IK Multimedia has released ARC 2, the updated version of their Advance Room Correction System, a collaboration with Audyssey®—the original ARC debuted in 2007. ARC 2 uses a new, higher resolution EQ called MultEQ® XT32—said to be 4x the resolution of ARC 1. Although not a cure for bad sounding studios, Advance Room Correction will ameliorate the affects that bad room acoustics have on the mix balances made in them.
ARC 2 comes in two parts: the standalone measurement app that works with any Mac or PC’s soundcard and the DAW plug-in software that uses the data gleaned and stored from the measurement app as a recallable preset. I run the correction plug-in inserted into the stereo Master Fader monitor path of Pro Tools HD 10.2. Do not process your stereo mix through ARC!
ARC 2 works by measuring your room using the included measurement microphone and generates an opposite, corrective filter curve. New to ARC 2 is the fact that the measurement can be done with just seven measurements or up to 16 for super precision results and takes about 1/3 the time of the original version.
With this new version I am impressed by how much better ARC 2 sounds. It sounds smoother and has better resolution in the low frequencies—where most of the problems in small rooms are. I like selecting one of the new Alt References presets that model the sound of consumer listening devices such as boom boxes, ‘80s and ‘90s stereo speakers, tinny computer speakers, LCD TVs, club PA systems or car audio systems to hear your mixes as if played through those systems.
ARC 2 is sells for $299.99 MSRP with an update price at $149.99. See all available purchasing options at http://ikmultimedia.com/arc.
miniBIO: Barry Rudolph is a recording engineer/mixer with over 30 gold and platinum RIAA awards to his credit. He has recorded and/or mixed: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Rod Stewart, the Corrs and Robbie Nevil. Barry has his own futuristic music mixing facility and also teaches recording engineering at Musician’s Institute, Hollywood, CA. http://www.barryrudolph.com
