IK Multimedia has announced ARC ON·EAR, a groundbreaking standalone DAC and headphone amplifier that brings professional studio accuracy anywhere. Designed for musicians, engineers, and producers who rely on headphones, ARC ON·EAR corrects the frequency response of your cans and recreates the experience of mixing on world-class studio monitors.

This compact, portable device removes the uncertainty of headphone mixing, giving users the confidence to mix, master, and produce wherever inspiration strikes.

Key Features

  • Instantly corrects headphone frequency response
  • Recreates the soundstage of real studio monitors
  • Audition mixes on over 35 playback systems
  • Functions as a standalone DAC and headphone amplifier
  • Control software for setup and up to 5 user profiles
  • Supports hundreds of popular headphone models
  • Includes rechargeable battery for up to 4 hours of use
  • USB-C and analog inputs for full device compatibility
IK Multimedia Releases ARC ON·EAR

Mix with Confidence

Mixing on headphones can be tricky. Even the most accurate models tend to color the sound, and their exaggerated stereo field makes judging spatial balance difficult. ARC ON·EAR fixes both issues by delivering a flat, reliable frequency response and a natural stereo image, so what you hear is what you’ll get in the real world.

Every Headphone, Perfected

Each pair of headphones has its own tonal fingerprint. ARC ON·EAR uses precise calibration profiles measured on advanced reference rigs to neutralize these differences. With support for hundreds of headphone models, users can expect an honest, balanced representation of their mix – clear, transparent, and true.

The Real Studio Sound

ARC ON·EAR goes far beyond plug-ins and impulse simulations. Using advanced physical modeling, it recreates how real studio monitors behave in an ideal acoustic environment. The result is a natural listening experience that feels like working in a perfectly tuned control room, without added reverb or coloration.

Built for Accuracy

Even high-end audio interfaces can subtly alter a headphone’s sound due to variations in output impedance. ARC ON·EAR eliminates this issue by using a custom-designed amplifier circuit that perfectly matches the calibration profiles used in development. The result is precise, repeatable performance across every listening session.

IK Multimedia ARC ON·EAR

Audiophile Performance

At its core, ARC ON·EAR features a 32-bit ESS SABRE® converter, a high-damping-factor, ultra-low-distortion amplifier, and a digitally controlled analog volume stage. Together they deliver pristine, high-fidelity sound quality for both casual listening and critical studio work.

Virtual Monitoring, Anywhere

Producers can instantly test mixes on more than 20 studio monitors and 15 consumer playback systems – from nearfields and hi-fi speakers to car stereos and earbuds – without removing their headphones. It’s a fast and accurate way to ensure a mix translates perfectly across every system.

Simple Control, Smart Design

The companion ARC ON·EAR Control software makes setup quick and intuitive. Users can fine-tune tonal balance, save and recall presets, and customize the onboard Function button. Once configured, ARC ON·EAR runs fully standalone for portable, distraction-free operation.

Software highlights:

  • Quick configuration and profile management
  • Adjustable tonal shaping
  • Save and load up to 5 presets
  • Firmware and database updates via USB

The ARC of Confidence

With ongoing firmware support, an expanding library of headphone profiles, and new virtual monitoring environments in development, ARC ON·EAR is designed to evolve with your workflow. Whether you’re mixing on the road, producing at home, or tracking late at night, it brings the consistency and reliability of a professional studio anywhere you go.

Pricing and Availability

ARC ON·EAR is shipping now and will be fully available worldwide by mid-November.

For more information, visit www.ikmultimedia.com