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
This guide covers known Reference 4 installation issues and how to resolve them.
In this article:
- Compatibility and system requirements
- Antivirus, firewall, VPN
- Sonarworks domains blocked in Hosts file
- [MAC] Allow the installation in Security & Privacy
- [WIN] Security Update issue on Windows 7
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.
Antivirus, firewall, and VPN
Official Sonarworks software installers, downloaded from the Sonarworks website, are virus-free. However, aggressive antivirus and/or firewall software configuration can falsely flag the Reference 4 installer as malware and block it. Similarly, VPN software with additional safety features can block the connection between the installer and the Sonarworks domains, which is required during the installation for various purposes.
To make sure the installation isn't blocked by any such components, check and clear the Reference 4 installer from the antivirus quarantine/blocklist. If that doesn't help, disable and fully quit your antivirus/firewall/VPN software temporarily (re-enable it once done).
Sonarworks domains blocked in Hosts file
Similar to VPN software, some connections to the Sonarworks domains can be blocked in the computer's Hosts file entries. If this is the case, the 'Install' button in the installer will remain grayed out (unable to proceed), or it will fail before even getting to this step.
See here how to check the Hosts file for any potential issues: Editing the Hosts File.
[MAC] Allow the installation in Security & Privacy
When an app fails to install on macOS, it should appear in System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General ("Sonarworks SIA was blocked was blocked from use because it is not from an identified developer.", or a similar message). Click Open Anyway to continue the installation.
Note: You might have to click on "🔒" (Lock icon) in the bottom-left corner and enter your password to make changes.
[WIN] Security Update issue on Windows 7
When installing Reference 4 on Windows 7, you might encounter a "Windows 7 security hotfix needed" dialog. Click Download from Microsoft to proceed - this will take you to the official Microsoft download for the needed component. Allow the update to download and install, and restart your computer when prompted.
After rebooting your system, you should be able to start up your Reference 4 installer by pressing the Run button in the Security Warning dialog.
Note: To install the needed hotfix, Microsoft Service Pack 1 is required to be installed.
1 comment
I recently bought a new computer because mine died and I couldn't reinstall Reference 4 for headphones. I download the reference 4 installer. After the installation I tried to launch it but now the window of Reference 4 appeared then nothing else. The windows is frozen but the computer is still working.
It's a Macbook Pro with Sequia 15.3.2
Can you help me, Thank You
Robert