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• Graphics/Driver Issues: Outdated or incompatible GPU drivers (e.g., on Windows with NVIDIA/AMD/Intel, or macOS with Apple Silicon/Metal rendering).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.