All
DACs — IK Multimedia ARC On Ear
Description, images, technical data and specifications
IK Multimedia ARC On Ear
Image source — © IK Multimedia
The ARC ON·EAR is a DAC and headphone amplifier with built-in correction from IK Multimedia, the Italian company known for its music production software and hardware. Launched in October 2025, IK Multimedia calls it the world's first standalone headphone correction device. It corrects the frequency response of headphones and simulates listening on studio monitors in a well-treated room, without plug-ins or a computer.
Key specs that matter
At its core sits an ESS ES9290 with a dynamic range of 116 dB and THD+N of -110 dB. The headphone amplifier delivers 200 mW. Volume is a digitally controlled analogue stage. Inputs are USB-C and 3.5 mm analogue, and the headphone output is 6.35 mm. A rechargeable battery gives up to 4 hours of standalone use. The unit stores up to five user presets and supports calibration profiles for more than 250 headphone models. Supported sample rates are 44.1 to 192 kHz, and frequency response is 10 Hz to 80 kHz at -1 dB. The unit measures 7.9 x 7.7 x 3.5 cm and weighs 170 g. The housing is aluminium, and a carrying case is included. UK pricing was about GBP 199 to GBP 249.
Engineering and use context
Headphones, even reference models, do not have a flat frequency response, and their very wide stereo separation, with each ear hearing only one channel, distorts judgments of balance and space. The ARC ON·EAR applies a correction curve for the specific headphone model, measured with reference equipment, to flatten its response. Psychoacoustic crossfeed and early-reflection algorithms then recreate the impression of loudspeakers in front of the listener, so each ear hears some of the opposite channel, as in a room. The same DAC and amplifier are used for every profile, which removes the variation that different audio interfaces would introduce, and the amplifier has a high damping factor. The digitally controlled analogue volume keeps full digital resolution at any listening level. Control software loads and customises the profiles, and virtual monitoring lets users audition a mix on other playback systems. The battery allows mixing away from the studio. IK's ARC system previously covered correction for loudspeakers, and ON·EAR extends the approach to headphones.
Pairing
The ARC ON·EAR connects to a computer, phone or audio interface by USB-C or analogue input. It is intended for headphone models that have an IK calibration profile.
Alternatives
IK Multimedia's ARC Studio is the brand's standalone hardware unit for loudspeaker systems.
Key specs that matter
At its core sits an ESS ES9290 with a dynamic range of 116 dB and THD+N of -110 dB. The headphone amplifier delivers 200 mW. Volume is a digitally controlled analogue stage. Inputs are USB-C and 3.5 mm analogue, and the headphone output is 6.35 mm. A rechargeable battery gives up to 4 hours of standalone use. The unit stores up to five user presets and supports calibration profiles for more than 250 headphone models. Supported sample rates are 44.1 to 192 kHz, and frequency response is 10 Hz to 80 kHz at -1 dB. The unit measures 7.9 x 7.7 x 3.5 cm and weighs 170 g. The housing is aluminium, and a carrying case is included. UK pricing was about GBP 199 to GBP 249.
Engineering and use context
Headphones, even reference models, do not have a flat frequency response, and their very wide stereo separation, with each ear hearing only one channel, distorts judgments of balance and space. The ARC ON·EAR applies a correction curve for the specific headphone model, measured with reference equipment, to flatten its response. Psychoacoustic crossfeed and early-reflection algorithms then recreate the impression of loudspeakers in front of the listener, so each ear hears some of the opposite channel, as in a room. The same DAC and amplifier are used for every profile, which removes the variation that different audio interfaces would introduce, and the amplifier has a high damping factor. The digitally controlled analogue volume keeps full digital resolution at any listening level. Control software loads and customises the profiles, and virtual monitoring lets users audition a mix on other playback systems. The battery allows mixing away from the studio. IK's ARC system previously covered correction for loudspeakers, and ON·EAR extends the approach to headphones.
Pairing
The ARC ON·EAR connects to a computer, phone or audio interface by USB-C or analogue input. It is intended for headphone models that have an IK calibration profile.
Alternatives
IK Multimedia's ARC Studio is the brand's standalone hardware unit for loudspeaker systems.
Specifications
Model name
ARC On Ear
Conversion type
N/A
Engine
N/A
DSD compatability
N/A
Parameters
N/A
Frequency response low +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Frequency response high +/- 3dB (Hz)
N/A
Gain (dBu)
N/A
Output Level (balanced) (V)
N/A
Output Level (single-ended) (V)
N/A
Input Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Input Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (balanced) (Ω)
N/A
Output Impedance (single-ended) (Ω)
N/A
Analog outputs
N/A
Signal to Noise Ratio (dB)
N/A
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise (% at 22 kHz)
N/A
Dimensions (mm)
N/A
Weight (kg)
N/A
Official link