Features:

  • Studio reference monitors for critical audio production listening in small spaces
  • Super-near-field design puts the sweet spot right at your ears on a typical desk
  • DESKTOP/SHELF switch adapts response for superior sound from any speaker placement
  • Extended frequency response from 45 Hz - 20 kHz delivers surprising bass response *Advanced digital crossover and careful time alignment for precise stereo imaging
  • 4 class D power amps and 50W RMS for punchy low end and impressive volume.Total output power (both speakers)- 70W (peak) - 50W RMS.Low frequency output power (single speaker)- 18W RMS. High frequency output power (single speaker)- 7W RMS
  • Built-in limiter prevents distortion and speaker damage at maximum volume
  • Perfect for home & project studios, or use on the go
so I do appreciate good sound. I bought these as something of a ...

These speakers have no business putting out the amount of sound that they do. This is one of those times where the reality matches the hype. A recent price drop pushed me over the edge. I wouldn't consider myself an audiophile, at least not the sort that is going to spend silly money on fancy cables, but I am a musician and a video producer, so I do appreciate good sound. I bought these as something of a short term solution for my editing desk as I sort out my final configuration. I figure these might move down to my mobile edit rig at some point. But for now, they are my primary editing monitors, and I can clearly hear what I need to make editing decisions.

Amazing performance for the size and weight

After using the IK iLoud Micro Monitors for several months, I’m impressed. I record classical music on-location and usually monitor on SRH-940 or HD-700 headphones but occasionally need speakers if an artist or producer wants to check a take. I have Neumann KH120s or JBL LSR308s I can set up, and both are fine for location monitoring, but both take up a lot of transport space and (in their travel cases or bags) and add about 40 lbs. to my gear. I’ve tried using Wharfdale Diamonds, and even Mackie CR4s, but was still not happy with the size/weight (Wharfdales) or the sound (Mackies). The IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors seem to be ideal for my application. They are small and lightweight, but can still provide very high quality sound at more than necessary levels. The left cabinet weighs 2lbs 2 oz and the right 1lb 14oz. The power supply, speaker to speaker connecting cable, and the input cable bring the total system weight up to just 5 lbs 3 oz. Each speaker cabinet is quite small (7-1/4 H X 3-1/2W X 5-1/2 deep with the (4) power amplifiers all housed in the left-side enclosure. There is a supplied external 60 watt universal switching power supply (100 to 240vAC input) that provides the 24 VDC the monitors require. I found them to have very low distortion, extremely low self-noise, amazing bass extension for their size and very little dynamic compression up to quite high playback levels. These tiny speakers can actually produce a 45 Hz fundamental. It's reduced in level and has significant harmonic content, but it's real. That's amazing considering the LF driver is only 3 inches in diameter. I listened carefully to dozens of my own 24b/88.2k recordings, which I know well, and was pleasantly surprised at the clarity of the midrange and the highs. These speakers have (3) EQ trim switches: A HF -3dB cut, a LF -3dB cut and another labeled flat or desk, apparently intended to compensate for desk reflections. The HF cut has a very subtle effect on the highest frequencies (probably above 10 kHz, but with some effect down to 3.5 kHz). The LF cut has a more noticeable effect seemingly affecting the range from about 250 Hz to 55Hz. The “Desk” setting changes the midrange presence significantly (sounds like +3 or +4 dB at 1 kHz and probably some cut at about 300 Hz) and although it does push the mids out, it sounds a little “honky” to me so after much experimentation, I decided to leave all (3) switches in their “flat” positions. I was using the monitors on a table surface tilted up, but still preferred the more accurate sounding frequency balance of the "Flat" midrange setting. I set the monitors up in a conventional small triangular near mix configuration with about 4 ft. spacing. I did notice that the iLoud Micro Monitors are very directional; they must be pointed directly at one’s head to hear anything like proper balance. There is a dramatic difference between the size of the acceptable listening area of the KH120s or LSR308s and the much smaller “sweet-spot” of the iLouds, but if you position them correctly, the sound is actually quite well balanced and very clear. These "micro" monitors have a hinged front support which tilts the monitor up approximately 15 to 20 degrees. These also can play at astounding high levels. They have low distortion and good bass extension (-3dB @ 55 Hz) at levels up to about 92 dB SPL and don’t begin to audibly compress dynamics up to about 100dB SPL at 1 to 1.5 meters distance. That is very loud. There is some cabinet resonance and vibration (at the sides of the enclosures) at high SPL’s, but surprisingly, adding damping to the enclosure sides and killing the surface vibration actually hurts the overall balance. It may improve stereo imaging, but that’s not usually an important factor for an on-location monitor since stereo panning decisions should be made later in post-production anyway. All testing was done using the unbalanced RCA direct inputs. I have not tried the Bluetooth connection, so have no idea of how it sounds or works. Using the unbalanced RCA inputs I had no hum or noise issues when connected to several different audio sources. I do notice a very low level mid-frequency noise background (2 to 5 kHz "buzz") for about 15 seconds after turn-on which then stops. I suspect that may have something to do with the Bluetrooth receiver looking for a connection. Otherwise, these are very quiet having something like a possible 85 to 90 dB dynamic range when used with a clean input source. If size and weight are considerations, these monitors are remarkable. These are designed and engineered in Italy, but made in China, but appear to have very good quality construction.

Love Them

These inexpensive computer monitor speakers will blow your mind. They are incredibly efficient in producing high quality sound from lightweight, easily installed speakers without the hassle of having to set up an additional subwoofer, which I've learned, life can go on very nicely without. You won't get earth shattering bass, but you'll get a close approximation and the rest of the range is really nice and accurate. They are perfect as substitutes for your internal computer speakers and are nice for streaming music from other sources as well. Couldn't be easier to hook up.

Wonderful, clear, mesmerizing speakers for the price

I love these speakers. Got them back around Thanksgiving when there was a little deal on them but I would totally pay full price. I did some research and first bought a speaker pair for around 200$ (I won't mention the brand) that were highly reviewed on a lot of sites. They came, I listened, and immediately returned them. After more research bought the iLoud speakers, a bit cautiously given their terrible name (iLoud, really?). They immediately impressed me. For the price, they are captivating, wonderful desktop speakers. Listening to music with them is a joy. They keep me glued to my computer because listening to them is just a lot of fun. They have convinced me to upgrade my other home speaker kits, as the typical sonos speakers, etc. just don't seem to cut it anymore. FYI: I'm not an audiophile but I do have a very sensitive ear. Also, I don't use the bluetooth function so I can't comment on that.

Ok....the reviews were right!

I’m shocked. I’m speechless. I just don’t get it. Why are these small monitors so loud? Very impressed with the clarity and low end. Bluetooth works with my iPad but the monitors need an analog connection with MPC Live. The MPC tried to pair with it but couldn’t for some reason. Very portable which is a must for my setup.

but these are very good sounding, true monitor speakers capable of near-field production ...

I bought these for desktop use for general and music editing and mixing. I can't really add more than what has been written, but these are very good sounding, true monitor speakers capable of near-field production use whether you are using them in a portable or dedicated studio environment. Accurate flat frequency response with very good bass, yes these are for all practical purposes portable near-full range professional monitors. The addition of Bluetooth is a nice feature and surprisingly useful even in a production environment. Build quality is very good, but the sound quality is why you should consider these..

Blown Away

I really had my doubts on these small speakers but saw many good reviews online so I took a chance. Boy am I glad I did. They sound BIG! I got them to go along with my Korg Kronos and they really hit the sweet spot. I did notice a bit of garbling on some of the heavier bass stuff but I suppose I’ve just got to learn how tweak them. Very happy though out of the box. And they are very easy to setup. (Comes with all cables needed)

Perfect For What I Needed

Crystal clear reference monitors and perfect for what I needed in my small space. I'm working at a small desk in a small den with wood floors. Almost convinced I needed a bigger desk, carpet, wall treatments, and large reference monitors, I saw these, read all the reviews (here and elsewhere), and thought I'd give them a try. Using the integrated tilt stands, setting the toggle to Desk Mode, and positioning the speakers equidistant from each other (and me), I'm able to get a very clear picture of what's going on in my mix. They sound wonderful, crystal clear, full, spacious, yet perfectly flat at the same time. I'm so glad I gave these a chance, as I saved myself a lot of time & money by not having to remodel/replace existing fixtures and treat the floor/corners/walls. Having said that, keep this in mind: These are near-field monitors and you really need to be in that triangle for the best results. These are NOT room speakers. The best part: By using an audio interface, I can now quickly change from listening on these to headphones to a connected sound bar system within my Mac's menu bar icon (no more unplugging & plugging). I know that doesn't have a lot to do with these speakers, but they got the configuration rolling and that is GOLD to me. Same price as everywhere else, but with Prime Shipping, can't lose. Try them. Highly Recommended. UPDATE: Just ordered a second pair for the office. Love them.

GREAT monitor speakers

GREAT monitor speakers. I use these for my mobile setup and home studio. Couldn't be happier with the accuracy of these. Great flat response, very impressed with the bass frequency. I HIGHLY recommend these for any producer/composer/mix engineer.

Amazing speakers for the size

Amazing speakers for the size. Crystal clear sound and plenty loud. They are very directional and are designed for your desk and work best turned at 60 degrees each with respect to the listener so the listener is at the apex of an equilateral triangle. Bluetooth also works well and have used them with my phone. The frequency response of the speakers are very flat and they do not colour the music. Highly recommend and would buy again.

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