Nowadays, the bedroom DJ can be doing a lot more than just practising from their home set-up. With the advent of laptop production software and video streaming services, for instance, such DJs can both make music and perform live from their homes. IK Multimedia recently launched two products that would be useful to just such DJs and DJ/producers: the iLoud Micro Monitors, and the iKlip Grip Pro. We take a first look at both today.
2 Neat Micro Products
iLoud Micro Monitors
IK Multimedia is claiming these impossibly tiny powered speakers (also see main pic) are “ultra compact reference studio monitors”.
The idea is that, in box bedroom studios, there is usually no room for “proper” studio monitors for DJ practice and production, but at the same time, DJ/producers want more than computer speakers. These little speakers pack 50W of power, and the DSP-controlled frequency response means they can give the illusion of bass much deeper than that which small cabinets such as this can physically produce. They can be mounted on mic stands, and have a front bart for angling to your listening position.
As you’ll probably only have one set of speakers to do everything, they also have Bluetooth (for easy streaming), useful 1/8″ jack and 2 x RCA inputs, and – says IK Multimedia – a “sweet spot” closer to the speakers than is usual for monitors. This means you can be right up against them in a cramped space and still get a balanced, clear sound. While not cheap, you will almost definitely get what you pay for here.
We would ordinarily be dubious, but we have heard first-hand the quality of a related product from them (the iLoud portable speaker), and are looking forward to properly testing these – but the omens are good.
• Price: €/$299 a pair. See them on IK Multimedia’s site here.
iKlip Grip Pro
Want to know a dirty little secret? The very first edition of our How To Digital DJ Fast video course was filmed entirely on a laptop webcam, and an iPhone. Of course we have since updated it as we’ve grown, but back then it was just me, an iPhone, and a load of knowledge I wanted to share.
Nowadays, DJs are using their iPhones to record their DJ sets, or even to stream them live and share them online – a great development, and one that can really make your work stand out for the “audio only” crew. But of course, you need something to hold your iPhone while you perform. Step forward the iKlip Grip Pro.
This little device is also a tabletop tripod, and a standard tripod adaptor. That means you can now easily both plonk your iPhone near your decks for exciting close-ups, or screw it to any old tripod you have knocking around for those wide-angle room shots as you perform your mixes on video. It also works fine as an extendible selfie stick with the usual Bluetooth stuff, and a self video stick (think Facebook Live from the DJ booth, for instance). It’s well made, hyper-versatile, and won’t break the bank.
• Price: €59. See it on IK Multimedia’s site here.
Do you own either of these products, or similar? What “micro gear” do you use in your cramped bedroom studio? Share your thoughts in the comments…
Phil Morse
