How to upgrade a Sonarworks Reference license

Sonarworks product licenses can be upgraded to newer or higher-tier versions with a straightforward process via your Sonarworks User Account. Follow this guide for upgrade instructions.

In this article:

• How to upgrade a Sonarworks Reference license
• Upgrade paths
  • Upgrade paths for Reference 3 or Reference 4
  • Upgrade paths for SoundID Reference
  • Upgrade bundles with Virtual Monitoring Add-on
  • Frequently asked questions
    • I have purchased an incompatible upgrade code?
    • I own an EDU license, can I upgrade to a full license?
    • Can I convert my EDU license to a regular license (without any upgrades)?
    • Is the Multichannel upgrade available in EDU?

How to upgrade a Sonarworks Reference license

The Sonarworks Reference product line licenses can be upgraded with a simple process in the user account system. To upgrade a license, you will need the original product license key registered in the account (the product license you are applying the upgrade to), and a license upgrade code.

1. Log into your Sonarworks Account
2. Click on the 'Upgrade license' button under your existing product license
3. Enter your license upgrade code

If your current license is missing from the account, you most likely find it in your email history; see here: Where can I find my activation key/upgrade code?

Similarly, if the license is present, but the the 'Upgrade license' button is missing under it, it means this license has already been used for an upgrade. Search your email history for any other license keys that haven't been registered.

After executing these steps, the new upgraded license will become available in your account, and further instructions for downloads, installation, and activation will be shown.

Upgrade paths

Here is a simple visualisation of the available and compatible upgrade paths, including Educational license upgrades (EDU), and the upgrade product store links listed below. Upgrade bundle deals are also available for specific upgrades (with the measurement microphone and/or an Add-on license included).

Note: Upgrade paths compatible with your current license are also displayed in your Sonarworks Account, with direct links to Sonarworks Store products (click on the 'Upgrade ...' button under your current license).

Upgrade paths for Reference 3 and Reference 4 

• Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Headphone to SoundID Reference for Headphones
• Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Headphone to SoundID Reference for Headphones | EDU license
• Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Studio to SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones
• Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Studio to SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones | EDU license
• Upgrade from Reference 3 or 4 Studio Edition to SoundID Reference for Multichannel

Upgrade paths for SoundID Reference

• Upgrade from SoundID Reference for Headphones to SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones
• Upgrade from SoundID Reference for Headphones to SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones | with Measurement Microphone
• Upgrade from SoundID Reference for Headphones to SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones | EDU license
• Upgrade from SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones to SoundID Reference for Multichannel

Upgrade bundles with Virtual Monitoring Add-on

Existing SoundID Reference licenses can be upgraded to higher tier versions with the Virtual Monitoring Add-on included in an upgrade bundle:

• Upgrade from SoundID Reference for Headphones to Speakers & Headphones | with Virtual Monitoring Add-on
• Upgrade from SoundID Reference for Headphones to Speakers & Headphones | with Measurement Mic + Virtual Monitoring Add-on
• Upgrade from SoundID Reference for Speakers & Headphones to Multichannel | with Virtual Monitoring Add-on

See all license upgrade products and upgrade product bundles here: Sonarworks Store | Software Upgrades.

Note: Custom upgrade paths are not available - the only upgrade options are the ones listed above.

Frequently asked questions

I have purchased an incompatible upgrade code?

If you have purchased an upgrade that is incompatible with your current license, you'll see this dialog when trying to apply the upgrade in the account: "This upgrade code cannot be used with your current license"

Contact Sonarworks Support to resolve the issue (click the 'Submit a request' button below).

I own an EDU license, can I upgrade to a full license?

Yes, regular licenses and educational licenses can be cross-graded within the upgrade path structure explained above. The resulting upgrade output license type will be determined by the upgrade type applied:

• Apply a regular upgrade on an existing EDU license - the upgrade output will be a regular license.
• Apply an EDU upgrade code on an existing regular license - the upgrade output will be an EDU license.

Can I convert my EDU license to a regular license (without any upgrades)?

Yes, such solutions are available. For example, if you own an educational license of SoundID Reference for Headphones, it can be converted to a regular Headphones license. However, it is only possible if the original license was purchased in the Sonarworks Store (not from a third-party seller).

Contact our support team for solutions. 

Is the Multichannel upgrade available in EDU?

No, SoundID Reference for Multichannel is not available in the Sonarworks educational program. Only the regular upgrade options are available for Multichannel, although you can still apply a regular Multichannel upgrade on an existing EDU license, as explained above.