IK Multimedia ARC ON-EAR - Standalone Headphone Calibration System and Amplifier
The IK Multimedia ARC ON-EAR marks a turning point in portable music production, establishing itself as the world's first truly self-contained headphone correction system. This compact device is not simply an amplifier; it's a comprehensive acoustic engineering solution that combines an audiophile-grade D/A converter, a powerful headphone amplifier, and a sophisticated DSP processor dedicated to calibrating and simulating studio environments.
Designed for mixing engineers, producers, and musicians who need complete confidence in what they hear, regardless of their location, the ARC ON-EAR eliminates the traditional limitations of headphone mixing. By integrating the correction technology of the acclaimed ARC series directly into the hardware, it enables latency-free operation without relying on plugins on your DAW's master bus, freeing up CPU resources and ensuring consistent audio reference, whether you're connected to a computer, tablet, or analog mixing console.
Its robust construction and intelligent design make it the missing link between the precision of an acoustically treated studio and the mobility of a headphone system, offering sound fidelity that was previously only possible in high-end control rooms.
Main features
-
Precise tone correction technology: The system operates using meticulously measured profiles from a laboratory. It currently boasts a database of over 250 headphone models from the most prestigious brands. The device adjusts the frequency response curve of your specific headphones to eliminate unwanted colorations, achieving a flat and neutral response essential for critical decision-making.
-
Advanced Spatial Simulation (Realistic Immersion): Unlike standard convolution reverbs that can muddy the mix, the ARC ON-EAR employs crossfeed algorithms and controlled first reflections. This recreates the physics of sound traveling from studio monitors to your ears in a real room, providing a natural stereo image and avoiding the listening fatigue typical of extreme channel separation in headphones.
-
Audiophile-grade hardware: At its core is a high-definition ESS Sabre ES9290 DAC , capable of delivering 116 dB of dynamic range and ultra-low harmonic distortion (-110 dB THD+N). This is complemented by a digitally controlled analog volume stage to maintain full resolution at any listening level.
-
100% Standalone Operation: Once your profiles are loaded via the control software, the device processes the audio internally. You can store up to 5 presets (different headphones or target curves) and switch between them with a physical button, making it compatible with any audio source, from professional interfaces to synthesizers and mobile players.
-
High-power amplification: Its integrated 200mW amplifier has the ability to easily handle high-impedance headphones, delivering deep bass, fast transients, and crystal-clear clarity without distortion.
Benefits for audio professionals
The main benefit of the ARC ON-EAR is reliability and portability . By flattening the response of your headphones and simulating a physical mixing environment, your decisions regarding EQ, panning, and reverb levels will translate much better to other playback systems (cars, Bluetooth speakers, PA systems).
Furthermore, it solves the problem of "mix blindness" when changing locations. If you travel between studios or work in hotel rooms, the ARC ON-EAR ensures your monitoring reference is always consistent. Its ability to emulate different playback systems (near-field monitors, Hi-Fi systems, mobile devices) allows you to perform A/B translation checks with the touch of a button, without removing your headphones.
Use cases
-
Mixing and Mastering on the Move: Ideal for engineers who need to finish projects on trains, in hotels or in dressing rooms, ensuring that the bass is not out of control or the vocals are not too loud.
-
Recording and Monitoring for Musicians: Singers and instrumentalists can hear themselves with a natural and spatial reference, which improves the performance by reducing the claustrophobic feeling of isolation from closed headphones.
-
Integration into "Dawless" setups: With its analog input and battery, it's perfect for hardware synthesizer and drum machine users who want studio sound without turning on a computer.
-
Audiophile Listening: Thanks to its high-end DAC, it is an excellent device for enjoying high-resolution music with the highest possible fidelity.
Differences compared to traditional solutions
ARC ON-EAR overcomes the limitations of conventional tools:
-
Compared to correction plugins: Plugins consume CPU, add latency, and only work within your DAW. If you're listening to a reference track on YouTube or Spotify, the plugin won't affect it. ARC ON-EAR corrects all the audio in your system because it's external hardware.
-
Compared to Room Simulators (Plugins): Many simulators excessively color the sound. ARC ON-EAR prioritizes perceptual accuracy and transparent tonal balance over exaggerated effects.
-
Compared to standard amplifiers: A normal amplifier only increases volume, but it also amplifies the frequency response flaws of your headphones. ARC ON-EAR corrects those flaws before amplifying.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Do I need to have my computer connected all the time?
No. You only need the computer initially to configure and load your headphone profiles into the device's internal memory. After that, it works completely independently using its battery.
-
Is it compatible with my headphones?
It's very likely. IK Multimedia constantly updates its database, which already includes more than 250 models from the most popular studio and Hi-Fi brands.
-
How long does the battery last?
The integrated lithium battery offers up to 4 hours of continuous use in high power mode, recharging via USB-C.
-
Can I use it as an audio interface?
It functions as a high-quality output DAC (digital-to-analog converter) connected via USB, and also accepts analog signals through its 3.5mm input.
Project description
Portable D/A converter and headphone amplifier with integrated DSP processor for frequency response correction and studio monitor emulation. The device features an ESS Sabre ES9290 DAC offering a dynamic range of 116 dB and a total harmonic distortion (THD+N) of -110 dB. It has a 200 mW amplifier stage capable of driving both high- and low-impedance headphones. Internal memory stores up to 5 measured calibration profiles (based on a database of over 250 models), which can be operated independently without a computer connection. Physical connectivity includes a USB-C digital input (audio and power), a 3.5 mm TRS analog line input, and a 6.3 mm TRS headphone output. The compact chassis features assignable physical controls, a digital volume control, and a rechargeable lithium battery with up to 4 hours of battery life.
