Exploring the IK Multimedia iLOUD MTM MKII Speakers With Joe Carrell

Introduction to the iLOUD MTM MKII

Today, we’re diving into the IK Multimedia iLOUD MTM MKII speakers. This is Joe Carrell’s first foray into speaker reviews, and I know he’s excited to share his thoughts. These speakers have been designed to outperform their size and cost, boasting flexibility with various room tunings and built-in settings. Let’s explore what makes these speakers stand out.

Design and Specifications

The iLOUD MTM MKII features two 3.5-inch custom composite woofers that promise fast transient response. This is particularly impressive for a speaker of this size, as it claims to extend bass down to 40 Hz. That’s quite a feat!

In the middle of the woofers, there’s a 1-inch back chamber loaded tweeter designed for linear phase response, which contributes to a more natural and transparent sound. The cabinet design aims to reduce acoustic reflections, making it suitable for various listening environments.

Versatility and Use Cases

One of the appealing aspects of the iLOUD MTM MKII is its versatility. Many audio professionals often use two sets of speakers in their setups. For example, larger monitors might be paired with these smaller ones for a more balanced sound. We’ve noticed that even renowned producers like Tom Lord-Alge have started using these as secondary monitors, which speaks volumes about their quality.

These speakers are also ideal for those who need portability. Whether you’re working in a hotel room or need a compact solution for a mobile setup, these monitors can adapt thanks to their built-in room correction features.

Setup and Calibration

Now, let’s get into the setup process. The iLOUD MTM MKII comes with a USB connection, an Arc room correction mic input, and a combo jack for quarter-inch or XLR connections. Additionally, there’s a volume knob which allows for both cutting and boosting of levels up to 60 dB.

For frequency adjustments, you can boost or cut high frequencies by 1-2 dB and low frequencies by up to 3 dB at various cutoff points (40, 50, or 60 Hz). This flexibility allows users to tailor the sound to their specific environment, whether it be in a professional studio or a home setup.

Calibration Tips

During my calibration attempt, I learned a valuable lesson: ensure your environment is quiet. Initially, the presence of cooling fans and other equipment caused interference, but once I minimized the noise, calibration succeeded. This step is crucial for achieving optimal performance from the speakers.

Listening Experience

After calibration, Joe was eager to give these speakers a proper listen. He connected them to his setup and started with a familiar track. The sound quality was astonishing for such compact speakers. The clarity, particularly in the vocal range, was impressive, and the transient response was quick and accurate.

As Joe moved around the listening space, he found that the speakers maintained their sound quality well, which is often a challenge with smaller monitors. The imaging was excellent, providing a clear sense of space around the vocals and instruments.

Comparative Listening

Next, he decided to switch between the Arc room correction and flat settings to see how they affected the sound. The difference was noticeable; the Arc mode provided a tighter, more defined low-end while the flat mode was slightly mid-forward. This adaptability is beneficial depending on the genre of music you’re working with.

While the iLOUD MTM MKII speakers might not deliver the chest-thumping bass of larger models, they excel in clarity and detail, particularly in the mid and high frequencies. This makes them suitable for mixing and mastering tasks where precision is key.

Conclusion: A Worthy Investment

In conclusion, the IK Multimedia iLOUD MTM MKII speakers are a fantastic option for anyone looking for high-quality sound in a compact form. They offer impressive performance for their size, making them ideal for both studio professionals and casual users alike. Their versatility and built-in room correction features make them a valuable addition to any audio setup.

If you’re in the market for new studio monitors, I highly recommend giving the iLOUD MTM MKII a listen. They may surprise you with their capabilities and could become a staple in your audio workflow.

Thank you for joining Joe Carrell in exploring the IK Multimedia iLOUD MTM MKII speakers. We look forward to sharing more insights and reviews with Joe in the future!