At NAMM 2013, IK Multimedia announced two portable streaming speakers that it claimed were "on par" with conventional studio monitors. At this year's trade show, the company has added what's said to be "the smallest studio reference monitoring system in the world" to its iLoud range. Aimed at musicians and producers who are not necessarily confined to the recording studio when mixing and mastering, the iLoud Micro Monitors are reported to deliver stunning clear and accurate audio.
Each 7.09 x 5.31 x 3.54 in (180 x 135 x 90 mm) mains-powered desktop monitor is home to a bi-amped 0.75-in dome tweeter and 3 in woofer, with flaring bass reflex porting to the front. Four Class-D amplifiers and a 56-bit digital signal processor combine for the promise of an expansive stereo image and "ultra-accurate true linear frequency response" between 45 Hz and 20 kHz and 70 W of total peak output (50 W RMS).
The DSP can be adjusted to suit different listening environments using the three EQ switches on the rear of the left speaker, which is also home to volume control, two unbalanced RCA inputs, one aux input and a 4-pin speaker connector. There's also a pairing button for Bluetooth streaming from mobile devices. The front foot of each speaker can be raised for flat or inclined positioning.
The iLoud Micro Monitors are due for release in Q2 for US$299.99 (excluding taxes).
Product page: iLoud Micro Monitors