The standardization methodology, called Sonarworks SR, promises to resolve the age-old industry problem of disparate sonic reference points for audio professionals — delivering the same accurate studio reference sound on speakers and headphones. By using patented, research-driven digital technologies, Sonarworks SR sets the frequency response to be like completely neutral speakers in a treated room. The calibration of headphones is done using a calibration profile pre-measured in Sonarworks lab, while speaker calibration profile is produced by a user on-the-spot using the Sonarworks measurement software.
The Sonarworks SR standard is comprised of patented sound measurement technology and professional grade signal processing. The result is unprecedented accuracy (+/- 0.9 dB) among different locations, playback devices and users. According two the Latvian company, the standard works equally well on both loudspeakers and headphones and is simple to set up.
Sonarworks SR also employs an innovative speaker measurement methodology that captures sound from 37 data-source points — which was determined by Sonarworks researchers to be the optimal point count providing superb accuracy and measurement repeatability.
"The entire professional audio community is acutely aware of the fact that every room and every headphone invariably has the effect of coloring sound. This has had an enormous negative impact on both costs and productivity — not to mention creative workflow. We estimate that at least one-third of the effort in the music industry is spent dealing with translation issues," says Martins Popelis, VP and co-Founder of Sonarworks.
"By establishing Sonarworks SR, we have an opportunity to align the entire audio industry on a common audio reference that works with unprecedented accuracy across different locations, devices and operators. We want to liberate music creators from monitoring translation issues so they can focus on musical decisions rather than working around the physical limitations of their room and gear," he adds.
Starting with the latest update to Reference 4, Sonarworks SR will be included in all of Sonarworks software products, effectively reducing the need for professionals to check their mixes on different listening systems while dramatically improving workflow and production times.
"With the launch of Sonarworks SR, Sonarworks brings us a much needed new standard on headphone calibration and compatibility," comments Rafa Sardina, a twelve time Grammy award winning producer and audio engineer. With many more nominations in his pocket, Rafa is one of many studio professionals worldwide who feel that a new standard would greatly improve music production.
Sonarwork has published a detailed white paper explaining Sonarworks SR, which can be accessed here.
www.sonarworks.com/standard
