IK Multimedia iLoud
With so many portable Bluetooth speakers on the market, it can be hard to know whether you are getting a bargain or not. Some people are more comfortable purchasing a familiar brand such as Bose, Sony or Beats, while others willing to go for something different, providing it achieves comparable or better quality. IK multimedia has produced a Bluetooth speaker with at least two fantastic features that make it stand out from the crowd.
Design
The first of these is its power. Few portable speakers have a massive 40W on tap (2x 16W low-frequency, 2x 4W high frequency). It’s got a lot more volume compared to other portable speakers, and is easily loud enough to fill a small hall for parties, even without using full volume. We tested it against the similarly priced Bose SoundLink and it eclipsed the that speaker’s volume.
The second feature is the iRig system. For those unfamiliar, it allows you to use your phone or tablet to process real-time effects for your guitar, bass, keyboard or dynamic mic. To set it up, you’ll need to connect your instrument to the 1/4in jack on the back of the speaker, then connect your phone using the TRRS audio cable provided (a TRRS audio cable looks similar to an standard auxiliary minijack cable but has an extra ring for sound input).
You then download the AmpliTube app (available for Android or iOS) and apply your desired effects. Make no mistake: this isn’t a replacement for your guitar amp, but it is fantastic for jamming along at home or travelling around when it’s not practical to lug around a heavy amp.
Compared to other Bluetooth speakers we’ve reviewed, the iLoud is not the smallest or most portable. However, it will still fit easily into a backpack, gig bag or, of course, the optional travel bag.
Even though the speaker is made from plastic, it feels solid and looks great. On the front is a classylooking red light around the volume knob, and on the back is a pull-out stand to give it more stability.
Pairing the device over Bluetooth is as simple as pushing the dedicated Bluetooth button on the back and then tapping on iLoud in your phone or tablet’s Bluetooth devices menu. We walked around the room with our paired device and found it kept a good connection without experiencing dropouts. If your mobile device doesn’t support Bluetooth, or you are not ready to lose those leads, you can connect your phone to the AUX input on the back.