New sub from Ik Multimedia

[RosalieTheDog]

Apparently it's standalone once the calibration is done. This reviewer confirms in the comments.

This means you can run the calibration on Windows and then switch the source to Linux? It is not clear to me if ARC is Windows only.

Steep price though.

 

[RobL]

This means you can run the calibration on Windows and then switch the source to Linux? It is not clear to me if ARC is Windows only.

Steep price though.

ARC X is only required to do the initial calibration or if you want to toy with the curves, use the simulations etc.
Once calibrated, filters etc are stored in the sub.

It’s enough for the size of it, but that’s kind of the point as well…you’re paying for the small footprint. It is also basically including their ARC Studio in the price, which sells for ~$2-300 on it’s own.

 

[RosalieTheDog]

ARC X is only required to do the initial calibration or if you want to toy with the curves, use the simulations etc.
Once calibrated, filters etc are stored in the sub.

It’s enough for the size of it, but that’s kind of the point as well…you’re paying for the small footprint. It is also basically including their ARC Studio in the price, which sells for ~$2-300 on it’s own.

Yes, in addition it has USB audio input eliminating need for a dac.

 

[slashvanyoung]

I had really good results with ARC Studio and my Adam T7Vs in a mostly untreated room. Only really craving a well integrated sub to take some load off the Adams. Luckily I was still in my return window when they dropped this sub now.

I’m just done calibrating the system with the sub… and now I’m pretty much in nearfield heaven for my studio setup. Highly recommended for smaller to medium sized setups.

Just be aware that IK doesn’t include a manual with either ARC Studio or the iLoud sub and the one found online is quite rudimentary. I wasted a round of measurements with the Studio because I wasn’t aware that I had to have the unit connected via USB while taking the measurements.

 

[RobL]

I had really good results with ARC Studio and my Adam T7Vs in a mostly untreated room. Only really craving a well integrated sub to take some load off the Adams. Luckily I was still in my return window when they dropped this sub now.

I’m just done calibrating the system with the sub… and now I’m pretty much in nearfield heaven for my studio setup. Highly recommended for smaller to medium sized setups.

Just be aware that IK doesn’t include a manual with either ARC Studio or the iLoud sub and the one found online is quite rudimentary. I wasted a round of measurements with the Studio because I wasn’t aware that I had to have the unit connected via USB while taking the measurements.

Fedex is bringing mine today so I’m excited to try it out.

 

[Jimshoe]

Fedex is bringing mine today so I’m excited to try it out.

Really keen to hear how you get on - please post your results

 

[RobL]

Really keen to hear how you get on - please post your results

Have it here now, I’ll set it up tonight and report back…wish me luck, lol

 

[Kyle_PL]

@RobL remember: don't kick it!

 

[RobL]

@RobL remember: don't kick it!

Haha, yep it’s kinda naked.
Looks like I’m going to find out how good their customer service is…the sub appears to have bricked itself when ARC X tried to update the firmware.
Not off to a great start.

 

[Jimshoe]

Haha, yep it’s kinda naked.
Looks like I’m going to find out how good their customer service is…the sub appears to have bricked itself when ARC X tried to update the firmware.
Not off to a great start.

That sounds frustrating!

 

[slashvanyoung]

Haha, yep it’s kinda naked.
Looks like I’m going to find out how good their customer service is…the sub appears to have bricked itself when ARC X tried to update the firmware.
Not off to a great start.

Sorry to hear that! Mine also instantly updated itself via ARC X, but everything went fine. I did notice some sort of activity after I turned it off after the update (as instructed), so I waited a few seconds before powering it on again. Maybe something went wrong at this stage for you?

I also read (in the ****** manual) that there are ways to factory reset and recover the firmware: https://g1.ikmultimedia.com/html/Manuals/iLoudSub/iLoud_Sub_User_Manual_English.pdf

 

[slashvanyoung]

Here are my results... again, I'm quite pleased with it

 

[slashvanyoung]

Without the sub but with ARC Studio for comparison

 

[RobL]

Sorry to hear that! Mine also instantly updated itself via ARC X, but everything went fine. I did notice some sort of activity after I turned it off after the update (as instructed), so I waited a few seconds before powering it on again. Maybe something went wrong at this stage for you?

I also read (in the ****** manual) that there are ways to factory reset and recover the firmware: https://g1.ikmultimedia.com/html/Manuals/iLoudSub/iLoud_Sub_User_Manual_English.pdf

Unfortunately, I’ve tried to factory reset it but no dice. It’s stuck in DFU mode and unresponsive. If I try to revert to previous firmware in the “Settings” tab in ARC X, it attemps to revert but ends with an error message.

Looking on IK’s forum, this seems to be a common issue with their devices and the posts on there don’t instill a lot of confidence in me regarding their customer service. I’m going to try and scare up a MAC and try to reset it with the ios software version, apparently some had success doing that.

I’m starting to really appreciate how fluid and reliable GLM was to use, lol. Yikes.

 

[Jimshoe]

Unfortunately, I’ve tried to factory reset it but no dice. It’s stuck in DFU mode and unresponsive. If I try to revert to previous firmware in the “Settings” tab in ARC X, it attemps to revert but ends with an error message.

Looking on IK’s forum, this seems to be a common issue with their devices and the posts on there don’t instill a lot of confidence in me regarding their customer service. I’m going to try and scare up a MAC and try to reset it with the ios software version, apparently some had success doing that.

I’m starting to really appreciate how fluid and reliable GLM was to use, lol. Yikes.

Wow, it does sound unimpressive.

Like you say, a million miles from GLM

Hang in there, you will get it sorted (or replaced) eventually

 

[goofytwoshoes]

OP - is it too late to return for a refund? Also, did you register the warranty already?

 

[RobL]

OP - is it too late to return for a refund? Also, did you register the warranty already?

Yes, it’s registered but I don’t think they’ll refund it. They have a blurb on the website “All sales are final” or something like that. I have a ticket opened with them so we’ll see how that goes I guess…

 

[Jimshoe]

Yes, it’s registered but I don’t think they’ll refund it. They have a blurb on the website “All sales are final” or something like that. I have a ticket opened with them so we’ll see how that goes I guess…

Sheesh! That sounds cr*p. I'm not sure where you are but here in the UK internet purchases are subject to distance selling regulations which gives you an automatic 14 day right of return.

Presumably a return isn't your priority tho' - you just want it to WORK!

 

[RobL]

Sheesh! That sounds cr*p. I'm not sure where you are but here in the UK internet purchases are subject to distance selling regulations which gives you an automatic 14 day right of return.

Presumably a return isn't your priority tho' - you just want it to WORK!

Yep, if I can get it to work I’m happy, haha.
I have their regular micros and a pair of the micro pros as well and have had no issues with either of them. This is a little off putting though. I’m in Canada but purchased through the US website as they don’t seem available here as of yet. I think I might have made a big mistake, lol.

 

[somebodyelse]

I'm not sure where you are but here in the UK internet purchases are subject to distance selling regulations which gives you an automatic 14 day right of return.

Same applies in the EU too, and even after 14 days given that it doesn't work as advertised, both in UK and EU. It's the seller that's responsible, not the manufacturer.