1. SoundID Reference Support Center
  2. Using SoundID Reference
  3. Setting up with Speaker Calibration

Setting up on Multichannel speakers

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Artjoms K. Follow
Updated

In this article:

  1. System & hardware requirements
  2. Activating license
  3. Hardware setup
  4. Speaker measurements
  5. Applying calibration on your system

 

System & hardware requirements

[MSR] Multichannel setup.png

 

  • Supported operating system:
    • Windows 10 (or later)
    • macOS 10.14 Mojave (or later)
  • SoundID Reference for Multichannel software installed (download here)
  • Multichannel speaker system (2.1 - 9.1.6)
  • Audio interface with +48v Phantom Power
  • XLR to XLR audio cable
  • Measurement microphone (using a Sonarworks microphone is recommended):
    • Sonarworks measurement microphone - available in Sonarworks Store
    • Third-party measurement microphone, learn more here. 
  • Microphone stand for multichannel system measurements
  • Ø21 microphone clip, if using a Sonarworks microphone (included in this bundle)

 

register.png

Activating license

To use SoundD Reference for Multichannel, you will need to add a Multichannel product license to your user account:

  1. Log in to your Sonarworks Account
  2. Click on 'Register a new license'
  3. Enter your license activation key
  4. Click on 'Activate on this device'

 

SoundD Reference for Multichannel is available in Sonarworks Store, or at your local distributor: find a dealer. See upgrade options for existing Sonarworks license owners here: SoundID Reference upgrade paths

A free trial is available here, and trial extensions are available in your Sonarworks Account.

 

Hardware setup

Follow these steps to prepare your setup for the measurements:

  • If your audio interface or speakers feature EQs and/or delays applied to the speaker outputs, they must be turned off for all of the channels before proceeding
  • If bass management is applied to your setup, make sure it is enabled before the measurements. Learn more here: Setting up subwoofer/LFE for multichannel calibration
  • The measurement microphone is connected to your audio interface’s microphone input with +48v phantom power

 

Audio interfaces with microphone input

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If you have an audio interface with a microphone input, proceed with the measurement process. For additional instructions on specific devices see here:

 

Audio interfaces without microphone input

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If your audio interface does not have a microphone input, you will need to use an external microphone preamp and connect it to one of your interface analog inputs. See specific full walkthrough instructions: 

No input (preamp).png

Alternatively, you can use a network audio-enabled audio interface to connect an external microphone preamp, and route the microphone signal to your multichannel interface over a network connection:

Network audio enabled audio interface (Dante).png

 

Speaker measurements

To begin, launch the SoundID Reference Measure app. The 5-step measurement process will take around 40-50 min to complete, depending on the complexity of your multichannel system:

  1. Hardware setup - setting up your hardware, I/O, and audio settings
  2. Listening spot - establishing the dimensions of your listening area
  3. Volume matching - adjusting individual channel volume for matching levels
  4. Room response - a series of 37 measurements of your room and speakers
  5. Results - once the measurement process is complete, the results will be displayed

Hot tips:

  • Follow the visual instructions carefully and make use of Tutorials by clicking on the 'Show Tutorial'
  • If you're unsure which are the midrange drivers in your speakers, see this article
  • If it becomes difficult to locate the microphone, try the B and C locating signals in Measure app Settings
  • If you're getting stuck, use this guide: Multichannel speaker measurement troubleshooting guide 

 

Applying calibration on your system

After the speakers have been measured, calibration can be applied in 3 different ways. Identify what is the best fit for your system and workflow, and follow the guides below.

 

  • SoundID Reference DAW plugin
    Perfect for music production and mixing process, featuring a Zero Latency filer. All major plugin formats are supported: AU, AAX, VST2, VST3. Follow this guide to get started: Setting up with Multichannel DAW plugin

  • SoundID Reference supported devices
     Export your calibration profile for supported devices. Upload and run the calibration directly on your hardware DSP. See the list of supported devices and get started here: Exporting a calibration profile for supported devices

 

IMPORTANT! Sytem-wide calibration is currently not supported for multichannel calibration profiles. It is possible to load multichannel profiles in the SoundID Reference standalone app, but only stereo calibration will be applied on your front L and R speakers. Full support of multichannel calibration in the standalone app will be developed in the future, with a free software update.

The current purpose of loading multichannel profiles in the standalone app (in stereo) is to preview and adjust Target Mode, and other DSP settings, and export the profile for supported devices. 

 

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If you require additional assistance, reach out to us by submitting a support request below.

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