IK Multimedia releases ARC Studio, a unique out-of-the-box hardware acoustic room correction system that instantly upgrades traditional studio monitors with breathtaking results. The system includes a standalone hardware processor,new ARC 4 software for analyzing and correcting the listening environment with additional controls; and a precision MEMS measurement microphone. For the first time in the recording industry, an affordable hardware processor can be used as a correction and calibration system for any type of studio without the limitations of a software-only system.
With the included mic connected to an audio interface, ARC 4 software guides the user through a rapid process of measuring acoustical responses within their listening position. IK's award-winning ARC technology uses this 3D snapshot to identify and completely correct all the problematic issues degrading a monitor's performance. ARC 4 stores the correction profile and loads it to the ARC Studio hardware processor, sitting invisibly between the interface and monitors to apply to all incoming signals.
ARC Studio hardware eliminates the need to insert the ARC 4 plug-in on the master bus of a project and preserves zero-latency monitoring setups. Plus it allows users to listen to their preferred streaming service with acoustically corrected monitoring without messing around with system drivers. Using ARC 4, profiles can be created and stored for every configuration, listening position or even monitor pair and quickly recalled or loaded to the processor unit at any time.
ARC Studio hardware features a 120 dB(A) analog input to analog output dynamic range, 0.5 Hz to 40 kHz frequency response, and ultra-stable clocking for vanishing low jitter, offering total sonic transparency and accuracy only found in mastering-grade audio converters. The processor unit connects to the studio and monitors via balanced XLR's with a power-safe relay-based hard bypass - so when bypassed everything is protected from sudden power- related pops.
ARC Studio can be reloaded instantly with new settings using ARC 4 software. ARC 4 now features a monitor emulation function that turns any monitor system into iconic studio monitors, plus popular hi-fi speakers and mobile devices, with breathtakingly true-to-life results, accurately reproducing the frequency and phase response of the originals. With over 20 profilesincluded in ARC 4, a single pair of monitors now lets users test a mix on different reference systems quickly, without ever having to head to the car or buy additional pairs of monitors.