IK Multimedia ARC ON EAR Headphone DAC and Amp

On the road, in a hotel room, or at home — reliable sound can’t wait. The IK Multimedia ARC ON•EAR headphone DAC and amp delivers just that, flattening the frequency response of over 250 headphone models with precision calibration profiles and proprietary DSP. Its Virtual Speaker engine recreates the feel and depth of studio monitors in headphones, letting users make confident mix decisions far from their main room. With USB-C and 3.5 mm inputs, four switchable presets, and battery power for travel, the ARC ON•EAR suits remote sessions, mobile production, and home studios. Users can test mixes on simulated systems—like car speakers or phones—without switching devices, making it easy to check translation before delivery.

Precision Calibration Profiles Flatten Headphone Response

Every set of headphones colors sound a little differently — ARC ON•EAR evens the playing field. Measured using state-of-the-art rigs, the unit’s calibration profiles adjust the sound of more than 250 headphone models. Each profile uses DSP to deliver a neutral, transparent listening experience. By removing color from the headphones, users hear every mix detail as intended. This means less guesswork and fewer surprises when moving a mix between different playback systems.

ARC ON•EAR Virtual Speaker Simulation

Wonder how your track will feel in a car, on earbuds, or through a big pair of monitors? ARC ON•EAR lets you hear it before you leave your chair. The proprietary Virtual Speaker feature models real-world playback systems, from studio monitors to car audio and smartphones. This simulation goes beyond convolution plug-ins, using physical modeling to deliver depth, width, and spatial balance. With over 20 virtual monitors and 15 multimedia systems available, users hear how their mix translates for audiences before leaving their headphones. This helps spot problems early and make mix choices with confidence.

Get to Work With the ARC ON•EAR Headphone Amp

No DAW, no drivers, no fuss — ARC ON•EAR runs on its own. USB-C and 3.5 mm inputs work with any source, while the 6.3 mm headphone output fits standard gear. Users can store up to five presets and switch with a button press. The built-in battery runs for four hours and charges via USB-C. The included software provides deeper control for calibration style, EQ, and speaker simulation. This setup streamlines workflow, with everything needed for mobile mixing in one box.

Aluminum ARC ON•EAR DAC Built for Studio and Travel

Gear that travels needs to be tough, and ARC ON•EAR is built for it. The compact, lightweight unit features a durable aluminum shell, digitally controlled analog volume, and an ESS SABRE® 32-bit converter for clean audio. A protective case is included for travel, keeping the unit safe in backpacks or gear bags. Materials and build quality support heavy use, from home to hotel rooms to live events.

Real-World Mixing With the ARC ON•EAR Headphone DAC

Mixing on headphones doesn’t have to feel like a compromise. ARC ON•EAR’s correction profiles, virtual speaker simulations and mobile controls combine to deliver trustworthy sound for editing and mastering. You can finish mixes anywhere, confident they’ll translate well to speakers, phones and streaming services. This setup means fewer revisions and more consistent results across projects.