Reference 3 & 4 software releases (compatibility and component matrix)

Overview of Reference 4 and 3 software releases and status, their component specifics as well as operating systems that they are compatible with. 

In this article:

• Reference 4 and Reference 3 compatibility overview
• Reference 4.3 and 4.4
• Reference 4.1 and 4.2
• Reference 4.0
• Reference 3.4

Reference 4 and Reference 3 compatibility overview

Reference 4 system requirements for the final release version 4.4:

• PC: Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
• MAC: macOS 10.12, 10.13, 10.14, 10.15, 11 Big Sur, 12 Monterey

Reference 4 products (2017-2021) are discontinued and unsupported. Basic services and support systems and still in place, learn more here: Reference 4 support status.

For those still using Reference 4, the final 4.4 release is the recommended version to use. Reference 4.2 and 4.0 versions are also available for older macOS operating systems going back to macOS 10.9.

Reference 3 system requirements for the final release version 3.4:

• PC: Windows 7, 8, 10
• MAC: macOS 10.9, 10.10, 10.11 10.12, 10.13, 10.14

Reference 3 products (2015-2017) are discontinued and unsupported. For those still using Reference 3, 3.4 is the only recommended version to use.

Reference 4.3 and 4.4

Reference 4.3 introduced a complete user interface redesign, and a new driver architecture, with ASIO Output Mode, User Presets, and a new headphone selection wizard as the major new features. This driver architecture was refined and stabilized with 4.4, with more supported operating systems and features added, such as MIDI mapping, Dark theme, and VST3 support on Windows.

Final releases: 4.4.10.11 [WIN], and 4.4.9.11 [MAC] - downloads here, release notes here.

* VST3 [WIN] is not included in the installer but is available to Reference 4 license owners. To obtain the VST3, submit a support request below. 

* Linux VST was available in Beta, but was never officially released. It is available to Reference 4 license owners, submit a support request below. 

* Support for Windows 11 and macOS 12 Monterey was introduced with final versions 4.4.10.11 and 4.4.9.11 (not available in previous versions). 

Reference 4.1 and 4.2

Reference 4.1 introduced a redesigned user interface, and a rebuilt Measure app as the main new features. The new Measure app included ASIO support and an improved 37-point speaker measurement system. This iteration was refined and stabilized with version 4.2, with more supported operating systems and features added, such as in-app headphone profile downloads and other online-based features.

Final release: 4.2.2.46 - downloads here, release notes here.

* Linux VST was available in Beta, but was never officially released. It is available to Reference 4 license owners, submit a support request below. 

Reference 4.0

Reference 4.0 was a direct continuation of Reference 3, with zero latency and system-wide capability as the main new features. The user interface and design remained close to Reference 3, but the DAW plugin was now capable of true-zero latency, and the Systemwide app was now included by default in both the Headphone and Speaker versions of the software.

Final release: 4.0.115 - downloads here, release notes here.

Reference 3.4

Reference 3 introduced headphone calibration with a rapidly expanding ready-to-use supported headphone model base, as well as the basic DSP features and user interface that the Reference product line is known for. Version 3.4 introduced the Systemwide app, featured as a paid product license expansion. 

Final releases 3.4.1.6 (plugin and Measure app); and 3.4.1.11 (Systemwide app) - release notes not available, downloads here:

• Reference 3 plugin - download here
• Reference 3 Measure - download here
• Reference 3 Systemwide - download here