IK Multimedia has announced the iLoud Precision MKII series, upgrading its well-regarded studio monitors with significantly improved room correction technology and enhanced hardware.
The headline feature is ARC X, a major upgrade from the previous model’s basic auto-calibration. Where the original Precision monitors could tune themselves to your room using the supplied microphone, ARC X takes this further by analysing your listening space at three different heights to create a 3D acoustic profile.
It then applies intelligent correction without “over-processing the sound”, which is something that should appeal to DJ/producers who need to trust their monitors for accurate mixing. IK Multimedia has combined its existing ARC 4 and X-MONITOR apps into this one new, unified app.
What else is new?
There are incremental hardware improvements too. IK Multimedia has redesigned the tweeter with graphene reinforcement for better transparency and less distortion, while the new enclosure design apparently improves transient response – helpful for hearing the tight timing that matters in DJ mixes.
Read this next: The Problem With DJ Speakers (& How To Fix It)
Practically, there are new built-in mounting points with optional metal brackets, making it easier to position the speakers precisely – again, potentially handy for DJs working in less-than-ideal home studio set-ups, but really meant for more advanced studio multi-speaker set-ups (Dolby Atmos, for example).
An interesting aspect is the speaker emulation feature. The ARC X software can make your Precision monitors sound like over 20 different speaker systems, from high-end studio monitors to consumer playback devices. This means you can test how your mixes will sound on different systems without leaving your studio.
IK Multimedia is claiming a frequency response at ±1 dB from 45 Hz to 30 kHz, extending down to 37 Hz. For most DJs, this means you probably won’t need a subwoofer – the low-end extension should handle most dance music comfortably.
Pricing and availability
The three models are priced as follows:
iLoud Precision 5 MKII: £700 (5″ woofer, 135W RMS) iLoud Precision 6 MKII: £800 (6.5″ woofer, 150W RMS) iLoud Precision MTM MKII: £900 (dual 5″ woofers, 175W RMS)
Optional accessories include isolation pods (£50), mounting brackets (£80-£130), and a rather pricey remote control (£70) that lets you switch between up to four correction profiles from your listening position.
Pre-orders are open now, with shipping starting imminently. Existing iLoud monitor owners get special pricing when logged into the IK Multimedia store.
Our Thoughts
We were impressed with the original Precision monitors, particularly their calibration simplicity compared to more complex systems. The MKII’s enhanced room correction and the new ARC X speaker emulation features look genuinely useful for DJs rather than just marketing gimmicks.
That said, as ARC X works with previous models too, if you own the MkI speakers, there’s certainly no pressing need to upgrade.
