It’s not often that a company revisits one of its best-selling desktop audio monitors and dares to make a “Pro” version truly worthy of the title. May I multimedia did just that with her new one iLoud Micro Monitor Pro-an evolution of its original iLoud Micro Monitor, which we reviewed and fully reviewed here in late 2016. Back then, we praised their size-defying punch, crisp sound and clever design. The Pro version keeps the same compact spirit, although a little bigger, but brings some serious upgrades, including ARC (Automatic Room Correction) and better performance for those who need precision audio without scaling their entire workspace.
Familiar Frame, Serious Internals
Physically, the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro does not deviate much from the “micro” formula. Each unit still fits neatly on your desktop (or on a stand), maintains the familiar silhouette, and includes angled retractable rubber feet. But under the hood, things are ripe. These are not just repackaged micro monitors – they are re-engineered.
Gone is the master/slave setup – where all the smarts were stored in the left speaker and physically connected to the right one via a 4-pin link cable. Each speaker is now self-powered and can be operated independently, offering 50W per side (that’s a full 100W total RMS, up from 50W previously). The result? More headroom, tighter, bigger bass, and noticeably more clarity – especially when mixing more dynamic tracks or working in less-than-ideal rooms.
The woofer remains at three inches, but it has been improved, now porting a custom composite cellulose fiber cone for better damping and a more natural sound. Although only cosmetic, its outer grille is now slimmer and slightly hidden.
The tweeter has been increased by ¼ inch, now constructed with a 1 inch reinforced low-distortion silk dome material, for warmer, cleaner and more natural highs.
The frequency response is 50 Hz to 20 kHz (+/-2 dB) and 42 Hz to 22 kHz (-10 dB) – slightly better in the low end. They measure 206 mm / 8.11″ x 158 mm / 6.22″ x 106 mm / 4.17″ – a little more than an inch higher, just under an inch wider, and a little more than 0.5 inches deeper.
Back panel improvements
In addition, the rear panel has replaced simple buttons for soft-push buttons with indicator LEDs, giving the Pro version a more modern and tactile interface. EQ adjustments are also more granular. On the original iLoud Micro Monitor, the options were limited – you could only adjust the high-frequency (HF) shelf at 8kHz and the low-frequency (LF) shelf at 100Hz to either flat or -3dB, using base switches.
With the Pro version, the updated rear-panel controls offer expanded onboard tuning options right out of the box:
- The HF shelf can now be set to -2dB, flat or +2dB so you can fool around a bit or brighten the tables to better suit your environment.
- The LF shelf now ranges from -3dB to +2dB, offering more control over bass response.
- There’s also a Low Frequency Extension button that adjusts the bass roll-off from the standard 50Hz to 80Hz – ideal for smaller rooms or when using a subwoofer.
Aim for accuracy
There is one button you may have noticed I haven’t mentioned yet – and that’s because I’ve saved the best for last.
On the original Net-Pro version, there was a simple EQ toggle that could be set to Flat or Desk. Desk mode helped to compensate for acoustic changes caused by placing the monitors on a reflective surface – like your desk.
The new Pro models still offer the desk option, but they take it a step further with the addition of a CAL setting – short for calibration (top right button). And this is where things get interesting.
The Pro version adds full room calibration via IK Multimedia’s ARC (Automatic Room Correction) system. With the free X-MONITOR advanced contour software on your Mac or PC, you can measure the acoustics of your room and customize the speaker output to your exact room. The process is simple: connect the speaker to your computer via USB-C, plug the ARC measurement microphone into the XLR calibration input (cable not included), and let the software wizard guide you through the rest.
2-minute calibration
With a few clicks and three subsequent repositioning of the mic, in about two minutes, the software listens to how the sound travels in your room at the various capture points – with reflections, speaker placement, furniture and where you sit. It then automatically adjusts the internal DSP to compensate for uneven room acoustics, bass buildup or odd room shapes.
And as a bonus, X-MONITOR also lets you emulate other types of monitors with 15 factory presets – like bookshelf speakers or even simple headphones – so you can preview how your mix will sound on different devices.
You can visualize the frequency response before (in green) and after calibration (in orange), and even make further manual contours and other adjustments to suit your own taste. You can save and save settings so you can easily recalibrate when you change locations or speakers.
When the calibration is complete, the CAL Button on the back becomes active, allowing you to switch between Flat, Desk, and your new Calibrated profile – no computer required.
Let’s be clear – this is not a magic fix for a fundamentally bad room. But for home studios, temporary settings like Airbnb’s, or less than ideal spaces, it’s a game changer that allows you to trust what you’re hearing no matter where you work.
No more brick adapters
Another welcome mod is the addition of a built-in AC power supply, which allows the use of a direct connect AC cable instead of the need for an extra power brick. One less thing to carry around.
The abortion
Some of the “Pro” refinements come with a cost – mainly connectivity concessions. Unfortunately, Bluetooth is gone, and so is the handy 3.5mm aux input. While these were ideal for casual listening and quick mobile use, I risk that it doesn’t really fit with a studio-first mindset. Instead, you get a balanced XLR—which requires an audio interface like an iRig Pro—and an unbalanced RCA input. The USB-C port, which would have been very convenient to connect directly to your Mac or PC, is strictly reserved for running X-MONITOR software and for firmware updates. Serious input for serious work – or maybe only so much can fit under the hood.
Sound check
Testing the iLoud Micro Monitor Pro across various desk setups and near-field listening environments revealed what you’d expect from a product bearing the “Pro” label – tighter bass, less coloration and more accurate imaging than its predecessor. Even at higher volumes there is zero distortion. The sound stage is wide but coherent – critical details remain front and center without tiring.
They are still small. Still desktop-friendly. But now? They are unmistakably monitor-grade.
Are monitors speakers?
All audio monitors are speakers, but not all speakers are monitors. For those of you new to the subject, audio monitors provide precise, uncolored, flat sound for mixing music, editing podcasts, or critical listening—revealing every detail. Quality consumer speakers can sound great, but they prioritize fun and occasional enjoyment. They often color the sound to improve bass and treble – like the JBL Charge 5, which boosts lows and highs, or the Sonos One, known for its full sound. Apple’s HomePod offers an immersive and spatial audio experience. These are great for entertainment, but not ideal if you need pinpoint accuracy.
Final thoughts
If you loved the original iLoud Micro Monitor, the Pro version will feel instantly familiar – but with a plethora of improvements you didn’t know you were missing. They dropped some creature comforts like Bluetooth, but more than make up for it with smart studio tools and better sonic performance. This isn’t just an upgrade – it’s a serious tool for those who need to trust what they hear.
IK Multimedia was able to ride on the success of the original iLoud Micro Monitor. Instead, they built on it. The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro fills the gap between high-end desktop audio and professional nearfield studio monitoring.
If you’re a podcaster, music producer, content creator – or an audiophile hobbyist, or just someone serious about sound – the Pro version delivers what the originals only hinted at: true reference monitors in a deceptively small package that you can use anywhere, even in less-than-ideal listening environments.
The iLoud Micro Monitor Pro of the I multimedia is available in black or white. It comes in several configurations, including a single unit ($299.99 US / $391.99 * CAD), or a pair ($599.99 US / $783.99 * CAD) – which also includes the ARC custom mic – which can also be purchased separately.
You can buy them directly from IK Multimedia. For locations in Canada, you can also find them at * Long & McQuade and * Best Buy, or check with your favorite outlet.
As the late great Steve Jobs always said – “there’s one more thing.” Now available as an option for the road warrior is a padded iLoud Micro Monitor Pro Travel Bag ($49.99 US) specifically designed to hold a pair—something I asked for in 2016. 🙂
For more information, visit IK Multimedia. You can check out the full specs here.
GadgetGreg Rating: ★★★★¾ (4.75/5)
Watch out for an upcoming video and podcast on the IK Multimedia iLoud Micro Monitor PRO.
The syndicated edition of the article will appears on Troy Media and 32 affiliated syndicated sites. Podcasts (when available) also appear on Toastcaster.com or Toastmasters Podcast.com.
Greg Gazinalso known as the Gadget Guy and Gadget Greg, is a syndicated veteran tech columnist, communications, leadership and technology speaker, facilitator, blogger, podcaster and author. Reach him @gadgetgreg or at GadgetGuy.ca.
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