.jpg)
The IK Multimedia ARC ON•EAR is a standalone headphone DAC and amplifier solution that instantly corrects your headphones' response and recreates the soundstage of professional studio monitors – so you can mix, master, and produce with confidence wherever you are.
The headphone reference you can trust
Most headphones color your sound, masking crucial details. With support for over 250 headphone models, ARC ON•EAR uses precision calibration profiles to flatten your headphones' frequency for transparent, reliable sound. ARC ON•EAR uses proprietary DSP to recreate the natural feel of studio monitors in a room, enabling precise mix decisions and achieving ideal tonal and spatial balance, depth, and width.
Turn Your Headphones into Your Favorite Speakers
Unlike plug-ins or convolution-based virtual room plug-ins, ARC ON•EAR uses proprietary DSP and physical modeling to recreate the natural feel of studio monitors in a room, enabling precise mix decisions and achieving ideal tonal and spatial balance, depth, and width.
Virtual Monitoring that Goes Beyond
ARC ON•EAR's Virtual Speaker feature lets you instantly test your mix on a range of real-world reference systems: studio monitors, car audio systems, smartphones, TV sets, and more. With over 20 virtual studio monitors and more than 15 multimedia playback systems available, you'll precisely understand how your mix translates without ever taking off your headphones.
Standalone Performance: No DAWs and No Latency
ARC ON•EAR functions as a standalone hardware unit, requiring no software, drivers, or plug-ins.
- USB-C and 3.5mm audio inputs for all sources
- Compatible with any OS, app, or playback system
- Store up to 5 presets for quick access
- Powered by a 4-hour rechargeable battery
Audiophile Sound Quality
Featuring ESS SABRE 32-bit converters, high-current headphone amplification, and a digitally controlled analog volume control, ARC ON•EAR ensures pristine sound quality.
Effortless Control
Manage headphone profiles, simulations, and presets with the dedicated ARC ON•EAR Control Software:
- Fine-tune sonics to your personal preference
- Save and load presets
- Assign functions to the user-assignable button
- Update your headphone library
Built for Practical Everyday Use
- Compact, durable aluminum chassis
- Elegant design for studio or mobile use
- Analog input (3.5mm) and digital USB-C input
- Standard 1/4" headphone out
- Comes with protective carrying case
IK Multimedia ARC ON•EAR Headphone Amplifier and DAC
Standalone Calibration
- Functions as hardware without plugins/DAWs, featuring USB-C and 3.5 mm inputs.
Headphone Optimization
- Profiles for 250+ popular headphone models for flat, neutral response.
Virtual Monitoring
- Includes room simulation and Virtual Speaker library (e.g., car stereos, TVs) for checking mix translation.
Portable Design
- Compact, rugged aluminum construction with a built-in 4-hour rechargeable battery.
High-Quality Audio
- Features an audiophile-grade DAC and headphone amplifier.
Physical Controls
- Offers 5 custom, onboard preset storage slots for rapid switching.
Zero-Latency
- Enables real-time tracking and monitoring without lag.
DAC/Amp
- ES9290, high-damping-factor amp, -110 dB THD+N.
Audio Resolution
- Up to 192 kHz sample rate.
Maximum Output
- +19 dBu.
Latency
- ~1.35 ms (Phase Align OFF) / ~21 ms (Phase Align ON).
Input/Output
- USB-C (audio + power), 3.5 mm TRS analog input, 6.3 mm TRS output.
Battery
- Built-in lithium-ion, approx. 4 hours runtime.
Dimensions/Weight
- 7.9 x 7.7 x 3.5 cm / 170 g (5.99 oz).
Compatibility
- Mac/Windows via USB-C (controls and audio).