The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is the latest addition to the iLoud series. It has a few pro features that the original Micro Monitor didn’t have. For instance, there’s now an integrated ARC correction with a measuring microphone, so the loudspeaker automatically adapts to the room conditions via the internal DSP. In this short review, we’ll take a closer look at what else this monitor for home producers has to offer.
This review was originally published at Gearnews.de by Dirk, translation by Julian Schmauch.
Our review on the new monitors from IKM
- Compact and portable studio monitors
- Separate Class D amplifiers for tweeters and woofers for each speaker
- Integrated DSP
- ARC room calibration with measuring microphone
- X-Monitor software support
- Frequency response from 50 Hz to 20 kHz
- XLR and RCA inputs
- Adjustable stands
IK Multimedia received a lot of praise for the recent iLoud Micro Monitor. These ultra-compact speakers sound pretty impressive as near-field monitors. They also offer a few additional features, and deliver a sound you’d never expect given their small size.
The success of the original product encouraged the Italian manufacturer to release an update, and the new IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is now available. I’m unsure if this Pro version is supposed to replace or supplement the previous model, but there are some differences. We’ll go into these in detail in a moment.
One thing is certain, though: this studio monitor offers some interesting and in-demand features. But it’s also been “rebuilt” in a few areas. I’m curious to see if these small monitors will be as inspiring as the bigger IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII, which I tested and subsequently bought.
Unboxing iLoud Micro Monitor
I was surprised by just how small they were when I first unboxed the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro pair. At just 208 mm height, a single monitor seems almost as small as your typical computer speaker. However, the look is much more “pro” and just as elegant. They are also pretty lightweight at just 1.37 kg.
These studio monitors are small and light enough to throw them in your backpack and take them with you wherever you go. And there shouldn’t be any space in your studio, no matter how cramped, where the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro won’t fit. In this respect, these monitors clearly fulfill their mission.
The quality of the workmanship is also impressive. Everything feels solid and well-made. Just a heads-up: I’d recommend protecting the matte plastic case while transporting them, as it’ll probably get scratched easily.
The front of the speaker has a 3-inch LF driver; above that is a 1-inch silk dome tweeter. Furthermore, the DSP-tuned bass reflex port is located at the bottom. The tweeter and woofer each have their own Class D amplifier, which delivers a total of 50 watts RMS (30 for LF, 20 for HF). IKM says the crossover frequency is 2.5 kHz, and the frequency response ranges from 50 Hz to 20 kHz. I’m curious to see how the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro handles this “size.”
Let’s briefly look at the backside of these studio monitors concerning I/O. You can choose between XLR and RCA inputs. But why is there no jack input? I’m baffled as to why it was left out. I would have thought that jack inputs would be a given, especially for monitors in this price range. Wouldn’t it have made sense to include at least a combo jack?
In addition, there’s also a USB-C port and a power supply plug. The power switch and volume control are also located here, with four small buttons surrounded by LEDs for adjusting and changing the sound profile. Unfortunately, the monitors turn on as soon as they are supplied with power. It would have been nice if the power button would do that, as a safety measure.
The bottom side is equipped with extendable feet and a small flange allows installation on a tripod.
Let’s take a look at the differences between the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro and the previous model:
- iLoud Micro Monitor Pro does not include Bluetooth connectivity.
- The new Pro model has XLR and RCA inputs, while the older iLoud Micro Monitor only has RCA inputs.
- Both Pro monitors are powered separately and have identical designs, including DSP and controls.
- No additional power supply is required for the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro
- ARC room correction and the X-Monitor software are only available for the Pro model
Setting up the monitors and using ARC room correction
Once you’ve got the two IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro speakers set up, wired and connected to the power supply, you’re good to go. The built-in stand makes these small speakers destined for flexible use. When you unfold it, each monitor stands firmly on your desk (or any other surface) and sits at a desirable angle to your listening position. In addition, the quick guide, which you can download as a PDF, gives you tips on where to position the small monitor best.
In theory, I could just get to work, but the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro comes with a special feature: room correction via its integrated DSP. Before I can get started, though, I first have to use the ARC system to capture my room. That’s where the included ARC measurement microphone comes in.
You might be wondering how to connect the microphone. The monitors’ XLR inputs have a secondary function, so they can also be used as inputs for the measuring microphone. In practice, this means you have to disconnect them from the source (probably your audio interface) each time you calibrate.
Otherwise, the calibration process is basically the same as with the iLoud MTM MKII, with four measuring points and the option of using the free X-Monitor software (available for macOS and Windows). If you connect the small monitors via USB, you can also change the EQ curve of the speakers, manage sound profiles, or simulate the sound behavior of various well-known monitor speakers (within the scope of what’s physically possible).
These features are more than just gimmicks—they really do change the sound. It’s impressive how IK Multimedia has managed to integrate so many features into such small monitors. In professional studios, the room is acoustically optimized to achieve an optimal sound. In these rooms, integrated room correction isn’t widely used. But I think we’ll increasingly see this feature in studio monitors in the future.
If you’re hear to the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro in action for the first time, you’ll likely be speechless. It’s amazing how such a “big” sound and so much bass can come out of such small speakers. Just to be clear, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro’s sound doesn’t sound bloated or too hi-fi. It sounds very much like a studio monitor should, linear and uncolored. That way I can make the right decisions when recording and mixing.
And you get the same excellent stereo field as with the iLoud MTM MKII. You really get the impression of sound sources positioned in the middle of the stereo panorama coming from the actual phantom middle when listening. On the other hand, extreme panorama settings are immediately apparent.
It’s also worth noting that monitors with these compact dimensions don’t produce the same room-filling sound as more expensive and larger studio speakers. You also can’t crank up the volume as much. But you can still get some great results with them.
If you calibrate the monitors with the measuring microphone and turn on the integrated ARC room correction, the new iLoud monitors can sound even more accurate and precise.
I’m really impressed by the sound of the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro. For its size, it’s truly mind-boggling. This small studio speaker is packed with the latest technology which includes features like the internal DSP with sound adjustment, internal room calibration, and further integration with the X-Monitor software. I have no complaints about the quality of workmanship, either. I just think that adding a dedicated jack input or an XLR/jack combo input would make this small studio monitor even more flexible.
The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is a complete package that’s bound to turn heads. Even if you’ve already got great monitors and don’t need another pair, you should check out this little powerhouse to see why everyone’s so excited about it. And if you’re looking for compact and portable monitors, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is definitely worth checking out.
It’s ideal for small studio spaces where space is at a minimum. I’d even suggest the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro for project studios or outside broadcasting vans. It’s a great option for mobile producers looking for monitors to take with them. There aren’t many alternatives, but the Genelec 8010A* are just as good. However, the small Genelec monitor has a slightly lower frequency response and doesn’t have integrated room correction. IK Multimedia has done an impressive job with the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro!
Specifications
- Total output power: 50 W RMS
- LF output power: 30 W RMS
- HF output power: 20 W RMS
- Crossover type: digital, linear phase
- Crossover frequency: 2.5 kHz
- Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz ± 2dB, 42 Hz to 22 kHz @ -10dB
- Phase response: System remains coherent within +/- 30° from 500 Hz to 20 kHz
- Sensitivity: -10 dBu signal produces 90 dB SPL @ 1 m
- Continuous max SPL: 94 dB
- Peak SPL: 109.3 dB
- Size: 208 x 105 x 153 mm
- Weight: 1.37 kg
What’s the price?
IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro are now as available at Thomann*.
More on the new compact studio monitors from IK Multimedia
Pro and Cons IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro
Pro
- Very compact: great for easy transportation and small studios.
- Impressive bass despite its size
- Precise and balanced sound
- Integrated DSP
- Integrated ARC room correction
- X-Monitor software for control and configuration via computer
Cons
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