IK MULTIMEDIA ILoud Micro Monitor Pro User Manual

: September 25, 2024
: IK Multimedia

IK MULTIMEDIA iLoud Micro Monitor Pro

Product Specifications

Product: iLoud Micro Monitor Pro
Brand: IK
Model: Micro Monitor Pro
Features: ARC room calibration, portable design

Product Information

iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is the latest addition to IK’s iLoud lineup of professional studio monitors. Designed for portability, it offers the same ARC room calibration and features as the iLoud MTM and Precision models but in a compact form factor. Despite its size, it provides a high-quality listening experience for sound engineers on the go.

Product Installation and Setup

For optimal performance, use high-quality audio cables when setting up the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro. Ensure the speakers are placed on a stable surface. It may take a few days for the speakers to achieve their optimal sonic performance.

Product User Manual

iLoud Micro Monitor Pro User Manual includes detailed information on installation, setup, control panel, audio inputs, advanced features, troubleshooting, and more. It also guides users on registering the product for firmware updates and technical support.

Product Control Panel

The control panel of the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro includes various features such as volume knob, HF filter, LF filter, LF extension, power button, and advanced settings for custom ARC calibration. Users can adjust these settings to tailor the sound output to their preferences.

Product Audio Inputs

The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro offers multiple audio inputs including XLR balanced line input, RCA unbalanced line input, and USB port for versatile connectivity options. Users can choose the input that best suits their setup for an enhanced audio experience.

FAQ

How do I register my iLoud Micro Monitor Pro?
To register your product, download the IK Product Manager from ikmultimedia.com/pm, launch the application, and follow the online instructions using the serial number found on the registration card.
What is X-MONITOR app used for?
The X-MONITOR app allows users to check for firmware updates, ensuring optimal performance and access to the latest features of the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.
How can I troubleshoot issues with my iLoud Micro Monitor Pro?
The user manual provides troubleshooting steps for common issues. If problems persist, contact technical support for assistance.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.

Your package contains:

iLoud Micro Monitor Pro speaker (single)
Power cord
USB-A to USB-C cable, 1.5 m (4.92 ft)
Registration card
iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is the latest product in IK’s iLoud lineup of professional studio monitors. Designed with portability in mind, iLoud Micro Monitor Pro boasts the same ARC room calibration and features set of iLoud MTM and Precision but in a much smaller form factor.
Don’t be fooled by its size! Micro Monitor Pro allows even the most demanding sound engineers to work on the road without sacrificing the listening experience.

Register your iLoud Micro Monitor Pro

To ensure that your product is running the latest firmware, we strongly recommend registering your speakers and installing X-MONITOR app. X-MONITOR allows you to easily check for and install firmware updates, ensuring optimal performance and access to the latest features.
More information on X-MONITOR chapter of this manual.
By registering, you can access technical support, activate your warranty and receive free JamPoints™, which will be added to your account. JamPoints™ allow you to obtain discounts on future IK purchases! Registering also keeps you informed of all the latest software updates and IK products.

How to register:

Download IK Product Manager from ikmultimedia.com/pm.
Launch the IK Product Manager application and follow the online instructions.
Use the serial number found on the registration card to register your product.

Safety Instructions

Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow all instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wider blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall not be placed on apparatus.
Where the Mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
Do not overload wall outlets or extension cords beyond their rated capacity as this can cause electric shock or fire.
No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
The ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items, such as newspapers, table cloths, curtains, etc.
Correct Disposal of this product. This marking indicates that this product should not be disposed with other household wastes throughout the EU. To prevent possible harm to the environment or human health from uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it responsibly to promote the sustainable reuse of material resources. To return your used device, please use the return and collection systems or contact the retailer where the product was purchased.
They can take this product for environmental safe recycling.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’ s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electrical shock to persons.
The exclamation point, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.
WARNING: Do Not Open! Risk of Electrical Shock. Voltages in this equipment are hazardous to life. No user- serviceable parts inside. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Place the equipment near a main power supply outlet and make sure that you can easily access the power breaker switch.
WARNING: This product is intended to be operated ONLY from the AC Voltages listed on the back panel or included power supply of the product. Operation from other voltages other than those indicated may cause irreversible damage to the product and void the product’s warranty. The use of AC Plug Adapters is cautioned because it can allow the product to be plugged into voltages in which the product was not designed to operate. If the product is equipped with a detachable power cord, use only the type provided with your product or by your local distributor and/or retailer. If you are unsure of the correct operational voltage, please contact your local distributor and/or retailer.

Overview

1″ soft-dome tweeter
3″ woofer
Status LED
Bass reflex port
Tiltable rubber foot
Volume knob
XLR input (balanced)
RCA input (unbalanced)
Mains input
Speaker controls
USB-C port
Power button

Installation and setup

We recommend using high-quality audio cables to guarantee optimal performance. It is also important to ensure that the speakers stand firmly on a solid surface. Please note that the loudspeakers will need a few days to achieve optimal sonic performance.
1. Make sure that the volume control of iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is set to minimum.
2. Position the speakers according to your needs. For a stereo setup the speakers should be positioned to form an equilateral triangle with your listening position.
3. Adjust the speaker’s vertical alignment. The tweeters should be at the same height as your ears. If the speakers are positioned lower than your ears (for example, on a desk), use the tiltable feet to tilt the speakers upward and aim the tweeters at your ears.
4. Connect the audio input source to XLR or RCA input connector of iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.
5. Connect the power cord. The front LED will illuminate steady white after a short delay.
6. Turn your audio playback system on (Mixing console, Audio interface, etc.). Set the volume knob of iLoud Micro Monitor Pro to 0 dB (center detent). This is the reference position for the SPL-calibrated values in the specs. Adjust the volume control to a higher or lower position only if needed or only in case you require different levels between the speakers.
7. Adjust the speaker response with the dedicated controls on the rear panel if needed.
8. Optionally, you can perform a speaker calibration to perfectly fit your iLoud Micro Monitor Pro into your acoustic environment. An ARC MEMS calibration microphone is required for this. For more information, refer to the paragraph “Custom ARC calibration”.
Note: Before plugging in and turning on, remember the “last on, first off” rule for powered speakers.
When powering up your system, be sure that all the wires are connected. Then, turn on your mixer/interface and any other outboard gear, and lastly, turn on your iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.
When powering down, turn off your iLoud Micro Monitor Pro first, followed by your mixer/interface and outboard gear.

Control panel

Audio inputs

XLR balanced line input
This connector allows for the connection of an analog audio source (i.e., mixer/audio interface balanced line out). Connect professional equipment with balanced outputs to this input using balanced signal cables. This connection is also used during the optional calibration procedure for connecting an ARC MEMS mic.

RCA unbalanced line input
This connector allows for the connection of consumer audio devices featuring an unbalanced output (CD/DVD players, Laptops, Smartphones, etc.).
IMPORTANT: XLR and RCA inputs cannot be operated simultaneously. The speaker automatically selects the input source depending on which one is currently receiving the signal.

USB port
The back panel features a type C USB port designed to allow X-MONITOR connection and firmware updates.

Power AC
Connect the (included) power cord to this AC socket.

Rear controls

Volume knob

This control allows you to adjust the input level of the audio source from -inf dB (mute) to +6 dB.
The knob features a center detent that corresponds to a level of 0 dB.

Mode

The MODE button allows you to cycle between DESK filter, FLAT (default) and custom user Calibration. The DESK filter sets an attenuation filter to compensate for a console or desk’s typical acoustic effect. Such placement usually results in a boost in the lower midrange.
The Desktop switch activates two bell-shaped filters with the following properties:
- Bell 1: 250 Hz, -3 dB
- Bell 2: 1200 Hz, +4 dB
Custom user Calibration can be performed using an optional ARC MEMS mic.
Please refer to the “Custom ARC calibration” paragraph for detailed information on custom calibration.
IMPORTANT: Units shipped from our factory have no custom calibration loaded, so the CAL position will not be available until the user performs a custom calibration.

HF filter
The HF button controls the high-frequency level using a shelf-type EQ set at 8 kHz. The level can be set to +2 dB, 0 dB (FLAT, default) or -2 dB.

LF filter

The LF button controls the low-frequency level using a shelf-type EQ set at 100 Hz frequency. The level can be set to +2 dB, 0 dB (FLAT, default) or -3 dB.
This filter adjusts the proximity effect of side walls and ceilings. Use it whenever your room’s acoustics cause problems in the low-frequency range.

LF extension

The LF extension button is a high-pass filter that can be set to filter out frequencies below 80 Hz (LFE) or 50 Hz (default).
If your setup features a subwoofer, proper bass management can help by letting the main and surround speakers focus on their best frequency range and letting the subwoofer handle the low-frequency range.
When 80 Hz is selected, a standard Butterworth fourth-order filter at 80 Hz (LFE) allows for quick integration with subwoofers at the frequency and slope considered the standard for bass management in multichannel or immersive setups.
To access this feature, press the LF Extension button until the 80 Hz LED is ON.

Power Button
This button allows you to turn on and off the unit. When the unit is powered OFF, a single press of this button will turn the unit ON. When the unit is ON, hold the button for 2 seconds to turn off the speaker.

Advanced features and insights

Custom ARC calibration
Thanks to the ARC technology, iLoud Micro Monitor Pro can be tailored to fit your listening space perfectly.
IMPORTANT: An ARC MEMS calibration microphone is necessary to proceed with the calibration.

Use a suitable XLR microphone cable to connect the ARC MEMS microphone to the XLR input on the back of the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro.
IMPORTANT: The measurement microphone must be positioned HORIZONTALLY. Example of correct microphone positioning:
Place the microphone at the listening point, making sure the mic capsule aperture points towards the ceiling and that the microphone is placed exactly in the center spot between the two speakers at the listening position. Try to use a mic stand with a boom arm that is extended as far away from the stand as possible. This helps avoid reflections from the stand that may interfere with the analysis at high frequencies. Do not stand or sit near the microphone while the analysis procedure is running. As indicated in the figure above, the microphone has to be set at the same height as your ears when listening to the speakers.
Keep the MODE button pressed for three seconds to enable iLoud Micro Monitor Pro’s calibration mode. The front LED will begin a white breathing effect to indicate that the unit has entered calibration mode.
Press the MODE button once to begin the measurement countdown.
The front LED will start blinking at a 1 Hz frequency to indicate that the countdown has started.
The countdown is set at 5 seconds.
Once the countdown has finished, the front LED will start an orange fast blinking effect, and the speaker will play 4 audio sweeps.
IMPORTANT: While the front LED is blinking orange, the unit is acquiring audio from the microphone. Ensure that the environment is as silent as possible, do not touch the speaker or the microphone, and ensure that the overall room setup is as similar as possible to the one used during normal iLoud Micro Monitor Pro usage.
Once the sweeps are over, the front LED will begin a white slow blinking effect to indicate that the measurement is over and the calculation process is ongoing. No audio is captured at this point, and the microphone can be unplugged from the speaker.
Once the calculation process is over the front LED will turn green for 3 seconds to confirm the ARC calibration has been successful and that it has been stored; the system will automatically load the calibration and go back to normal operation mode.
- If, for any reason, the calibration ended unsuccessfully, the front LED will start blinking RED to show there has been an error. Hold the MODE button to exit the calibration procedure. In this case, please repeat the calibration process.
- The calibration procedure will need to be repeated for each speaker in the system, making sure the microphone is in the same exact spot for both speakers.
  NOTE: The measurement signal level is independent of the volume control. The audio test signal level is fixed and optimized for best performance.
  NOTE: The X-MONITOR app provides a 4-point high-precision calibration procedure. For more information, please refer to the X-MONITOR user manual.

Front LED

The front LED will show important information about the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro’s status.

Operating status

STEADY WHITE: The unit is operating in normal mode with no issues.
BREATHING WHITE: The unit is operating in ARC Calibration mode.
BLINKING WHITE: Calibration calculation phase in process.
BLINKING ORANGE: ARC measurement sweep in progress.
STEADY CYAN: The unit is operating in normal mode with an active voicing different than default. Refer to the X-MONITOR manual for voicing information.
STEADY BLUE: The unit is operating in DFU mode. (see paragraph “DFU mode”).

Faults reporting

STEADY RED: This is caused by input signal clipping. Try reducing the input volume. If no audio is being played but the LED stays STEADY RED, the unit has detected a hardware fault. If this is not solved with a power cycle, please contact IK Multimedia Customer Support.
BLINKING RED: The unit is reducing its output power to avoid damaging the speakers. Reducing the input volume or lowering the volume from the back panel should fix this issue. If no audio is being played but the LED keeps BLINKING RED, the unit has detected a hardware fault. If this is not solved with a power cycle, please contact IK Multimedia Customer Support.

DFU mode

Firmware updates of your iLoud Micro Monitor Pro are managed by the X-MONITOR control software available for download In IK Product Manager after registering your unit.
In the unfortunate event of an unsuccessful firmware update (I.E., in case of a power loss), the unit could experience issues and not be able to start up properly.
Booting the device in DFU mode will allow the X-MONITOR app to perform a firmware recovery procedure and restore the unit to proper working conditions. (please refer to the X-MONITOR app manual for detailed information on the firmware recovery procedure).
To boot iLoud Micro Monitor Pro in DFU mode, please hold the LF EXT button and plug the power cord into the unit.
The front LED will turn steady blue to indicate that DFU mode is active.
To exit DFU mode, disconnect the power cord and wait until the front LED turns off.
Re-connect the power cable and the unit should power up in normal mode.

Factory Reset

To perform a factory reset, keep pressing both the POWER and LF EXT buttons for more than 5 seconds.
After this time, all of the front LEDs will start blinking blue. Controls will be returned to the factory status, the voicing will be reset to default, and the possibly saved custom Calibration will be erased. Once the factory reset is completed, the unit will automatically go back to normal operation mode with the front LED steady white.

Desktop positioning
The center of the tweeter should be positioned approximately at the height of your ears. If you need to position the speakers significantly lower or higher, the monitors should be angled accordingly. If the speakers are placed lower than the ear line, you can tilt them using the adjustable foot, which also improves the acoustic decoupling of the speakers from the surface.

Listening Position

When using iLoud Micro Monitor Pro for stereo applications, the optimum listening position should be in the middle of an imaginary triangle. This means that your listening point (sweet spot) will be located at the top of an equilateral triangle and the two loudspeakers should be placed at the other two corners of this triangle.
Furthermore, symmetrical positioning is also important: this applies to the distance between speakers as well as to the walls, ceiling and floor. In order to have a symmetrical stereo image, it is also important to have symmetrical reflections: we recommend keeping a distance of at least 20 cm (8 inches) from the walls to avoid low-frequency emphasis.

Room Acoustics
Room acoustics play a key role in the performance of your monitoring system. It is always advisable to treat your environment acoustically at least minimally. This, along with the correct monitor’s positioning, will improve the linearity and precision of the listening experience.

Microphone stand mounting
Thanks to the thread adapter on the bottom of the speaker, iLoud Micro Monitor Pro can be mounted on any standard 3/8” microphone stand. This allows you to place the speakers at the perfect height and, most importantly, helps to reduce the typical reflections of the desktop (or shell) and, consequently, improves the frequency response/linearity of the speaker.

X-MONITOR

iLoud Micro Monitor Pro is compatible with X-MONITOR, an advanced control software for iLoud family speakers that gives the user complete control over all the speaker’s features in a friendly and intuitive interface.
Follow this link for detailed information on X-MONITOR software: ikmultimedia.com/xmonitor
The complete set of features includes:
- Contour section with LF EXTENSION, LF, DESK, MID and HF controls for complete speaker response customization beyond what is allowed by the speaker’s rear pushbuttons.
- Assists with the ARC room analysis process and access to 4-point calibration.
- Room Calibration ON/OFF switch.
- Displays in-room frequency responses before/after the ARC correction.
- Switches among virtual monitoring voices to emulate other listening systems’ frequency and phase response.
- 4 assignable buttons to quickly recall various voices.
- Firmware update management.
- Delay compensation between speakers.

Troubleshooting

I have connected my device to iLoud Micro Monitor Pro, but no sound comes out.
Make sure to set up the volume with the volume control on iLoud Micro Monitor Pro and/or with your device’s volume control.
The sound is distorted.
When noticeable distortion occurs, please turn down the level of the speakers or of the connected audio source.
Calibration ended unsuccessfully (front LED blinks red).
If the calibration ends unsuccessfully and the front LED blinks red, ensure you have correctly inserted the XLR cable both on the microphone and on the XLR input on the rear of 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, 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: 106 mm (4.17″) x 206 mm (8.11″) x 158 mm (6.22″)
Weight: 1.37 kg (3.02 lb.)

Support

For any questions you may have, please refer to the FAQ webpage at: ikmultimedia.com/faq
Here you will find answers to the most commonly asked questions.
To submit a Technical Support Form, go to: ikmultimedia.com/support
For warranty information, please visit: ikmultimedia.com/warranty
For other requests such as Product, Sales, or Web info, please go to: ikmultimedia.com/contact-us

IK Product Manager
The IK Product Manager gives you one central location to manage all the latest IK Multimedia products. It’s your central command for registration, downloads, installation, authorization, checking for updates, and much more.

Register hardware and software in one location.
Download, install, and authorize software.
Simplified sounds download with pause/resume.
Authorize and de-authorize computers.
Update software, sounds and firmware.
Easily manage your entire IK collection.

FCC statement

This device complies with Part 15.107 and 15.109 Class B of the FCC Rules CFR47: October 2010. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause harmful interference.
This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

CAN ICES-3(B)/NMB-3(B)
This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

This device may not cause interference, and
This device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

ABOUT COMPANY

IK Multimedia Production Srl
- Via dell’Industria, 46,
- 41122 Modena
- Italy
- www.ikmultimedia.com
IK Multimedia US, LLC
- 590 Sawgrass Corporate Pkwy.
- Sunrise, FL 33325
- USA
IK Multimedia Asia
- TB Tamachi Bldg. 1F, MBE #709
- 4-11-1 Shiba
- Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0014 Japan
iLoud® Micro Monitor Pro is a trademark property of IK Multimedia Production Srl.. All rights reserved.
All other product names and images, trademarks and artists names are the property of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with IK Multimedia. Product names are used solely for the purpose of identifying the specific products that were studied during IK Multimedia’s sound model development and for describing certain types of tones produced with IK Multimedia’s digital modeling technology. Use of these names does not imply any cooperation or endorsement.
All specifications are subject to change without further notice.
Document Version: 1.0
Latest Update: 2024/09/09
© 2024 IK Multimedia. All rights reserved.