“SoundID Reference is exceptional at what it says it does. It really made a notable difference to the sound at my listening position after I had tuned the room, to the point that without it, the speakers I have, two Kali In-8s, do not sound nearly as balanced, especially in the low-mid frequencies that I haven't treated in my room. Although better treatment would help, I'd probably even suggest the software with a treated room, just to clean up any minor inconsistencies.
Now, despite all that's great about it, there is a reason why the software itself currently deserves 4 stars. I am unable to set up a working ASIO configuration with my interface for the system-wide version of SoundID, however, I am still able to use the VST version on my master track in my DAW, Ableton Live. So, at least it functions, but, it adds the unnecessary delay of disabling SoundID each time I wish to render/bounce a track. Additionally, SoundID crashes whenever the audio output it was last using is not available, requiring that same output to be available/connected before I can even open SoundID again.”
“After finding the right downloads, it‘s really easy to set everything up. The software guides you through the process in every detail.
The result is just mindblowing, everything becomes so clear! It‘s hard to describe it, you must hear it.”
“I've been relying on Sonarworks for many years, both for headphones and speakers, and its an invaluable part of my workflow. It is also something I recommend to literally everyone I work with.”
“I was initially skeptical about whether the software could really improve my monitoring environment, but I have to admit that the results exceeded my expectations. My speakers now deliver a noticeably more detailed and better‑balanced sound. Overall, it’s a significant upgrade to my listening setup.”
“Installed and applied SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones to both the headphones and the speakers. Achieved a significant improvement, especially on the speakers. The sound is more analytical. Happy with it!”
“Very easy to do. It’s fun but also takes time. Especially if your acoustics depend on opening a window, acoustic blinds or something major as you need to do the measuring process few times to have all options for correction, but after that just forget and get great sound”
“I have to work on location most of the time at the moment and I often end up having to set up in some less than ideal spaces.
Because if this I tested monitoring headphones quite extensively and I chose the HEDD Heddphone Twos. The Sonarworks correction curve improves the translation even further.
I also carry with me a pair of portable speakers (Adam D3V) for taking breaks, double checking and playing back my work to other collaborators. Generating a profile for the room using the SoundId Reference microphone is very simple and makes a truly dramatic difference. There’s a beautiful continuity from what I hear on headphones and what comes out of the speakers.
For working in environments that were not designed for music production SoundId Reference is invaluable and highly recommended, and even my professionally treated control room has improved after applying a custom profile. Highly recommended.”
