Using a third-party measurement microphone

If you're looking to use a third-party measurement microphone with the Reference software, refer to this guide for supported mics, how to use them in the Measure app.

In this article:

• Using third-party measurement microphones
• Modifying a third-party mic calibration file for compatibility
• Loading a "Different" mic profile in the Measure app
• Frequently asked questions
  • Can I use a third-party microphone?
  • Can I use/borrow someone else's Sonarworks microphone?
  • I've modified the file as shown above, but it is still not loading into the Measure app

Using third-party measurement microphones

Using a third-party measurement microphone is optional, but it must be an actual measurement microphone by kind, with omnidirectional capability (check your mic's manual). USB microphones are not supported. While models like ARC, ECM8000, EMM-6, and others can be used, we recommend microphones with individual calibration data for accuracy. 

For a better understanding of microphone profile compatibility, Sonarworks microphones come with three separate microphone calibration profiles included: 0°, 30°, and 90°. Here is how they are applied in the Reference software:

• 0° profile: included with Sonarworks mics for third-party use (not used in the Sonarworks software).
• 30° profile: used for 2.0 stereo measurements. If your third-party microphone has only 0° calibration data, this is sufficient to use for stereo measurements, keeping in mind there will be a small loss in accuracy.
• 90° profile: used for multichannel speaker measurements (2.1-9.1.6), keeping in mind that the 30° profile is also used for some multichannel measurement stages. For this reason, even if a 90° profile is available for your third-party mic, we can only recommend performing multichannel speaker measurements with a Sonarworks microphone.  

Note: Sonarworks cannot guarantee the accuracy of the SoundID SR (Studio Reference) flat target if a third-party measurement microphone is used. Sonarworks also cannot provide calibration files for third-party microphones. If you are using a third-party microphone, contact the manufacturer for more information.

Modifying a third-party mic calibration file for compatibility

Calibration files are usually supplied in formats like .txt or .cal, and they feature two main data points: frequency response and magnitude. The Measure app in the Reference software works with specific parameters, though, so before loading the profile, it will have to be modified for compatibility. 

1. Open your calibration file with any text editor app.
2. Remove anything that is not the values for frequency response and magnitude (Hz and dB), including titles, descriptions, phase response data, or any other text in your file.
3. Match the spacing and decimal point format exactly as shown in the example (see screenshot below).
   • Note: Make sure to use periods instead of commas.
4. Save this file as a .txt file, and our measurement software will be able to read it.

Note: If you are getting an error when trying to load the profile, the compatibility format hasn't been matched correctly. We recommend using any random Sonarworks microphone profile for a formatting example. You will find a random Sonarworks microphone profile (34A001) ↓ attached below the article ↓. 

Loading a "Different" mic profile in the Measure app

Once your microphone calibration file has been modified for compatibility as shown above, in can be loaded in the Measure app :

1. Launch the SoundID Reference Measure app.
2. Proceed to the Hardware Setup stage.
3. Select the Different measurement microphone option.
4. Click on Browse to select and load a TXT file with your mic calibration data.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a third-party microphone?

Yes, you can use a different measurement microphone with the Reference software, as long as it is a measurement microphone by kind, with omnidirectional capability. If the calibration data for your microphone is available, it can also be used in Reference. See here: Using a third-party measurement microphone.

Can I use/borrow someone else's Sonarworks microphone?

Yes, Sonarworks microphones and microphone calibration profiles are not tied to any specific licenses or users, so they can easily be shared between users (borrow from a friend, etc.). 

Note that the frequency response will change in your room over time, depending on placement, positioning, room treatment, and other properties. While you can borrow a microphone for the speaker measurements in the Reference software, it is recommended to have your own microphone for performing new measurements when needed.

I've modified the file as shown above, but it is still not loading into the Measure app

If you have already modified the calibration file for your third-party microphone as shown in the instructions above (Modifying a third-party mic calibration file for compatibility), but you are still not able to load it in the Measure app, it means there is still a formatting issue in the file.

To resolve the problem, follow these steps:

1. Download the "34A001" example file attached ↓ below the article ↓.
2. Open the example file, and your own microphone file with any text editor app (for example, Notepad).
3. Review the formatting between both files: spacing, characters (especially "," comma and "." dot differences), decimal point count, additional text lines at the top or the bottom of the file, or another similar issue. The file format should match the example file exactly. 

Note: Some text editor apps can automatically hide certain formatting differences, such as spacing. To double-check, try an additional/secondary text editor app (for example, Notepad++ or any other free alternative).