Sonarworks SoundID Reference for Multichannel is a comprehensive room calibration and speaker optimization software designed for multi-channel audio setups, including Dolby Atmos environments. This powerful tool aims to address the acoustic challenges faced by audio professionals working in immersive audio formats. By measuring and analyzing the frequency response of each speaker in a multi-channel system, SoundID Reference for Multichannel creates custom calibration profiles that compensate for room acoustics and speaker inconsistencies. The software supports configurations up to 9.1.6 Atmos setups, making it suitable for a wide range of professional studio environments. Using a proprietary measurement process involving 37 microphone positions, SoundID Reference for Multichannel generates precise equalization curves for each monitor in the system, ensuring a flat and consistent frequency response across the entire listening area. This calibration process helps to minimize the impact of room modes, reflections, and other acoustic anomalies that can color the sound and compromise mix translation.
Pros:
• Supports multi-channel setups up to 9.1.6 Atmos configurations
• Intuitive measurement process with clear guidance
• Improves mix translation and overall monitoring accuracy
• Customizable target curves for different mixing scenarios
Cons:
• Requires significant time investment for initial setup and measurement
• May introduce latency in some DAW configurations
SoundID Reference for Multichannel offers a range of features designed to optimize multi-channel monitoring environments. The measurement process is streamlined and user-friendly, guiding users through each step of the calibration procedure. The software uses a series of sine wave sweeps to analyze the frequency response of each speaker, taking into account the acoustic properties of the room. This comprehensive approach ensures that the calibration profiles address not only the individual speaker characteristics but also the complex interactions between speakers and the listening environment.
SoundID Reference for Multichannel has the ability to create custom target curves. While the default calibration aims for a flat frequency response, users can adjust the target curve to suit their preferences or specific mixing requirements. This flexibility allows for tailored monitoring experiences, such as emulating different playback systems or applying industry-standard curves like the Dolby Atmos Music target. The software also includes time alignment functionality, which is crucial for maintaining proper imaging and soundstage in multi-channel setups. By ensuring that sound from all speakers reaches the listening position simultaneously, SoundID Reference for Multichannel helps to create a more cohesive and accurate spatial representation of the mix.
Integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs) is seamless, with the calibration applied as a plugin on the master bus. This allows for easy toggling of the calibration on and off during mixing sessions, enabling quick comparisons between calibrated and uncalibrated monitoring. Additionally, the software supports exporting calibration profiles to compatible hardware units, providing a hardware-based solution for studios that prefer to keep their DAW signal path unaffected.
SoundID Reference for Multichannel also includes a translation check feature, which simulates various consumer playback systems. This tool is invaluable for ensuring that mixes translate well across different listening environments, from high-end home theater systems to mobile devices and car audio setups.
The software’s user interface is clean and intuitive, presenting complex acoustic data in an easily digestible format. Real-time frequency response graphs provide visual feedback on the calibration results, allowing users to fine-tune the settings to their liking. The ability to create and save multiple calibration profiles is particularly useful for studios that work with different speaker configurations or need to quickly switch between different calibration settings.
When compared to similar plugins and systems, SoundID Reference for Multichannel stands out for its comprehensive approach to multi-channel calibration. While some competitors focus primarily on stereo setups or offer limited multi-channel support, Sonarworks’ solution is specifically designed to handle complex immersive audio environments. The level of customization and flexibility offered by SoundID Reference for Multichannel is also noteworthy, surpassing many of its competitors in this regard. However, it’s worth noting that some high-end monitor manufacturers, such as Genelec with their GLM system, offer integrated calibration solutions that are tailored specifically to their hardware. These systems can provide a more seamless integration but are typically limited to use with that manufacturer’s products. SoundID Reference for Multichannel, on the other hand, offers a more universal solution that can work with a wide range of speaker brands and models.
This plugin is best for:
• Professional mixing and mastering engineers working in immersive audio formats
• Post-production facilities specializing in Dolby Atmos content
• Studios with complex multi-channel monitoring setups
• Audio professionals seeking to improve the accuracy of their monitoring environment
SoundID Reference for Multichannel represents a significant advancement in room calibration technology for immersive audio environments. By addressing the unique challenges of multi-channel setups, it provides audio professionals with a powerful tool to enhance the accuracy and consistency of their monitoring systems. The software’s ability to create custom calibration profiles for complex speaker arrangements, coupled with its intuitive interface and flexible target curve options, makes it a valuable asset for any studio working with immersive audio formats. While the initial setup process can be time-consuming, the benefits in terms of improved mix translation and monitoring accuracy are substantial. For professionals serious about optimizing their multi-channel monitoring environment, SoundID Reference for Multichannel offers a comprehensive solution that can significantly enhance the quality and reliability of their work in immersive audio production.