Over the past decade, IK Multimedia has slowly taken over the professional recording space with a wide variety of high-quality products that are easy to use and on the bank. They undoubtedly changed the game by introducing their Bluetooth iLoud speakers, which have since found their way into countless studios worldwide and have continuously outdone themselves with each new addition to the line. Last year, they introduced the world to their premium speaker line, the Precision Series. Boasting three different-sized speakers, the Precision series takes everything you’ve loved about the iLoud and MTM units and turns them into truly world-class monitors. In this review, we’ll be taking a look at the smallest of the lineup, the Precision 5s.
iLoud Precision overview
- Breathtaking clarity for best-in-class translation
- 37 Hz to 30 kHz frequency response
- Ultra-extended, controlled low end
- 30 Hz real-world bass response
- Unmatched +/-15° phase linearity
- Built-in room correction with included microphone
- Multiple voicings + speaker emulations
- X-MONITOR comprehensive control software
- Italian-made non-resonant, handcrafted enclosure
The perfect translation
The iLoud Precision series ensures your mixes sound exactly as you intend, faster and easier than ever. You’ll hear every detail of every mix with exceptional clarity and remove the guesswork entirely to work faster, better, and with less ear fatigue. Thanks to IK’s exclusive combination of analog design and advanced DSP, you can enjoy world-class sound and performance in any studio setting. iLoud Precision offers a stunning ultra-flat frequency response within +/- 1 dB accuracy from 45 Hz to 30 kHz. You’ll instantly zoom in on which instruments and frequencies need attention, to create the perfect balance faster than ever.
Preventing ear fatigue
Reaching nearly the theoretical ideal performance of time coherence, or the precise time alignment between all frequencies, iLoud Precision offers an incredibly transient response without sacrificing frequency balance. This eliminates the ear fatigue that can develop over longer listening sessions, as well as improves the “readability” of the program and therefore translation.
Hear your music, not your room.
Any monitor is only as good as the room it’s in. To avoid room acoustics coloring your mixing decisions, each iLoud Precision offers built-in acoustic self-calibration based on the acclaimed ARC™ System technology. Just connect the included MEMS measurement microphone and in a few seconds, the iLoud Precisions will tune themselves to any environment, taking your room out of the mix for good.
My Experience
First and foremost, I’ve been a fan and user of IK Multimedia monitors for years now. My first pair was the original MTMs, so the announcement of a premium line was incredibly exciting for me. My first impression of the new monitors was that they look and feel like professional hardware. They look like they belong in a professional studio. The size was something to get used to compared to the original MTM, but the 5s are the perfect size for my space. Having a solid understanding of their built-in calibration system, I was up and running in no time.
Calibrating is quick and easy. Simply plug your included mic into the back of each speaker, hold the calibration button down, and the speakers do the rest. There are two different ways to calibrate, so it’s up to you to decide which works best for you. The included X-Monitor lets you see your calibrated profile and can even switch between different famous speaker profiles. Now, for the most important part…the sound.
Having used the MTMs exclusively for a few years, resulting in a few successful records, I had extremely high hopes and standards for these monitors. Right off the bat, they sounded big. I remember feeling like they sounded much wider than the original MTM, most likely because of the actual cone size. Part of me felt that the MTMs were a bit tighter and punchier, but going from one monitor you know so well to a brand-new one is always a challenge. That being said, having spent some time with the 5s, in a much less ideal space, I’ve come to love the new Precisions.
I mentioned that they sound very wide, and without a doubt, have much more depth to the sound. The clarity alone is night and day, and that’s saying something. The bass is rich and full, without being overpowering. I did try them uncalibrated, but as I said, my current room isn’t great, so it didn’t do the speakers any service. Producing on them is fun and even in a less-than-ideal room, I’m still able to get accurate mixdowns in my tracks.
What I Don’t Like
For all the amazing features the Precision 5s have, the only thing I wish they did better was to handle higher volumes better, but this is the case with pretty much any 5″ woofer. Other than that, I honestly don’t know anything else I can detract from these monitors.
Final Thoughts
At this point, it’s safe to say I’m an IK fanboy. I’ve preached their products to many of my artist friends for good reason, and they too have fallen in love. It’s hard not to. Amazing products that are still affordable, and punch way above their belt. The Precision series is a premium product, and that definitely comes at a higher price, but even still, starting at $1799 for a pair is doable for many. Not to mention they are all handmade in Italy….
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