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, support for both headphones and compatible in-ear monitors, 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. ARC ON EAR also supports a growing range of in-ear monitors, including Apple EarPods, extending its calibration and spatial processing capabilities beyond traditional studio headphones. Because IEMs bypass many of the acoustic interactions created by the outer ear, ARC ON EAR can apply highly focused model-specific correction for exceptional tonal accuracy and spatial clarity. The included software provides deeper control over calibration style, EQ and speaker simulation, creating a flexible monitoring solution for mobile mixing, remote sessions and travel.
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, support for compatible in-ear monitors, 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.
IEM Compatibility
Compatible models include Apple EarPods, Audio-Technica ATH-E70, Beyerdynamic DT 70 IE, DT 71 IE, DT 72 IE, DT 73 IE, Shure SE112, SE215, SE425, SE535, SE846 Gen 2, Sennheiser IE 100 Pro, IE4, InEar StageDiver series, Ultimate Ears UE 150 and UE 350, XVive T9 and additional supported models. Please contact a Guitar Center Pro Gear Adviser at 888-240-5975 for more information.