iLoud Micro Monitors Review - Warren Huart - Produce Like A Pro
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ก.ค. 2024
- Win a pair here: bit.ly/2xlFdfM
I have wanted to review a set of IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors ever since I heard them at CJ Vanston's, and Bob Horn's studios.
I finally had a change to try them out and IK Multimedia was kind enough to give us a second set to give away!
Enter to win IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors here:
www.producelikeapro.com/win-p...
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Produce Like A Pro is a website which features great tips to help the beginning recordist make incredible sounding home recordings on a budget. - เพลง
I love that when you go off on a little tangent and give advice or stories, it's always either super useful or very interesting (such as not blowing your left ear out!) Thanks for the video 😊
Thank you my friend!! Haha yes I love my tangents, I'm glad I'm not alone! Haha Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
yay my 2 favorites on music production advices
Hi Warren! Don’t know if you’re still reading the comments, but I’ve watched dozens of your vids and can’t believe I missed this one until now. I bought a set of these iLoud Micro Monitors about 3 years ago and now I feel like I couldn’t possibly get by without them. I’ve tried an assortment of monitors in my studio including higher end Presonus, M-Audios, Adams, and now I have a set of Tannoy Gold 5s connected to a JBL sub, and my iLouds are still my go-to monitors. The only other speakers I might trade these for would be the iLoud MTMs. The iLoud Micro Monitors speak the truth when mixing more than any other speaker I’ve ever owned.
Lovin my new iLoud Micro's great sound.. I have a small space and these work very well at such near locations. able to get wide sound and accurate balance with a very small footprint.
I stumbled on this when I was shopping around for small speakers to use in my home studio along with my JBL LSR 305s. This video convinced me to pull the trigger. I also bought a Mackie Big Knob Passive and the combination has improved my setup immensely. Big thank you.
Same!
Great timing! Was about to buy some new small monitors for my desk. I hadn't heard of these before, so that was interesting. Thanks for all the videos, Warren! You rock!
That's wonderful to hear! I'm so glad to be able to help! Have a marvellous time recording, many thanks Warren You Rock!
Mine arrived today. I just use them for my 2.0 tv set up (movies/playstation/entertainment) and it is just impossible what comes out of these speakers. I sit 3Meters away, volume on 1/4 (9 o clock) and I did not dare to increase the input gain to max becaue they are so damn loud. And so clear. To me they sound as my (cheap) headphones.. Just awesome and you here everything.. I am really speechless.. how is this possible..
Hey Warren, I reckon a great video for you to do with all this recent monitor lark would be an advisory on how to set the levels of desk monitors in relation to dB - listening volumes etc!
they are really extremely extraordinarily honest and ... you love them immediately ... good choice for cheap
They're amazing aren't they? I have some pretty high end speakers in my studio but took a pair of these away with my for some work I was doing on a film and I couldn't believe how good they sounded. Loved them! So tiny too, really portable.
Agreed. They put mid priced speakers to shame. They image so well in the near field due to a narrow baffle. You can mix on these no worries. Day in day out. The power of dsp
I just bought these and loved them instantly was so surprised how good they sound. I already got my best mix of the year on them and they are replacing my main monitors (the original Mackin HR824)
I was so busy asking questions about monitoring and spidf quality I did not say that I've had these speakers and they sound great. I have the Focal Solo 6be for my main all around monitors and the iLounds for low level monitors and a small single speaker radio for low quality sounds hooked up to A,B,C. I Really like the iLounds and use them more than I thought I would. I would totally buy them again even if they were $100 or so more. Warrens thoughts on these seem to be spot on as usual.
Regardless of what brand one uses, it's still depends on your ear - your final reference. If you (your ears) are already used to one brand/model and have many projects done with it and they are good, then that means they are good. Jumping from one brand to another will sometimes confuse your mix, and will therefore will affect your projects. My advice is, if you would like to try other brands don't immediately replace what you already have been using. Try to slowly adapt to it.
Still best, yet a bit lengthy process, is to try your final mix using different types of platform/players, like headphones, different player speakers, etc.. Remember people will listen to your music using different players, and most of them won't be using a monitor type like the one you use.
The IKs sound a bit clearer to me. Like, I could hear the kick drums in particular way easier than I could with the Genelecs. Pretty cool - but, I don't know if I'd pick these over the Kali LP6 monitors, these days. They're the same price, after all.
As a producer who used to mix/produce on Yamaha HS5's and 50's, I actually got these iLoud's, and I don't regret selling those babies one bit! The sound is actually incredible on these, it's unbelievable how these things thump! Saves so much space for my DAW, too!
I currently have krks rokits and was debating on whether I should get a pair of Yamahas for a second reference pair but then I came across these and the iloud MTM and idk what to do.
Any thoughts??
How long do you own and use them if I may ask? I'm deciding on buying Micros but I read online that many people complain about how quickly they die and have to return them and ask for a refund/replacement... as well as that hiss noise and bass port noise everyone talks about. I want a longer term solution regarding monitors and do you think these boys can fulfill that? Thanks
Thank you for making this review.... It helps a lot!!
Thanks ever so much my friend!
These would be really good to see how the mix sounds on the ubiquitous Bose hi-fi speakers and Bluetooth jogging headsets. IK did a good job with these.
Thanks for the review.
Breaking Genelecs is almost impossible. I have a pair of 1030A almost 20 years old. They have been abused massively. And still working. Amazing for editing and jamming. In my personal opinion the 1030A's are less suited for actual mixing.
The current generation of Genelec are very good to work on. There are a lot of factors why a certain set of monitors will fit or not fit a specific situation. It looks like the IK Multimedia iLoud are a good low budget alternative. They might or might not last for 20 years but for the price tag they do the job very well.
Thanks ever so much for watching! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Nice review! Great value for the money I think!
I mainly use headphones for mixing (Shure SPH840 reference headphones), I know them really well and it works for me and they are really detailed.
Of course in a later stage I use my monitors (actually cheap behringer truths, but I think they sound fine for me).
Then of course the car, the HiFi set in the livingroom, the sound system at work etc... Lately I noticed however that I rarely have to tweak anything just by using the headphones and behringers.
Thanks for watching! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Greetings from Indonesia, Warren! I really love your videos since i found them helping me out on my mixes.
My question, what do you think about having these speakers on mixing and mastering duty? Is it good for that kind of job? Will appreciate your answer.
I have a pair of the Micros to augment my Kali IN-5's and every time I use them I cannot believe the sound that's coming out of them, the bottom end for a speaker that size is just plain ridiculous. 😎
Thanks for your video. Even when listening from the phone, iloud sounds clearer, I mean more detail.
Thanks ever so much for sharing
IK make good stuff. The iRig acoustic guitar mic is a favourite product of mine. Competes with externally recording a guitar with expensive mics.
Yes indeed! I'm going to try the iRig very soon! Wonderful! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Please do more monitor reviews Warren.
I purchased them after this review.. they are nice but at times the high end is "tingy/metallic" sounding. I am watching this review on my phone on a Note 20 and the high end is noticeable on this speaker. Might need to figure out how to smooth the brightness. I am happy on the price/value plus bluetooth
Great video! Maybe for the hell of it, try mixing out of those little monitors and see what kind of results you get.
Hi Kevin Tran great idea!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren
'Just dropping by 4 years later, 'love Warren's vids! One thing I noticed - at 7:58 Warren shows us the EQ settings on the back of the iLoud speakers and the topmost offers "Flat" vs. "Desk" and it is set to Flat. But the speakers are sitting on the desk - so I wondered how switching that EQ to "Desk" would have changed the sound. Anyway, even listening to them through Warren's wireless lavalier mic, the difference was night and day between the Genelecs and the iLouds. Thank you Warren - you rock!
setting it to desk boosts the midrange by +3.5db, which is very noticeable. I'm using them on a computer desk and all the eq's set to flat sound great, not fatiguing at all.
@@extraglutenplz3758 Thanks for your reply! GTK! 👍
I like them. Definitely can hear more thickness in the attack on guitar on the Genelecs. More crisp top end to monitor with the i loud. $300? Nice grab for a quick reference monitor
Yes, both are amazing!!
Hoping for a review for the new new iLoud MTM, thanks, cheers. :)
Thanks for the video. Can I use these to get full range and flat response while practicing my guitar using Scarlett 2i2 and VST plugins like Scuffham S Gear etc.?
I use event tr6s, and I have two second listening options: Yamaha hs5 or iloud micro, which one would you recommend? Excellent video as always👍🏼
For editing and that price point , you can try the Vanatoo T0 .Thanks for the video.
I'm really surprised that the ilouds have such a tight low end and I can hear the verb/delay trails and I can understand the vocals in them much better than the gens.
Just found your channel after I bought a pair of the iLouds. I'm not an audio engineer. I wanted to find a nice speaker system for my laptop. It came down to the iLouds vs Audioengine A2+. I think the iLouds were the right choice!
Lol. Was right choice. I just replaced a pair of a2s with the ilouds, and the difference is night and day in favour of the ilouds. Can't think of a single area where the Audioengines better the micro monitors.
I loved my A2s for 10 years but that affair is over. I only hope the ilouds last as long as the A2s. That is my only concern. Time will tell on reliability
Hey Warren ! Super interesting vid and review ! 💪 I have one question : What is your model of Genelecs exactly called ? All the best, Piet
Win win, I love IK Multimedia products! I surely hope I win a pair. Many thanks Warren!
Good luck to you! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
I just installed them, do you have quite significant his even if no source is plugged in? My are not silent, when turned on - doesn't matter if I play anything or not.
I've discovered over the years that if you mix on a pair of Genelecs and reference another pair of speakers. They beat out the Genelecs means the Genelecs are doing their job, making other reference speakers shine. I mixed a song with my Yamaha HS8 and referenced the mix on a pair of M Audio BX8, and when cross-referenced, the BX8 made the mix sound better. Once again, the default Yamaha HS8 did what needed to be done to make other speakers or monitors shine in the real world!
That is a very good point. I always felt the iLouds sounded better than the Genelecs in virtually all comparisons, but what you say makes sense.
Have you reviewed the Kali LP-UNF as well? I'm only going to use them for listening--classical, jazz, watching films. THANK YOU! Great review. I always lusted after Genelecs, but for my use, too costly.
Based on what we hear through your mic the IKs seem like the better option. The clarity is fantastic.
Fantastic! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Hi Warren: Would these monitors be good for someone like myself who's just getting started with audio interfacing? Or, should I just start out with a cheaper pair? I'm a beginner on guitar (2 1/2 yrs) and am only interested in recording guitar & voice to monitor my progress. Probably going with one of the two input interface units, i.e., Focusrite, Behringer, or Steinberg, coupled with a decent Mic & Headphones. Oh, and I do not have a studio set up. Just doing this in my family room. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks, Steve
I love the part that is sped up while unboxing them. Or did you have to slow down the video instead? When I get a new piece of gear? I work as fast as the sped up part lol. Mix on Mr Huart!
Haha thanks! Yes, they sped it up when editing...or did I just do it really fast? I guess we will never know? Haha
Hi i noticed you had the iloud speakers on your desk, but there is a setting on the back of the speaker just for that reason DESK! give it a try and you will find more exciting sounds
i wish you test the filter from iloud. a comparison with lf and hf filter is veary interesting, that bring the sound near to the genelec. thx for video.
Hi Jens, I think that would be great! However I'd like a little more of iLoud in the Genelec! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
I would love your help - Im looking for something to run my Nord piano 3 through for my bedroom piano set up. I also want something that i can listen to classical music with when i go to sleep, and for when i start making unorthodox electronic music. Are these iLouds the speakers for me ? Great video.
Got 'em, use 'em, love 'em. But this is going to be the nicest criticism/backhanded compliment I can give them. I actually feel they're better in the home than the studio.
How do you mean?
I have a pair of Adam A7X's with the matching 10" Sub, a pair of Avantone Cube Speakers, and a 1990s Sony Boom Box ... with a cassette... I'm in a small treated room with bass traps in the corners and acoustic tiles on the walls and ceilings. I shit you not it's the Sony Boom Box that I have had and listened to so much music on over the years that has helped my mixes. Much like listening in a car. It is not going to last forever. I wonder if these would be good as small consumer reference speakers to check mixes with.
My favourite producer reviewing my monitors!!
Any thoughts on the portable IK Multimedia i loud speaker (not the mini)? I realise that is not as good when it comes to placement. But I like the portability and battery power. I am think mainly for get a reference from something besides headphones when recording. But maybe something like an old boom box could work as well..
(seems the connectivity migth not work as I thought on that, there is no line in I think)
been watching a lot of monitor reviews.. just realized genelec sounds good on my iloud right now.. yamaha also sounds good upon listening demos on my iloud.. so i dont know what im doing actually
Thanks for the review...wish list..:)
I’ve listened to lots of speakers, but as my first high end speakers, I’m a fan of Genelec, because I know them and really understand their field depth.
So, when I listen to Adams, for example, I feel like I could work with them and get used to them but I just prefer they way Genelecs translate the music. And It looks like in a certain way the same happens for you!! :)
Great review Warren! Was just wondering what the 'magic box' is that your feeding the mini genelecs/ilouds/headphones etc.. I'm looking for something like that!
Are you guys also getting some his in this speakers, even if there is no input? Is there any way to fix it?
Hi Warren are you still using/enjoying the iloud monitors, I see them on a couple of your recent videos. Thinking about purchasing them for my small home studio for mixing purposes.
Recently came across your channel and loving the content. Quick question on these monitors: they only have RCA unbalanced and 1/8" stereo unbalanced inputs. How do you recommend connecting them to an audio interface with 1/4" balanced outputs for monitors (e.g. Scarlett 2i2)? Are there any cons to using unbalanced mono TS cables out of the audio interface's balanced outputs to iLoud MM RCA inputs? Thanks!
I have the same question. Did you find an answer. Thanks.
@@accentontheoff No, I never got an answer. I remember seeing other videos where people just connected them with mono TS-to-RCA cables, didn't say anything about it, and they worked just fine. Probably an unbalanced signal, but not a significant thing to worry about? I ended up getting other monitors but I've continued to hear great things about the iLouds.
@@carlos_a.f. Ok thanks for the reply. Cheers :)
Very exciting monitors!
Are those Genelecs 6010 8010a or 8020?
I need a pair of monitors were I can Travel but also trust to mix, in combination with my 660s cans.
Would you recommend, 8020 or 8030C? KH80? Ilouds?
I would have really appreciated a comparison where the Genelecs had some bass cut and the iLoud had the treble cut.. as, just like the three bears, one was to dark and one was too bright and wondered if either/both would end up "just right"..lol
in my opinion....I can cleary ear the boxie sound of the iLoud, the genelec have a lot more bass detail.... im using AKG712 with sonarworks
Moving into an apartment soon and I produce music. Mostly on headphones which is great but when I have guests over to sing etc I need some speakers and don't want big Yamaha HS7's blasting through my neighbours walls - do you recon these could help? Contain a small enough sound in the room with adjustable bass if needed?
It would be great to win the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitors ~ May you have a marvellous day Warren. Peace, Love & MUSIC B-)
Hey I’m looking at getting my first pair of monitors, I’ve been looking at hs7s and came across the genelec 8010s, anyone know which would be better for mixing? Thanks :)
hello, how i can connect my iloud micro monitors(rca input) wich cable do i need?
ts to rca?
Is the test after some running-in? How do smaller Alesis monitors rate in comparison?
Hi can I ask if your baby genelecs are 8010s or 8020s
Thanks , oh are you still using the ilouds or you back on the genelecs
Hi Warren, please can you tell me the namo of the slow music eard in the middle of the video? Thanks
What's the song used to soundcheck? Sounds great to reference with!
May of just been me but I heard a tad more lows as well in the IK Multimedia's
So cool!! Would be great to have a pair!
Thanks for watching! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
The audio input is unbalanced RCA only, is that correct? Bluetooth appears the other input option. But no balanced audio in, it appears.
Is it possible to mix a full Mix on the mini Genelecs? In a Small Room.
Do the iLouds sound boxy in any way? a bit worried about them being so light and all that.
Setting might be off here. The Flat setting is used if you place these on poles. Desk setting should be used here ( since they're on your desk ), if I read my manual correctly.
I have a set of these for portable applications and they are awesome! Shame they don't have a balanced in, other than that, they are pretty solid
Hi Miguel Moreno thanks ever so much for your insight! Yes, I'm a huge fan! The price is wonderful! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren
I know it's impossible to judge based on a lavalier recording through TH-cam, but do the IK iLoud's have a pronounced phase issue at the crossover frequency? There's something phasey about the iLoud mids in this video whereas the Genelecs don't.
I have a very humble project studio, but I feel a need for extra sets of speakers since I have so many synths and I do a lot of sound design on them and have exactly the problem you were describing of getting blasted in one ear.
Would these give an accurate picture when tracking bass di?
what a nice speakes. i think it's a stuff that i need. because i do mixing and film scoring on the go :D
Hi Akbar Maliqi fantastic! Yes I really enjoyed them!! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren
Hi, what is your opinion on Edifier R1850DB compared to iloud micro for studio reference?
its really weird you have the tweeters on the inside of those mini genelecs. Being that close together, Id switch them to the outside to give me a little more stereo field.
To many giveaways lately!
I like it😁
I just got a volt by UA how do I use these speakers with that interface? Any suggestions?
Thanks very much for this review, Warren! BTW do you know anyone who successfully mixes on KRK VXT8? Thanks again we appreciate you, mate. Have a great day!
Hi Audio Services great question! I believe my friend Ulrich Wild mixes on the small KRKs! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing many thanks Warren
Nice video, but any idea how they perform against the 4" Pioneer DM40s with Bluetooth powered monitors that are half the price?
Rock on .
I work with this monitors and they are good
For editing, I will choose iLoud. For enjoyment, I will choose genelecs😁
The 6110a monitors are the go. Excellent non fatiguing editing/playback monitors. The IK monitor set sound like a 300 dollar monitor set up, very wobbly translation below 150hz whereas the Genelecs display to 80ish Hz quite well and that's a huge plus for a tiny box. In all honesty, a decent well made used stereo boombox like a Pure Evoke or old Sony off eBay would be as good or better cost effective alternative to the IK,imho. Excellent demonstration mate ✌️
A boom box sounds as good? Hmmm……
@@LordFingers1 a boom box provides the mixer with the information needed to make decisions about translation in consumer products. You don't actually want "good" sounding speakers, you want flat sounding. Most pro's use some type of consumer grade appliances to check translation, yes
9:50 the body don't lie haha, thank you warren you grooving convinced me
Haha thanks ever so much
hello! which sound cards to combine with these monitors? Thanks
Thanks Warren for another "marvelous" review - and a very useful one for me indeed since I've worked with those "little baby" Genelec's for quite a long time (those weren't mine so I don't have 'em anymore... ooooooh...). Therefore, I'm looking for a suitable replacement as, well um, ''editing monitors". And it seems those iLouds could do the job if I got you right. And pretty inexpensive, so.... Even better cause I'll win the giveaway, right? Lol! Have a nice day :-D
Good luck and thanks for watching! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
Hey Warren! I love your channel and appreciate the video. Unfortunately I did not find this review to be too informative. The idea behind these speakers is that they are ultra accurate and mixes that you do with them will translate well to other playback systems. Your comparison with the Genelecs was nice but I'd love to hear your thoughts after mixing a few songs using just the Micro Monitors. THAT is the review video I was hoping for, not a basic overview (which is what dealers like Sweetwater do).
The first thing that comes to mind is - if the "monitors weight nothing" , how can you turn them up and put any serious bass thru them and NOT have the float away or vibrate off the desk? Next seems like the MTMs with the added speaker would be a better option.
PS: I just peeked into the iLoud manual - the power LED going red is, and i quote, *clipping* (not limiting). Just as an aside...
Thanks ever so much the insight! I love being able to fire them up and listen! Learn the hard way, that's me! Thanks ever so much for watching! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
This is really strange...I wasn't giving them any chance to enter in my studio but from your video... listening from my phone mono speaker.. the difference was actually huge... they sound a lot more precise... the reverb on your track is more noticeable... I will check them...
Have you reviewed the iLoud MTMs?
These would be some great speakers for me, I work with video and audio a bit, but also use my PC for music and movies, now I use some very old satellite speakers with a very big but old and bad amplifier stacked up behind a monitor vertically taking up a lot of space :P I've been looking at PreSonus monitors and their 10" Temblor subwoofer, but it's a lot more than I can afford right now. These iLoud monitors cost the equivalent of 370USD in Norway, so it's a bit more than over in the US :)
If you try them out, I hope you like them! Have a marvellous time recording and mixing, many thanks Warren
I've just got a pair, and am generally pretty happy with them apart from one thing, which it would be great if anyone else who has a pair could test... Sweeping a test tone around 50hz at moderate volume is producing a sound very far from what it should be - not normal distortion, but an extra noisy/comb-filtery vibration sound, which is more prominent than the actual signal... not sure how well I'm describing it, but it's not subtle. I first noticed it when listening to music (the first track of Alva Noto's Transform - admittedly, quite test-tone like music).
With a test tone generator I find that as the frequency drops below 50hz, the sound quickly gets quiet which is fine and to be expected. It all seems to sound reasonably fine above that frequency as well, but around 50-60hz there is a very prominent problem. I suspect it may be a bit of a bug in the DSP, where something that should just be heavily attenuated ends up driving the speaker in a way that it can't handle at all well.
This is a known issue with the speakers. The problem stems from port turbulence, which actually can be fixed by plugging the ports. Search youtube for a video called "iK iLoud Micro Monitor port noise" and see how its fixed
@@jonjensen8985 interesting, thanks for responding.
@@xinaesthetic I don't have a Pair but a TS to RCA cable as mentioned above will be fine
@@xinaesthetic hows the situation? Did you fixed it?
@@futurebeats898 the 50hz thing is still there but generally doesn't bother me too much. I still don't understand why the internal DSP doesn't filter the signal to avoid that artefact, but I suppose there's no perfect filter etc.
I also have another issue where sometimes they sound completely broken (really quiet, only a few high frequencies coming through at all) when I first switch them on, but switching off and on again always seems to fix that. There's also a bit of a noise floor which is sometimes annoying if I'm doing something quiet / subtle.
Overall, though, they do sound really impressive for what they are and I'm pretty happy with them I think... But starting to understand why people have multiple sets of monitors etc.
Whic sub should i get to match with these?
Genelecs are for pros! But I don't say you can't mix on other monitors.
what a great song! who they are? the first song
If you ever have another client that says your speakers are out of balance L-R and you are sure your system is ok. Have them turn around and listen with their back to the speakers. The source of the problem should immediately become apparent. :)