Reference 3 & 4 support status and system requirements

Reference 4 is unsupported and discontinued since 2021. The Reference product line continues with SoundID Reference, learn more here:

  → Reference 4 system requirements and support status
  → What's new in SoundID Reference?
  → Upgrade paths for Reference 3 and 4

Overview of Reference 4 and Reference 3 software releases, support status, component matrix, and compatibility.

In this article:

• Reference 4 support status and system requirements
  • Reference 4.3 and 4.4
  • Reference 4.1 and 4.2
  • Reference 4.0
• Reference 3 support status and system requirements
  • Reference 3.4
• Frequently asked questions
  • Will there be any support maintained for Reference 4?
  • Where can I download the latest version of Reference 4?
  • Does Reference 4 feature native support for Apple Silicon?
  • Where can I find the support content for Reference 4?
  • Can I trial or purchase Reference 4 software?
  • What are my upgrade options for SoundID Reference?

Reference 4 support status and system requirements

Reference 4 products (2017-2021) are discontinued and unsupported. Reference 4 was released in 2017, and discontinued in 2021. The final update in 2022 introduced compatibility for Windows 11 and macOS 12 Monterey, which marks the end of the active development cycle for Reference 4. 

Basic services are still in place (download, activation, and account systems), and the Sonarworks Support team can assist with basic functions, such as license activation and transfers. 

Reference 4 products are no longer available for purchase or trial. The Reference product line continues with SoundID Reference, released in March 2021. Learn more here: What's new in SoundID Reference?

System requirements for the final Reference 4 release version 4.4:

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

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 the Reference 4 license owners; submit a support request below. 

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 the 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 support status and system requirements

Reference 3 products (2015-2017) are discontinued and unsupported. System requirements for the final Reference 3 release version 3.4:

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

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

Frequently asked questions

Will there be any support maintained for Reference 4?

Yes, after the official product expiry (March 2023), basic maintenance is still carried out: installer downloads, activation, and user account systems (similar to how Reference 3 is still available for the respective owners). Setup guides, troubleshooting, and other FAQ content will still be available in our Support Center. 

Where can I download the latest version of Reference 4?

The final version of Reference 4 is available for download here: Reference 4 downloads

Does Reference 4 feature native support for Apple Silicon?

No, Reference 4 works on Apple M-series devices via the Rosetta translation environment. Native support for Apple Silicon is available with the latest SoundID Reference instead. 

Where can I find the support content for Reference 4?

Setup guides, license & activation instructions, and troubleshooting content are available in the Reference 4 section of our Support Center here.

Can I trial or purchase Reference 4 software?

Reference 4 products are no longer available for trial or on any official sales channels.

What are my upgrade options for SoundID Reference?

Available upgrade paths and instructions: Upgrade paths for Reference 3 and 4