Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Headphones

Sonarworks True-Fi Headphone Calibration Software Review

Very few product surprise me. Sonarworks True-Fi software just happens to be one of them. This $79 download for Mac or Windows PC desktops or laptops makes headphones sound dramatically better. But how?

Sonarworks True-Fi mac software

$79 Download for PC/Mac Makes Headphones Sound Dramatically Better

Very few product surprise me nowadays. Sonarworks True-Fi software just happens to be one of them. But, before I get ahead of myself let’s break down the basics.

What is it?
Sonarworks True-Fi is an easy to install software download for Mac or Windows desktop or laptop PCs. It replaces the generic headphone audio driver with one that’s pre-calibrated to match 157 individual headphone models. Its only use case is to improve headphone listening from your computer. Any song you can play on your computer will work with it regardless of the music playback software (e.g. iTunes) or audio file format.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response with Sony MDR-V150 (calibrated)

Who is it for?
It’s for headphone listeners that primarily use their desktop or laptop computer for music listening.

What does it do?
In short it makes your headphones sound dramatically better. Under the hood is a patent-pending equalization algorithm that corrects for the acoustic deficiencies specific to the headphone used. The software effectively flattens out the frequency response. In addition, preset personalization options can be turned on to account for common hearing differences by gender and age. A manual bass adjustment slider provides the final lever of control.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response with Sony MDR-V150 (calibrated) Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response with Sony MDR-V150 (calibrated)

What you probably didn’t know?
Headphones from the same brand/model won’t always sound the same. There’s usually an “acceptable” variance in the manufacturing process, and that variance is likely to be greater in cheaper models, but not always. Of course, manufacturers want all their headphones to sound the same, but the reality is many don’t turn out that way. Because of this variance, Sonarworks individually tests every (supported) headphone to achieve a perfect calibration. You can buy headphones pre-calibrated from Sonarworks along with the True-Fi software, or you can buy the software separately and ship them your headphones (if they’re supported) for the same custom calibration. A third option is to just select your headphone from the software, and use Sonarworks estsimated (best guess) re-calibration.

Note: The frequency response curves are different for the same headphone. The right image shows the actual measurement for the headphone tested in this review. The left image shows an estimated curve among all tests of the same headphone. The flat line represents the +/- changes the software corrects for at each frequency level.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response with Sony MDR-V150 (calibrated)
Response curve (estimated)

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response
Response curve (actual, after calibration)

My tests
I received two pre-calibrated headphones from Sonarworks. An $18 Sony MDR-V150 and the $100 Marshall Monitor. Immediately I connected them to my iPhone X (with lightning adapter), but out of the gate neither was impressive and that’s being nice. Somewhat perplexed, I wondered why Sonarworks wanted me to test their software with such mediocre headphones. That is, until I ran them through Sonarworks True-Fi on my MacBook Pro.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response

Next came a quick Sonarworks install, that included activating an individualized calibration ID for each headphone. Like magic, as if a veil was lifted, both headphones sounded not just a little better, but a whole lot better! Music that was muddy and distant before became clear and distinguishable. The difference was remarkable. Crisper highs, articulate mids, and distinct bass notes. It was seriously hard to believe. Not something I say lightly. In visual terms I’d compare the difference as great as the jump from standard definition TV to 4K. It was truly that much.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

With Sonarworks True-Fi an $18 Sony headphone suddenly sounded as good as many $300 headphones. Not to be forgotten, the Marshall Monitor could now crank out notes that you just couldn’t hear without Sonarworks True-Fi.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response
There’s a nice big “Enabled” button so you know everything is working. Clicking the button toggles True-Fi on/off.

Non-calibrated headphone tests
But what could the True-Fi software do with already good sounding, more expensive headphones? Luckily I had two $400 models hanging around from past reviews — the Master & Dynamic MH40 and the Oppo PM-3. It’s worth noting, these headphones were never calibrated by Sonarworks, but each are supported by the software and selectable from a drop down menu. Therefore the acoustic correction must be based on an estimation, seemingly a very good one. The improvement wasn’t nearly as dramatic as the cheaper models, yet still surprisingly noticeable and better! I began to realize there was no going back. Once you hear what Sonarworks True-Fi can do, you won’t be able to live without it.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response with Marshall Monitor (standard) Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response with Marshall Monitor (standard)

One caveat
The bummer is Sonarworks True-Fi only works on a laptop or desktop PC / Mac. That’s means no smartphone app yet. Although I’m told an app is in the works. Until then, Sonarworks True-Fi is likely to remain a niche product for die-hard headphone fanatics that crave the utmost in audio fidelity.

The costs
$79 buys you Sonarworks True-Fi software, but calibration costs extra — at least $148, but up to $213 if the headphone has multiple listening modes such as wireless and/or noise-canceling options. Each mode must be calibrated separately, which accounts for the extra cost. Regardless, calibration is available via two methods. The fastest way (1-3 weeks) involves ordering pre-calibrated headphones direct from Sonarworks in Latvia. Otherwise ship Sonarworks a supported headphone you already own and they’ll return it with a calibration profile in 3-5 weeks. Remember Sonarworks is not tuning or changing anything inside any headphone. They’re providing a sonic upgrade that’s all done through software.

Sonarworks True-Fi Frequency Response with Marshall Monitor (standard)
Response curve (estimated)

Response curve (actual, after calibration)

Conclusion
If you happen to already have one of the 157 supported headphones, Sonarworks True-Fi is definitely worth checking out. If you’re thinking of getting new headphones, I’d highly recommending choosing a supported model whether or not you purchase a pre-calibrated headphone direct. Headphone listening with Sonarworks True-Fi now seems like the only way to ensure you get all the value you paid for.

Editorial Disclosure
Sonarworks provided True-Fi software along with the Sony and Marshall headphones. At the time of publication, Sonarworks has never been an advertiser or has committed to becoming one. Neither myself, any family members, or anyone associated with ecoustics.com has any past, present or future financial interest with Sonarworks.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

You May Also Like

Music

New Dolby Atmos Blu-ray of Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spider From Mars Delivers Stage Show Inspired Presence.

Music

Horns a Plenty: Four jazz vinyl reissues deliver vintage trumpet sounds by Miles Davis, Donald Byrd and Clark Terry in amazing fidelity for a...

Music

Dolby Atmos mix of Flaming Lips classic Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots album on Blu-ray takes earlier surround mix to the next level.

Music

A limited number of vinyl reissues will be available for Record Store Day on Black Friday, November 29, 2024.

Music

Zappa’s apostrophe (‘) 50th Anniversary Deluxe 5CD+Blu-ray Set Offers New Insights Into Landmark 1974 Top 10 Hit Including Dolby Atmos and 5.1 Remixes.

Music

Due out October 25th on LP, CD, and digital formats, the collection features 12 heart-breaking songs of passion and betrayal.

Music

A newly remastered 20 track Miles Davis compilation of 1954 recordings arrives November 22nd on 180 gram 4-LP, 2-CD, and hi-res digital.

Amplifiers

Just add in-ceiling speakers to Q Acoustics 300A Ceiling Amplifier to bring streaming music and Amazon Alexa into any room.

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers