[MAC] Unwarranted startup launch for SoundID Reference

In this article, we go into the known issue where SoundID Reference launches upon computer startup, despite it being removed from login items and the native 'Launch on startup' setting being disabled. 

In this article: 

• Unwarranted startup launch for SoundID Reference
  • With UAD Console
  • Workaround
  • On computer startup
  • When launching DAW
• Workaround
• Contact Sonarworks Support

Known issue
Issue reported: Aug 26, 2024
Article updated: Feb 28, 2025

Unwarranted startup launch for SoundID Reference

There are recorded cases where the SoundID Reference standalone app launches on computer startup, despite the feature for this being disabled and not being present in Login items. Sometimes, an unwarranted launch can also be triggered by DAW, or the Guitar Pro app. 

We are looking into these issues and will update the article once more is known.

With UAD Console

Since the integration with Apollo X devices, there are two scenarios in which an unwarranted launch of the SoundID Reference standalone app takes place:

• No supported UA hardware connected
• Supported hardware but no license present for the AMC Add-on
  
  
• Supported hardware present and active AMC Add-on present - warranted*

This is being looked into by both Sonarworks and Universal Audio teams, and a development effort will resolve these cases with a future update.

*For the third scenario, it is expected behavior and SoundID Reference will have to stay present in the background for license check purposes. As the audio driver for SoundID Reference is not present in the integration mode, this requires very little CPU. 

Workaround

For UA devices that are not supported or licensed with the AMC Add-on, it is worth reverting back to a pre-UA version release, until the issue is addressed:

1. Uninstall SoundID Reference: [MAC] How to uninstall SoundID Reference
2. Install the previous version 5.12.0.50, download here: SoundID Reference 5.12.0.50.pkg

Note: This offline installer may cause a pop message showing that SoundID Reference can't be opened. If this occurs, the workaround is mentioned here: Installation failed message.

On computer startup

The first scenario where this happens is on computer startup. Despite SoundID Reference being excluded from Login items in macOS settings or Startup Apps in Windows settings, as well as the native feature being disabled (Menu > Preferences > Launch on startup), it can happen that it gets launched. We're investigating this issue. 

When launching DAW

With some DAWs and Guitar Pro, the SoundID Reference standalone app gets launched alongside the launched program. This is not intended behavior, and we're looking into it. 

Workaround

Not in all scenarios there is a workaround available at this time (launching with DAW). For the remaining ones, follow the steps here to ensure a smoother experience. 

1. In SoundID Reference app > Preferences > and ensure that "Launch on startup" is disabled.
2. Access System Preferences > Launch items > and confirm that SoundID Reference is disabled.

The above needs to be done before proceeding. Until we fix the issue the above won't suffice, and the next steps would be:

1. Open Finder > Go > Go to Folder.
2. Enter ~/Library/LaunchAgents.
3. Delete the file named com.sonarworks.soundid.reference.systemwide.plist.

Contact Sonarworks Support

When encountering this issue, write to us by submitting a support request below. We will then keep you posted on the developments. Please share the following: 

• A screen recording of the issue
• Your log files of an affected session: Locating SoundID Reference log files
• Audio interface brand/model
• macOS version
• SoundID Reference version
• If applicable UAD Software/Console version