IK MULTIMEDIA IP-ARC-ONEAR-IN Headphone Modeling Preamp

Work with confidence. Anywhere.
Traditional headphones — even “reference” models — don’t tell the whole truth. Their frequency response is never perfectly flat, and their exaggerated stereo image alters your perception of balance, timbre, and space. The result? Endless revisions, ear fatigue, and mixes that don’t translate.

Unlike conventional correction plug-ins or virtual control room systems, ARC ON•EAR doesn’t sound artificial or over-processed. Instead, it delivers the precision, depth, and trust of a real control room — inside your headphones.

ARC ON•EAR is a revolutionary standalone headphone DAC and amplifier that instantly corrects your headphone's response and recreates the experience of mixing on professional studio monitors.

For the first time, you can mix, master, and produce with total confidence — anywhere.

*Supported Headphones List

More

No guesswork, no compromise
Mixing on headphones has always meant compromise.

Even “reference” headphones color your sound, while exaggerated stereo width makes spatial judgment nearly impossible.

ARC ON•EAR solves both problems — restoring a neutral frequency response and a natural stereo image — so you can trust what you hear every time.

ARC ON•EAR changes the game

• True-to-life monitoring – Experience the natural perspective of high-end studio monitors in a properly tuned room.
  
• Pristine sound – Advanced acoustic modeling, not flawed convolution, ensures clarity and transparency.
  
• No guesswork – Get reliable, “first-shot” mixes that translate across every playback system.
  
• Consistency – Built-in amplification guarantees stable frequency response, free from amp-induced coloration.

A reference you can trust
Every pair of headphones has its own sonic fingerprint.

ARC ON•EAR uses precision calibration profiles, measured with state-of-the-art reference rigs, to ensure accurate, transparent, and reliable sound. With support for hundreds of popular headphone models, you’ll experience your mix exactly as it should sound — clear, balanced, and true.

Studio monitors — in your headphones
Unlike plug-ins or impulse-based “virtual rooms,” ARC ON•EAR uses advanced physical modeling to recreate how real studio monitors behave in an ideal acoustic space.

No artificial reverbs. No timbral coloration. Just the natural depth, width, and clarity of a real control room — right in your headphones.

Effortless control
Easily setup and fine tune your listening experience with the dedicated ARC ON•EAR Control Software.

• Quick and easy device setup
  
• Fine tune tonal balance to your preferences
  
• Save and load presets
  
• Customize the user button with your favorite functions
  
• Manage firmware and software updates

Accuracy begins with the amplifier
ARC ON•EAR’s amplifier has the lowest distortion across the entire audio spectrum compared to leading high-end interfaces and laptops.

When pushed to their limits, typical headphone amplifiers reveal their weaknesses. The plot shown here compares the total harmonic distortion of leading audio interfaces and high-end laptop headphone outputs with ARC ON•EAR, measured at high volume on a low-impedance (32 Ω) headphone.

Accuracy begins with the amplifier
ARC ON•EAR’s amplifier has the lowest distortion across the entire audio spectrum compared to leading high-end interfaces and laptops.

When pushed to their limits, typical headphone amplifiers reveal their weaknesses. The plot shown here compares the total harmonic distortion of leading audio interfaces and high-end laptop headphone outputs with ARC ON•EAR, measured at high volume on a low-impedance (32 Ω) headphone.

Virtual Monitoring that goes beyond
Instantly test your mix on a wide range of playback systems — without taking off your headphones:

• Studio monitors
  
• Smartphones
  
• Smart Speakers
  
• TV sets
  

With a growing library of virtual monitors, you’ll know exactly how your mix translates in the real world.

Standalone freedom, zero latency
No drivers. No plug-ins. No DAW required. ARC ON•EAR is a self-contained hardware system that works with any setup.

• USB-C and 3.5 mm audio inputs
  
• Compatible with any OS, app, or playback system
  
• Store up to 5 presets for instant recall
  
• 4-hour rechargeable battery
  

Take your reference studio anywhere — from the control room to the coffee shop.

Uncompromising audio quality
Powered by a 32-bit ESS SABRE® converter, a high-damping-factor, ultra-low-distortion power amplifier, and a digitally controlled analog volume stage, ARC ON·EAR delivers a truly audiophile-grade listening experience — with no compromises.

• Ultra-low output distortion
  
• No loss of resolution, even at low volumes
  
• Powers even the most demanding headphones

Built for practical everyday use

• Compact, durable aluminum chassis
  
• Elegant design, suitable for any environment
  
• Analog input (3.5 mm) & digital USB-C inputs
  
• Standard 6.3 mm headphone out
  
• Includes protective carrying case

The ARC of confidence
With continuous firmware updates, an expanding headphone database, and a growing collection of virtual monitors, ARC ON•EAR is a future-proof investment in your sound.

Whether you’re producing on the go, mixing at night, or traveling the world, ARC ON•EAR gives you the accuracy and confidence of a professional studio — everywhere.

Features

• Audiophile DAC and headphone amplifier with built-in correction
  
• Removes the guesswork from mixing on headphones
  
• Recreates the experience of monitors in a studio
  
• Virtually audition your mix on other top playback systems
  
• Control software to customize and load up to 5 profiles
  
• Support for hundreds of popular headphone models
  
• Rechargeable battery provides up to 4 hours of playback
  
• Digital and Analog audio inputs support all audio sources

Specs

Audio

• Supported Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
• Frequency Response: 10 Hz – 80 kHz (-1 dB)
• Maximum Output Level: +19 dBu
• Maximum Input Level (Analog): +10 dBu
• High damping factor output stage design
• Dynamic Range (1 kHz):
• 32 Ω: 107.9 dB
• 150 Ω: 112.7 dB
• 300 Ω: 116.9 dB

Latency

• Phase Align OFF: 1.35 ms
• Phase Align ON: ~21.0 ms (varies by headphone model)

Power

• Integrated rechargeable lithium battery
• Up to 4 hours of use
• USB-powered charging

Connections

• Analog Input: 3.5 mm jack
• Headphone Output: 6.3 mm jack
• Digital Audio Input: USB-C

Physical Specifications

• Dimensions:
  • 7.9 cm / 3.11" (W)
  • 7.7 cm / 3.03" (D)
  • 3.5 cm / 1.38" (H)
• Weight: 170 g / 5.99 oz

Package Contents

• ARC ON•EAR processor
• Carrying case
• USB-C to USB-C cable (0.6 m / 23.6")
• 3.5 mm to 3.5 mm thread-on stereo TRS cable (0.6 m / 23.6")
• 3.5 mm to 6.3 mm thread-on TRS adapter

System Requirements

• macOS (64-bit)
  • Apple M1 or Intel® Core i5
  • 4 GB RAM
  • macOS 10.15 or newer
  • macOS 11 or newer for Apple Silicon
  • One free USB port
• Windows (64-bit)
  • Intel® Core i5 or equivalent
  • 4 GB RAM
  • Windows 10 or newer
  • One free USB port