Having used IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors on last year’s trip, we wanted to kick the power up this time by turning to the iLoud MTM monitors. With 100 W RMS and 40 Hz–24 kHz frequency response, as well as a built-in 0–20-degree tilting stand for easy positioning, we definitely made the right move. At 5.5 pounds each, the pair is small enough to fit easily in one of our gear suitcases. They are two-way/three-speaker bi-amped with 2 x 3.5-inch polypropylene custom-made mid-woofers and a 1-inch low-distortion, back-chambered silk dome tweeter. Connected via XLR-1/4-inch TRS balanced input, there are buttons for LF Extension (40/50/60 Hz), LF (-3 dB, Flat, +2 dB), HF (-2 dB, Flat, +2 dB), CAL/Preset (Cal, Flat, Desk) and SENS (-10 dBv, +4 dBu). On the rear is the AC power input, power switch, USB port, 1/8-inch ARC mic input, volume control and the bass reflex port.
Universal Audio Apollo x4 Interface: A Real-World Review
Each iLoud MTM monitor speaker includes a small omnidirectional mic that allows you to do a custom calibration; although it’s easy to perform, we honestly did not get to do it. (Stay tuned for an update on that.) While they can be placed horizontally, these speakers have been optimized to work vertically, and by using the included stands, they can be titled from 0 to 20 degrees. Unpacking them from the suitcase, we mounted them to the stands, set the tilt to work without setup, connected the XLR input on the back, and away we went. Since the guys had never heard them before, they were blown away when I started playing a pulsing, bass-heavy synth part.
These speakers not only put out a lot of volume, but they put it out across the spectrum with amazing clarity. The strong spot to me is the way they handle bass, and the port on the back makes it truly sound like there is a subwoofer attached. We used them mercilessly, cranking everything through them, from heavy guitars and huge synth parts to drum impacts and even the drum kit itself. They took everything we threw at them and never blinked once. The reason we didn’t calibrate them is simply because they sounded so good as they were, we just thought “leave it as-is.” I look forward to doing a calibration session soon on them, however. Without hesitation, I can highly recommend these for not just a mobile rig, but virtually anybody’s home studio.
IK Multimedia • www.ikmultimedia.com
