SoundID Reference with Apollo Monitor Correction?

Answered
Uli
0

Hi,

 

I have been considering getting SoundID Reference for Headphones since a while. I would like to know what the advantages of also getting the Apollo Monitor Correction Addon would be. I have a UA Apollo Twin X Duo from 2022.

I understand that SoundID would then run on the Apollo. This would save me CPU load on my computer and also bring the advantage that I would not have to remember turning it off before rendering audio from my DAW.

Are these the only concrete advantages? I have a pretty fast MacBook Pro with an M1 Chip, running Live 11. I have already tried the free demo of SoundID Reference for Headphones for a while and it was not an issue adding it to the master chain. So why spend another € 50 (or € 79 after the current sale) for the Addon?

By the way it is not nice that it does not seem to be possible to contact Sonarworks directly to ask this question. There is a “contact” button on the website, but one only gets redirected through a maze of support related articles, and to this forum.

 

Thank you very much for all your help.

Uli

Related to

3 comments

Kārlis Stenders
0

Uli thanks for posting!

Using the integration instead of the app/plugin brings several advantages:

  • Eliminates the DAW render-bypass workflow — simpler and less error-prone
  • No output gain levelling challenges associated with the Safe Headroom feature in the app/plugin
  • Removes the SoundID Reference virtual output device — fewer compatibility headaches, especially with complex or multi-device setups
  • Near-zero latency performance for system-wide calibration
  • Reduced CPU usage

While we've worked hard to make the software user-friendly, it’s still a complex stack. Running it on dedicated hardware at the DSP level streamlines the experience and removes that complexity for a smoother, hassle-free workflow. If you have additional questions, I highly recommend launching the free trial too for yourself: How to trial and activate the Apollo Monitor Correction Add-on

Everything you need to know about the integration is answered in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HLm1STTljk

 

P.S. Support can be contacted by clicking the ‘Submit a request’ button under any support article: How to contact Sonarworks Support

Uli
0

Thank you Kārlis. These seem all like nice features, but as I said I had no real hassle using SoundID as a plugin. I don't quite get how these points would justify spending another € 50.

Kārlis Stenders
0

Uli, totally understandable—it really comes down to how comfortable you are with the regular workflow. If that works for you, there's no pressure to use the integration; it's up to each user to decide if it adds value.

Just to clarify, the Universal Audio integration was one of our most requested features and has been very well received—we’ve got a lot of happy AMC Add-on users.

That said, it’s hard to convey everything in this format. The best way to know if it’s worth it is to try it yourself, which is why we offer a free trial.

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