“The new ASIO driver that doesn't crash? Amazing. The comparison check between different virtual spaces? Useful. To keep up with upgrades and the best software available for this? Super cheap if you deliver a flat room.
It only needs a mono calibration function.”
“Overall pleased with the upgrade from Reference 4. Custom EQ alone is worth it for me, even though it’s not super flexible. Now I can correct 90Hz-1kHz on my NS10s and leave the upper half character alone.
A bug I had with systemwide Reference 4 (muting itself every time I changed correction profiles) has also been solved with the update.
I do miss the option to combine bass boost and tilt - a combo that helped my headphones translate. There are still limits to customization, but it’s getting better.”
“The main reason convincing me to upgrade was the "Translation check". Other than that, I feel like you shouldn't upgrade. You essentially get the "Flat target" with Reference 4, which is the main reason, I believe, that you buy the product. There have been major updates and fixes since Reference 4 (4.4.9.11) under the hood so to speak, but as an overview, I'd say there isn't much of a difference to what they do. SoundID does the same thing, only better, I suppose with a few added features and minor UI redesign. I don't use the "Dolby" target mode, and I rarely use the "Custom Target" mode, so think I actually would have been perfectly fine with Reference 4, in conjunction with my MixCubes.”
Hello,
Thank you for the review!
SoundID Reference is a successor to Reference 4. It implements many additional features that might come in handy for both a music producer and a listener. The upgrade for this product is worth it if you require the extra features - Translation check and Custom target modes. In addition, the UI has been improved, there are integration options available with supported devices and it is compatible with newer devices whereas Reference 4 will require the Rosetta environment to run on the M-series devices.
You can learn more here: https://www.sonarworks.com/blog/product-news/should-i-upgrade-from-sonarworks-reference-4-to-soundid-reference
I hope this helps!
