Room Analysis And Correction Using Reference 3

DSP-based room treatment tech has come on in leaps and bounds in recent years...

01 > We’ll use Sonarworks Reference 3 alongside a test microphone to analyse our project studio’s acoustic properties before correcting for them using the included DSP plug-in. We set our test microphone up in the listening position facing the monitors at around ear height.

02 > Connect the mic to the interface with phantom power enabled. Next, we’ll load the software and click Begin Analysis before selecting the Reference Grade mic calibration profile. After this, you’ll need to select and verify the input channel for the test mic – we’re on channel 1.

03 > We’ll select the output device we’re using before playing the test track provided and adjusting the volume until the dialogue is at conversation level. Now, we’ll adjust the microphone’s sensitivity – if your levels are out, the software will tell you how they need to be adjusted.

04 > Next measure the distance between speakers. Reference 3 will ask you to place the test mic no more than 15cm from the left speaker’s mid-range driver before running a test; then it repeats for the right speaker. Then click Next.

05 > We can double-check that the software’s measured distance between the left and right speaker’s mid driver is correct by using a measuring tape; if not, you can manually enter the correct figure. After this, we’ll centre the listening spot before entering the measurement phase.

06 > You’ll be asked to place the mic around the room in 24 different test positions; the onscreen display will show you where the mic is in relation to the monitors. You can save the data for use with Reference 3’s VST plug-in.