IK Multimedia announces ARC ON•EAR version 1.5, a major update that adds calibration for 50 popular in-ear monitors (IEMs), expanding ARC ON•EAR’s precision headphone correction and studio simulation capabilities to a new class of professional listening devices.

With this release, ARC ON•EAR extends beyond traditional over-ear headphones, transforming in-ear monitors into a consistent and reliable studio reference. By combining precision calibration with advanced spatial processing, version 1.5 unlocks a new level of accuracy and control for engineers, producers, and performers working across studio, travel, and live environments.

Portable mixing workflows
Version 1.5 introduces support for 50 widely used IEM models, including Apple EarPods, enabling accurate mixing and monitoring in an even more portable form factor.

For touring musicians, live engineers, and mobile producers, this means the same in-ears used on stage or on the road can now serve as a trusted mixing reference, without the need to carry separate studio headphones. Their sealed design also provides effective isolation in high-noise environments such as planes, trains, or live venues, enabling more consistent and dependable critical listening.

Flexible profile control
ARC ON•EAR applies precise calibration and advanced spatial processing to each supported IEM, transforming them into a precise monitoring solution. Users can store up to five profiles on the device, including different headphone calibrations and custom tonal curves, and switch between them instantly across listening setups. The ARC ON•EAR control software makes it easy to configure and fine-tune the listening experience, with support for preset management, tonal shaping, and firmware updates.

Reduced acoustic variability
In-ear monitors behave differently from traditional headphones. Because they couple directly to the ear canal, they are not affected by the outer ear (pinna), and their sealed fit eliminates variations caused by positioning.

These characteristics reduce acoustic variability, creating a more controlled and repeatable listening environment. Their sealed design also provides effective isolation in demanding live environments, making them a preferred choice for live engineers.

Greater correction precision
As a result, ARC ON•EAR’s correction can be applied with exceptional precision, delivering an exceptionally consistent and accurate monitoring experience.

“With ARC ON•EAR 1.5, in-ear monitors become a truly reliable reference for professional work,” said Davide Barbi, CTO at IK Multimedia. “For the first time, in-ear monitors can deliver the consistency and accuracy needed to serve as a true alternative to studio headphones across production, travel, and live environments.” 

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, without compromise.

Virtual monitoring that goes beyond
With over 20 virtual studio monitors and more than 15 multimedia playback systems available, ARC ON•EAR enables users to understand how a mix translates without removing their headphones or IEMs.

The ARC of confidence
ARC ON•EAR combines precision headphone correction with advanced physical modeling to recreate how real studio monitors behave in an ideal acoustic space. Unlike plug-ins or impulse-based “virtual rooms,” this approach avoids artificial reverbs and tonal coloration, delivering the natural depth, width, and clarity of a real control room anywhere.

With support for hundreds of headphone models and an expanding IEM database, ARC ON•EAR continues to evolve as a monitoring platform.

From entry-level IEMs to high-end studio headphones, ARC ON•EAR enhances clarity, balance, and translation across every listening system, unlocking their full potential for accurate, consistent monitoring.

Pricing and availability
ARC ON•EAR version 1.5 is available now as a free update for all registered users via IK Product Manager. ARC ON•EAR hardware is available from the IK Multimedia online store and IK authorized dealers worldwide:

• ARC ON•EAR $/€249.99 – Includes ARC ON•EAR processor, carrying pouch, USB-C cable, stereo TRS cable (3.5 mm to 3.5 mm thread-on), TRS adapter (3.5 mm to 6.3 mm thread-on), ARC ON•EAR control software.

For more information about ARC ON•EAR or to see it in action, please visit:

www.ikmultimedia.com/arconear
www.ikmultimedia.com/arconear/video