Sonarworks Reference 4 No Longer Supported?

Updated January 06, 2023 10:17

August 25, 2021 19:23

With SoundID Reference being the primary focus of Sonarworks, is Reference 4 being phased out? It looks like we're being forced to do a paid upgrade to SoundID. And, I don't see any explainer on what the differences/improvements are.

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5 comments

Kārlis Stenders November 13, 2021 09:39 (Edited January 06, 2023 10:16)
Hey, thanks for posting!

Yes, naturally there is a heavy focus on the new flagship product, but this doesn't mean that Reference 4 is left unattended. As promised, Reference 4 is still in active development (will be until March 2022), and we are addressing any Reference 4 issues, should they arise. From a legal perspective, we are, of course, fully honoring our Terms and Condition, as well as Warranty terms for Reference 4 purchases too (details here).

For more technical details, Reference 4 is fully supported, as detailed in this article: Reference 3 & 4 software releases (component matrix and support status).

To address your concern, we should clarify that nobody is forced to upgrade to SoundID Reference. It is up to the users to decide whether the new features are worthwhile for them. For those interested, here is a full list of the main new features in SoundID Reference:
- Translation Check - simulate different devices without leaving your monitoring space
- Custom Target - fine-tune the target curve with a built-in parametric EQ
- New system-wide drivers - near-zero latency audio drivers for the standalone app on Windows
- VST3 support - VST3 plugin format is now available for both Mac and Windows
- Multichannel calibration (* license upgrade required) - calibrate surround & ATMOS setups
- L/R channel switch and Mono Mode - useful new mix-check features
- Profile Export - export your calibration profile and upload it directly to supported devices
- Target Mode - switch between new calibration target modes
- 'For listening' profiles - support for earbuds and in-ear headphones with 147+ new models
- User presets in DAW plugin - configure multiple profiles with customized settings assigned
- Dark Theme & Appearance - now available in the DAW plugin, sync with OS setting supported
- Resizing, zooming, and Compact View - adjust the standalone app GUI to your needs
- Zoom feature in DAW plugin - adjust the magnification level of the plugin window
- Revamped headphone selection wizard - better visuals and multiple modes for select profiles
- Configuration Flow - revamped output preset panel
- Hints and tooltips - improved in-app instructions for getting familiar with the software
- Log-in based authorization - access everything you need from your Sonarworks Account
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Sky Doherty November 13, 2021 20:23

I'd love to at least see Reference 4 get a 'dark mode' like SoundID. Would that be possible?

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Kārlis Stenders November 14, 2021 08:02 (Edited January 06, 2023 10:17)

The dark mode in Reference 4 Systemwide is already in place, available in the Systmwide app Settings > General > Theme

For the Reference 4 plugin format - it requires rewriting the plugin code in a different format from the ground up (which we already did for SoundID Reference), so unfortunately no, the dark mode is not going to happen for the Reference 4 plugin.

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Sky Doherty March 08, 2022 02:36

Thank you. I've decided to upgrade from Reference 4 to Sound ID (Headphones) during the last sale offer. I've been emailed the code, but it does not work for upgrade. Please advise.

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Zane March 09, 2022 16:59

Hi Sky,

Thanks for reaching out, sorry to hear there is some trouble with upgrading your license.

It seems that an incompatible upgrade has been purchased. I see you have submitted a support request regarding this already and we'll assist with resolving this.

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