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IRL: IK Multimedia's iLoud portable Bluetooth speaker
I've secretly desired a portable Bluetooth speaker for a while now, particularly the Beats Pill. But the problem was (and still is) that I can't justify adding yet another wireless music streaming option to my relatively small abode, which is already outfitted with an Apple TV and Pioneer SX-218. Sure, a Bluetooth speaker is handy for the occasional barbecue cookout on your front porch. But any other time, I'd rather just pop in a pair of 'buds and get the entire stereo effect. However, being the fan of IK Multimedia's Apple-centric iRig line that I am, I bit the bullet and opted for the iLoud.
IK Multimedia iLoud portable speaker lives up to its name
IK Multimedia is in the business of making products that help musicians make the most of their iOS devices and musical instruments. They're the company behind the iRig and its many spawn, which make it simple for musicians to plug in guitars or mics for processing by the company's software offerings. Those apps include such musical favorites as AmpliTube, VocaLive, Loop Drummer, SampleTank, and GrooveMaker. Well, they've now made a nice little portable speaker that lives up to its name, the US$299.99 iLoud. Think of it as a portable studio monitor and you've got the idea. But instead of just being another generic Bluetooth speaker for iPhone and iPad, the iLoud has a direct plug-in connection for your guitar or microphone via iRig. Specifications Price: $299.99 Dimensions: 250mm/9.84" x 160mm/6.3" x 60mm/2.36" (W x H x D) Weight: 1,330g/46.91oz Output: 40W Power: Internal battery with 10 hour life, DC in 14V/2.5 A Input: Bluetooth, 1/4" iRig input Design Highlights On the outside, the iLoud looks like a speaker... But sometimes it's what's inside a speaker that makes the big difference and that's the case with the iLoud. First, there are four Class-D amplifiers inside, providing 40W of total power -- two 3-inch neodymium woofers getting 16W of power each, and two 3/4-inch neodymium tweeters each feeding on 4W of power. The frequency response of the speaker runs from a respectable 50Hz on the low end to 20kHz on the upper end. There's a digital sound processor controlling all of this, and the iLoud can take a lot of different inputs: a 1/8" stereo analog line input and 1/4" iRIg input let you connect a number of wired sources, while A2DP-compatible Bluetooth accepts input from your favorite Mac or iOS device. The interior battery will work for 3 hours at maximum volume, 10 hours with normal use (i.e., not ear-bleedingly loud...). Functionality Highlights While I'm not a musician (other than singing) and didn't have a guitar or MIDI keyboard that I could plug into the iLoud for testing, I was able to attach an iRIg Mic to test how vocals worked with the unit and give it a workout with a Bluetooth connection, first to my iPhone and then to an iPad Air. Sound quality was really impressive, with fairly good high-end response -- something I've found lacking in a lot of portable speakers. As you'd expect, low frequencies were amazingly well-reproduced with this unit. Volume? Well, if there's a portable speaker that goes to 11 (obligatory "This is Spinal Tap" reference), it's the iLoud. Pairing with the iOS devices was a no-brainer and Bluetooth worked well for streaming music to the unit. Conclusion Whether you're a musician who wants a solid speaker for impromptu rehearsals or small gatherings, or just a music lover who wants a decently priced high quality portable speaker, the iLoud should fit the bill in either situation. When paired with IK Multimedia's other offerings for musicians, the iLoud rounds out a wide-ranging lineup of audio tools that are perfect for the iOS device-toting musician or music lover. Rating: 4 stars out of 4 stars possible Giveaway IK Multimedia and TUAW want to make one reader very happy, so we're giving away one of these amazing speakers. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before April 8, 2014 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive an IK Multimedia iLoud Speaker valued at $299.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
IK Multimedia ships iLoud wireless Bluetooth speaker for musicians with $300 price tag
We first got our mitts on IK Multimedia's iLoud wireless speaker (above left) back at NAMM in January and now you can do that same. If you're in need of a refresher, the Bluetooth unit houses a 1/4-inch input with the outfit's iRig circuitry, power and gain controls, an aux input and front-mounted volume knob inside a black soft-touch shell. You'll have to dish out $300 to score the 40W of sound and, unfortunately, there's no mention of when we'll see the smaller less expensive iLoud mini (above right) that should ring up for $200 when it arrives.
IK Multimedia iLoud and iLoud Mini hands-on (video)
IK Multimedia got a jump start on NAMM with the announcement of its iLoud speaker duo just before the proper start of the show. Today, we swung by the company's booth to take a closer look and spend a few minutes with the Bluetooth-wielding wireless duo. The first thing that we noticed was the build quality. Both the iLoud and iLoud Mini sport a soft-touch rubber-esque coating on the top and bottom that we've seen in other Bluetooth audio units. The pair also has an adequate amount of heft without being overbearing when added to the weight of an already packed rucksack. In terms of the Mini, a single volume control rests on the right side, both USB port (for charging) and aux inputs reside around to the left and the power button is at home up top. For us, the real star of the show here is the regular iLoud. In addition to the same wireless capabilities as the smaller sibling, this unit packs a 1/4-inch input that houses the outfit's iRig circuitry. Essentially, one of IK Mulitmedia's adapters is crammed right into the speaker. Said jack along with controls for power, gain and Bluetooth pairing hit the backside in addition to an auxiliary port for connecting a handset or tablet via cable. The volume knob is around front on this beefier model, encircled in a glowing red light. One of the main selling points is the advertised studio-grade sound quality -- especially in the 40W iLoud -- which we were unfortunately unable to confirm due to the overly noisy show floor here in Anaheim. Jump down through the gallery to take a gander at the pair that is set to arrive in Q2 for $300 and $200 respectively.
IK Multimedia outs iLoud and iLoud Mini speakers, supplies mobile jam sessions
If you've been looking for a wireless speaker that is capable of outfitting your music gear, IK Multimedia is looking to oblige with its latest offerings. The company has announced the iLoud and iLoud Mini Bluetooth speakers ahead of the official start of NAMM 2013. In addition to that wireless connectivity, the duo sports rechargeable batteries for supplying jams on-the-go and a 1/8-inch jack for connecting those trusty peripherals the good ol' fashioned way. Boasting big volume in rather small frames, the larger unit touts 40W RMS of power and the smaller clocks in at 12W RMS. The larger of the two units, the iLoud, tacks on a full-sized 1/4-inch jack complete with iRig circuitry for connecting that axe should you feel the need offer up your best Stevie Ray Vaughan. While both are set to arrive sometime in Q2 of 2013, the iLoud will sport a $299.99 (€239.99) price tag and the iLoud Mini is set to dock wallets for $199.99 (€159.99).
