IK Multimedia iLoud MTM Review (active monitor)

[solderdude]

The difference (on my desktop) between 'stock' and 'mic calibrated' is substantial.
The difference in the video appears to be largely caused by frequency response differences (stock setting).
I would never recommend to use these this way.

What really would have been interesting if both were calibrated with the supplied measurement mics at the position the recording mic was in and then compare the 2 models.
Now you only hear how both speakers differ in a certain setting.

Chances are the differences between both models would be substantially smaller.

One thing is for sure... the supplied software is great for the new model.

 

[holdingpants01]

Mk2 got a price bump which makes the new version makes a harder buy, as it now costs the same as Neumann KH80, but you get the calibration microphone. I like the form factor though and deeper low end, so maybe I'll get a pair of MK2s for desktop use anyway

 

[solderdude]

Here too, the comparison is not made with the most important feature of the MTM used.... the measurement mic that is to be used for calibration.

 

[holdingpants01]

Here too, the comparison is not made with the most important feature of the MTM used.... the measurement mic that is to be used for calibration.

The was no calibration on KH80 as well to be fair, and at least they were placed in the same spot, but the MK2 may sound different so it's gone

 

[solderdude]

Yep, the KH80 does not come with a mic though and when The MTM is calibrated the sound improves which may have tilted the comparison.
Of course one can use a mic to calibrate the KH80 (well, basically every other speaker too) but it is not included.
It is a matter of plugging in the mic (placed in the listening position) for each speaker and pushing a button.

The KH80 is more expensive too and even in stock config the MTM is not very far behind, using the cal function may even but the MTM before the KH80.

The price of the mkII is quite a lot higher than the original one and basically the same price as the KH80 and can get a bit louder before the distortion sets in.
The only things that set it apart are LF extension, size, the software and the calibration mic.

 

[jean-benoit]

The difference (on my desktop) between 'stock' and 'mic calibrated' is substantial.
The difference in the video appears to be largely caused by frequency response differences (stock setting).
I would never recommend to use these this way.

What really would have been interesting if both were calibrated with the supplied measurement mics at the position the recording mic was in and then compare the 2 models.
Now you only hear how both speakers differ in a certain setting.

Chances are the differences between both models would be substantially smaller.

One thing is for sure... the supplied software is great for the new model.

yeah, that may be, im sure there will be more indepth comparisons between the different modes/settings in the near future.
but as there are some physical changes (tweeter/bassport), i hope these will also be an upgrade after being calibrated.

tempted to buy, but im quite happy with the original version, so i will likely pass.

about the software, there seems to be a difference between the ARC 4 (ARC Studio) software and the integrated X Monitor DSP solution for the speakers. with the ARC 4 software there are more extensive (and therefore accurate?) measurement settings possible.

 

[solderdude]

tempted to buy, but im quite happy with the original version, so i will likely pass.

Yep, same for me. Mine go loud enough normally (though I wish for more sometimes) and got mine for half the price of the mkII

 

[paudio]

I wonder if it's a hardware change or just a firmware change in the mkii?

Edit: they claim more efficient drivers and twice the processing power. I wonder what actual differences are inside

Edit2: X-Monitor likely was what they wanted to do with MKI but for some reason didn't end up doing it. Not sure why.

 

[jean-benoit]

Edit2: X-Monitor likely was what they wanted to do with MKI but for some reason didn't end up doing it. Not sure why.

likely because of the updated DSP in the new version.

 

[Somafunk]

Reviewed here as well

 

[Vict0r]

theres a new and improved version of these.

here is a quick audio comparison from a youtube guy who also owns the first gen:

i was already impressed with the original version, but it seems that there is a quite audible change/improvement to the older version.
glad to see, that they are further developing this speaker.

I'm still very satisfied with my Mk1's, and I use them every day, but these sure look good! I am glad they keep developing them, since they have so much potential.

 

[Rosenbloom]

Glad to know the MKII. Probably will buy a pair when the price drops a little lower.

 

[ryanmh1]

I just bought the iLoud Micros for about $250 shipped with tax. Eventually, after considering going cheaper or much more expensive, I realized these were going to be plenty good for low level office computer background use. Just wanted something with bass without a sub that was reasonably flat, and it needed to be out of the way on the desk and able to fit under my monitors. There are virtually zero other options that fit the criteria even close to the price.

In the process of figuring that out, I saw that the original MTM is now selling for around $500 a pair, perhaps less with a seller discount on top of that. The extra capability wasn't worth the added $250 for my application. But, if bought solely for more of a "critical listening" computer use where more volume might be useful, that seems like a great deal given that there is almost nothing out there with this form factor that has this much bass, and EQ/correction is easy enough if desired. Perfect if you don't want a sub and want a compact, medium volume setup. With built in and modifiable and visual EQ/correction, these MKIIs seem like they could be the best thing since sliced bread. Not only do you get reasonably flat out of the box, you need no computer or other equipment, and are guaranteed to get more or less perfect response in room. Apart from still omitting Bluetooth or even a USB A or C to hook in a BT dongle, they're all you could want. You just have to pay an extra $40 for a bluetooth adapter and deal with another plug/wires.

 

[Chromatischism]

I wasn't impressed with the correction so I did my own using Room EQ Wizard.

 

[lewdish]

Hope the new mtm mk2 has significant improvements over the first one, kinda wish it came in white like the old MTM as well. I was never a fan of their industrial design language but they are good value products

 

[APerfectSquirrel]

Glad to know the MKII. Probably will buy a pair when the price drops a little lower.

Just bought a pair from Chicago Music Exchange for 15% off. Haven’t arrived yet.

 

[Katzz]

Review from Erin of the iloud mtm mkII

Directivity looks worse on the MKII

 

[Palladium]

Mk2 got a price bump which makes the new version makes a harder buy, as it now costs the same as Neumann KH80, but you get the calibration microphone. I like the form factor though and deeper low end, so maybe I'll get a pair of MK2s for desktop use anyway

Having access to the X-Monitor app is worth paying the extra $100.