ARC 2 Advanced Room Correction System is now available from IK Multimedia

[Compyfox]

I'd please love to see the following adressed (to get back on topic):


- JamPoint issues
- upgrade prices (even after the "introduction" deal - they are steep for this feature list), especially for those that have ton of IKM licenses already
- when will the original FR's be ported (GUI resize, auto off while rendering)
- demo version (the Behringer reference mic is dirt cheap and even an AKG C414 in omni mode works for measurements)

I guess this the main thing that users care about that the moment.



We know that you try to take care of things, but I remember a certain statement that we get "more info the closer the release" - nothing happened. Now that it's out, there are questions. And if Brian and ObiK can't answer them, then it looks like someone else has to.

[BERFAB]

Yeah, I think I'll do that. I'll return to the thread with product/pricing/etc information that is relevant to the thread instead of playing a part in the soap opera as soon as I possibly can.

Does that mean there might be some wiggle room on the ARC2 upgrade price?

I have to concur that this seems awfully steep for a software upgrade to a hardware purchase. I really like and use ARC1 on everything that comes out of my DAW. I'm glad it has been improved, but I think I should also point out that, if memory serves, the asking price for the FULL version of ARC2 is less than what original ARC purchasers (beta testers?) paid [it listed for $699 back in early 2010]. And now to get the better working version we are kicking in even more.

Please get the brass at IK to re-think this strategy.

cheers
-B

[bluedad]

That dubstep guy has PERFECT timing.

Joined: 26 Jul 2012

How stupid are we supposed to be really?

That's not me and I'm told neither of my guys (I believe neither would have any reason to do this) so the solution is simple... I'll see if a mod will run an IP check etc and go from there. I'll address the other issues best I can as well, as soon as I can post again. Thanks for bringing this to my attention.

I can't check the ip location on my iPhone, I can't input the numbers. I'll check when I get home in about six hrs

[Compyfox]

Yes, ARC was once around 500 EUR, I can clearly remember that.

It was one of the heaviest purchases I've ever did. Then it dropped down to 299USD excl. VAT, if not even 250 in it's final days. Including microphone.

Having to pay 150bucks outside of the introductionary deal does indeed look steep for just a download key. At least you didn't rule out the usage of the rev1 mic if I saw that right. Now this would clearly irritate me if that would be the case.

[BERFAB]

Also, there's no reason why Jampoints should be excluded for a download/software only upgrade that only your best customers (buying your most expensive product) are eligible for.

[LGK_Dude]

Yeah, I think I'll do that. I'll return to the thread with product/pricing/etc information that is relevant to the thread instead of playing a part in the soap opera as soon as I possibly can.

Does that mean there might be some wiggle room on the ARC2 upgrade price?

I have to concur that this seems awfully steep for a software upgrade to a hardware purchase. I really like and use ARC1 on everything that comes out of my DAW. I'm glad it has been improved, but I think I should also point out that, if memory serves, the asking price for the FULL version of ARC2 is less than what original ARC purchasers (beta testers?) paid [it listed for $699 back in early 2010]. And now to get the better working version we are kicking in even more.

Please get the brass at IK to re-think this strategy.

cheers
-B

+1! And if AT3 is any indication, ARC2 will be $99 to new users at some point, with no discount for upgraders.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

These are probably a good start...

- JamPoint issues

This is a promotional price and these are typically not used in conjunction with JamPoints. However, I will relay the scenario presented for those that have JamPoints who question buying now when they could possibly buy later at a lower price with JamPoints. I won't get hopes up, but I will mention it.

- upgrade prices (even after the "introduction" deal - they are steep for this feature list), especially for those that have ton of IKM licenses already

I will go into the features below but this is a major release, far from a point release and the underlying technology as been improved. There are costs involved with this and we feel this is a fair price for upgrade. Long-time users have had use of the original version to help their mixes for a while too, with an upgrade path that costs a small amount for another good run at using the V2 release.

- when will the original FR's be ported (GUI resize, auto off while rendering)

I don't have insight into these specific FRs. I've passed them along, but recently I've been working closely with the Support Manager since he has the data for FRs and issues which he reports on weekly. The list of FRs he mentions gets some very high-profile views and he can also discuss directly with product managers and developers.

- demo version (the Behringer reference mic is dirt cheap and even an AKG C414 in omni mode works for measurements)

While I understand wanting a demo, I hope it is understood that it would be a terrible idea to allow demoing with any mic we did not specifically test and rate for use with the product. We would be setting the product demo up for failure. However, I can ask about the potential for a demo version for those that actually have the original.

[Trakstar]

hey brian, any new words concerning those new T racks processors, even just a hint towards Eq or dynamics or what, please, Im really getting excited actually because ive recently discovered a whole new Joy with the classic EQ all on its own and I think its going to become my favorite out of the lot, unless you have something better cooked up.

[Lenticular]

Then the regular upgrade price of $150.00 is way too much imo.
What new features warrant that steep amount for an upgrade fee?

-

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

And if AT3 is any indication, ARC2 will be $99 to new users at some point, with no discount for upgraders.

Sure, you can use the original ARC for a couple of years until that point anyway.

Seriously, though, if a tool is useful to someone now they should assess the ROI for them and base their purchase decision on whatever that "ROI" metric is to them. Obviously professional applications net $$ so that user will figure out how quickly they'll make the $$ back instead of waiting a couple of years (which is the case with the AT3 example you gave). In the middle we have pro-sumer folks who will have longer to wait for that return, or will measure that return in satisfaction with what the tool does for their work. They may or may not want to wait. A consumer who has no expectation except a faster mix, better translation on multiple systems without running out to the car, etc, may be the one who has no problem waiting. Unless we factor in G.A.S.... That makes the waters a bit murky but in this case murky waters can be fun to swim in and sometimes a tool just helps people make the music that makes them happy and that's cool. Might not be full-price cool, but they can choose to wait the couple of years or so like AT3 at $99.

[Trakstar]

[quote="Peter - IK Multimedia"]

hey PETER(sorry), any new words concerning those new T racks processors, even just a hint towards Eq or dynamics or what, please, Im really getting excited actually because ive recently discovered a whole new Joy with the classic EQ all on its own and I think its going to become my favorite out of the lot, unless you have something better cooked up.

(sorry for sticking my nose in, im just buzzing about it)

[Mushy Mushy]

@Brian: I want the demo to test CPU usage.

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Then the regular upgrade price of $150.00 is way too much imo.
What new features warrant that steep amount for an upgrade fee?

-

Steep? To each his or her own as far as their ROI, if you get a lot out of ARC 2, these features should really be worth $150 for the upgrade:

- Update to improved Audyssey MultEQ® XT32 algo (very important and worth the price)
- Virtual emulations of environments/devices like certain monitors, car stereos, general stereos, etc
- 4x greater resolution (better low-end response was a FR)
- Improved sound in the mids/highs (another request)
- Customizable curves
- Fewer measurements
- Monitor control panel
- Better interface
- L/R combined correction

[Peter - IK Multimedia]

Also, there's no reason why Jampoints should be excluded for a download/software only upgrade that only your best customers (buying your most expensive product) are eligible for.

StompIO? OK OK, I know what you mean. I've asked but the answer so far is that we've offered this specific promotional pricing just for that reason. You've purchased and used a product for up to multiple years (or recently at lower price, thus less usage before the new version came out) and now you can get a dramatic increase in quality for $99 or so.

[LGK_Dude]

While I understand wanting a demo, I hope it is understood that it would be a terrible idea to allow demoing with any mic we did not specifically test and rate for use with the product. We would be setting the product demo up for failure. However, I can ask about the potential for a demo version for those that actually have the original.

100% agree here. Dont know how you would do a proper demo with "any ol' microphone' (though the ARC package doesn't come with a preamp, so there is already differences in the chain from user to user) but I do hope a demo can be made available for ARC1 owners to see if the upgrade is indeed worth it, hopefully before the intro offer is gone.

"Dramatic increase in quality" is of course subjective, so the only way to really know is to try it yourself in your studio.

Thank you very much for asking these questions for us! I really hope a demo can be made available, I try it, love it, buy it, and sing its praises to all my colleagues and all over the net!