IK Multimedia Arc On Ear 1.5 Adds Support for 50 Popular IEMs

IK Multimedia has released version 1.5 of its Arc On Ear headphone interface, introducing support for 50 widely used in-ear monitor (IEM) models. The update expands the capabilities of the company’s portable DAC and headphone amplifier, allowing musicians, producers and recording engineers to calibrate IEMs with the same precision previously available for over-ear headphones.

Arc On Ear is designed to receive audio from a computer through a USB-C connection, delivering high-quality digital-to-analog conversion and headphone amplification. With the latest software update, users can transform compatible IEMs into accurate studio reference monitors, making them suitable for recording, mixing, touring and live performances.

The new version combines precise headphone calibration with advanced spatial processing to provide consistent audio monitoring across different environments. Touring musicians, live sound engineers and mobile producers can now use the same IEMs they wear on stage as trusted mixing tools without carrying separate studio headphones.

Because IEMs create a sealed fit inside the ear canal, they offer improved noise isolation and reduce variations caused by headphone positioning. This makes them particularly useful for critical listening in noisy locations such as airplanes, trains and live venues. Users can save up to five listening profiles directly on the Arc On Ear device, including different calibration settings and custom tonal adjustments, and switch between them instantly.

The accompanying Arc On Ear software includes tools for preset management, tonal shaping and firmware updates, enabling users to fine-tune their listening experience with ease.

Commenting on the update, IK Multimedia Chief Technology Officer Davide Barbi said, “With Arc On Ear 1.5, in-ear monitors become a truly reliable reference for professional work. 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.”

The hardware is powered by a 32-bit ESS SABRE DAC, paired with a high-damping-factor, ultra-low-distortion amplifier and a digitally controlled analog volume stage. An integrated rechargeable battery provides up to four hours of operation, allowing users to work on location without relying on external power.

Arc On Ear also includes virtual monitoring features, offering more than 20 virtual studio monitors and over 15 multimedia playback system simulations. This allows users to evaluate how a mix will sound across different listening environments, from professional audio systems to car speakers, without removing their headphones or IEMs.

Unlike traditional virtual room plug-ins that rely on impulse responses, IK Multimedia says Arc On Ear uses precision headphone correction and physical modeling to recreate the behavior of studio monitors in an ideal acoustic space while avoiding artificial reverberation and tonal coloration.

Version 1.5 is available now as a free software update for all registered Arc On Ear users through IK Product Manager. The Arc On Ear hardware is available through the IK Multimedia online store and authorized dealers for $249.99 or €249.99. The device supports sample rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz, features a frequency response of 10Hz to 80kHz, includes USB-C digital input, 3.5mm analog input and 6.3mm headphone output, weighs 170 grams, and ships with a carry case, cables and audio adapters.