IK iLoud MTM - monitors with ARC(!)

[Tarkovski]

Here is an engineers take on the diapolito and multiple small driver config. I don't work for the company. I do design and build loudspeakers professionally.

To begin with, there is some information being spread here and elsewhere that a larger cone is necessarily better. I'll explain the misapprehension.

Theoretically, it might be true that a larger diaphragm is helpful whenever increased loading is required, before beamwidth become an issue. However, in practice, larger cones are often heavier, and may not have a relative increased in motor/magnet strength, resulting in a lower bandwidth/slower response.

So considering the extra mass, and the reduced beamwidth, there are advantages of using multiple smaller drivers, as we get a wider dispersion from each individual. Array these vertically we get a line array like dispersion, narrower in the vertical than in the horizontal. This is desirable in most applications.

We can also have our cross-over higher, keeping our crossover point further out of the critical mid band. This is because the unit can respond to a higher frequency, and also we can more evenly match the dispersion of the hh and the lmf unit. By moving the crossover point further out of the mid range, we remove a large potential point of distortion.

Next up, we can another benefit of moving that X-over point up, as now our HF device can operate in a higher band, where it will produce less distortion and require less power.

So far, you may be able to tell, I like the design of these speakers.

The major issue of course is the port and therefore LF response which is compromised. Well nothing comes for free. However with a bit more expenditure a passive radiator design could have removed a lot of issues. That said, adding a subwoofer and running an hpf will have the same result.

I've bought a pair and they're on their way. I'll give my opinion then against my ATC 100s, which in this engineers opinion are the gold standard, and cost about 10X more new.

[Tarkovski]

Monitors received.

Notes

1) They work
2) They do indeed sound great
3) The room calibration which I was sceptical of seems to do a good job
4) The class D amp and A/D D/A conversion don't ruin the audio quality
5) Mid range presentation is strong, not as good as my ATCs, but they do well
6) Wide dispersion off the 1 inch hf device, sounds deceent
7) It's very easy to overdrive the low end on the 40hz setting
Shit loads of hf, I dipped mine down -2 on the dsp, but could go lower.

Some more on point 7. If you like music which is sub frequency driven, i.e. some techno, dub, etc, but not in fact a lot of music which is bass heavy, then you're going to need to adjust the hpf, or buy a subwoofer and add HPF.

[digitallysane]

Wouldn't it make sense for these to have a digital connection as well?

[ansolas]

I found out on my own testing that the whine/noise occurs at distracting levels only above 200V. I tested it with an adjustable transformer. As a temporary solution I am running my iLoud MTMs now thru a 230V/120V transformer.

It is now 2 weeks since I contacted the support, and the issue still remains unsolved.

One obvious solution would be that IK Multimedia will replace my faulty unit with one that they know is good. But do they even know which ones are good ??

Maybe the only way to fix this is to keep returning speakers and ordering new ones until ending up with two good ones, with luck.

Ever got an answer from the support ? any solution besides using a transformer ?

[tjvirtan]

I found out on my own testing that the whine/noise occurs at distracting levels only above 200V. I tested it with an adjustable transformer. As a temporary solution I am running my iLoud MTMs now thru a 230V/120V transformer.

It is now 2 weeks since I contacted the support, and the issue still remains unsolved.

One obvious solution would be that IK Multimedia will replace my faulty unit with one that they know is good. But do they even know which ones are good ??

Maybe the only way to fix this is to keep returning speakers and ordering new ones until ending up with two good ones, with luck.

Ever got an answer from the support ? any solution besides using a transformer ?

Yes. First they did not seem to think that this was a real problem. But eventually, in November, they wanted to arrange replacements or repair. I gave them details where I bought these, copies of receipts etc...

Then long silence and no replies for my inquiries until April!

Finally I got an email. They were wrote sorry about the delay and told me that they will get new stock in May. In May they arranged a pick up for my speakers from Germany, they were shipped to Italy for inspection and replacing.

Now my both speakers work without coil whine at 230V.

During the long wait I used them with a 230V to 115V transformer.

[ansolas]

I also received 2 replacement iLoud MTM from Thomann which supposed to be from the new batch.

One of them is perfect, no coil whine even at 220V
The other emmits a high frequent noise as well a periodic tick sound under 110V and 220V

Already sent it back, hopefully I get a working this time

[ansolas]

Finally I have 2 iLoud MTM which do not emit any pitched noise when used with 220V !

Thank you Thomann!

The excitement was to early, the latest replacement no longer emits a high frequenct noise but a periodic tick sound, yay



https://cgi.ikmultimedia.com/ikforum/vi ... 33#p131333

[ansolas]

Anyone ever compared Neumanns KH120a to the iLoud MTM?
How do they compare bass wise?

[DNastee1]

I'm liking mine!

[ON BEATS]

I want these but the reviews are scary.. I'll drive to Music Store in Köln, Germany and if there are no funny whining or popping noises I'll take them

[ON BEATS]

I took the plunge and ordered online

[ON BEATS]

iLoud Micro = sick little speakers

they don't drop as low as what I usually like, but they are beautiful and the sound is REALLY good! i wasn't expecting them to go as loud.

they are really punchy! i got them for 180€ from some company in Berlin, and I got my Akai LPK25 from him too. PB Commerce on eBay if anyone is after some discounted gear.

i am impressed!

[chagzuki]

I see there's a new super-expensive range of MTM, precision or suchlike. Just saw the pics on the IK website. Well, they look nice in a precise kind of way. No digital input?