"I didn't fully realize how vital ARC had become to me until I turned it off. When I did, I felt like I wasn't making the most accurate decisions during the mix."

AskAudio has taken a close look at ARC 2.5, courtesy of music technology expert Matthew Loel T. Hepworth. Once he began using it, he quickly realised how essential it had become to his monitor mix.

Here are some of his key points:

"After I loaded my measurement and set the Target Curve to flat, I was astonished by the difference ARC made."

"The mids were much clearer and pickier, and the low end was profoundly more controlled. The highs were very smooth, and the overall sound was appropriately balanced."

"The Monitor window gives you some great options for monitor level, as well as a Dim and Mute buttons, and even mono, stereo, and sides options."

"I loved the 80's White curve because it makes your speakers sound exactly like a pair of Yamaha NS-10M monitors."

"ARC is a fantastic tool for anyone using pro audio software. It works in virtually any Mac or Windows-based DAW, so regardless of which program you like, ARC will work for you."

Matthew's final verdict was:

"I didn't fully realize how vital ARC had become to me until I turned it off. When I did, I felt like I wasn't making the most accurate decisions during the mix. If you've been thinking about upgrading your studio monitors, you may want to try ARC first. It will certainly make your current speakers sound more accurate and neutral."

Key Plusses:
+ Makes any studio monitor or speaker flat
+ Custom curves allow to tune response to your ears
+ Virtual monitoring offers the flavor of other speakers through the monitors you already own

Read the full review on AskAudio
Learn more about ARC 2.5