating license - add your new product to the Sonarworks Account
3. Setting up with headphones - finding your headphone model, and headphone modes
4. Target modes  - features that will benefit your listening experience

System & hardware requirements

• SoundID Reference for Speaker & Headphones software installed (v5.3 or later). Download here for supported operating systems:
  • PC: Windows 10, 11
  • MAC: macOS 10.14; 10.15; 11 Big Sur; 12 Monterey
    
    

Activating license

To use SoundD Reference for Speakers & Headphones, you will need to add a SoundID Reference product license to your user account:

1. Log in to your Sonarworks Account
2. Click on 'Register a new license'
3. Enter your license activation key
4. Click on 'Activate on this device'

SoundD Reference for Speakers & Headphones is available in Sonarworks Store, or at your local distributor: find a dealer. See upgrade options for existing Sonarworks license owners here: SoundID Reference upgrade paths.

A free trial is available here, and trial extensions are available in your Sonarworks Account.

Setting up with headphones

Now, that the software is activated, you need to add the headphones. The SoundID Reference app has a headphone wizard to help you find the brand/model of the headphones you own. Some headphones models support modes such as Active Noise Canceling (ANC), Ambient, and others. Once you have your headphone model found and selected, click on the "Current mode" option to see supported modes for your headphones.

Please be aware, that the headphone list highlights only supported headphones e.g. the headphones that have an average profile available. If you're not seeing your headphone brand/model, we do not encourage using a similar model as results may be less precise. Instead, you can submit a model request, or look into our individual calibration service. More information on the following topics can be found here:

• Can I use an averaged calibration profile on a similar headphone model?
• Individual Headphone Calibration
• Setting up with Individual Headphone Calibration

Target modes

SoundID Reference will offer a choice of 4 Target Modes - Flat Target (SoundID SR), Dolby Atmos Music, Custom Target, and Translation Check. By default, you will start with Flat Target (SoundID SR), which will provide you with Flat Studio Reference calibration, so you can hear every detail while working on a mix. However, we recommend exploring additional Target Modes such as Custom Target to create your unique target curve, or Translation Check to hear how well your mix is translating on various playback devices. You can learn more about the Target Modes here: Calibration target modes

Learn more:

• Exporting a calibration profile for MERGING+ANUBIS interface
• Setting up with SoundID Reference DAW plugin

If you require additional assistance you can reach out to support by submitting a support request below.