Good things come in small packages, and that’s especially true for the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro. IK Multimedia first made waves with their iLoud Micro Monitors, which combined a compact form factor with professional-grade sound. Building on that success, they introduced the iLoud MTM monitors [Tape Op #142], followed now by the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro. These speakers punch well above their weight, with a retail price of just $279 per monitor. This Pro version includes XLR connectivity and individual power cords (no bulky wall warts!), with support for ARC room correction with or without IK Multimedia’s X-MONITOR software.
The package I received included two separately powered monitors, USB-C cables, and an ARC measurement microphone. The speakers are compact, standing approximately 8.5 inches tall and just over 4 inches wide. A flip-up kickstand under the front allows the speakers to be tilted upward when placed on a desktop. Additionally, the bottom of each speaker features a threaded hole for mounting on a mic stand or a wall/ceiling bracket. The speakers are matte black with a single 3-inch woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter. A front-facing port and a power LED are located on the lower section of the front panel.
The rear panel offers a range of connection and control options, including XLR and RCA input connectors, a USB-C port, a 2-prong IEC power inlet, and a volume control knob. It also features pushbuttons to adjust high and low frequency EQ, low frequency extension, and calibration modes. Though a small power button is present on the rear panel, the monitors automatically power on when plugged in, making it convenient to use a power strip or switch without needing to reach behind them.
I usually mix on relatively large main speakers, occasionally relying on my smaller DMAX Audio Super Cube 5 speakers as a reference option. I anticipated using the iLoud Micro Monitor Pros in a similar way and set them up on my desktop on either side of my computer’s monitor. They were about 30 inches from my nose and 32 inches apart. The built-in kickstands provided just about the right angle to aim the tweeters at my ears, although an additional half inch of height would have been ideal. I connected the speakers to my alternate monitor output and powered them up. Pretty impressive! I ended up spending the rest of the day listening to these speakers while editing and setting up a mix project.
These compact monitors deliver impressively usable bass below 50 Hz, with a natural and truthful sound. The entire sound spectrum feels well-balanced and accurate – exactly what I expected from professional monitors. Thanks to their ultra-nearfield placement and phase accuracy, the stereo imaging is exceptional and precise. Each speaker features dual amplifiers providing 50 watts per side, allowing me to listen at comfortable levels, or even louder than I typically would, without overdriving the speakers. The specifications list a maximum continuous level of 94 dB SPL at 1 meter, which I found to be accurate. Since I usually work at around 80 dB, these speakers provide more than enough volume for my needs.
The iLoud Micro Monitor Pros use DSP to control frequency and phase response, which is evident in their remarkably balanced sound. Even without using the ARC or X-Monitor calibration, these speakers are accurate and perfectly suitable for professional use. For those who want to take it further, the included ARC microphone can be connected to each speaker (one at a time), and then the calibration process is initiated with a long press of the Mode button on the back panel. This triggers four frequency sweeps per speaker. During calibration, the microphone should be mounted on a stand and positioned in the listening position, ensuring optimal results as each speaker is individually calibrated. I tested the ARC tuning, but in my setup, I preferred the sound of the speakers without automatic calibration. The speaker’s onboard controls provide three Modes to choose from: Flat, Desk EQ (which applies a -3 dB cut at 250 Hz and a +4 dB boost at 1200 Hz), and Calibrated. I found the Desk EQ mode ideal for my setup.
The X-Monitor application adds another layer of functionality by allowing the speakers to be measured at multiple points in the listening space. The X-Monitor application requires a USB connection and guides users through capturing four measurements using the ARC measurement microphone. After calibration, users can choose between the standard calibration or three different emulation modes, which apply translation curves to simulate the sound of several iconic speakers.
It’s refreshing to hear a pair of compact desktop monitors that deliver professional sound without the resonances and exaggerations typical of many small, plastic speakers. I would confidently recommend these monitors as an entry-level system for bedroom producers or as a secondary/portable setup for professional music producers. Audiobook, podcast, and multimedia creators will appreciate their small footprint and impressively large sound. The built-in EQ and Mode options offer a versatile range of tonal adjustments, making it easy to tailor the sound to any environment.
I’m often asked about affordable ways to assemble an Atmos speaker system, and the iLoud Micro Monitor Pros are a viable option for creating a 5.1, 7.1, or 7.1.4 setup with the addition of a subwoofer. IK Multimedia offers cost-effective immersive bundles, and these new monitors are compatible with iLoud MTM Bracket. The ability to use microphone stands and inexpensive wall brackets further reduces the cost and complexity of assembling a budget-conscious Atmos system. While these speakers meet the frequency response requirements, they fall slightly short of Dolby’s dynamic range specifications. Therefore, I’d recommend combining binaural headphones with an iLoud immersive setup, a method I’m confident could produce professional-quality Atmos content.
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