Sonarworks + HeSuVi: The Audiophile Combo
Reference-grade headphone calibration meets free virtual surround. How to run Sonarworks SoundID Reference alongside HeSuVi — and the order that matters.
Why This Combo Exists
They solve different problems: Sonarworks SoundID Reference is the industry-standard headphone calibration — it flattens your specific headphone model toward a reference target with individually measured profiles. HeSuVi adds virtual surround (150+ HRIR profiles) and game-focused tuning. Calibration + surround = the most accurate headphone setup money can buy (plus the part that is free).
The Correct Signal Order
Order matters. The chain must be: Source → HeSuVi (surround virtualization) → Sonarworks (headphone calibration) → your ears. Calibration must come last — it corrects your physical headphones, so it has to process the final signal, including HeSuVi’s output. Reversed order means you are calibrating the pre-surround signal: wrong.
Setup Steps
- Install Equalizer APO + HeSuVi first; pick your HRIR profile and verify surround works.
- Install Sonarworks SoundID Reference (Systemwide app) and select your headphone profile.
- In Sonarworks Systemwide, ensure its virtual audio device sits downstream of HeSuVi’s APO in the chain — check that both are active and audio flows through both.
- In HeSuVi, disable its own EQ/AutoEq for that device — let Sonarworks own calibration to avoid double-correction.
- A/B the combo vs Sonarworks alone on stereo music: calibration should sound identical (good — surround off for music), then enable HeSuVi surround for games.
What Users Report
SourceForge users who tried this combo report no conflicts between the two, with Sonarworks’ calibration sounding ‘comfortable and clear’ on top of HeSuVi’s surround. The one gotcha: Sonarworks sets its virtual device as default — re-check your device routing after install.
Who Should Pay for This
- Worth it: you own mid-to-high-end headphones and want the most accurate setup possible.
- Skip it: HeSuVi’s free AutoEq covers ~80% of what calibration does — try that first (see EQ guide).
The Bottom Line
HeSuVi for surround, Sonarworks for calibration — in that order, never double-EQ. Try free AutoEq first; if you want reference-grade accuracy on top of virtual surround, this combo is the endgame. Check Sonarworks SoundID Reference →
New to HeSuVi? Download it here and follow the setup guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sonarworks and HeSuVi run together?
Yes — no conflicts reported. Chain order: HeSuVi surround first, Sonarworks calibration last.
Should I use AutoEq if I have Sonarworks?
No — disable HeSuVi’s EQ/AutoEq and let Sonarworks own calibration to avoid double-correction.
Is Sonarworks worth it with free HeSuVi?
For most users, HeSuVi’s free AutoEq is enough. Sonarworks is for those wanting reference-grade, individually-measured calibration.