The latest SoundID Reference update resolves multiple user-reported bugs and expands the support to over 500 headphone models. According to the Latvian company, users will now find profiles for the latest HEDDphone TWO GT and HEDDphone TWO, as well as two Valco headphones (VMK25 and VMK20B). The two headphones from Berlin-based HEDD Audio are intended for more critical listening, including mixing and mastering, while the two models from the crazy company from Finland that does affordable ANC headphones using generic sourced designs in order not to pay for custom molds are described as adequate for podcasters, mobile producers, and Bluetooth-based content creation, which we don't know if it’s a praise or an insult.
In any case, these four new headphone profiles - that will be downloaded automatically after updating - cement SoundID Reference's position as the most comprehensive headphone calibration tool on the market with over 500 supported models. The Latvian company does take its headphone measurements seriously and over time has created a coherent calibration process that is now in itself a reference for the segment (and the reason not to be obsessed with headphone response curves).
Important to remind everyone that SoundID Reference - a standalone app and a DAW plugin - provides a calibration curve for both speakers and headphones. For speakers, SoundID Reference measures the frequency response of the speakers playing in the actual room and creates a calibration profile. For headphones, SoundID Reference simply applies a pre-made calibration profile available in the software, allowing headphones to translate mixing decisions better. There is a Virtual Monitoring add-on that allows headphones to emulate a precision-calibrated studio monitor system, complete with room simulations.
The latest update just makes these possibilities more reliable by removing a series of unpredictable bugs, such as eliminating a rare freeze that affected the latest versions of all Steinberg software (Cubase, Nuendo, WaveLab) when loading the SoundID Reference plug-in. Sonarworks also added a streamlined Universal Audio Apollo X integration that reduces clicks, launches Measurement Mode faster, and lets users silence repetitive pop-ups to stay focused on the mix.
The improved Translation Check mode now loads both headphone profiles and presets reliably on every toggle, allowing creators to audition mixes on virtual devices without interruption. And output gain now updates only when necessary, eliminating unwanted level jumps. Additional tweaks include corrected tooltip placement when exporting presets to hardware, support for installation in non-Unicode folders, and unified naming conventions across partner integrations. The life of music software programmers is never easy.
The free update is available now for all SoundID Reference users. Existing calibration profiles and presets remain intact after installation.
www.sonarworks.com
