IK Multimedia ARC ON Ear Portable Headphone Correction System

ARC ON-EAR is a transportable headphone amplifier and converter of studio quality, incorporating tonal correction and room listening simulation. It functions independently, with no need for plug-ins or extra software, featuring measured profiles for hundreds of models and internal memory for presets, delivering precise, natural and portable monitoring.

Main functions

• Tonal correction: drawing on manually measured profiles of >250 headphone models, it modifies frequency response to attain perceptual accuracy on a par with studio monitors.
• Spatial simulation: crossfeed algorithm and first reflections (without convolution) for lifelike stereo imaging, less fatigue and improved decision making on reverb, panning and amplitude.
• Full autonomy: internal memory stores up to five presets, turning it into a stand-alone headphone correction system, compatible with virtually any model.
• Audio quality: ES9290 DAC (116 dB dynamic range), digitally controlled analogue volume stage and 200 mW amplifier to drive demanding headphones.
• Design and usability: compact and built for mobility, with rechargeable battery (up to 4 h), USB-C connections, 3.5 mm analogue input and 6.3 mm headphone output. Includes control software and configurable FN button.
• Advantage over traditional solutions: corrects tonal balance and stereo image at the same time in a natural and portable manner, avoiding room simulator colouring and plug-in dependency.

Technical specifications

Audio

Sampling frequencies: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz, Frequency response: 11 Hz-77 kHz (-1 dB), Output power: 200 mW (100 mW per channel), Output design: Zero-Impedance, THD+N (1 kHz): 16 Ω -90.4 dB, 32 Ω -93.6 dB, 150 Ω -94.7 dB, 300 Ω -90.1 dB, Dynamic range (1 kHz): 16 Ω 103.9 dB, 32 Ω 107.9 dB, 150 Ω 112.7 dB, 300 Ω 116.9 dB, Maximum analogue input level: +10 dBu, Maximum output level: +19 dBu.

Latency

Phase Align OFF: 1.35 ms, Phase Align ON: ~21.0 ms (depending on selected headphone model).

Processing and Control

High definition headphone calibration, room listening simulation for critical mixes, digitally governed analogue volume control, dedicated buttons to disable calibration and simulation, user assignable button, 5 storable presets.

Connections

Analogue input: 3.5 mm jack, Headphone output: 6.3 mm jack, Digital audio input: USB-C.

Battery and power supply

Built-in lithium battery (up to 4 hours of use), USB power supply.

Dimensions and