The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro from IK Multimedia is a powerful upgrade to its predecessor, the original Micro Monitor, offering a remarkable audio experience in a compact form. With bigger drivers, a stronger bass response, and several professional-grade features, these speakers are designed for critical mixing, media consumption, and pro gaming, making them a solid choice for both traveling professionals and home studios.

Build Quality & Design

The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro stands out with its sleek, portable design, making it a perfect match for traveling. Though compact, they pack a punch in terms of power and clarity, exceeding expectations for speakers this size. These monitors are well-suited for nearfield use, especially for detailed referencing and low-volume work, which is essential for critical listening environments. Despite their small size, they deliver more than enough volume for typical nearfield applications, especially within 1 meter, which is where they shine.

Sound Quality

One of the most impressive aspects of the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is its clean sound. There’s absolutely no hiss from the tweeter, which can be a common annoyance in smaller speakers. The woofer performance is equally strong, offering detailed and accurate low-end response without overwhelming the mix. The bass is well-controlled and refined, making these monitors a great tool for accurate referencing.

Across different genres, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro performs impressively:

• Electronic: Cool, defined, with good separation and rounded bass.
• Metal: A bit condensed, but with perfect vocal clarity.
• Cinematic: Defined and intense, perfect for scoring work.
• Classical: The piano shines, though high dynamics might show slight compression.
• Rock: Excellent vocal and guitar balance with clean drum presentation.
• Acoustic: Forward vocals, with strong bass and drum separation.
• TV/Media/YouTube: Simply outstanding for casual listening or media production.

The sweet spot starts at around 80cm, providing a good stereo image and detail.

Features & Setup

These speakers are incredibly easy to set up and calibrate thanks to their 4-point calibration system per speaker. The volume knob is a nice touch, with a noticeable notch when reaching the zero point, a feature appreciated by anyone working with precision volume adjustments.

However, it’s important to note that these monitors lack Bluetooth and a 3.5mm jack connection, unlike their predecessors. You’ll need a proper audio interface to run them, and if you’re using them with a laptop, a USB hub is advisable to keep your ports free. The X-Monitor software adds tons of functionality, such as EQ customization and speaker calibration, though it’s not essential to keep it plugged in after setup. For those, like myself, who regularly check different speaker settings, the X-Monitor is invaluable.

While the speakers don’t come with an XLR-TRS or XLR-XLR cable for calibration, it’s a minor inconvenience if you already have the necessary cables in your studio.

Why I Sold My HS5s

Having used Yamaha HS5 monitors, I can confidently say the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is a superior choice for my needs. The clarity and precision in these monitors, coupled with the versatility offered by X-Monitor, make them worth the extra investment. They may come at a slightly higher price point than the Yamaha HS5s, but the added value in terms of sound quality and customization options makes them a no-brainer for anyone serious about their audio work.

Final Verdict

After a week of testing, I tried various games, worked in DaVinci Resolve, and did some mixing and producing. These little monitors can handle the most critical tasks in low-volume, near-field situations, delivering twice the power of their predecessors. The only thing to consider is that you’ll need a proper audio interface, as they don’t come with a 3.5mm jack like the original Micro Monitors. I’ll make a separate post to compare them with the previous model.

That said, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is an outstanding reference monitor that excels at critical listening, gaming, and casual media entertainment. They offer excellent value for their size, outperforming larger speakers in terms of clarity and definition. Whether you’re mixing music, editing videos, or just enjoying high-quality media playback, these speakers are versatile, portable, and powerful enough to handle it all. Their compact form and powerful performance make them an easy recommendation for anyone in the market for high-quality nearfield monitors.