The latest update for IK Multimedia’s headphone-correction system has just arrived, and introduces calibration for 50 popular in-ear monitoring (IEM) systems.
ARC On-Ear 1.5 extends the system’s functionality beyond traditional over-ear headphones, promising to turn a wide range of in-ear monitor options into consistent and reliable studio references. Support for 50 widely used models is included, providing users with accurate mixing and monitoring capabilities in an even more portable form factor.
For the likes of touring musicians, live engineers and producers on the move, the update means that the same in-ears used on stage or on the road can now serve as a trusted mixing reference, without the need to carry separate studio headphones. Due to their sealed design, many IEMs also provide effective isolation in high-noise environments such as planes, trains and live venues, allowing for more consistent and dependable critical listening.
IK Multimedia say that because in-ear systems couple directly with the user’s ear canal, they are not affected by the outer ear, and are also immune to the tonal variations that can be caused by positioning with over-ear cans. As a result, ARC On-Ear’s correction can be applied with exceptional precision, delivering a level of consistency and accuracy that often exceeds what is possible with traditional headphones.
"With ARC On-Ear 1.5, in-ear monitors become a truly reliable reference for professional work. For the first time, in-ear monitors can deliver the consistency and accuracy needed to serve as a true alternative to studio headphones across production, travel and live environments." - Davide Barbi, CTO, IK Multimedia
Pricing and availability
ARC On-Ear version 1.5 is available now as a free update for all registered users via the IK Product Manager. ARC On-Ear hardware is priced at $€249.99, and includes an ARC On-Ear processor, carrying pouch, USB-C cable, stereo TRS cable (3.5 mm to 3.5 mm thread-on), TRS adapter (3.5 mm to 6.3 mm thread-on) and the ARC On-Ear control software.
