Setting up on Multichannel speakers

SoundID Reference for Multichannel

In this article, we'll have a look at the SoundID Reference for Multichannel software, what is required to measure your multichannel system, how to register your Sonarworks License, the measurement process, and applying the calibration.

1. System requirements - check before getting started
2. Activating license - add your new product to the Sonarworks Account
3. Hardware setup- hardware-specific setup guide for successful measurement results
4. Measurement process - overview of the measurement process and tips
5. Applying the calibration - apply the calibration profile to supported devices or use the SoundID Reference DAW plugin

System & hardware requirements

• SoundID Reference for Multichannel software installed (v5.3 or later). Download here for supported operating systems:
  • PC: Windows 10, 11
  • MAC: macOS 10.14; 10.15; 11 Big Sur; 12 Monterey
• XLR to XLR audio cable
• Measurement microphone - using a Sonarworks microphone is recommended:
  • SoundID Reference Measurement Microphone - available in Sonarworks Store
  • Sonarworks XREF 20 measurement microphone
  • Use a third-party microphone, learn more here. USB mics are NOT supported
• Microphone stand for multichannel system measurements
• Ø21 microphone clip, if using a Sonarworks microphone (included in this bundle)

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.
• The measurement microphone is connected to your audio interface’s microphone input with +48v phantom power

Audio interfaces with microphone input

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

• AVID MTRX Studio

Audio interfaces without microphone input

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: 

• Avid/DAD MTRX family interfaces 

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:

Measurement process

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

1. Hardware setup -selecting the multichannel configuration and the audio interface you're working with, using test tones to verify the output channels, adjusting the microphone gain
2. Listening spot - the front L and R speakers will be measured to determine the distance and noise floor, and the listening spot will be established. You will be able to review and fine-tune the dimensions of your listening area
3. Volume matching - manual and automatic adjustment options will be provided for adjusting individual channel volume for matching levels at the listening spot
4. Room response - a series of measurements (37 in total) will now take place to measure the frequency response of your speakers and room
5. Results - Once the entire measurement process is complete, the results will be displayed - you can observe the frequency response of your setup in detail for the first time

Each stage will have an introduction and/or a Tutorial on how to proceed. Below you can review our hot tips if you've encountered difficulties during the measurement process:

• We recommend using a microphone stand and a mic clip throughout the measurement process
• Follow the visual instructions carefully and make use of Tutorials by clicking on the 'Show Tutorial'
• If you are unsure about which are the mid-range drivers in your speakers, see this article
• Try the B and C locating signals if it becomes difficult to locate the mic position
• User this troubleshooting guide, if you're unable to resolve the problem

Apply the calibration profile on supported devices

Depending on your setup there can be multiple ways how you can apply the calibration to your system. The options are ordered by the priority top-to-bottom. If several options are possible for your system, for the best results and convenience please pick the option higher on the list. Identify what is your best fit and follow the links to get to the corresponding instructions.

Exporting calibration profile to supported devices

Before exporting the calibration profile, we recommend selecting a target curve. See this guide on how to choose a target curve for a multichannel setup?

• Avid MTRX Studio
• Avid/DAD MTRX family interfaces with SPQ card

• Wayne Jones AUDIO Studio Monitors

• Other audio interfaces with EQ and Speaker delay feature (coming soon)

Applying calibration profile with SoundID Reference DAW plugin

• Classic multichannel setups up to 7.1
• Atmos setups with DAW level integrated Dolby Atmos Renderer
• Pro Tools Ultimate "Send/Return plugins" feature

Exporting calibration to the Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite 

• Dolby Atmos Renderer’s speaker calibration import

Can I use a multichannel profile in the SoundID Reference standalone app?

No, at the moment, system-wide calibration is not supported for multichannel profiles. Although the multichannel calibration profiles can be loaded in the SoundID Reference standalone app for supported device export purposes or applying a target mode before the profile export. The system-wide calibration functionality will come later on, with a free software update.

Learn more:

• Setting up with the SoundID Reference app
• Setting up with SoundID Reference DAW plugin
• Setting up on Headphones
• Use this troubleshooting guide, if experiencing any problems

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