Sonarworks Reference 4 No Longer Supported?

Sky Doherty

Updated March 15, 2022 18:02

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 November 13, 2021 09:42)
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 on whether the new features are worthwhile for them. For those interested, here is a full list of the main new features in SoundID Reference:
- Custom Target - fine-tune the target curve with a built-in parametric EQ
- Translation Check - check your mix on different devices to see how their music translates outside the studio
- For listening profiles - support for earbuds and in-ear headphones with 147+ new models
- New Drivers - new WASAPI and ASIO drivers
- VST3 support - VST3 plugin is now available for both Mac and Windows
- Presets in SoundID Reference DAW plugin - create and save presets right in the SoundID Reference plugin
- Configuration Flow - control your configuration from output to preset
- L/R channel switch - swap channels to hear an audio track in a different way you're used to
- Mono mode - switch from Stereo output to Mono output to make better decisions while mixing
- Dark theme - now available in the plugin format too
- Appearance sync - allows syncing the light/dark theme with OS setting
- Responsive design - resize the app window size to your needs with a swing of a mouse
- UI Zooming - adjust the magnification level of the UI elements
- Compact View - simplify your GUI view
- Zoom feature in SoundID Reference plugin - adjust the magnification level of the plugin window
- New headphone selection wizard - revamped selection wizard with the option for models with multiple modes
- Log-in based authorization and license management - create your SoundID Reference account to log-in and register the product
- Hints and tooltips - get to know the tool you're working with
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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

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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