Editor’s Choice Award: IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro – Small Studio Savior 

I’ve been a fan of the iLouds since day one, the first iteration being more of a box-shaped single unit that delivered monster sound for its size, and evolving to the iLoud Micro Monitors that set became a cult favorite for their small size and impressive performance.

I still remember pulling the original Micros out of the box, expecting decent desktop speakers, and being completely blown away by how they sounded more like compact reference monitors than anything in their class.

That’s the thing about IK Multimedia: they know how to surprise you in all the right ways. And with the new iLoud Micro Monitor Pro, they’ve raised the bar again—this time offering a bundle with built-in digital ARC room calibration tech designed to make even your untreated bedroom studio sound tight, focused, and mix-ready.

These aren’t just another pair of cool-looking, portable speakers—they’re a serious tool for modern producers, DJs, and mobile musicians who demand accuracy but don’t have the space (or budget) for a treated room and a full-size monitor setup. 

IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor Pro’s Familiar Form, Upgraded Function

Out of the box, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pros look nearly identical to the OG Micro Monitors—compact, clean, minimalist, with a slightly larger size and designed as true separates to use with an audio interface via XLR or RCA connection vs. a tethered connection like the originals. Inside these compact enclosures is powerful sound and an intelligent calibration system powered by ARC (Acoustic Room Correction) tech that tunes the speakers to your environment with surprising precision. So no matter where you move your speakers, you can always calibrate them quickly to the room that you are in. 

Product Note: The ARC Studio is also available as a standalone system from IK Multimedia to deliver the same functionality to any monitors, not just iLouds.

The speakers are available in two colors (black/white) and sold as singles ($299), pairs with ARC mic included ($599), and an immersive bundle of 11 speakers and ARC Mic ($2999). I received the pair, which consists of a pair of monitors and a calibration microphone (though you’ll need your own XLR cable for that + mic stand or something to rig it on), along with power and USB connections. They’re self-powered and use a standard power cable, not a clunky chunky one. The flip-out stand on the bottom allows for proper desktop angling, and there’s even a mount point if you want to get creative with your setup.

Getting started is plug-and-play, whether plugging into a DJ controller, desktop, or laptop. RCA and XLR inputs on the back handle the analog side, while USB opens the door to deeper software control.

Sound Customization & Calibration: A Studio Game Changer

On the back of each speaker, you’ll find a handful of EQ dip switches for dialing in the highs and lows, engaging desktop mode (which slightly compensates for reflections from your desk), or adding a little low-end bump. These aren’t surgical EQs—more like seasoning. Consider it a “set it and forget it” enhancement for different environments.

But the real flex here is the ARC calibration.

Once you plug in the mic and position it at your listening spot, a press of a button initiates automatic tuning. Each speaker is fine-tuned to your room’s acoustics within a couple of minutes. This isn’t just marketing fluff—it works. No, it won’t fix terrible room acoustics or magically build bass traps into your walls. Still, it will significantly tighten your imaging and flatten the response enough to trust your mix decisions confidently. For small studios and mobile setups, this feature is a game changer.

Pro Tip – Check out our free ebook about setting up small studios – HERE

Sound Performance: Reference Quality in a portable package

If you’ve heard the original iLouds Micro Monitors, you know they punch well above their weight, and I’ve had mine in my home office ever since they launched. The Pro version continues that legacy with a reported 50Hz–20kHz frequency range and only a ±2dB variance—pretty damn good for something you can toss in a backpack.

No, you’re not going to rattle your neighbor’s windows, blow out a kidney, or feel the sub-bass in your chest, but they’re incredibly accurate for critical listening, mix referencing, and production on the go. The stereo image is precise, mids are clear, and highs are detailed without fatigue. They’re the kind of speakers that reveal issues in your mix that your big boomy Bluetooth speakers or average headphones won’t catch.

Pro Tip – You should NEVER mix down on consumer headphones, BT speakers, or anything that is not a “reference monitor,” or you risk your track sounding “off.” If you have the luxury of testing your mix on different speakers, that is always the best way to feel how your mix sounds on more consumer-friendly speakers/headphones. The X-Monitor software also has some cool emulations to help; more are below. 

Specs

iLoud Micro Monitor Pro Specifications

• Type: 2-Way bi-amped, digitally controlled compact studio monitor
• LF driver: 3″ composite cellulose fiber, custom-made mid-woofer
• HF driver: 1″ low-distortion silk-dome tweeter
• Acoustic design: DSP-tuned bass reflex
• Number of amps per speaker: 2
• Amplifier type: High-efficiency Class-D
• Total power: 50 W RMS
• LF power: 30 W RMS
• HF power: 20 W RMS
• Crossover type: Digital, Linear Phase
• Crossover frequency: 2.5 kHz
• Frequency response: 50 Hz to 20 kHz ± 2dB, 42 Hz to 22 kHz @ -10dB
• Phase response: System remains coherent within +/- 30° from 500 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity (XLR): -10 dBu signal generates 90 dB SPL @ 1 m
• Sensitivity (RCA): -22 dBu signal generates 90 dB SPL @ 1m
• Continuous max SPL: 94 dB (free field, one speaker, 1 m distance, ANSI-2034 weighted pink noise)
• Peak SPL: 107.3 dB (free field, one speaker, 1 m distance, ANSI-2034 weighted pink noise)
• Peak SPL: 109.3 dB (half space, one speaker, 1 m distance, ANSI-2034 weighted pink noise)
• Placement setup: Manual switches for LF Extension, LF trim, HF trim, and Desk position
• LF extension switch: Sets -3 dB point of the frequency response at 50 or 80 Hz (LFE)
• LF switch: Low shelf, +2 dB or -3 dB from 100 Hz down
• HF switch: High shelf, +2 dB or -2 dB from 8 kHz up
• Desk switch: -3 dB at 250 Hz and +4 dB at 1.2 kHz
• Calibration: Fully automatic and built-in digital calibration
• Full DSP control
• X-MONITOR macOS and Windows control software
• Total Latency (TOF): 3.00 ms
• Connectors: 1 x XLR balanced input, 1 x RCA unbalanced input, 1 x USB type-C, C8 power socket
• Power requirement: 90 to 240 V AC, auto-ranging, 50 or 60 Hz, 1 A max

Dimensions

• Dimensions: 106 mm (4.17″) x 206 mm (8.11″) x 158 mm (6.22″)
• Weight: 1.37 kg (3.02 lb.)

X-Monitor Software: The Secret Sauce

Here’s where the sausage is made: connect the speakers via USB and fire up IK Multimedia’s free X-Monitor software. You get visual feedback on your room tuning (before/after graphs, frequency response curves, etc.) and gain access to speaker emulation.

That means you can hear how your mix translates across 20+ different speaker profiles—from classic studio monitors to consumer-grade setups like car stereos and smartphone speakers. Want to know how your kick and bassline will hit in a club? Or how does that synth lead sound in a Jeep? This software gives you a fast, realistic check without leaving your desk.

Room for Improvement? 

For all their innovation, a couple of wish-list features would’ve made these the ultimate mobile studio monitors.

• No carrying case included – These are at their core, designed to be portable and there is no case at all to port them in. Even if you raise the price ten bucks, it’s something that should be included.
• No Bluetooth – A wireless option would’ve made them even more versatile for casual listening or mobile setups. 

Are these deal-breakers? Not really. But in 2025, they feel like logical next steps for a speaker aimed at modern creators.

At $599 for the pair with the calibration mic, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pros deliver a truly unique package: pro-grade sound, room correction, and speaker modeling—all in a form factor that fits on a windowsill.

They’re ideal for:

• Bedroom producers without acoustic treatment
• Mobile DJs and mix engineers who want reliable monitors on the go
• Content creators and podcasters who need clear, balanced sound
• Studio B setups or second rigs where space is at a premium

I’ve loved this line from the start, and the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro just gave me one more reason to keep singing its praises. In a world where space, budget, and acoustic treatment are constant challenges, IK Multimedia has once again found a clever, accessible solution for creators who care about sound.