Page 4 of 13 ARCQuickstartV050.fm
FMR Audio, +1-512-280-6557 www.fmraudio.com
They’re custom-designed. They’re custom-built. They’re solid anodized alumi-
num and will last a couple of lifetimes.
•THAT2181 VCAs — These are the same VCAs used in scores of professional
audio compressors, gates and other dynamic processors. We can use these with-
out compromise, in part, because of the higher-than-normal power supply rails.
•Steel Cabinet — There’s a lot of really good effects pedals out there that are
housed in the “standard” Hammond Manufacturing cast aluminum enclosure.
We considered that type of cabinet as well, but decided that the A.R.C. was a little
too different to package it the same ol’ way. Instead, we designed a custom, two-
piece cold-rolled-steel enclosure with a sloping front and room for the instrumen-
talist with prehensile feet. It’s electroplated and covered in a hard polyurethane-
based paint to last a good long time.
•Made in Austin, Texas U.S.A. — We want you to know that we do our own man-
ufacturing here in beautiful Austin, Texas ‘cause: (a) We live here. We’re control
freaks. We need things done to standards that are very specific and loftier than
most. Manufacturing products here helps us to control important costs and
reduce waste. All this helps ensure that your A.R.C. will retain its value and con-
tinue working for many years to come, (b) Austin’s resources and culture—from a
very lively music scene to lots of high-tech companies/products—help inspire
and maintain our commitment to music and technology, and, (c) In order to help
others, here and abroad, we believe we’ve got to be vital and capable ourselves.
Our first choice is to employ as many U.S.-based resources as possible in the
design, manufacture and distribution of our products.
What sucks about the A.R.C.?
In each product guide, I try to summarize the product’s strengths (see: What’s cool about the A.R.C.?) and
weaknesses from my view as the designer and user. This is no exception:
•Few Panel Controls — Many recording studio signal processors have lots of
panel controls to afford maximum flexibility to the recording engineer. It’s almost
a requirement for the studio environment. For an effects pedal, lots of controls
could be an unnecessary complication for many musicians. We tried to balance
complexity of controls and ease-of-use and gave the A.R.C. three rotary controls
and a bypass switch. Some will find this complement of controls to be too few,
while others may find it still too complicated.
•Large & Heavy Enclosure — As previously mentioned, we decided to use a non-
standard cabinet for the A.R.C. This will be a problem for some musicians since
