Reference 4 plugin doesn't show up in DAW

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

How to proceed if the Reference 4 plugin is not showing up in DAW.

In this article:

• Plugin install locations
  • macOS
  • Windows
• General troubleshooting steps
  • Compatibility and system requirements
  • System refresh
  • Stereo tracks and plugin types in DAW
  • Check plugin install and scan locations
  • Rescan plugin libraries
  • Reinstall Reference 4
• Troubleshooting specific DAWs
  • Logic Pro

Plugin install locations

Before proceeding with troubleshooting missing plugins, it is essential to understand where they are located after a successful installation:

macOS

Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components/Sonarworks Reference 4 plugin.component
Macintosh HD/Library/Application Support/Avid/Audio/Plug-Ins/Sonarworks Reference 4 plugin.aaxplugin
Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/VST/Sonarworks Reference 4 plugin.vst
Macintosh HD/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/HAL/SonarworksSystemwide.driver

Windows

C:\Program files\Sonarworks\Reference 4
C:\Program files\VSTPlugins\Reference4_x64.dll
C:\Program files (x86)\VSTPlugins/Reference4_x86.dll
C:\Program files\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\Reference4.aaxplugin
C:\Program files(x86)\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins\Reference4.aaxplugin
C:\Program Files\Common Files\VST3\Reference_4_x64.vst3
C:\Program files (x86)\Common Files\Avid\Audio\Plug-Ins/Reference4.aaxplugin
C:\Program files (x86)\Common Files\Digidesign\DAE\Plug-Ins\Refrence4.dpm

Note: The list above refers to all plugin versions types across all Reference 4 update releases. See details for specific versions here: Reference 3 & 4 support status and system requirements.

General troubleshooting steps

Compatibility and system requirements

Check compatibility and system requirements. Reference 4 has been discontinued since 2021, and is compatible up to Windows 11 and macOS 12 Monterey only. Check system requirements here: Reference 3 & 4 support status and system requirements.

System refresh

• Relaunch DAW: Relaunching your DAW reloads its plugin database and configuration files. This can clear temporary glitches that may prevent plugins from showing up.
• Restart computer: A full system restart can help when the installation or DAW needs a complete system refresh for unknown reasons. It’s a simple but effective step to resolve temporary issues.
• Launch DAW as Administrator: On Windows, try running your DAW with administrative privileges. This can help it access system folders or write updated plugin cache files.

Stereo tracks and plugin types in DAW  

• Use a Stereo track: The Reference 4 plugin will not show up if you are attempting to load it on a mono track; it has to be a stereo/master output track
• Use "Sort by manufacturer": Sometimes, plugins can appear under unexpected categories. If your DAW offers a “Sort by Manufacturer” filter, use it to locate the plugin more easily (search for Sonarworks).

Check plugin install and scan locations

• Check plugin locations: Make sure the plugins were actually installed successfully and are located in the correct folders on your computer (see the install locations above).
• Check plugin scan locations: Double-check that your DAW is scanning the correct folders where your plugins are installed. Add or update the folder paths in your DAW’s plugin manager or preferences if needed.

Rescan plugin libraries

• Rescan plugin library: This ensures that newly installed plugins are properly detected by your DAW. In some cases, you may need to clear your DAW’s plugin cache or preferences (for example, deleting Pro Tools preferences) to force a fresh scan.
• Rescan DAW plugin library manually: Some DAWs have dedicated data files associated with the plugin libraries. Clear the DAW’s plugin cache/preference/config files, and clear it to force a library rescan (for example, deleting Pro Tools preferences).
• Check for blacklisted plugins: If the plugin still doesn’t appear, check your DAW’s plugin manager or scan logs for any plugins that have been blacklisted. You may be able to re-enable them manually or identify why they were blocked.

Reinstall Reference 4

• Reinstall Reference 4: It is possible for various data files associated with the plugin to become corrupt. A fully clean reinstall is often a good solution. Follow detailed uninstall instructions here: How to uninstall Reference 4.

Troubleshooting specific DAWs

Logic Pro

• Logic Pro requires a full Mac reboot to detect the plugin. Make sure you have restarted your Mac after the software installation
• Reference 4 plugin will only show up and be available to load on a stereo channel. Make sure you're applying the plugin on your master output channel and that it is running in stereo mode (see the picture below). 

Rescan the plugin in Logic Pro

If the tips above don't solve the issue, try the following procedure in order for the plugin to be rescanned: