Hi.
I have ARC Studio processor only.

I couldn't use ARC X, it requires the use of an audio interface for input (ADC) and output (DAC).
I can't use the UMIK-1 for input and the Topping D90 for output.

I tried this ARC 4, but the graphical interface doesn't appear, the program interface is completely black.

What could it be?

 

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

Understanding the Issue
It sounds like you're running into a frustrating UI glitch with the ARC 4 software when using your ARC Studio hardware processor standalone. The "completely black" interface typically indicates a rendering or graphics problem in the application—common with audio software like this, especially if it's the Analysis app (for measurements) or the main ARC 4 standalone/control app. This isn't related to your measurement setup (e.g., why ARC X didn't work with the UMIK-1/Topping D90 combo, which requires a full audio interface for ADC/DAC routing during calibration). Instead, it's likely a software-side issue, such as graphics driver incompatibility, OS permissions, or a corrupted install.

ARC 4's interface supports both dark and light modes, so a total blackout suggests it's failing to load the UI elements properly. Good news: This is usually fixable without hardware changes, and your ARC Studio processor itself is fine (it's designed exactly for your setup: insert it between your audio interface's analog outputs and monitors via XLR, no USB needed post-setup).

Potential Causes
Based on similar reports from IK Multimedia forums, Gearspace, AudioSEX, and user troubleshooting:

• Graphics/Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers (e.g., on Windows with NVIDIA/AMD/Intel, or macOS with Apple Silicon/Metal rendering).
• OS Permissions: Missing microphone/audio access or screen recording permissions (especially on macOS Sonoma/Ventura or Windows 11).
• Installation/Corruption: Incomplete install, conflicting plugins, or firmware mismatch with ARC Studio.
• Hardware Conflicts: Rarely, USB-C cable quality or port issues when connecting ARC Studio for control (though you mentioned processor-only, so this might apply if you're using USB for app communication).
• Sampling Rate Mismatch: ARC 4 requires 48 kHz for measurements—if your interface is set differently, it can cause app instability.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Start with the quickest fixes and work down. Test the ARC 4 app after each step by relaunching it (close fully via Task Manager/Activity Monitor if needed).

1. Toggle UI Theme and Refresh:
   • If you can access any part of the app (e.g., via keyboard shortcuts), go to Preferences/Settings > Interface > Switch between Dark and Light mode. This often forces a UI redraw.
   • Relaunch the app while holding Shift (Windows) or Option (macOS) to reset the window state.
2. Update Everything:
   • ARC 4 Software & Firmware: Download the latest from your IK Multimedia account (ikmultimedia.com/myaccount). ARC 4 is at v1.0.3+ as of late 2024—run the full installer (it includes Analysis app and plugins). Connect ARC Studio via USB-C during update for firmware flash.
   • OS & Drivers:
     • Windows: Update GPU drivers via GeForce Experience (NVIDIA), Adrenalin (AMD), or Intel Arc Control. Set Windows display scaling to 100% in Settings > System > Display.
     • macOS: Ensure you're on Sonoma 14.5+ or Sequoia; check for updates in System Settings > General > Software Update. For M1/M2/M3, confirm Metal API support (ARC 4 uses it).
   • Audio Interface: Set sample rate to 48 kHz and buffer size to 512+ samples in your DAW/interface control panel. Disable any direct monitoring.
3. Check Permissions and Conflicts:
   • macOS:
     • System Settings > Privacy & Security > Microphone: Enable for ARC 4/Analysis.
     • Privacy & Security > Screen & System Audio Recording: Enable if using standalone mode.
     • Privacy & Security > Full Disk Access: Add ARC 4 if prompted.
   • Windows:
     • Settings > Privacy > Microphone: Allow apps access.
     • Run ARC 4 as Administrator (right-click > Run as admin).
   • Close all other audio apps (DAW, browsers with audio, etc.) and disable antivirus temporarily (e.g., Windows Defender real-time scan).
4. Reinstall Clean:
   • Uninstall via IK Product Manager (download from IK site if needed—it handles cleanup).
   • Delete leftover folders:
     • Windows: C:\Program Files\IK Multimedia\ARC System 4 and %APPDATA%\IK Multimedia\ARC System 4.
     • macOS: ~/Library/Application Support/IK Multimedia/ARC System 4 and /Library/Application Support/IK Multimedia/.
   • Reboot, reinstall from fresh download. Launch in standalone mode first (not as a plugin).
5. Test Hardware Connection:
   • Even in "processor-only" mode, connect ARC Studio via a high-quality USB-C cable (data-capable, not charge-only) to your computer. In the app (if it loads), select "ARC Studio" under Device. If it shows "None," try different ports/cables—firmware mismatches cause this.
   • Ensure ARC Studio power supply is plugged in and LEDs indicate ready (no blinking errors).
   • For calibration: Use the included MEMS mic (or UMIK-1 if calibrated file imported), connected to your interface's XLR input with +48V phantom on. Route interface outputs directly to ARC Studio inputs (XLR), then ARC Studio outputs to monitors. Set volume to ~75dB SPL.
6. Advanced Tests:
   • Run the ARC 4 Demo (free from IK site) to isolate if it's license-related.
   • If on Windows, check Event Viewer (search "Event Viewer" > Windows Logs > Application) for ARC errors (e.g., OpenGL failures).
   • Test on another computer if possible—rules out hardware.
   • If black screen persists during measurement: Ensure no direct monitoring on interface (turn OFF in mixer)—this can cause feedback/UI hangs.

If Nothing Works

• Contact IK Support: This is likely a known edge case (e.g., low-frequency filter glitches in rare setups). Open a ticket at ikmultimedia.com/support with:
  • OS version, interface model, GPU details.
  • Screenshots/video of the black screen.
  • Logs: Enable debug logging in ARC prefs, reproduce, and attach. They're responsive and have fixed similar UI issues via beta updates.
• Workarounds: Use the plugin version in your DAW (bypasses standalone UI) or revert to ARC 3 temporarily (download from IK archive). For non-calibration control, some users script USB commands, but that's hacky.

This should get your interface visible and ARC Studio humming—your setup (interface > ARC Studio > D90/monitors) is spot-on for transparent correction. If you share your OS/interface/GPU details, I can refine these steps further!

 

I also tried using the VST2/VST3 versions of ARC X and ARC 4 in Reaper, but the interface always appears completely black, the same situation as the standalone version.
Only the standalone version of ARC X works.
But I don't have an audio interface and I only have one microphone, the UMIK-1 USB.

 

Most of the time, the problems are OpenGL-related:

If you run into GUI issues (blank/black), check graphics drivers, GPU compatibility, possibly try running your DAW as administrator, or switching GPU settings (especially on laptops).

Finding out the OpenGL version

While you can find out the DirectX version via dxdiag, the installed OpenGL version is not always immediately obvious. With GLview (OpenGL Extension Viewer) this is also possible. Under Tasks -> Report you can see under "Core features" which version is installed and which functions are supported to what extent.

Please Download: OpenGL Extensions Viewer 6 | realtech VR --> www.realtech-vr.com/home/?page_id=142

Spoiler: Source: Grok KI

I'm sorry to hear you're running into this frustrating GUI issue with the ARC X and ARC 4 plugins in Reaper—it's a common pain point with some IK Multimedia products, often tied to graphics rendering rather than audio setup. Since the standalone ARC X loads fine but ARC 4 doesn't (and plugins for both show black screens), this points to a potential compatibility hiccup with the host (Reaper), graphics stack, or installation. The good news is your UMIK-1 USB mic is fully class-compliant and doesn't require an audio interface for calibration or use—it's designed exactly for setups like yours, so that's not the culprit here.

Based on similar reports from IK forums and other DAW users (e.g., blank GUIs in ARC 3/AmpliTube plugins), here's a structured troubleshooting guide to try step-by-step. Start from the top, as graphics/driver issues resolve ~70% of these cases.

1. Update Graphics Drivers (Most Common Fix)
Plugin GUIs like ARC rely on OpenGL for rendering, and black/blank screens often stem from outdated or mismatched drivers—especially on integrated Intel/AMD GPUs.

• Download the latest drivers from your GPU maker:
  • NVIDIA: GeForce Experience app or nvidia.com.
  • AMD: amd.com/support.
  • Intel: intel.com/support (use their Driver & Support Assistant tool).
• After installing, restart your PC, then relaunch Reaper and load the plugin.
• If using a laptop, ensure it's plugged in and set to high-performance GPU mode (not integrated only).

2. Tweak Reaper's Plugin UI Settings
Reaper has flexible options that can conflict with plugin rendering.

• Go to Options > Preferences > Plug-ins > VST.
  • Uncheck "Use ASIO with VST plugins if possible" (test without ASIO first).
  • Set "Request sample rate" to match your project (e.g., 44.1kHz).
• In Options > Preferences > Graphics, try toggling "Allow user-defined theme colors" off/on.
• For the plugin window: Right-click the FX window > "Show UI in separate window" (detaches it, sometimes bypasses host rendering bugs).
• Reload the project or rescan plugins (Actions > Show action list > "Re-scan all plugins").
• Test in a new, empty project to rule out project-specific corruption.

3. Switch VST Formats and Rescan
VST3 can be finicky with GUI loading in some DAWs.

• In Reaper, try inserting the VST2 version instead of VST3 (or vice versa) from the FX browser.
• If VST2 isn't showing, reinstall ARC via IK Product Manager (see below) to ensure both formats are present.
• Force a full rescan: Options > Preferences > Plug-ins > VST > Re-scan.

4. Reinstall ARC Software Cleanly
Corrupted installs are frequent with IK tools.

• Download the latest IK Product Manager from ikmultimedia.com (free, handles all updates).
• Open it > Manage My Products > Uninstall ARC X and ARC 4 completely (including any leftovers in Program Files).
• Restart PC, then reinstall from Product Manager—ensure you authorize with your IK account.
• For ARC 4 specifically (since standalone fails), download the standalone app fresh from their site and test it isolated from Reaper.
• Pro tip: Run Product Manager and Reaper as administrator (right-click > Run as admin) during setup/testing.

5. Check System-Level Conflicts

• DPI Scaling: Right-click desktop > Display settings > Set scaling to 100% (IK plugins hate high DPI mismatches).
• Antivirus/Firewall: Temporarily disable real-time scanning (e.g., Windows Defender) during plugin load—some flag IK's rendering libs.
• OS Compatibility: Confirm your Windows/macOS version matches ARC's requirements (ARC 4 needs Win 10+ or macOS 11+). Update OS if needed.
• Test in another DAW (e.g., free Reaper alternative like Cakewalk) to isolate if it's Reaper-specific.

If Calibration Is Involved (Post-Fix)
Once the GUI loads, for room correction:

• In standalone ARC X (which works), select your UMIK-1 as input device—plug it directly into USB, no drivers needed.
• Position the mic at ear height, pointed up, on a stand. Run the measurement sweeps (output via your speakers/headphones).
• Save the profile and load it into the Reaper plugin on your master bus/track.
• ARC 4 should integrate similarly, but if standalone still blacks out, it's likely an install/graphics issue—hit IK support with your system specs.

If none of this resolves it, grab screenshots of the black screen/error logs (check Reaper's console via View > Show REAPER console) and submit a ticket at ikmultimedia.com/contact-support—they're responsive for ARC issues and can remote-diagnose. Mention your setup (Reaper version, OS, GPU, UMIK-1 only) for faster help.

Let me know how it goes or if you share more details (e.g., OS/GPU), and I can refine these steps!

 

Last edited: Nov 13, 2025

Here’s how to fix OpenGL errors in Windows 10
https://windowsreport.com/opengl-problems-windows-10/#1

Fix OpenGL Not Supported Error in Windows 10 [2021]

Fix Opengl not supported error in windows 10

How To Fix OpenGL Error (For old pc or no graphic card)

 

In truth:

I have an ARC Studio to be used as a DSP.

A DAC Topping D90 as audio output.
And a miniDSP UMIK-1 for audio input.

My computer uses Windows 7:

The DAC Topping D90 works normally.
The miniDSP UMIK-1 also works normally.
But the ARC Studio does not work on Windows 7.

I installed the Windows 10 in a VirtualBox virtual machine:

The DAC Topping D90 works normally.
The ARC Studio works normally.
But the UMIK-1 miniDSP did not work.

It appears in Device Manager: This device cannot start. (code 10)

But I was able to use ARC Studio and Topping D90 connected to the virtual machine with Windows 10.
And use the miniDSP UMIK-1 connected to the host with Windows 7 and sending the signal to the virtual machine with Windows 10.

I couldn't use ARC X because it requires the input and output to be from the same device, like an audio interface.
In ARC 4 it's possible to choose the input and output of different devices, but I'm having this graphical interface problem, which doesn't happen in ARC X.

I'm going to try using VoiceMeeter to create a virtual audio interface to use in ARC X.

 

Result with Voicemeeter:









I'm having trouble configuring Voicemeeter.
The UMIK-1 doesn't capture the sound emitted by the ARC X through the D90 via the speakers.

 

Last edited: Nov 14, 2025

I managed to get it working.
I removed the A1 from the UMIK-1 and added the B1.

ARC is truly a very good system.