In this article:

1. System & hardware requirements
2. Activating license
3. Applying calibration on your system
4. Target modes

System & hardware requirements

• Supported operating system:
  • Windows 10 (or later)
  • macOS 10.14 Mojave (or later)
• SoundID Reference for Headphones software installed (download here)
  
• Sonarworks-supported headphones, see the full list of 400+ supported models here
• Audio interface and/or headphone amp, if your headphones and workflow require it (not necessarily needed)

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 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.

Applying calibration on your system

With the software activated, the next step is to load the calibration profile for your headphone model and apply calibration on your system. The SoundID Reference standalone app and DAW plugin feature a headphone selection wizard to help you find the brand/model of your headphones.

Some headphone models support multiple calibration modes such as ANC, Ambient, and others. Once you have your headphone model found and selected, click on the Select current mode option to see supported modes for your headphones

NOTE! If your headphone model doesn't appear on the list, it is not supported. We do NOT recommend using a profile of a similar model - the results will be inaccurate. Instead, you can submit a model request here, or look into our individual calibration service.

The headphone selection wizard is identical in the standalone app and the DAW plugin. Identify what is the best fit for your system and workflow, and follow the guides below:

1. SoundID Reference standalone app
   System-wide calibration for your entire computer audio (local files & players, browser, gaming, etc.). Follow this guide to get started: Setting up with the SoundID Reference standalone app
   
   
2. SoundID Reference DAW plugin
   Perfect for music production and mixing process, featuring a Zero Latency filer. All major plugin formats are supported: AU, AAX, VST2, VST3. Follow this guide to get started: Setting up with SoundID Reference DAW plugin
   
   
3. SoundID Reference supported devices
   Export your calibration profile for supported devices. Upload and run the calibration directly on your hardware DSP. See the list of supported devices and get started here: Exporting a calibration profile for supported devices

Target Modes

SoundID Reference will offer a choice of 4 Target Modes:

• Flat Target (SoundID SR)
• Dolby Atmos Music
• Custom Target
• 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. Learn more here: Calibration target modes

Related articles:

• Can I use an averaged calibration profile on a similar headphone model?
• Setting up with Individual Headphone Calibration
• Exporting a headphone calibration profile for MERGING+ANUBIS interface
• Setting up with SoundID Reference DAW plugin
• Setting up with SoundID Reference standalone app

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