Sonarworks Reference 3 Now Available for Windows and Mac OS X

Sonarworks has announced the release of its room calibration software, Reference 3, for Microsoft Windows. Now Windows PC users can benefit from the overhauled user interface and increased accuracy which Reference 3 offers (The OS X version was released earlier this year).

The Reference 3 software suite from Sonarworks employs patent-pending technologies and automation which enables PC users to complete the calibration in 15 minutes or less. A unique microphone location detection technology coupled with a new interface drastically improves accuracy and consistency of acoustic measurements.

The calibration process is very simple. First, measurements are made within the listening environment using a calibrated microphone. Reference 3 then analyzes the data and generates a calibration profile for the studio. A profile is then opened with a plugin in the digital audio workstation (DAW) just before sending a signal out to the monitor speakers. When the Reference 3 plugin is enabled, the speakers are calibrated towards the chosen reference tonal balance.

Reference 3 utilizes a proprietary Perceived Acoustic Power Frequency Response (PAPFR) technology that measures and analyzes sound the way humans actually hear it. The Sonarworks Reference 3 DAW plugin uses a unique digital processing engine designed specifically for audio calibration to flatten the tonal anomalies identified in the room.

The digital processing engine is scalable in resolution of up to 16,000 adjustment points, far exceeding the adjustment level of an equalizer. The engine uses floating point mathematics and three filter phase types, each designed for different use cases.

A full description is available on the website: sonarworks.com/speakers/overview

The company is currently offering a free and fully functional 21-day software trial of the Sonarworks Reference 3 software at sonarworks.com/try-now. A measurement microphone is required to use the software.

Sonarworks offers a bundled version with a custom calibrated measurement microphone for $299.00. The download-only license is currently available for $229.00. Both bundles contain one measurement software license and two plugin licences.