#Sonarworks reference 4 vs arc 2.5 upgrade#
#Sonarworks reference 4 vs arc 2.5 software#
#Sonarworks reference 4 vs arc 2.5 Pc#

Out Of The ARCДЄs with the earlier versions, ARC 2.5 can significantly improve aВ moderately good room and make aВ well-controlled room sound amazing.

#Sonarworks reference 4 vs arc 2.5 software#

The new version of the plug-in looks identical to the previous 2.x versions, is still labelled ARC 2, and loads room correction files made with earlier software and mic versions, so IвЂ™m not sure how different it is from the previous version.

#Sonarworks reference 4 vs arc 2.5 Pc#

This is available in Audio Units, VST 2, RTAS and AAX formats for PC and Mac, in both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. After measurements are made, the resulting calibration data can be loaded into the ARC 2.5 plug-in in your DAW. The measurement process uses aВ fast sine sweep that runs from about 20Hz to 22.5kHz. IВ made aВ reusable floor mat, marking locations along the centre line and symmetrically off to the sides, and hung aВ small fishing weight on aВ thread exactly below the mic capsule, so IВ could accurately position the mic. The height and вЂX/YвЂ™ positions are somewhat critical, so aВ mic stand is essential, and the more you can do to ensure that the positions are accurate and repeatable, the better. While the previous two versions of mics were used in aВ vertical orientation, pointing toward the ceiling, the MEMS mic is used horizontally, pointing forward parallel to the center line between speakers and the engineerвЂ™s position. Making the measurements is aВ somewhat tedious process, since the accuracy of the mic placement affects the results. These are made on the centre line between your monitors, at ear height, and symmetrically left and right of the centre line at various distances around the optimum engineerвЂ™s position. ARC 2.5, like previous 2.x versions, requires at least seven measurements, and can use up to 16. Tests have to be made with an ASIO- or Core Audio-compatible interface using aВ 48kHz sample rate, and the tones involved can be quite loud, so itвЂ™s advisable to use ear protection. The measurement utility is now available only as aВ 64-bit program, and the process involves five steps. IВ will describe new features and show what the measurement software does. Paul White covered ARC 2 shortly after its release in SOS October 2013, so IВ wonвЂ™t repeat his basic description, his comments on treating small rooms, or the fact that he found ARC 2 to do exactly as claimed. The new v2.5 software is still compatible with the previous mics, though.

This is said to offer improved consistency, for better results across the audio spectrum. Whereas the mics supplied with v1 and v2 were conventional capacitor mics, the new model uses MEMS technology (see box).

#Sonarworks reference 4 vs arc 2.5 upgrade#

The new software is aВ free upgrade for ARC 2.x owners - you can just go to your account at IK Multimedia and download it - but the headline news is the provision of aВ different microphone. Although the mics were вЂtailoredвЂ™ for the ARC application, being capacitor mics they were subject to unit-to-unit variation and drift in frequency response over time. In 2013, ARC 2 was released with added features, better measurement resolution and aВ new, improved microphone, though users were given the choice of using an older mic if they had one. Advanced Room Correction, or ARC, shipped with aВ dedicated omni measurement mic and allowed users to measure the frequency response of their monitoring system and apply corrective EQ in aВ plug-in. IK Multimedia have been developing audio software and hardware for almost two decades, and itвЂ™s now 10 years since they introduced their software-based room-correction system. ARC works fine with nearfield monitors, full-range and subwoofer arrangements, and can be switched instantly between different monitor setups.ДЄ new microphone technology is helping IK MultimediaвЂ™s ARC provide ever-better correction for uneven room acoustics. This view shows the calibration for my studio using Equator Audio D5s and aВ KRK 10S subwoofer. The newest ARC plug-in window looks just like all ARC 2.x versions.