Anyone try Sonarworks Headphone Calibration?

I first read about this on CHANGSTAR. I downloaded the plug-in once but never installed it. It works with a variety of headphones.

Quote from Sonarworks on their Headphone Calibration Plug-in:

"Headphone calibration is the process of measuring and adjusting the frequency response of headphones in order to precisely match flat sounding studio monitors in a well treated studio. Standard studio headphones are transformed into perfectly-engineered precision devices. By giving yourself the gift of accurate sound, you can mix and engineer with total confidence."

Like I said, I downloaded it but never tried it, it works with a great variety of headphone models. Since I never have tried the plug-in, I cannot comment on how good it is, but since they have a free 21 day trial, it may be worth checking out.

More information can be found here:
http://sonarworks.com/headphones/overview/

 

I think there were many opinions on our stuff in the HD650 and HD800 thread. Might be worth checking out!

We're still pretty pro-audio oriented, so getting the plug-in working for regular listeners might be a bit challenging. I'd try VST wrappers for Foobar, Jriver has it's own plug-in engine. For Apple it's super convenient to use Audio Hijack for system-wide calibration effect.

 

The plug-in can also be used in DAWs like Cakewalk Sonar, Avid Pro tools, etc.

 

The plugin also works in Audirvana+ (I installed but haven't activated it yet).

 

I got the trial version and tried it out with the averaged correction curves provided for the Sennheiser HD-650 and AKG K-702.
Even with these generic curves, it is a very worthwhile product. I purchased the plugin and am using it primarily with Pure Music,
but also with Audirvana and Fidelia, all of which support Audio Units.

The plugin provides a nice interface where you can select the "flat" curve or specify bass adjustment and a tilt for the overall
curve. This "bass + tilt" feature is a great way to get the end result you may be looking for. IMO.
You can also choose other flavors, e.g., the predefined B&K curve.

I'm considering sending in one of my headphones for the individual calibration service. But which one to send?

 

Audio Hijack is terrific.

However, to get system-wide application on macOS, you may be interested in a free option as described here by wgscott.
Hilariously, when you try to install Apple's AU Lab, El Capitan will advise you that this is by an unknown developer. If you
get that, you need to do the override in System Preferences ->Security & Privacy.

 

Is it possible to generate a flat response profile for a headphone based on preexisting frequency response data?

e.g. from this: http://en.goldenears.net/41902

 

In theory - yes, in practice... it depends. Mostly on how the measurements have been done. You need to understand that the outcome of headphone calibration depends largely on two things:

1. The compensation curve, so you get a good idea how one's ears will work with a headphone.
2. The measurement method so you get good data on how the headphone performs.

I think that the Goldenears measurements could be used for calibration, however not on our plug-in and not without looking into generating a compensation curve.

 

This plugin is pretty good for using VSTs within foobar. I've used EasyQ and the Sonarworks Reference 3 with it:

http://www.yohng.com/software/foobarvst.html

 

Did you calibrate your HD650's with it Gunner?

 

Yeah, with the headphone plugin and the speaker plugin using the No Limits curve. I didn't send my pair in though. Mine is also modded, so the effects are probably a bit different. Most noticeable difference is within the subbass when playing electronic music.

 

I used to use that until I found this: https://www.hydrogenaud.io/forums/index.php?showtopic=84947

foo_vst lets you activate/deactivate as if it's a normal plugin in foobar2000. Pretty cool.

 

I use it all the time with my 650s. Does wonders for the overall balance but then you will notice a little bit of that treble grain happening.

I also use the speaker side of the plugin for room correction.

Overall I feel that you lose a bit of everything (resolution/stage etc...) but the FR balance is much better (aka: closer to flat). A good (possibly great) trade depending on what you are listening to.

Anyhow, strongly recommended to try it out. It integrates perfectly with Audirvana+ under OSX. If you are going to buy wait for at least a 10-15% off coupon, they do those all the time.

 

I also tried it with the dt990/600. The preset is for the 250ohm version but I think it works fairly well in flattening out the dt990's response. While the FR is flattened, it doesn't necessarily get rid of the driver resonances. Using a combination of mods (open cell foam and rugliner) + Sonarworks reference 3 did wonders.

 

the trick is working with cans that are modded as @thegunner100 pointed out to me the other day. If your headphones have a calibration preset with Sonarworks, it may not work correctly if your cans are modded

 

Good point -- no guarantee that the 'averaged curves' will suit a modified headphone.

On the other hand, they (amazingly) offer individual calibration so you can get a custom curve for your custom cans.

 

I have had very good experience with Fidelia on my Mac. I use the Nova-67P plugin as a parametric EQ (Compressor turned off...) since it sounds nice and transparent and includes an active analyzer. Oh, and it's free. Take a look: https://vladgsound.wordpress.com/plugins/nova67p/


(Edited so I don't sound as illiterate...)

 

Or you can just buy a calibrated headphone from them if you don't want to mail your stuff to Latvia. They offer good deals on the German classics.

 

Hey guys! We just made a blog post about how to set up Sonarworks calibration for system-wide audio. Might be worth checking out!

http://sonarworks.com/2016/03/system-wide-calibration/