Problems with MTM mkII monitors

Recording
1

Hi there, I’ve searched this forum and Google for some answers but to no avail.

I bought MTM MkIIs from Thomann last week for an unexpected project. My other monitors are being serviced, so this was a last minute purchase. Overall I’m very happy with them, and the internal sweep with the IK mic connected to the monitors did a pretty good job, even though I have a very heavily treated room.

My problem is one of information - I see on the IK site that there is a Firmware update to 1.2.2 on April 26. I imagine that there is no way that my monitors ship with this update, so I attempt to update as per the manual…with X-Monitor…but there is no X-Monitor download to be found anywhere on the IK site or within the download manager, nor is there a ‘Firmware Tab’ in the download manager as the manual describes, and just to top it off, the actual update app from IK - iLoud_MTM_Firmware_Updater_1.2.2_Windows, does not see my monitors when connected to my machine (yes the LED is blue and it’s in DFU mode)

In fact, with ARC-X installed and Force Firmware Update on Detection ticked…Nothing happens. (and I can find no information anywhere that ARX-X has superseded X-Monitor, but I’ll assume that it has given that X-Monitor has disappeared)

With a MkII connected to Win11, the OS signals that a USB device has connected…but I can find no reference anywhere that an IK hardware device is connected, not in the system tray, nor in Device Manager. Am I to assume it just connects as a non-descript class compliant device with no ID?

I am somewhat at a loss here. The manual is obviously out of date, as is the IK website.

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I worked it out in the end…despite the total lack of up to date information. I suggest IK perhaps update the general info, the manual and the FAQ, because right now it is very confusing.

2

I believe that if ARC X did not detect a firmware update is needed then you do not need it. If you want to verify that, IK Support is available to assist you.

3

ARC X did indeed detect a firmware update (the update that is required for ARC X to even work with MTM mk2s) …but all the documentation, literally ALL of it, says that your monitors need to be in DFU mode to receive firmware updates - this is not correct. There is also NO indication on the site that ARC X now handles this…and if there is it is well hidden, even from the site’s search function.

I suggest that somewhere…anywhere…IK simply says:

‘X-Monitor and our Firmware Updater have now been replaced by ARC-X for MTM mk2s etc. Simply connect your monitors with USB cables and ARC X will prompt you to download and install the new Firmware that is required for ARC X to work with your monitors. Ignore all other documentation that says you need to be in DFU mode.’

It’s not a deal breaker. The monitors are great value given they are under a grand. And, IK are hardly alone in not updating online PDFs…but when you’re in a pinch and you really need to meet someone else’s deadline…

4

We’re currently updating the iLoud MTM MKII user manual with the latest details in ARC X, thanks for your feedback there. DFU mode isn’t required to be set by the user, but the current manual (to be updated) states in the event you have issues you can manually put the unit into DFU mode for the Recovery process. Again thank you for the insight and we are going to continue to update the manuals with great feedback.