In this article:

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

System & hardware requirements

• Supported operating system:
  • Windows 10 (or later)
  • macOS 10.14 Mojave (or later)
• SoundID Reference for Speakers and Headphones software installed (download here)
  
• Stereo speaker system (2.0), with additional subwoofer possible
• Audio interface with +48v Phantom Power
• XLR to XLR audio cable
• Measurement microphone (using a Sonarworks microphone is recommended):
  • Sonarworks measurement microphone - available in Sonarworks Store
  • Third-party measurement microphone, learn more here. 

NOTE! USB microphones are NOT supported

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.

Speaker measurements

To begin, launch the SoundID Reference Measure app. The 4-stage measurement process will take around 20-30 min to complete:

1. Hardware setup - setting up your hardware, I/O, and audio settings
2. Listening spot - establishing the dimensions of your listening area
3. Room response - a series of 37 measurements of your room and speakers
4. Results - once the measurement process is complete, the results will be displayed

Hot tips:

• If you're using a subwoofer, see how to set it up in 2.0 stereo here: Measuring a subwoofer in a 2.0 stereo setup
• Using a microphone stand is not necessary, the mic can be hand-held
• If you are unsure which are the midrange drivers in your speakers, see this article: Speaker distance measurements: midrange drivers
• If you're getting stuck, use this guide: Stereo speaker measurement troubleshooting guide

Applying calibration on your system

After the speakers have been measured, calibration can be applied in 3 different ways. 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

Related articles:

• Stereo speaker measurement troubleshooting guide
• Setting up on Headphones
• Setting up with SoundID Reference standalone app
• Setting up with SoundID Reference DAW plugin

If you require additional assistance setting up, please submit a support request below.