ARCA isn't trying to replace plugin developers—it's building the hardware foundation that allows them all to thrive.

An Open Ecosystem Built Around Innovation

The future of guitar isn't built by one company.

It's built by thousands of developers, engineers, artists and innovators who continue to push the boundaries of what's possible.

ARCA exists to bring those innovations together.

Rather than creating another closed ecosystem where you're limited to one manufacturer's software, RECON was designed from day one as an open platform—giving musicians the freedom to use the tools they already know, trust and love.

Because we believe the best ideas don't all come from the same place.

  • We don't believe musicians should be forced to choose between great hardware and great software
  • That's why ARCA isn't trying to replace the incredible work being done by plugin developers
  • Our goal is to give those developers a professional hardware platform worthy of the software they create

compatibility test programme

 "ARCA - Verified" 

'ARCA Verified' is a compatibility test programme which exists to ensure the best possible experience for ARCA users.

The ARCA Compatibility Programme is an independent validation process. We test supported software on the ARCA RECON platform using the developer's standard public release build to verify compatibility, stability and performance. Where developers choose to work with us, we also welcome opportunities for future collaboration and optimisation.

  • INVITED  - We've invited the developer to participate in the ARCA compatibility programme
  • Onboarding  - Development access has been granted and compatibility testing can begin
  • testing  - compatibility and stability testing is currently underway
  • VALIDATING  - FINAL COMPATIBILITY, PERFORMANCE and reliability checks are in progress
  • arca VERIFIED  - Successfully tested and verified by ARCA as stable on the RECON platform
  • base INC  - software included for basic testing, no formal participation by the developer
  • base tested  - software has been tested for basic compatibility, no formal participation by developer

Developer Participation

Not every developer is able to provide development licences or participate directly in the ARCA Compatibility Programme, and we completely understand that.

Where development access isn't available, ARCA may still look to carry out initial base testing using a standard license / trial version to establish basic installation and compatibility. While this can provide a useful indication of how the software performs on the platform, it has not yet been through the full ARCA verification process used with participating developers.

As ARCA is aimed to be an open eco-system capable of supporting any plugin, we will still aim to carry out basic testing with software that is currently in the marketplace. As and when development access becomes available, further testing can be carried out to build a more complete and comprehensive picture of compatibility, performance and stability.

  • onboarding

    AUDIO ASSAULT - AMP LOCKER

    AUDIO ASSAULT - FIRST supporter 

    The guys over at Audio Assault have provided a compatibility test license for their Amp Locker Plugin. 

  • onboarding

    ODEHOLM AUDIO - THALL AMP

    ODEHOLM AUDIO 

    The guys over at ODEHOLM AUDIO have provided a compatibility test license for Thall Amp Plugin.

  • onboarding

    TWO NOTES AUDIO - GNOME

    TWO NOTES AUDIO

    The guys over at TWO NOTES AUDIO have provided a compatibility test license for the Gnome Amp Plugin.

  • base inc

    STL TONES - TONEHUB

    STL TONES

    ToneHub will be independently tested by ARCA for basic compatibility with the RECON platform.

  • INVITED

    ML SOUND LAB

    -

    -

  • INVITED

    BOGREN DIGITAL

    -

    -

  • INVITED

    NEURAL DSP

    -

  • INVITED

    POSITIVE GRID

    -

    -

  • INVITED

    IK MULTIMEDIA - TONEX

    -

    -

  • INVITED

    MURCURIALL

    -

    -

Verification Framework

What Does "ARCA Verified" Mean?

The ARCA Verified programme exists to ensure the best possible experience for ARCA users.

When a developer joins the ARCA Verified programme, we will independently test and validate their software on the ARCA platform using the standard public release build. Where developers choose to engage more closely, we'll happily work alongside them to further explore compatibility, performance and future optimisation opportunities. ARCA Verified simply means the software has been independently verified by ARCA as stable and compatible with the platform. It does not imply a commercial partnership, endorsement or formal business relationship.

Compatibility testing

Every plugin undergoes comprehensive compatibility testing on ARCA hardware to verify reliable installation, operation, functionality and long-term stability on the RECON platform.

Performance optimisation

We optimise the ARCA platform to ensure verified software performs reliably, with low latency, responsive operation and efficient use of system resources.

Touch interface recommendations

During validation, we evaluate the touchscreen experience and identify opportunities to improve usability. Where appropriate, these observations may be shared with developers as feedback for future consideration.

Preset integration

ARCA Verified software is fully compatible with the RECON preset system, enabling fast and intuitive organisation, recall and switching of sounds for a seamless live performance experience.

Hardware control mapping

ARCA provides intelligent mapping of compatible plugin parameters to physical controls, footswitches and expression inputs. Where developers choose to collaborate, we also welcome opportunities to further refine the user experience

Ongoing software validation

As both plugins and ARCA CORE evolve, we perform ongoing compatibility testing to ensure verified software continues to deliver a reliable and consistent experience across supported RECON platforms.

Early access testing for future ARCA features

As ARCA CORE continues to evolve, we carry out early compatibility testing with upcoming platform features to ensure ARCA Verified software continues to deliver a reliable and consistent user experience following future updates.

The result is simple: confidence. ARCA Verified software has been independently tested to ensure musicians can rely on their favourite plugins to install, perform and respond exactly as expected. Whether recording in the studio, rehearsing with the band or stepping onto the stage, users can trust that their software has been validated for a reliable and consistent experience on the RECON platform

The Foundation That Brings Everything Together

ARCA CORE

At the heart of every ARCA device is ARCA CORE. ARCA CORE is the software platform responsible for transforming professional guitar plugins into a seamless live performance experience.

It manages everything happening behind the scenes so musicians can focus entirely on playing.

ARCA CORE handles:

Plugin hosting

ARCA CORE provides a secure, purpose-built environment for hosting supported guitar plugins with the reliability required for live performance.

Audio routing

Intelligent signal routing allows audio to flow seamlessly between plugins, inputs, outputs and external hardware with minimal latency.

Preset management

Organise, store and instantly recall your complete rig configurations, ensuring consistent performance every time you play.

Hardware control mapping

Assign plugin parameters to ARCA's physical controls, footswitches and expression inputs for intuitive, hands-on control.

Touchscreen interaction

A performance-focused touchscreen interface transforms desktop plugins into an intuitive experience designed specifically for stage use.

Performance Optimisation

ARCA CORE continuously manages system resources to deliver responsive operation, low latency and dependable performance under demanding conditions.

System Stability

Built with reliability at its core, ARCA CORE prioritises consistent operation to provide confidence in both rehearsals and live performances.

Fast Startup & Switching

Optimised boot times and near-instant preset transitions keep you focused on playing, not waiting for technology.

Future Software Updates

ARCA CORE updates will aim to introduce new features, performance improvements and expanded compatibility, ensuring your hardware continues to evolve alongside the latest plugin innovations.

Verified verified

Our Commitment

Our goal is to make RECON the most open, capable and musician-focused hardware platform available, giving guitarists the freedom to use the software they already know and love.

We're committed to independently testing and validating software from developers across the industry, helping musicians make informed decisions about compatibility while providing developers with valuable feedback throughout the validation process. Whether you're an established software company, an independent developer, or building the next breakthrough guitar plugin, we'd love to hear from you. If you'd like your software to be considered for the ARCA Verified programme, please get in touch.

Because the future of guitar belongs to an ecosystem—not a walled garden.

Why We Chose An Open Ecosystem

We don't believe musicians should be forced to choose between great hardware and great software.

We believe they should have both.

That's why ARCA isn't trying to replace the incredible work being done by plugin developers.

Our goal is to give those developers a professional hardware platform worthy of the software they create.

When plugin developers innovate, everyone wins.

When musicians have the freedom to choose, creativity thrives.

That's the future we believe in.