User Manual Correction Plug-In Measurement Microphone ARC System 2 is powered by Measurement Software
ARC System 2 PLEASE NOTE ARC System™ is a trademark property of IK Multimedia Production Srl. Audyssey®, Audyssey MultEQ® XT 32 are registered trademarks property of Audyssey Laboratories™ Inc. used under license. All other product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with IK Multimedia. Use of these names does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.
ARC System 2 2
ARC System 2 Table of Contents I Contents pag. 3 II License Agreement pag. 6 III What's New in ARC System 2 pag. 8 What's New in ARC System 2 pag. 8 Chapter 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 ARC System 2 Overview Introduction What is the ARC System 2? How does the ARC System 2 work? pag. 9 pag. 9 pag. 10 pag. 12 Chapter 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 The ARC System 2 components The ARC MEMS Measurement Microphone The ARC 2 Measurement Software The ARC 2 Correction Plug-In pag. 15 pag. 15 pag. 15 pag.
ARC System 2 5.1.5 5.1.6 5.1.7 5.1.8 5.1.9 5.2 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 5.2.4 5.2.5 5.2.6 5.3 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 5.3.5 5.4 5.5 5.
ARC System 2 5
ARC System 2 License Agreement END-USER LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR IK MULTIMEDIA PRODUCT Please read this document carefully before breaking the seal on the media package. This agreement licenses the enclosed software to you and contains warranty and liability disclaimers. By breaking the seal on the media envelope, you are confirming to have taken notice of terms and conditions of this agreement and you acknowledge your acceptance of the software as well as your acceptance of the terms of this agreement.
ARC System 2 and license(s) accompany the carrier and (b) the party transferring the media does not retain a copy of the media. 5) UPGRADES If the “IK Multimedia Product” is labeled or otherwise identified by IK Multimedia as an “upgrade”, you must be properly licensed to use a product identified by IK Multimedia as being eligible for the upgrade in order to use the “IK Multimedia Product”.
ARC System 2 What's New in ARC System 2 • New MEMS Measurement Microphone • Redesigned Graphic User Interface. • 4X greater resolution powered by Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 room correction technology with 10Hz resolution. • Less measurements needed for optimum results. • Improved, precise bass response and focus. • Smoother midrange and high frequency response. • Combined L/R Correction option. • Customizable EQ curves. • “Virtual Monitoring” feature. • MIDI remote controllable Monitoring section.
ARC System 2 Chapter 1 ARC System 2 Overview 1.1 Introduction The popularity of Digital Audio Workstation (DAW)-based systems have made them the most used recording and mixing solution for hundreds of thousands of professional, project and home studios worldwide. While much emphasis is placed on the gear and tools used for composing, mixing and mastering, one of the most critical factors influencing the quality of a music production is the accuracy of the monitoring system.
ARC System 2 1.2 What is the ARC System 2? The Advanced Room Correction (ARC) System 2 includes 3 components: 1. ARC MEMS Measurement Microphone 2. ARC 2 Measurement Software 3. ARC 2 Plug-In The ARC System 2 is a combination of a professional calibrated measurement microphone (figure 1.1), measuring software (figure 1.2), and a multi-platform plug-in (figure 1.
ARC System 2 RC System 2 features Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 room correction technology which measures sound information throughout your listening area in various zones of the room and then combines this information to create an accurate equalization solution for the room’s acoustical problems. The equalization solution then corrects both time and frequency response problems more effectively and efficiently than any other room correction EQ on the market.
ARC System 2 1.3 How does the ARC System 2 work? 1) The first step is to measure your room. To measure your room, just connect the ARC 2 Measurement Microphone to any phantom powered MIC input in your audio interface, and launch the ARC 2 Measurement software (figure 1.4) from your Mac or PC computer. Then, ARC 2 Measurement will guide you through 5 easy steps to properly set up the microphone and measure your room.
ARC System 2 2) The second step is to apply the correction as a plug-in in your preferred DAW. Open your DAW (such as Pro Tools®, Cubase®, Logic®, Sonar®, Live™, Digital Performer™, etc.), and insert the ARC 2 Plug-In (figure 1.5) on the stereo master bus, load the measurement file you just saved from the measurement menu, turn the correction on, and voilà, the alterations introduced by your room acoustics will be corrected. This will allow you to finally trust the sound of your studio monitors and room.
ARC System 2 response applied by the ARC 2 system. As you can see, the low frequency extension of the speaker is not pushed beyond the physical limits of the speaker which is another advantage in comparison to all conventional room correction EQs (“auto” equalizers).
ARC System 2 Chapter 2 The ARC System 2 components 2.1 The ARC MEMS Measurement Microphone The ARC MEMS Measurement Microphone provides an overall higher quality when compared to low or mid-priced measurement microphones. Measurement microphones usually exhibit a near flat frequency response at the expense of poor sensitivity and a noise level that is too high for quality recording.
ARC System 2 2.3 The ARC 2 Correction Plug-In This multi-platform plug-in is the ARC System 2 component that will apply the ARC System 2 correction curve measured by the ARC 2 Measurement software to the monitoring system. The ARC 2 Plug-In should be inserted on your DAW’s stereo master bus or, when possible, on the monitoring bus.
ARC System 2 Chapter 3 Setup for measurements 3.1 What you need to measure your room To correctly measure your room, you need: • The ARC 2 Measurement software properly installed. This is included in the ARC System 2 installer and works as a standalone application. • A high-quality audio interface with at least one XLR microphone input with +48V phantom power. • The ARC 2 Measurement Microphone. • Microphone stand and XLR microphone cable. 3.1.
ARC System 2 interface and your speakers (like a mixer, a monitor management system, etc), please check that their settings do not alter the audio signal in any way (e.g., no tone controls, no mono switch, phase reverse, etc). If you use a powered subwoofer that performs bass management, just connect your audio interface outputs to the subwoofer inputs, and your L and R satellites to the proper subwoofer outputs.
ARC System 2 3.2.3 Passive Speaker setup Figure 3.2 shows one possible way to connect your system components when passive speakers are used. figure 3.
ARC System 2 3.2.4 Active Subwoofer and Powered Speakers setup Figure 3.3 shows one possible way to connect your system components when an active subwoofer is used together with powered speakers. figure 3.
ARC System 2 3.2.5 How to connect the ARC 2 Measurement Microphone Please connect the ARC 2 Measurement Microphone to a high-quality microphone preamplifier, and enable the +48V phantom power supply. Please check these two options (both are okay): a. The preamplifier is built into the audio interface. In this case, the microphone will be directly connected to the XLR input on the audio interface without using any attenuator pad and with +48V phantom power turned on. b.
ARC System 2 22 3 - Setup for measurements
ARC System 2 Chapter 4 Using the ARC 2 Measurement 4.1 Opening the ARC 2 Measurement software On Windows, go to your Start Menu \ Programsand launch ARC 2 Measurement. On Macintosh, go to your Applications folder, and launch ARC 2 Measurement. 4.2 Welcome to the ARC System 2 Upon launching the Measurement app, ARC 2 will display its welcome screen. Click NEXT to continue (figure 4.1). figure 4.1 Note: after you have completed each step’s instructions, click NEXT.
ARC System 2 4.3 STEP 1 - Microphone Selection The ARC MEMS Measurement Microphone is the last available in the selection, with the previous version of the microphone in two slightly different versions. It is important to keep in mind that neither microphone is inherently better or worse; It is simply that due to a small difference in frequency response the software must be told which microphone you are using to ensure the most accurate measurement possible.
ARC System 2 4.4 STEP 2 - Set up your Audio I/O Select your audio hardware here, and choose which channels to use for speaker outputs and the microphone input (figure 4.3). figure 4.3 Audio Hardware: click this menu to select the audio interface you are using for the measurement process. ASIO-compatible interfaces will be listed in Windows, and CoreAudio-compatible interfaces will be listed in Mac OS X.
ARC System 2 4.5 STEP 3 - Put the Measurement Microphone at the main position and adjust levels Step 3 will tell you to how to check levels and properly measure the room (figure 4.4). figure 4.4 The Levels adjustment must be done with the ARC 2 Measurement Microphone positioned at the main listening position. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to place the ARC 2 Measurement Microphone at the main listening position.
ARC System 2 sider the main position as a point in the middle of the speakers at a distance where you usually sit when working on your mixes. 4.5.1 Microphone orientation The ARC MEMS Measurement Microphone must be positioned HORIZONTALLY for all ARC 2 measurements (figure 4.6). The previous versions of the microphone has to be positioned VERTICALLY. figure 4.6 After securely clipping the microphone on a standard mic stand, be sure to point it at the speakers.
ARC System 2 4.5.2 Microphone height Set the microphone to the same height where your ears are when listening to the speakers (figure 4.7). figure 4.7 At this point, you should have your ARC 2 Measurement Microphone connected to the audio interface mic input (+48 V phantom power ON), with the aperture pointing toward ceiling, and at the correct height. Now place the microphone at the main position (figure 4.8). figure 4.
ARC System 2 If you are using a mixer, you can use your “control room” level. 2. Click PLAY TEST (figure 4.9). This will generate a test sound (chirp), and it will be sent to the outputs specified in point 4.4. figure 4.9 3. Now SLOWLY increase your studio listening level. You should start hearing the test tone playing back continuously. Stop increasing the listening volume at the point where the test tone is at a medium intensity, more or less at the level you are woring at in your studio.
ARC System 2 4.6 STEP 4 - Take measurements During Step 4, you will take all the necessary measurements to properly analyze the room (figure 4.11). figure 4.11 IMPORTANT NOTE: unlike most other room correction systems, ARC 2 needs from 7 to 16 measurement positions. A minimum of 7 measurement positions is required. It is not possible to proceed with the measurement wizard until they are properly taken.
ARC System 2 4.6.1 Examples of measurement locations in various room types This section will visually describe a number of different audio production rooms with an indication of where the measurement microphone should be placed for each measurement. However, these diagrams should only be used as examples and not as specific positional instructions for your own room. The order of each of the 7 required measurements is not critial. However, it is essential to take the measurements in a symmetrical pattern.
ARC System 2 Example 2 Studio, two chairs, wider listening position (figure 4.13). figure 4.13 Main position is marked as 1, and it is perfectly centered between the two speakers at the listening position. This is the position you should use to calibrate levels and for the first measurement. All other measurements are symmetrical to an imaginary central line, so measurements after the initial one (main position) are taken alternatively on the Left and Right side.
ARC System 2 Example 3 Studio, one chair plus “client couch” listening area (figure 4.14). figure 4.14 Main position is marked as 1, and it is perfectly centered between the two speakers at the main listening position. This is the position you should use to calibrate levels and for the first measurement. All other measurements are symmetrical to an imaginary central line, so measurements after the first one (Main position) are taken alternatively on the Left and Right side.
ARC System 2 Example 4 Movie mixing studio/theater (figure 4.15). figure 4.15 Main position is marked as 1, and it is perfectly centered between the two speakers at the main listening position. This is the position you should use to calibrate levels and for the first measurement. All other measurements are symmetrical to an imaginary central line, so measurements after the initial one (Main position) are taken alternatively on the Left and Right side.
ARC System 2 Example 5 Project studio (figure 4.16). figure 4.16 Main position is marked as 1 and it is perfectly centered between the two speakers at the main listening position. This is the position you should use to calibrate levels and for the 1st measurement. All other measurements are symmetrical to an imaginary central line, so measurements after the first one (Main position) are taken alternatively on the Left and Right side. A minimum of 7 measurements is needed but, as shown in figure 4.
ARC System 2 4.6.2 Take Measurements figure 4.17 Follow these simple steps to properly measure the room. Preparing to measure: 1. DO NOT CHANGE ANY OF THE LEVELS THAT HAVE BEEN SET AT POINT 4.5. 2. Quiet the room as much as possible (e.g., if you are using a fan and/ or air conditioning, please turn it off while measuring your room). 3. Be sure that the room doors or windows are set as they will be during your usual listening.
ARC System 2 highlighted, and the arrow moves to the next one (figure 4.18). This picture shows measurement #1 successfully taken, and the ARC 2 Measurement System stands by to take measurement #2. figure 4.18 7. Repeat points 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 for all measurements. (figure 4.19) figure 4.19 8. Note that you will not be able to press NEXT until 7 successful measurements are taken. 9. If possible, always take more than the required 7 measurements. We recommend taking 11 to 16 measurements. 10.
ARC System 2 4.7 STEP 5 - Save your system correction Once all measurements have been taken, you will be presented with this screen. (figure 4.20). figure 4.20 Measurement name: click this field, and then name the recently taken measurement set. You can measure several speaker sets or various listening conditions (see paragraph 4.6.1 - Examples of measurement locations in various room types), and give different names to each of them.
ARC System 2 Chapter 5 Using the ARC 2 Plug-In 5.1 ARC 2 Plug-In interface ARC 2 Plug-In is a multiplatform audio processor that applies the correction curve measured with the ARC 2 Measurement software to the incoming audio stereo signal in real-time. It is comprised of three operation windows each one dedicated to specific tasks. 5.1.1 Play Window This window (figure 5.1) is where you can see how ARC 2 is performing the correction on your monitoring: figure 5.
ARC System 2 5.1.2 Measurement menu Click this menu (figure 5.2) to select the measurement set you saved from the ARC 2 measurement system. figure 5.2 ARC 2 is backward compatible with measurement files taken and used with previous ARC System versions (ARC 1.
ARC System 2 The unavailable features are: • Correction Curevs are limited to the standard four Audyssey® factory target. • Custom EQ drag functions will be disbled. • Legacy Measures won't be available when ARC 2 is used in sessions where sample rate is beyond 96KHz as previous versions of ARC System could not go past that sample rate. • Combined L/R correction. • Improved resolution.
ARC System 2 AUDYSSEY FLAT: the system will correct the frequency response so that the final response will be very close to flat. However, the system will not extend the low frequency response of the speakers beyond their limits to avoid possible damage and excessive distortion. In fact, the AUDYSSEY Flat curve corrects the response to flat from the low frequency cutoff point that the ARC 2 has determined to the upper frequency limit of the tweeters.
ARC System 2 5.1.4 Virtual Monitoring Feature For a fast and convenient check of how your mix translates in various “real world” conditions, we've provided a set of alternative speaker responses which are listed under the Factory Target and Custom Curves in the Virtual Monitoring menu. These additional curves are real frequency responses of professional and consumer devices (famous studio speakers, TV sets, car audio, boom boxes, desktop and laptop speakers, etc.
ARC System 2 5.1.6 Speaker Icons The ARC 2 Plug-In shows the speaker icon that has been chosen when the measurement was saved in the ARC 2 Measurement software. This is useful to identify and recall the measurement sets already taken and their association with a real speaker model. Note that the speaker icon selection is just a mnemonic aid and does not interact with the sound of the ARC System 2 in any way. 5.1.7 Peak Meter This precision Peak Meter (figure 5.
ARC System 2 uncorrected audio. Once the comparison has finished, please bring back the TRIM knob to its default position (0 dB) to avoid unwanted clipping of the signal. 5.1.9 Other controls LOCK: if you are running the software in demo mode and you click the LOCK button (figure 5.12), the Authorization Manager will appear. However, if you already registered and authorized your product, clicking the LOCK button will simply show you the product serial number (figure 5.13). figure 5.12 figure 5.
ARC System 2 5.2 Edit Window Sometimes after ARC 2 has compensated for your speaker response by evening out the anomalies in the room's response, the resulting “tone” or “color” can be quite different from what you are used to. You can use the controls in the Edit window (figure 5.15) to adjust it to your personal taste by dragging the green break-points in the EQ curve for gentle tone-shaping while still getting all the benefits of the ARC 2 correction. figure 5.
ARC System 2 5.2.2 Custom 1-4 buttons These buttons (figure 5.17) select the user-defined Custom EQ Curves. figure 5.17 You can use these customizable EQ settings to adjust your personal listening preference or to better suit different program material. These curves will retain the chosen settings after the “Apply” button has been clicked (see below); the corresponding frequency response will also be shown in the “Play Window” graphs. 5.2.
ARC System 2 geometry, speaker positioning within the room, or even by a less-thanperfect accuracy in the measurement positions. This can be solved by using the “Combined L/R Correction” function (figure 5.20). figure 5.20 When this option is selected, ARC 2 will average the correction among the L/R channels and then apply it symmetrically to the two channels to effectively restore the correct stereo image from any anomalies in the monitoring (figure 5.21). figure 5.21 5.2.
ARC System 2 Correction” at the bottom of the ARC 2 Edit panel (figure 5.22). figure 5.22 In figure 5.23 and 5.24 you can see the difference in the frequency response when the full range bass correction is on and off. figure 5.23 figure 5.24 On most rooms where the regular automatic roll-off point detection works without issues, you may notice a deeper low frequency extension of your monitoring system when Full Range Bass Correction is on, which you may find desirable.
ARC System 2 5.3 Monitor Control Window To provide an easier, more “control room-style” monitoring system, you can use the “Monitor Window” (figure 5.25) which gives you a few key controls clearly arranged and instantly within reach. figure 5.25 5.3.1 Main volume knob This control acts as the master volume of your listening environment (figure 5.26).
ARC System 2 5.3.4 Mode selector This control lets you choose the mode in which ARC 2 will monitor your audio (figure 5.29). When set to “Stereo,” ARC 2 will reproduce the corrected L/R program on your DAW's master bus. Setting it to “Mono” or “Side” will allow you to monitor the program in Mono (channels sum) or in Side (channels difference). figure 5.29 5.3.5 MIDI Assign of Remote Controls All controls can be assigned to an external hardware controller sending MIDI commands for hands on-operation.
ARC System 2 Each DAW has its own criteria for how to use aux tracks, monitoring bus, master tracks/faders, etc. Therefore, these suggestions for how to start ARC 2 in several host applications are just a starting point, a guideline. For example, if your session already has a master track, you do not need to create another one. Just insert ARC 2 as the last plug-in.
ARC System 2 5.6 Suggestions for the best ARC System 2 usage You are probably used to how your studio acoustics sound. For this reason – and considering that the ARC System 2 will improve the accuracy of your monitoring system and change the sound of your room – please follow these suggestions to enrich your listening experience while using the ARC System: 1. Use CDs or material you know are very familiar with to evaluate the new way your studio sounds. 2.
ARC System 2 54 5 - Using the ARC 2 Plug-In
ARC System 2 Chapter 6 Frequently Asked Questions What is the difference between ARC 2 and other room correction EQ systems? ARC 2 is powered by Audyssey MultEQ® XT32, a breakthrough room correction technology that takes an innovative approach at measurement and correction that other room correction EQ systems do not: 1. MultEQ® XT32 room correction technology allows you to measure multiple positions in your room to make a much wider sweet spot. Many systems only correct for one seat in the room.
ARC System 2 Does ARC’s results depend on the quality of monitors I use? How does the quality of my monitors affect ARC 2 results? ARC 2 will improve any kind of monitor type in any room at any level of quality. Of course, there are aspects of the monitors that will always translate to the final hearing experience even after applying the ARC 2 process. For example, good power handling, power amps with distortion-free performance, detail level, accuracy, and so on.
ARC System 2 this microphone into a valuable tool that will be useful to you even after you have calibrated the room. Plus, this microphone is omnidirectional, making the proximity effect found in conventionally studio-used cardioid microphones disappear. This is important for home and project entry-level studios since omnidirectional microphones are commonly not a part of the setup. Does ARC 2 work with surround monitoring systems? Not at the moment.
ARC System 2 58 6 - Frequently Asked Questions
ARC System 2 Chapter 7 Troubleshooting Where can I find my IK product Serial Number? The Serial Number is written on the Registration Card (included with your IK product) or in the email you received from DigitalDelivery@ ikmultimedia.com (if you purchased the product as ‘Downloadable only version’). IMPORTANT: the number zero can easily be identified in your Serial Number because it is crossed by a line.
ARC System 2 to your email account. In case you have checked the ‘Remember me’ checkbox before and are not able to access the login page, just click on the LOGOUT button. • Go to www.ikmultimedia.com, click on ‘I forgot my username and/or password’ and submit your email address. Your login details will be sent to your email account. I just bought an IK Multimedia software product. What should I do to register and authorize my new product? Just run the Authorization Manager and follow the instructions.
ARC System 2 I am trying to set the microphone levels on the ARC 2 Measurement software. However, even if the test signal is being played back from the speakers, I cannot see any level. What should I do? Please check which audio input has been selected on the ARC 2 Measurement Software Step 2, if the +48V phantom power is ON, and if the XLR cable is properly connected, (eventually, check if the cable is in good condition).
ARC System 2 62 7 - Troubleshooting
ARC System 2 Chapter 8 Support For any question you may have, please refer to the FAQ webpage at: www.ikmultimedia.com/faq Here you will find answers to the most common questions. To submit a Technical Support Form, go to: www.ikmultimedia.com/support For other requests such as Product, Sales, or Web info, please go to: www.ikmultimedia.com/contact-us 8.1 User Area The User Area is a special section of our website specifically designed for our users’ needs.
ARC System 2 64 8 - Support
ARC System™ is a trademark property of IK Multimedia Production Srl. Audyssey®, Audyssey MultEQ® XT 32 are registered trademarks property of Audyssey Laboratories™ Inc. used under license. All other product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with IK Multimedia. Use of these names does not imply any cooperation or endorsement. Mac and the Mac logo are trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.
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