IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro Review

The original IK Multimedia iLoud Micro was a massive success and performed well in our tests. IK returns with a refresh to this popular compact monitor with a few key improvements that help elevate it beyond the original.

The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro features extra features taken from the Precision and MTM series and bakes them into a stylish and travel-friendly format. While the price tag has gone up, the new additions make it an appealing choice for a wide range of applications.

We’ve tested and reviewed dozens of studio monitors over the years, and we have over 15 years of industry experience. This experience informs our rigorous testing process. Every monitor is a blank slate that needs to prove itself in an ever-competitive space.

Supporting our testing protocols is our extensive network of industry insiders, which includes working professionals, passionate hobbyists, and industry analysts. The result is a comprehensive insight into every monitor we review. So, without further ado, let’s see how the refreshed iLoud Micro Monitor Pro stacks up.

Features

The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro (wow, that’s a long name for a studio monitor) has impressive features and performance that go well beyond its small form factor. Let’s dive into the details.

Sound Quality

The original iLoud Micro stood out due to its small size yet extremely well-refined and powerful output. That remains the case with the new iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.

The most surprising element is the impressive low-end performance of a monitor of this size. A 3-inch woofer has no right to be this precise and punchy, but that is precisely what the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro offers. Is it as punchy as a monitor with a larger woofer? No, but when compared to other 3-inch options, it leaves many competitors in the dust.

A worthwhile addition to the iLoud product line-up.

This impressive bass performance already makes it a top contender in the small monitor market, but that quality extends into the mid-range. Instrumental compositions, vocals, and voice-overs translate wonderfully, and the response is reliably flat, ideal for studio work.

The top-end also retains clarity and precision that outperform other popular small-form-factor monitors. It’s an engaging and inviting listening experience that works perfectly as a secondary set of monitors in a larger studio or as a dedicated working pair in smaller studios where space is at a premium.

Accurate sound for professional applications.

Once you combine these strong fundamentals with the suite of calibration and tuning controls on offer, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro rises rapidly in this size and price bracket. As with the original iLoud Micro, there is little to fault.

Build Quality

The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro also scores highly in this category. Its ultra-tough cabinet can take a beating, making it an ideal choice for a set of monitors for the road, especially if you pair it with the carry bag that is available as an add-on purchase.

All connection points, buttons, and dials are high-quality, and the finish is precise and reliable. Add to this high-quality internal components, including a custom-made mid-woofer, and the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is among the most robust small monitors available today.

Excellent component quality.

A quality ARC microphone supports the monitor. It is worth noting that you need to buy the pair version to receive the microphone. However, that’s neither here nor there, as the vast majority of people will be looking to pick up a set rather than a solitary monitor.

If high build quality is important to you, the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro easily ticks that box. While it might be new, if the longevity is anything like what I experienced with the original iLoud Micro, I am confident that this monitor will go the distance.

Specifications

The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro also boasts impressive specifications for a 3-inch studio monitor, and IK Multimedia is very transparent about a few specs that other manufacturers often inflate or outright exclude from their spec sheets.

This compact monitor is powered by a set of two high-efficiency Class-D amplifiers, with 30 Watts RMS for the Low-Frequency Driver and 20 Watts RMS for the High-Frequency Driver.

Powerful output for a small monitor.

The combined output power of 50 Watts RMS delivers high volume levels for a monitor this size. TheContinuous Max SPL is excellent at 94dB, but to more accurately compare it to other monitors, the Max SPL is 107.3 dB. There is ample volume for any project and quite loud, even for casual listening sessions.

Frequency response is also impressive, with a base response of 50Hz-20kHz at -2dB and up to 42Hx-22kHz at -10dB. This is an impressive reach into the low end for a monitor that sports a 3-inch cone. It’s also a noticeable improvement over the original iLoud Micro.

Tuning Options

An extensive array of tuning controls is available that help differentiate the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro from other choices. The addition of X-Monitor software takes it even further.

On the monitor itself, you’ll have access to a set of buttons to instantly sculpt the sound to your preference. An HF switch can cut or boost the top end, while an LF switch does the same for the low end. An LF Extension switch is also present. A mode switch for desk position and the critical calibration option round out the options.

Easy to use onboard controls.

This calibration is one of the defining features of the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro. Using the included calibration microphone is a smooth and seamless setup process to ensure the monitor performs at its best. The process is fully automatic, which is perfect for beginners who are not ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of manual room calibration.

Finally, it’s worth highlighting the X-Monitor software. This powerful software allows you to play around with various profiles that emulate some of the leading monitor and reference systems. It also grants you access to more granular controls that go beyond what you’ll find on the monitors.

X-Monitor software opens up a lot of possibilities.

It’s an expansive and complete range of controls that are simple to use but also incredibly deep for those who like to tinker and A/B test their mixes. While the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is great out of the box, this added layer of flexibility elevates it well beyond many other options at this price point.

Design

Another appealing element of the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is its sleek and compact design. While many other 3-inch monitors feature a rather bulky cabinet, the iLoud Micro retains a slimline form factor that resembles computer speakers.

This slimline approach makes the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro easy to place within smaller studio spaces. Once you factor in additional components like instruments, there is often very little space to work with in smaller studio spaces. Having an option available, like the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro, is fantastic for these situations.

Attractive slimline studio monitors.

The sleek design also offers high eye appeal. While low on my priority list, itis an added element that can sway many people. The iLoud Micro also features a forward-facing bass reflex port, which once again makes placement in tighter spaces more forgiving.

The final design consideration I want to highlight is the titling stand mechanism. The stand footing provides some isolation and decoupling from surfaces and makes it easier to direct the monitors to your ears.

Dimensions

As mentioned in the previous section, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro offers a slimline and compact form factor. While it is still deeper than many computer speakers, it is still amongst the most compact options on the market today.

Ultra-compact and lightweight studio monitor.

This nimbleness extends to the low eight rating. At 3.02 lbs. (1.37 kg) per speaker, these are lightweight and easy to move about. Their low weight also makes them an excellent choice for travel.

Inputs

So far, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro has passed our test with flying colors, but I have a few minor gripes in this area—not deal breakers, but more like missed opportunities.

You’ll have access to an XLR input and an RCA option at the speaker’s rear. The regular iLoud Micro offered RCA and TRS. I would have loved to see IK Multimedia upgrade to a combo jack for maximum flexibility in this Pro model.

A combo jack would have been a good addition.

The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro also eliminates Bluetooth. This is not uncommon for a professional studio monitor, but it is one less connectivity point that would have broadened the appeal of these monitors and potentially enticed people to upgrade from the base iLoud Micro model.

On a positive note, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro does away with the clunky power brick with the transformers integrated into the monitors themselves.

Value

I’ve been divided about the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro’s value proposition. On one hand, this monitor offers superb performance in such a compact package. The inclusion of room calibration and X-Monitor software also adds to the appeal.

You need to buy a pair of monitors to get the ARC microphone.

However, when you compare it to the base iLoud Micro model, there is a noticeable price jump. Do all the included improvements make up for the increased price? As an old dog in the industry, I see the value here, but I can also see some people not taking full advantage of all the bells and whistles. If you feel you might be in that camp, you might be better served sticking to the base iLoud Micro model.

Instantly Adapt

While sound can be very subjective, it is underpinned by real-world scientific principles. Because of this, people often underestimate the true power that Automatic Room Correction technology can play, especially in acoustically difficult spaces.

Having access to adapt to different environments can be a real game changer in your workflow and your confidence in making decisions when creating. This becomes even more imperative if you are often working from multiple locations.

Adapting to the acoustic environment is essential for accurate mixes.

The time you can save compared to manually dialing in your settings each time is substantial. So is the time you can save by having the confidence that your work will translate the way you want without the often misleading aspects of an uncorrected monitor.

Buying a studio monitor with ARC technology is a no-brainer if you have a difficult space, are new to dealing with acoustic environments, or change locations frequently.

Alternatives

The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is not the only compact studio monitor on the market. Below, I take a quick look at some other small studio monitors that might better suit your needs.

KRK GOAUX4

The KRK GOAUX is another compact monitor set with a focus on travel-friendly design. It features iconic styling, engaging sound, and excellent accessories.

• Comes with stands and a carry case for easy transportation.
• Built-in ARC functionality and Bluetooth connectivity.
• The response is not as flat as the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.

Yamaha HS3

For those who want a more affordable set of 3-inch studio monitors, the Yamaha HS3 is worth considering. Its fantastically balanced sound, from a well-respected industry leader, combines well with sleek styling.

• Neutral sound profile and good connection options.
• Low price point compared to the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.
• No ARC features and not as compact.

Genelec 8010A

The last option I want to highlight is the superb Genelec 8010A. This monitor offers outstanding sound quality while retaining a compact profile suitable for smaller studio spaces.

• Ultra-neutral sound and high clarity.
• Excellent build quality.
• High price point and fiddly tuning controls.

Our Verdict

IK Multimedia has delivered with the new iLoud Micro Monitor Pro. It takes the compact form factor of the base iLoud Micro and improves on it with features from its more advanced offerings.

The sound is vibrant, dependable, and loud. The addition of ARC and X-Monitor is also highly appealing. The higher price point does make it not the most budget-friendly option, but with this much quality on offer, it’s worth the price of entry. This is a fantastic compact studio monitor that is sure to be another popular choice.