MusicRadar Verdict
Despite the size, these pack a punch, but what sets them apart is the simple, powerful ARC integration and accompanying software.
Pros
- +
Easy to use integrated monitoring, room correction and software package.
- +
Compact footprint but still punchy.
- +
ARC calibration system built into each monitor.
- +
Powerful X-Monitor support app.
- +
Many mount options.
Cons
- -
Quite pricey.
MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MkII: What is it?
IK Multimedia’s iLoud MTM rear-ported speakers combine a super compact footprint with full frequency delivery, onboard EQ and flexible mounting. Couple this with an integrated version of IK’s proprietary ARC calibration system and you’ve got a highly flexible and portable package suited to a broad cross section of music makers.
The speakers are available individually and in stereo and multichannel bundles, and the bundles also include the ARC calibration mic. Visually, the MkII looks pretty similar to the original version, but changes under the hood have improved the midrange clarity, horizontal dispersion and squeezed a bit more power from the amps.
Setting up the MTM MkII is simple and they can be positioned horizontally, vertically or mounted. The box includes an adjustable stand and pad for the desktop options. Audio connection is via a combi XLR/TRS socket, and next to this is the volume control (+6dB to -inf), ARC mic input and USB B socket.
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MkII: Performance and verdict
The MTM MkII can be used without ARC and to that end includes both flat and desktop EQ presets alongside individual HF and LF EQ and low-cut filtering. This is all accessed via dedicated LED-equipped soft buttons on the back. If you do want to use ARC you simply position the mic in your seating sweet spot, plug it into the back of the speaker and activate and run the calibration process by holding down the rear-mounted CAL button. The speaker generates the test tones, captures the output and saves the results, and this becomes the third preset (CAL). Keeping the ARC mic in the same position you can then calibrate further speakers. The process is quick and easy.
The MTM MkII is also compatible with IK’s X-Monitor desktop software. To use this, you’ll need to connect both monitors’ rear USB ports to your computer (USB B to USB A cables are included). X-Monitor is a powerful remote control app that handles a whole host of features including more extensive EQ, further EQ presets, a more in-depth ARC process, individual monitor delay settings and firmware management. From a user perspective what’s really impressive is how once you’ve identified each monitor, X-Monitor automatically captures the settings and ARC data, displaying the analysis and corrected curves. What’s more, you can even choose from a bunch of classic and alternative monitor types.
Despite their compact size and narrow profile, the MTMs deliver a big sound
So, how do they sound? Despite their compact size and narrow profile, the MTMs deliver a big sound. The rear port helps generate plenty of lows (we found the lows usable to about 50Hz) and they also go pretty loud. Making basic changes to tweak their sound or compensate for the room is easy, but with the included ARC system, it’s much simpler to just calibrate them properly. That said (and this is not unusual for compact ported monitors when compared to regular nearfields), the low frequency punch is accompanied by a lack of low mids. We opted to use the ARC to create a default setting for our space and then used the X-Monitor EQ page to tweak the sound to taste.
The MTM MkII is not a cheap monitor, but what you’re getting is a completely integrated monitoring and room correction package. It’s a powerful offering and highly recommended.
MusicRadar verdict: Despite the size, these pack a punch, but what sets them apart is the simple, powerful ARC integration and accompanying software.
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MkII: The web says
"If you are looking for relatively small studio monitors that deliver a precise sound image with solid bass, which are still convincing at high volumes, you should definitely check out the IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MKII!"
Gearnews
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MkII: Hands-on demos
ikmultimedia
Produce Like A Pro
Mattias Holmgren
The GarageBand Guide
IK Multimedia iLoud MTM MkII: Specifications
- KEY FEATURES: Integrated calibration and DSP control Amps: 70W LF, 30W HF Class D Crossover freq: 2.8 kHz Freq Response: 48Hz-28kHz +/-2dB Peak SPL:110.5dB free field, 1m distance, weighted pink noise EQ: +2/-3dB 100Hz low shelf, +2/-3dB 8kHz high shelf, HPF 40, 50, 60 and 80Hz Connections: combo XLR/TRS balanced input; 1/8” TS ARC mic input, USB type B.
- CONTACT: IK Multimedia
How Mandy, Indiana recorded their debut album in caves, crypts and shopping malls: "There was water dripping on to the gear and we got interrupted by a cave diver"
“A flexible and impressive compendium that extends way beyond just jazz”: Toontrack SDX The Jazz Sessions review
Roland’s new Earth Piano instrument puts “50 years of piano development” into your DAW
