New sub from Ik Multimedia

[RobL]

Ik Multimedia recently released a very compact sub:

iLoud Sub

iLoud Sub is the only subwoofer that automatically calibrates itself and any connected monitors to your room.

www.ikmultimedia.com

The interesting thing about it is it’s got their ARC built into it and it will correct ANY brand of upstream monitors. Also gives you a bluetooth input.

(Copied from Ik Multimedia website)

Specs​

iLoud Sub Specifications​

• Type: Ultra-compact studio-quality subwoofer with automatic setup, alignment, and room calibration
• Driver: 6.5" high-performance aluminum woofer
• Acoustic design: DSP-tuned with 2 x 6.5" aluminum passive radiators
• Amplifier type: High-efficiency Class-D
• Total power: 160 W RMS power, 200 W peak
• Frequency response: 25 - 150 Hz @-6 dB
• Crossover Type: Digital
• Crossover frequency range: 50 Hz - 150 Hz
• Max SPL at 40 Hz: 106 dB peak
• Analog input sensitivity: -4 dBu signal generates 90 dB SPL @1 m
• Maximum analog output level: 13 dBu = 0 dBFS
• Connectors: 2 x XLR and 2 x RCA analog inputs, 2 x XLR and 2 x RCA analog outputs, 1 x USB, 1 x power socket
• Supported Bluetooth® audio codec: SBC, AAC
• Supported USB audio input sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
• Full DSP control
• Calibration: Built-in ARC room correction for both subwoofer and satellite speakers
• Output Latency: 1.42 ms
• Control software: ARC X for macOS and Windows
• Power requirement: 100 to 240 V AC, auto-ranging, 50 or 60 Hz, 5 A max
• Operating temperature (non-condensing): from 0 to 45 °C

 

[TurtlePaul]

This should be a shot across the bow for Genelec subwoofer and DSP pricing. I hope this is good and succeeds. Making the DSP vendor agnostic is important given how many 8030s and KH120s are out there relative to iLoud Precision series monitors.

 

[Power Pop 23]

Remember to register your purchase.

The IK Multimedia warranty page says...


To obtain warranty service, you must:

1) Be the original purchaser who bought from an authorized dealer/reseller and register your IK product within fifteen (15) days of purchase.

IK MULTIMEDIA. SOUND BETTER.

IK MULTIMEDIA. SOUND BETTER.

www.ikmultimedia.com

 

[Bucking]

Im hoping to see a white version

 

[somebodyelse]

To obtain warranty service, you must:

1) Be the original purchaser who bought from an authorized dealer/reseller and register your IK product within fifteen (15) days of purchase.

That won't fly within the EU unless it's something above and beyond the statutory warranty.

 

[somebodyelse]

A smaller, cheaper option than the KH-750 + MA1 - IIRC that provides EQ for the monitor outputs too.

 

[Puddingbuks]

This should be a shot across the bow for Genelec subwoofer and DSP pricing.

I guess that genelec is a technology driven company, where performance and reliability are top priorities.

A clever marketeer and designer duo could easily quadruple genelec sales with more esthetically pleasing and interior friendly designs.

 

[Jimshoe]

I'm looking at one of these for my PC - where I currently have iLoud Monitors. They are just for quality PC sound and some gaming, I'd like to add better bass.

What I am not clear on is where the calibration (once done) 'lives'? Unlike my Genelecs, it does not seem that the calibration is stored in the sub itself, but resides in an audio plug-in that sits somewhere in your monitoring pipeline. I'm unclear how durable/robust this will be - and if will be straightforward with Windows.

The Genelec 'way' seems much better/simpler, but maybe I'm not understanding properly.

I too want a white one though!

 

[solderdude]

I see a lot of pictures with the sub under a desk.
Personally I would be VERY afraid of my foot accidentally hitting those unprotected woofers.

It would add an octave to my iLoud MTM but arguably would be able to play those louder when crossed at 60Hz

 

[RobL]

I'm looking at one of these for my PC - where I currently have iLoud Monitors. They are just for quality PC sound and some gaming, I'd like to add better bass.

What I am not clear on is where the calibration (once done) 'lives'? Unlike my Genelecs, it does not seem that the calibration is stored in the sub itself, but resides in an audio plug-in that sits somewhere in your monitoring pipeline. I'm unclear how durable/robust this will be - and if will be straightforward with Windows.

The Genelec 'way' seems much better/simpler, but maybe I'm not understanding properly.

I too want a white one though!

That’s an interesting question…I also have iLoud Micro Pro’s and if the calibration works the same way with the sub as it does with the monitors, once calibrated all corrctions should be stored in the sub. My iLoud monitors store the calibration the same way my Genelecs would store it in the speaker and connection to my PC is only necessary if I want to use ARCX to modify the curve or play with the simulations. I don’t have the sub yet though so can’t confirm.

 

[Jimshoe]

That’s an interesting question…I also have iLoud Micro Pro’s and if the calibration works the same way with the sub as it does with the monitors, once calibrated all corrctions should be stored in the sub. My iLoud monitors store the calibration the same way my Genelecs would store it in the speaker and connection to my PC is only necessary if I want to use ARCX to modify the curve or play with the simulations. I don’t have the sub yet though so can’t confirm.

Mmmm. The iLoud manual is not very clear here. There is a USB connection to the sub (and Ithink your 'Pro' speakers) which I assume is how the calibration would be 'delivered'. In the manual there is no mention of using this though - it just talks about storing the calibration in your DAW. My iLoud speakers are the basic versions without the digital connection and thus no ARCX functionality.

Can you clarify how you have done the calibration with your iLoud Micro Pro’s? Where for example, is your measurement mic connected - is it to your computer (running ARCX?) or is there a separate box (like Genelec)? Do you connect to the USB on the speaker and 'push' your completed calibration to it?

 

[RobL]

Mmmm. The iLoud manual is not very clear here. There is a USB connection to the sub (and Ithink your 'Pro' speakers) which I assume is how the calibration would be 'delivered'. In the manual there is no mention of using this though - it just talks about storing the calibration in your DAW. My iLoud speakers are the basic versions without the digital connection and thus no ARCX functionality.

Can you clarify how you have done the calibration with your iLoud Micro Pro’s? Where for example, is your measurement mic connected - is it to your computer (running ARCX?) or is there a separate box (like Genelec)? Do you connect to the USB on the speaker and 'push' your completed calibration to it?

Yes, the speaker is connected via usb to my PC. The calibration mic connects to the speaker through the xlr input.

 

[HetRegentDiamanten]

Apparently it's standalone once the calibration is done. This reviewer confirms in the comments.

 

[Jimshoe]

Yes, the speaker is connected via usb to my PC. The calibration mic connects to the speaker through the xlr input.

Thank you.

Interestingly none of the sockets on the rear of the sub mention 'ARC' (unlike your monitors)

Oh, well, I'm sure its not as complicated as I'm making it sound!!!

I'll watch the review video posted above.

Doug

 

[RobL]

Thank you.

Interestingly none of the sockets on the rear of the sub mention 'ARC' (unlike your monitors)

Oh, well, I'm sure its not as complicated as I'm making it sound!!!

I'll watch the review video posted above.

Doug

I think I’m going to order one so I might have more input when it shows up. I see there is a promo code right now to get US$100 off the regular price:

 

[Nullgator]

Interested in hooking this up to my Adam d3v desk system but I think the only way is using the balanced quarter inch jacks on the Adam. Going dac>adc> dac seems not ideal though.

 

[vssyla]

any caveats to its size? 6 inch is pretty small for a sub, and it goes so low... how? its measurement must be post-dsp calibration right?

i have the newer solo6s and i wanted to get a sub. solo6s are 6.5 inch cones, but i figure i could still get much more from the multimedia sub pairing with them and ARC X. worth it? thoughts?

 

[kyuu]

any caveats to its size? 6 inch is pretty small for a sub, and it goes so low... how? its measurement must be post-dsp calibration right?

Definitely a combination of DSP, the passive radiators, and only really having enough SPL headroom for nearfield use. Even then, it likely doesn't have a whole lot of usable SPL to speak of under 40Hz where its max SPL of 106dB is specified.

Still quite interesting. Not sure I'd spend $600 for such a tiny sub even for nearfield use, but the inclusion of room correction does increase the value proposition.

 

[vssyla]

Definitely a combination of DSP, the passive radiators, and only really having enough SPL headroom for nearfield use. Even then, it likely doesn't have a whole lot of usable SPL to speak of under 40Hz where its max SPL of 106dB is specified.

Still quite interesting. Not sure I'd spend $600 for such a tiny sub even for nearfield use, but the inclusion of room correction does increase the value proposition.

thats how i feel, i love ARC studio and the integration is the move for me, but i wish they had a larger sub option.

 

[goofytwoshoes]

Remember to register your purchase.

The IK Multimedia warranty page says...


To obtain warranty service, you must:

1) Be the original purchaser who bought from an authorized dealer/reseller and register your IK product within fifteen (15) days of purchase.

IK MULTIMEDIA. SOUND BETTER.

IK MULTIMEDIA. SOUND BETTER.

www.ikmultimedia.com

I'd say that IK would prefer not to do warranty service. Register within 15 days, warranty only for original purchaser, and only two years. Genelec is five year warranty, to current owner, for a period of five years based on the date of manufacture if no sales invoice is available, and if you do not register until service is needed that's OK, you're still covered. Obviously Genelec builds products to last with no issues. IMHO, you get what you pay for.