Using ARC Mobile

ARC Mobile is easy. Below is a complete user guide and recommendations from the Anthem team to ensure you get the best possible results of your measurements.

Installing ARC Mobile

1. Download the app.
2. Make sure your mobile device is connected to your Wi-Fi network and has Bluetooth enabled if measuring a MartinLogan Dynamo and Paradigm Defiance subwoofers.
3. Make sure your audio device is powered on and, if applicable, connected to your local area network. MartinLogan Dynamo and Paradigm Defiance subwoofers (which use Bluetooth based control systems) do not require a connection to your network.
4. Launch the ARC Mobile app, choose Run ARC Mobile, and follow the on-screen instructions.
5. ARC automatically calculates and uploads room correction and bass management settings. You’ll hear the difference ARC makes.

Taking Measurements Using the Built-in Microphone:

Proper microphone positioning is essential for good results. Multiple mic positions are required to prevent standing waves or boundaries from skewing results. To achieve the best results with ARC Mobile, follow these simple rules.

• ALWAYS remove the protective case from your phone or tablet.
• ALWAYS hold the phone or tablet as far away from your body as you can.
• ALWAYS follow the on-screen instructions telling you where to point your device’s built-in microphone, usually pointing the mic towards the speaker you are currently measuring.
• ALWAYS place the 1st position at your primary listening location. The 1st position is critical because it is used to set the level of the overall system.
• ALWAYS place the mic height near ear level (if you sit when you listen, use the relative height of your ears when seated). The microphone, the listener’s ears, and the speaker’s acoustic center (or tweeter if in doubt) should be at approximately the same height.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, make sure the primary listening position is a minimum of two to three feet (60 to 90 cm) from walls and other large hard surfaces. Please note:
• We understand that the location of the primary listening position is often not flexible.
• For best results when listening, a listener’s ears should be away from any walls a minimum distance of two to three feet (60 to 90cm).
• If the 1st mic position falls within two to three feet (60 to 90cm) form a wall, high-backed furniture, or similar obstructions, it’s important to measure from a position as close to the listener's head as possible. So place the first mic position just in front of where the listener’s head would be. In this case, always place the 2nd through 5th positions the recommended distance from each other, even if this results in them being less than two to three feet (60 to 90cm) away from a wall. The resulting pattern may look less like an X and more like a V or M, and that’s okay.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, place the 2nd through 5th positions two feet (60cm) from the 1st position. Up to three feet (90cm) is acceptable, but not usually necessary.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, place the 2nd through 5th positions symmetrically around the 1st position. Use an X pattern, with the 1st position in the center of the X, and each corner two feet (60cm) from the center.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, vary the mic height for the 2nd through 5th positions, with two measurements being 6 to 12-inches below the 1st position and the other two measurements 6 to 12-inches above the height of the 1st position. This method provides ARC with a more three-dimensional view of the room and its acoustic signature.

Taking Measurements Using the External Microphone:

To achieve the best results with ARC Mobile and the external mic, follow these simple rules.

• ALWAYS point your microphone at the ceiling.
• ALWAYS hold the tablet or phone at arm’s length from your body.
• ALWAYS place the 1st position at your primary listening location. The 1st position is critical because it is used to set the level of the overall system.
• ALWAYS place the mic height near ear level (if you sit when you listen, use the relative height of your ears when seated). The microphone, the listener’s ears, and the speaker’s acoustic center (or tweeter if in doubt) should be at approximately the same height.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, make sure the primary listening position is a minimum of two to three feet (60 to 90 cm) from walls and other large hard surfaces. Please note:
• We understand that the location of the primary listening position is often not flexible.
• For best results when listening, a listener’s ears should be away from any walls a minimum distance of two to three feet (60 to 90cm).
• If the 1st mic position falls within two to three feet (60 to 90cm) form a wall, high-backed furniture, or similar obstructions, it’s important to measure from a position as close to the listener's head as possible. So place the first mic position just in front of where the listener’s head would be. In this case, always place the 2nd through 5th positions the recommended distance from each other, even if this results in them being less than two to three feet (60 to 90cm) away from a wall. The resulting pattern may look less like an X and more like a V or M, and that’s okay.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, place the 2nd through 5th positions two feet (60cm) from the 1st position. Up to three feet (90cm) is acceptable, but not usually necessary.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, place the 2nd through 5th positions symmetrically around the 1st position. Use an X pattern, with the 1st position in the center of the X, and each corner two feet (60cm) from the center.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, vary the mic height for the 2nd through 5th positions, with two measurements being 6 to 12-inches below the 1st position and the other two measurements 6 to 12-inches above the height of the 1st position. This method provides ARC with a more three-dimensional view of the room and its acoustic signature.

Don’t Make These Common Mistakes!

• NEVER measure all five positions at the same location—the differences in the acoustic response at the five measurement locations are what allows ARC to understand the acoustic signature of your room.
• NEVER place the 2nd through 5th positions at the four corners of the room—don’t do it! There doesn’t need to be much distance between microphone locations for ARC to understand a room’s acoustic signature. Long distances between measurement positions adversely impact your final room corrections.
• WHENEVER POSSIBLE, do not place the 2nd through 5th positions further than three feet (90cm) away from the 1st position—a symmetrical pattern of spots around the first location is more important than putting the microphone at each listening position throughout the room.