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NEW - calibration for 50 in-ear monitors and more!
IK Multimedia's ARC ON·EAR version 1.5 is a significant update that brings support for 50 popular in-ear monitors, expanding its renowned headphone calibration technology beyond traditional over-ear designs.
By applying precise correction profiles and advanced spatial processing, the update transforms compatible IEMs into reliable studio references for mixing, monitoring, and critical listening. Users can also store up to five custom profiles directly on the device, allowing instant switching between different calibrations and tonal settings.
Version 1.3 - 25 additional headphone models including AirPods Max, Audeze S20 and more!
The ARC On-Ear firmware update (v1.3) enhances the headphone correction system by adding support for twelve additional headphone models. Newly supported options include the Apple AirPods Max, Audeze S20, and HEDDphone D1 (see the features section for the full list), expanding compatibility with both popular consumer and professional headphones. With these added calibration profiles, more users can achieve a balanced, accurate listening experience, helping improve mix decisions and ensuring audio translates more reliably across different playback systems.
Accurate monitoring with no plugins or DAW needed
ARC On-Ear brings headphone correction into the hardware domain, making it possible to monitor accurately without relying on software. This device includes a built-in calibration engine that adjusts the tonal balance of supported headphones using detailed measurement data. The process corrects the natural frequency deviations in each model, ensuring you hear a flat, neutral response that can be trusted across all environments.
Unlike plugin-based solutions that require DAW routing or host software, ARC On-Ear works as a completely standalone device. You do not need to launch anything on your computer to benefit from accurate monitoring. Simply connect your headphones and audio source, and the correction is active immediately.
Up to five presets can be stored on the device, each one saving your headphone model, calibration profile, and studio simulation settings. This makes it easy to switch between headphone types or listening modes with a single button press.
Improved stereo imaging for mix decisions that translate
Headphones can make it difficult to judge panning, reverb, and spatial effects accurately. This is because the left and right signals are sent directly into each ear, creating an unnaturally wide image without the subtle cues that come from room reflections and speaker crossfeed. ARC On-Ear addresses this with a custom-designed stereo simulation engine that mimics the way sound behaves in a well-treated studio space.
The simulation uses a psychoacoustic model based on crossfeed and early reflections, rather than impulse responses or reverb. This means it recreates a natural speaker-like image without introducing phase issues or artificial colouration. The result is a more realistic stereo field that helps you make better mix decisions, especially when working on headphones for long periods or in untreated rooms.
High-end audio performance in a travel-sized box
Despite its compact footprint, ARC On-Ear includes premium components for clean, professional sound. It uses the ES9290 DAC, which delivers a dynamic range of 116 dB and a total harmonic distortion figure of -110 dB. These specifications ensure pristine digital-to-analog conversion, essential for critical listening and mix accuracy.
A digitally controlled analog volume control maintains full bit depth at all listening levels, preserving resolution even when monitoring quietly. The internal 200 mW headphone amplifier provides enough power to drive high-impedance studio headphones without loss of clarity or dynamic response. The unit is housed in a sleek aluminium shell that balances durability with a professional look, making it suitable for desktop and mobile use alike.
Built for flexibility and ease of use
ARC On-Ear fits easily into any workflow. It supports both digital audio input via USB-C and analog input via a 3.5 mm jack. The headphone output uses a 6.3 mm jack, and a thread-on adapter is included for use with standard 3.5 mm connectors. The internal lithium battery provides up to four hours of continuous use, making it ideal for remote sessions, travel, or working away from the studio.
Included in the box are a travel case, USB-C cable, stereo TRS cable, and adapter, giving you everything you need to get started. The device also features a user-assignable function button for actions like mute, dim, or quick A/B toggling. You can manage and customise all settings using the free ARC On-Ear Control Software, which allows you to organise presets, assign functions, and adjust simulation modes directly from your computer or mobile device.
What's Included
- ARC On-Ear
- Travel Case
- USB-C cable (0.6 m)
- 3.5 to 3.5mm thread-on Stereo TRS cable (0.6m)
- 3.5 to 6.3mm thread-on TRS adapter
Features
- World’s first standalone headphone correction device with studio-grade audio performance
- High-definition headphone calibration based on over 250 hand-measured profiles
- Built-in studio simulation with psychoacoustic crossfeed and early reflections for realistic spatial sound
- Fixed presets and standalone operation with no need for plugins, DAWs, or software hosts
- Studio-quality ES9290 DAC with 116 dB dynamic range and -110 dB THD+N
- Digitally controlled analog volume stage preserves full resolution at any level
- 200 mW high-power headphone amplifier drives professional studio headphones with ease
- Supports both USB-C digital and 3.5 mm analog input connections
- Stores up to five customizable presets for headphone profiles and studio settings
- User-assignable function button for quick mute, dim, or A/B switching
- Includes rechargeable battery with up to 4 hours of portable use
- Comes with a compact travel case for mobile setups
- Includes USB-C cable, stereo TRS cable, and 6.3 mm adapter for universal compatibility
- Control software app included for managing presets and personalisation
- Housed in a sleek aluminium chassis designed in Italy by IK Multimedia
- New headphones models (25 new headphone models and 50 in-ear monitor models)
Specifications
- Audio: Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
- Frequency Response: 11Hz - 77,000Hz (-1dB)
- Output Power: 200mW (100mW Per Channel)
- Output Design: Zero-Impedance Output Design
- THD+N (16Ω, 1kHz): -90.4dB
- THD+N (32Ω, 1kHz): -93.6dB
- THD+N (150Ω, 1kHz): -94.7dB
- THD+N (300Ω, 1kHz): -90.1dB
- Dynamic Range (16Ω, 1kHz): 103.9dB
- Dynamic Range (32Ω, 1kHz): 107.9dB
- Dynamic Range (150Ω, 1kHz): 112.7dB
- Dynamic Range (300Ω, 1kHz): 116.9dB
- Maximum Input Level (Analog): +10dBu
- Maximum Output Level: +19dBu
- Latency (Phase Align OFF): 1.35ms
- Latency (Phase Align ON): 21.0ms (Depends On The Selected Headphone Model)
- Power: Integrated Lithium Rechargeable Battery (Up To 4 Hours Of Use) / USB
- Connections: Analog Input On 3.5 mm Jack, Headphone Out On 6.3 mm Jack, Digital Audio Input On USB-C
- Dimensions: 7.9 cm / 3.11" x 7.7 cm / 3.03" x 3.5 cm / 1.38"
- Weight: 170 g / 5.99 oz
- Package Includes: ARC ON•EAR Processor, Carrying Case, USB C-Type To USB C-Type Cable (0.6 m / 23.6"), 3.5 To 3.5 mm Thread-On Stereo TRS Cable (0.6 m / 23.6"), 3.5 To 6.3 mm Thread-On TRS Adapter
- System Requirements (Mac® 64-Bits): Minimal: Apple M1 Or Intel® Core i5 Processor, 4 GB Of RAM, macOS® 10.15 Or Newer (macOS 11 Or Newer Required For Apple Silicon Processors), One Free USB Port Required
- System Requirements (Windows® 64-Bits): Minimal: Intel® Core i5 Processor Or Equivalent, 4 GB Of RAM, Windows 10 (64 Bit) Or Newer, One Free USB Port Required
- Dimensions (W X D X H): 7.9 Cm / 3.11" X 7.7 Cm / 3.03" X 3.5 Cm / 1.38"
- Weight: 0.17Kg / 5.99oz
- Product Code: IP-ARC-ONEAR-IN
