IK’s ARC (Advanced Room Correction) is different. An included mic and software wizard (above left) helps you take multiple measurements (around 16–20) that define a room. It then corrects in a more “averaged” way, resulting in a bigger sweet spot without the objectionable artifacts of excessive equalization. I tried to “fool” ARC by taking two different sets of measurements in different places in the room, but surprisingly, the measurement curves were virtually identical — ARC really does know how to define the room.
After analysis, ARC creates a compensating EQ curve in the correction plug-in (above right). You insert this in the master bus and do your mixing. Then, before bouncing to create your final stereo file, you bypass this plug-in. Thus, the mixing decisions you made while listening to the corrected- for-your-room sound get implemented for playback in the rest of the world.
You have to take measurements symmetrically around an imaginary straight line coming at you from midway between your left and right speakers. If you don’t point the mic correctly, ARC won’t do what it’s supposed to do. The wizard simplifies the setup process dramatically, but you still need to understand the principle, so make sure to read the setup instructions.
Does ARC substitute for good speakers and good acoustics? No. Does it compensate for nasty monitoring? Yes. Ideally, you should do acoustic treatment first, then use ARC to turn good to perfect. Even if you have less-than-ideal acoustics and speakers, ARC will definitely help. Frankly, I’ve never been a fan of room EQ, and I was expecting “more of the same” from ARC. I couldn’t have been more wrong; ARC takes a fresh approach that’s extremely effective.
NEED TO KNOW
What does it do? Using the included measurement mic and MultEQ technology developed by Audyssey, it takes readings of what your room does to sound, then creates an EQ curve to compensate.
Why would I want it? To get more accurate sound from your speakers and room so your mixes translate better to different music players and stereos.
What do I need to run it? PPC- or Intel-based Mac with OS 10.4.4 or later or PC with Windows XP/Vista, CoreAudio or ASIO interface with 48kHz sample rate for taking measurements, VST/RTAS/AU-compatible host program.
PROS
Amazingly enough, it actually works. Makes speakers seem to perform better. Helps you produce more transportable mixes. Reduces ear fatigue. Can save presets for different speakers and rooms.
CONS
Works best on monitoring systems that aren’t too atrocious in the first place. Stereo only — no surround.
INFO
$699.99 list/approx. $470 street,
www.ikmultimedia.com