It is not common for a company to review one of its best -selling desktop audio monitors and dares to make a “pro” version that is really worthy of the title. But IK Multimedia He has done exactly that with his new Iloud Micro Monitor Pro—A evolution of its original Iloud monitor, which we review and delir totally here at the end of 2016. At that time, we praise its blow that challenges the size, clear sound and intelligent design. The PRO version maintains the same compact spirit, although a bit larger, but brings some seriously adult updates, including ARC (automatic room correction) and a better performance for those who need precision audio without expanding their entire work space.
Family frame, serious internal
Physically, the Iloud Micro Monitor Pro does not deviate much from the “micro” formula. Each unit still adapts perfectly to its desktop (or on a support), retains that family silhouette and includes retractable rubber feet at angle. But under the hood, things have matured. These are not just repapanated micro monitors, they are redesigned.
Gone is the teacher/slave configuration, where all the intelligent ones were housed in the left speaker and physically connected to the right through a 4 -pin link cable. Each speaker now has a self -poweredness and can be operated independently, offering 50W per side (that is a total total RMS of 100W, compared to 50W before). The result? More head space, more tight, larger and more noticeably more clarity, especially when more dynamic clues are mixed or work in less than ideals.
The Woofer remains three inches, but has been improved, now carrying a custom -made cellulose fiber cone for better damping and a more natural sound. Although only cosmetic, its external rack is now more elegant and slightly embedded.
The Tweeter has been raised by ¼ inch, now built with a domestic silk material of low distortion of 1 inch, which makes the most warm, cleanest and most natural maximum.
The frequency response is 50 Hz to 20 kHz (+/- 2 dB) and 42 Hz to 22 kHz (-10 dB), slightly better at the lower end. As for the size, they measure 206 mm/8.11 ″ x 158 mm/6.22 ″ x 106 mm/4.17 ″ -a little more than a higher inch, just under one inch wider and a little more than 0.5 ”deep.
Posterior panel improvements
In addition to that, the rear panel has changed simple alternatives for soft thrust buttons with indicators LED, which gives the PRO version a more modern and tactile interface. Equalization settings are also more granular. In the original Illoud monitor, the options were limited: it could only adjust the high frequency shelf (HF) to 8 kHz and the low frequency shelf (LF) to 100Hz to plane or -3DB, using basic atagles.
With the Pro version, updated rear panel controls offer immediately enlarged adjustment options:
- The HF shelf can now be configured in -2DB, flat, or +2DB, allowing you to tame a bit or cheer up the acute to better adapt to your environment.
- The LF shelf now varies from -3DB to +2DB, offering more control over the response of Graves.
- There is also a low frequency extension button, which adjusts the SerbS roll of the 50Hz predetermined to 80Hz, ideal for smaller rooms or when a subwoofer is used.
Pointing to precision
There is a button that may have noticed that I still do not mention, and that is because I have been keeping the best for the end.
In the original version that is not PRO, there was a simple equalization lever that could be configured in plane or desk. The desktop mode helped compensate for the acoustic changes caused by placing the monitors on a reflective surface, such as their desk.
The new Pro models still offer the desktop option, but take a step further with the addition of a lime configuration: short for calibration (upper right button). And this is where things get interesting.
The PRO Version adds full room calibration through the multimedia IK arc system (automatic room correction). Using free X-Monitor’s advanced contour software in your MAC or PC, you can measure the acoustics of your room and adapt the speaker’s exit to your exact space. The process is simple: connect the speaker to your computer through USB-C, connect the ARC measurement microphone to the XLR calibration input (cable not included) and let the software assistant guide it through the rest.
2 minutes calibration
With a few clicks and three posterior microphone repositioning, in approximately two minutes, the software listens to how the sound travels in its space in those various capture points: factorization in reflections, placement of speakers, furniture and where it sits. Then automatically adjust the internal DSP to compensate for the unequal acoustic of the room, the bass accumulation or the strange forms of the room.
And like a bonus X-Monitor It also allows you to emulate other types of monitors with 15 factory prejustments, such as shelf speakers or even simple headphones, so you can get a preview of how your mixture will sound on different devices.
You can visualize the frequency response before (green) and after calibration (in orange), and even make more manual contours and other adjustments to adapt to your own tastes. You can save and store the configuration so you can easily emphasize if you change locations or speakers.
Once the calibration is completed, the CALIFORNIA The button on the back is activated, which allows you to change between plane, desk and its new calibrated profile, a computer is not required.
Let’s be clear: this is not a magical solution for a fundamentally bad room. But for home studies, temporary configurations such as Airbnb or less than ideals, it is a change of game that allows you to trust what you are listening, wherever you are working.
No more brick adapter
Another welcome mod is the addition of a built -in CA power supply, which allows the use of a direct connection AC cable instead of the need for an additional feed brick. One less thing to carry.
The compensation
Some of the “pro” refinements come with a cost, mainly, connectivity concessions. Unfortunately, Bluetooth is gone, and so is the Practice Aux of 3.5 mm. While these were ideal for informal listening and rapid use of mobile devices, I suppose that it really does not align with a study mentality. Instead, you get a balanced XLR, which may require an audio interface such as an Irig Pro, and an unbalanced RCA entry. The USB-C port, which would have been very useful to connect directly to its MAC or PC, is strictly reserved to run X-Monitor software and for firmware updates. Serious entries for serious work, or maybe only a lot can fit under the hood.
Sound check
The Illoud Micro Monitor Pro test through different desktop settings and nearby field listening environments revealed what would expect from a product that carries the label “Pro”: low, less coloration and images more precise than its predecessor. Even higher volumes, there is zero distortion. The sound scenario is broad but consistent: critical details remain in front and the center without being fatigue.
They are still small. Still friendly to the desktop. But now? They are unequivocally of monitor degree.
Are they monitors, speakers?
All audio monitors are speakers, but not all speakers are monitors. For those of you who are new on the subject, audio monitors provide a precise flat sound, without mixing music, edition of podcasts or critical listening, revealing every detail. Quality consumption speakers may sound very good, but prioritize the enjoyment of fun and chance. They often color the sound to improve the bass and the acute, such as the JBL Charge 5, which increases the minimums and the ups and downs, or the sounds, known for its full body sound. Apple Homepod offers an immersive and spatial audio experience. These are excellent for entertainment, but they are not ideal when you need precise precision.
Final thoughts
If he loved the original Micro Monitor Iloud, the PRO version will feel instantly familiar, but with a lot of improvements that he did not know he lacked. They have left some creatures such as Bluetooth, but more than compensating for intelligent study tools and better sound performance. This is not just an update, it is a serious tool for those who need to trust what they are listening.
IK Multimedia could have put the success of the original Illoud monitor. Instead, they were built in it. The Iloud Micro Monitor Pro fills the void between the high -end desktop audio and the professional monitoring of Studio de Nearfield.
If you are a podcast, music producer, creator of content, or audiophile fan, or simply someone serious about the sound, the Pro version offers what the originals only hint: true reference monitors in a deceptively small package that you can use anywhere, even in listening environments less than listening.
The Iloud Micro Monitor Pro by IK Multimedia It is available in black or white. It comes in several configurations that includes a single unit ($ 299.99 US / $ 391.99* CAD), or a couple ($ 599.99 US / $ 783.99* CAD), which also includes the Microphone of measurement of ARC, which can also be Bought separately.
You can buy them directly from IK Multimedia. For locations in Canada, you can also find them in *Long and Mcquade and *Best BuyOr consult your favorite exit.
As the deceased great Jobs of Steve always said: “There is one more thing.” Now available as an option for the road on the road is a padded Illoud Micro Monitor Pro travel bag ($ 49.99 USA
For more information, visit IK Multimedia. You can see the Complete specifications here.
Gadgetgreg rating: ★★★★ ¾ (4.75/5)
Be careful with a future video and podcast in the IK Multimedia Iloud Micro Monitor Pro.
The syndicate of the article willpower appears in Troy Media and 32 affiliated syndicated sites. Podcasts (when available) also appear in anyone Toastcaster.com either Toastmasters podcast.com.
Greg GazinAlso known as Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, it is a syndicated Veteran technology columnist, communication speaker, leadership and technology, facilitator, blogger, Podcast and author. Reach it @gadgetgreg either Gadgetguy.ca.
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