Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $93
Budget/Beginner
$100
$401+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Sonarworks XREF20". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unlock the true potential of your sound with the Sonarworks XREF20, an exceptional tool for any audio professional striving for precision. This measuring maestro is designed to work seamlessly with the SoundID Reference software, delivering unparalleled accuracy that ensures your monitoring system is finely tuned to perfection. With its pre-polarized electret-condenser capsule and omnidirectional polar pattern, the XREF20 captures every nuance of your environment, providing a precise frequency response that is accurate within the audible range.
Each microphone is individually calibrated, offering a custom-tailored calibration profile that maximizes precision, whether you're using SoundID Reference or a third-party system. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that your setup is free from sample-to-sample irregularities, making the XREF20 an essential component for achieving consistent and reliable sound across various production environments.
Elevate your audio experience with this indispensable measurement tool, and let the Sonarworks XREF20 guide you to sound clarity and balance like never before.
Key Features:
- Pre-polarized electret-condenser capsule with omnidirectional polar pattern
- Individually calibrated against an ANSI-certified measurement microphone
- Frequency range: 20 - 20,000 Hz
- Sensitivity: 14mV / Pa
- Inherent noise: 24 dB
- Signal-to-noise ratio: 65 dB (A)
- Dynamic range: 106 dB
- Max. sound pressure level: 124 dB
- Requires 48V phantom power
- Connection: XLR 3-pin
- Comes with calibration profiles in .swmic format for SoundID Reference and .txt for third-party use
- Includes a 21-day trial version of SoundID Reference software
Videos
Franks Werkstatt der Lautsprechertechnik
#MESSMIKROFON #VORVERSTÄRKER PERFEKT KOMBINIERT | Sonarworks XREF 20 & Monacor MPA-102 im Messlabor
Reviews
PROS
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Enhances mixing and mastering abilities with VST in professional software
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Provides very true, flat sound in imperfectly treated rooms
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Quality build and European manufacturing add credibility
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Comes with calibration profiles for precise audio adjustments
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Flat frequency response suitable for various recording purposes
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Reasonably priced compared to high-end microphone brands
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Packaging appeals to users valuing aesthetics
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Improves studio acoustics for more accurate mixes
CONS
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Does not come with software license; separate purchase necessary
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Lacks accessories like a hard plastic case and mic clip
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Not as effective with extreme frequency deviations (50hz to 100hz)
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Price higher than some budget options, which may offer more accessories
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Sonarworks XREF20.
Features and functionality
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The XREF20 includes two calibration files: 0-degree for on-axis measurements and 30-degree for off-axis, enhancing precision in various acoustic setups.
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Use cases and applications
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For room acoustics, point the XREF20 directly at each speaker for individual measurements and consider the 30-degree file for capturing left + right speaker interactions.
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When using the Sonarworks mic for live sound, pointing it straight up is recommended for alignment work, as it is a random incidence mic.
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The XREF20 is preferred for its XLR connection, allowing integration with devices like the Zoom H5 for recording and measurement purposes.
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Software and compatibility
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The 30-degree calibration file is in a Sonarworks format, which isn't directly supported by REW, necessitating alternative handling for accurate off-axis measurements.
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The calibration file for the Sonarworks mic cannot be directly used in Smaart, but Smaart can accept microphone calibration files through its Microphone Correction Curves feature.
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Some users construct custom calibration files to match the UMIK-2 and ECM8000, achieving accuracy within 1 dB from 20Hz-20kHz, showcasing the potential for improved precision.
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User experience
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New users experimenting with room acoustics often begin with separate left and right speaker measurements, then progress to combined measurements for comprehensive acoustic analysis.
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An owner switched from a DBX mic without an individual calibration file to the Sonarworks mic and identified a notable improvement in midrange accuracy.
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Comparisons
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The Sonarworks XREF20 is essentially a Behringer in build, while the Beyerdynamic MM1 offers superior construction, making it a better long-term investment despite being pricier.
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The Sonarworks XREF20 is cheaper than the Behringer ECM8000 in some markets, offering a factory-provided individual calibration file, unlike the Behringer's need for third-party calibration.
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The Dayton EMM-6's calibration file is reportedly less reliable, and its availability in Europe is limited, making the XREF20 a more accessible alternative for precise measurements.
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Setup and maintenance
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For Sonarworks calibration, the XREF20 mic should be aimed between speakers, not upwards, as its calibration file is designed for 30-degree off-axis measurement.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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