Sonarworks SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones + Apollo Monitor Correction Add-On — Free Download

Purpose

SoundID Reference is calibration software designed to give you a consistently accurate studio reference sound across speakers and headphones. The software sets a flat frequency response target, which helps ensure that your mixes translate well on other systems. It works in all major DAWs as a plugin and as a standalone systemwide app for calibrating audio across your entire system.

The Apollo Monitor Correction Add-On extends this functionality to Apollo interfaces, allowing you to apply monitor correction directly on the interface. However, the add-on is a separate product and does not include the full SoundID Reference software or the measurement microphone.

Key capabilities

Speaker calibration uses a measurement microphone to analyze your room and speakers, creating profiles for your listening environment. Headphone calibration supports over 280 headphone models via ready-made profiles, letting you calibrate existing headphones without extra hardware. The custom target feature allows real-time adjustments to the target curve and lets you select the frequency range the calibration affects.

Three filter modes (zero latency, mixed, and linear phase) provide options for live tracking or maximum audio clarity. Additional DSP controls include mono, dry/wet, and safe headroom. MIDI mapping and user presets in the SoundID Reference app allow for quick switching between predefined output settings.

Workflow

For speakers, you connect a measurement microphone, place it at your listening position, and run the calibration process to generate a profile. For headphones, you simply select your headphone model from the supported list and apply one of the included profiles. You can save as many speaker profiles as needed, making it easy to switch between rooms or setups.

The plugin integrates into your DAW session on the master bus, while the systemwide app calibrates audio from any source on your computer. The Translation Check feature offers a library of predefined simulations to check your mix in different listening environments, helping you evaluate how it will sound on various devices.

Practical applications

SoundID Reference is useful for mixing, mastering, and music production where accurate monitoring is critical. It can reduce the guesswork in balancing levels and EQ by giving you a consistent reference across different playback systems. The custom target feature is beneficial for tailoring the sound to your room or preference, and the filter modes support both tracking with live monitoring and detailed mix work.

The Translation Check simulations help you anticipate how your mix will sound on phones, laptops, or earbuds without leaving your workstation. This makes it easier to collaborate remotely, as you and your clients can hear a similar reference sound regardless of the gear you each use. The systemwide app is handy for casual listening or checking mixes outside the DAW.

Key features

• Speaker calibration with measurement microphone (not included)
• Headphone calibration profiles for 280+ supported models
• Custom target adjustments in real-time
• Translation Check with predefined device simulations
• Three filter modes: zero latency, mixed, linear phase
• Additional DSP controls: mono, dry/wet, safe headroom
• MIDI mapping and user presets in the app

Best for

Best for mixing and mastering engineers, producers, and musicians who need accurate translation across speakers and headphones, especially those working in multiple rooms or with clients remotely.