Product:
- iLoud Micro Monitor Pro
- iLoud MTM MKII
- …others?
Summary:
When the monitors are turned off via an upstream power strip or a power switch, they emit a loud, popping sound that sounds very alarming. A professional monitor should be designed so that its power supply can be turned on/off externally without damaging the speakers or the electronics.
Problem / Use Case:
In any reasonably professional and/or small studio, the back of the monitors is usually difficult to access, which is why they are typically controlled via an external switch. This is particularly true for multi-channel systems, such as 5.1 or even 7.1 or more, where speakers are also mounted overhead. Since IK Multimedia’s iLoud monitors have Pro in their name and are marketed and sold as a professional solution, one would therefore expect them to be designed so that the monitors are not at risk of being damaged when turned off via the external switch.
Proposed Solution:
Since this is clearly either a serious design flaw or a product being marketed under a false name, and since it is not possible to resolve this issue at the hardware level, a software-based solution is likely the only option here. Therefore, the only option appears to be optimizing the firmware so that the monitors can at least be turned off via software, allowing the power supply to be disconnected afterward without damaging the monitors.
Priority / Impact:
[High]