The New Mackie CR Series Is For Everyone, Anywhere
by Tomaz
17th October 2024
Sponsored by Mackie
There’s a Mackie for Everyone
Almost four decades ago, rock ‘n roll and heavy metal markets were booming. Big stars were twirling microphones by their cables in the middle of rainstorms in front of crowds of 50,000 people, while a million garage bands were saving their coins to buy better instruments. In this landscape, where equipment built for the studio couldn’t withstand the battering of live performance, and bar bands struggled to make their music intelligible at high volumes, Mackie triumphed combining two qualities that at the time rarely went hand-in-hand in the world of professional audio: reliability and affordability.
Mackie’s 1990s SRM450
The range of equipment music professionals use has always been vast, and Mackie has always understood this. Mackie has produced everything from large digital consoles such as the early and iconic Digital X Bus, to rugged active speakers, built like tanks, during the mid-to-late 1990s such as the SRM450s, which became famous for decades of operation without ever having to meet a screwdriver or a soldering iron. Over the years, the brand’s reliability fostered a loyal user base, with Mackie products found in studios, bars, garages, stages, churches, and even on bookshelves.
Pro Studio Quality For The Masses
Introduced in 2014, the Mackie CR Series was an instant hit. Initially launched as the Creative Reference (CR) Multimedia Monitors, their purpose was to offer quality sound at an affordable price, allowing users to take a break from their headphones while listening to digital content from their computers or phones. It didn't take long for customers to realize that these monitors offered more than just multimedia playback, such as faithfully reproducing the warmth of a beloved vinyl record — they were also being adopted as a studio tool by producers and musicians. This was quite a surprise being that they are such compact monitors, which ranged from 3 to 5 inches and included the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity.
Recognizing the potential, Mackie updated the line with another generation of these versatile monitors. The CR-X line entered the market with new models, catering not only to multimedia consumers but also to musicians and producers who needed studio-quality sound, on a budget. The introduction of slightly larger speakers, such as the 8-inch CR8-XBT and the CR8S-XBT subwoofer with an all-wood sealed enclosure (which also featured Bluetooth connectivity) met the demands of content creators and electronic music producers who required more precise low-end performance.
The second generation of CR Monitors was so well-received that it even spurred limited edition versions with unique aesthetics, such as the CR3-X Green Lightning and CR3-XBT Arctic White. However, the real standout feature was a noticeable improvement in sound quality, demonstrating that Mackie was serious about expanding the applications of the CR Series. Search online for comparisons and hear for yourself — some users have conducted well-designed tests on YouTube where the difference is clear for anyone listening.
The Third Generation
The CR Series has now solidified their identity as the ‘Creative Reference Powered Studio Monitors’ that they are, further distancing themselves from their initial multimedia-focused position, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. As we’ll see, the entire new CR monitor line is equipped with controls designed for maximum flexibility, delivering the best sonic balance for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re playing video games, experiencing the depth of sound needed for immersive, feeling realistic environments with thrilling sound effects, powerful bass, and shimmering highs, or working on mixing and mastering audiovisual projects and/or music where neutral response is critical, these monitors have you covered.
The variety of sizes, designs, and connectivity options give the CR range the ability to fit seamlessly into all kinds of setups, from home studios to party systems. Whether you're working or playing, the new Mackie CR Series has a model ready for you!
CR3.5 and CR3.5BT
Good Things, Small Package
Even if you're short on money or space, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your music or be able to work on your projects being tied to headphones. Simply plug your sound source into these compact speakers and you’ll be amazed at how a monitor that’s not much more than the height of your laptop screen (or less!) can perform.
The smallest CR model has now gained an extra half-inch in woofer size compared to its predecessor, while still offering the same input options as its bigger brothers. And if you like a tidy wireless setup, the CR3.5BT shares the same features but adds Bluetooth connectivity.
CR4.5 and CR4.5BT
Larger, Deeper
Maybe Bluetooth isn’t your thing and you’d prefer a bit more bass instead - there's a solution for that. The CR4.5 is priced the same as the CR3.5BT but gives you an extra 5 Hz of low-end thanks to a 4.5” woofer. You may be surprised to find out that those extra few hertz might be just enough to help reproduce that bass synth you've been working on much more accurately.
However, if you still want that wireless connectivity and are willing to spend just a little more, the CR4.5BT could be the right choice for you.
CR5BT
Can You Feel It?
With a 5.25” woofer, you can start to appreciate the richness of 50 Hz, for example in the deep thump of a professional acoustic kick drum. From the CR5BT and up in the range, the specs deliver deeper lows and higher volumes, so it’s important to consider the size of your room and your workspace to ensure it meets your needs.
Cleverly, Mackie's engineers have considered that these will be used in a variety of spaces and have perfected them by designing special controls in order to adapt the speakers performance to the specific room in use (as we’ll explore further in this article).
CR8BT
Work Hard, Party Hard
The CR8BT is the most powerful speaker in the CR range, making it the perfect choice if you need to fill a larger space with sound.
The 8" woofers will help you produce, mix and master your music with a much wider sweet spot and deeper low-end, which is ideal for hip-hop and EDM production - or you can simply set it up in the living room and invite your friends over for a house party!
This speaker is definitely the best choice if you have the room for it - or enough friends for the party, anyway!
CR8SBT
A Dominant Sub
No matter which CR model you choose, you can always boost your system's low-end performance by adding a subwoofer. The CR8SBT’s controls allow for seamless integration with any CR model - or even previously owned monitor speakers from other manufacturers. Simply connect them to the sub’s 1/4" TRS or RCA L/R inputs and adjust the crossover to your desired frequency. The CR8SBT’s crossover ranges from 40 Hz to 180 Hz, covering virtually all the low-end your desktop system might be missing.
Additionally, by connecting in this way, you can turn your previously wired system into a wireless one, thanks to the CR8SBT’s Bluetooth capabilities. This allows the connected speakers to receive sound from a Bluetooth source, such as your computer or smartphone.
On the unit’s back panel, you can adjust the sound source input level as well as the sub output to balance the desired amount of low end. There's also a polarity switch in case you prefer to place your subwoofer elsewhere in your room and experience any odd resonances. Regardless of where you position it, all the critical controls are at your fingertips whenever you need them.
Inherited from its predecessor, Mackie’s CR8SBT also includes the company’s proprietary CRDV Remote Control. Connecting the supplied CRDV Volume Control to its ¼” jack allows users to adjust both the subwoofer output and the overall system volume independently simply by rotating the knob controls and without having to leave their chair or crouch under their desk to reach the back of the unit to change levels.
Tune Your Space With The Location Switch and Tone Control Knob
If you've ever been in a proper high-end pro studio, which we assume is a lot of you, you've likely noticed that many are equipped with reference monitors of various sizes. This variety allows engineers to experience sound in different ways, depending on the acoustics of the environment. Larger monitors are typically used for farfield monitoring in more expansive listening environments, where a fuller sound and better low-end response are essential. In contrast, smaller monitors are used for nearfield monitoring, providing focused sound that helps hear details in mixes without the influence of room acoustics and better simulates a home listening environment (albeit it in most cases a really darn good one).
Mackie's new CR range sort of simulates this studio experience in any environment, and best of all, it all happens in the same monitor with just the flip of a switch. If you’re working at your desk and need to listen closely, simply use desktop mode. If you’re on your couch listening from a distance, switch it to bookshelf mode, and you're all set.
Another new feature across all models in the range is the Tone Control knob, conveniently located on the front panel for quick adjustments. This feature is designed to help you "spice things up:, as the flat and transparent sound needed for critical listening and work applications may not be what you want for gaming or casual listening. Just turn the knob clockwise to gradually boost the bass and enhance the high end, perfect for getting the party started!
The Connection Is Made
The entirety of the new CR range is equipped with ¼” TRS (balanced/unbalanced) stereo, RCA (unbalanced) stereo and ⅛” stereo inputs for connecting a mixer, a computer, an audio interface or any other line-level playback device you have in mind. A ⅛” TRS headphone output can be easily accessed on the unit’s front panel and of course, the models CR3.5BT, CR4.5BT, CR5BT, CR8BT and the CR8SBT subwoofer are also equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, capable of transferring data wirelessly at a speed of up to 50 Mbps, minimizing latency.
Mackie’s CR monitors are active/passive speaker systems, meaning one unit houses the amplifier in order to power the other unit, in this case via - and + wire terminals. CR monitors have a convenient L/R switch in their back panel for you to select the powered speaker position for flexibility.
Still Reliable & Affordable
With the the new CR Series Mackie has once again demystified the notion that high-end audio quality is a privilege reserved for the few. Across the decades, the brand has evolved the landscape of music production and performance so artists of all levels can express themselves without compromise. The CR Series stands tall, providing dynamic tools at a time when audio needs vary greatly, with a wide range of sizes, connectivity options, and customizable settings. Whether you’re an aspiring producer in a home studio or a seasoned musician on stage, there is a Mackie monitor designed just for you.
* Weight has minimum variation between Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth units - displayed numbers are based on Bluetooth models
**Only available across ‘BT’ addressed models
For more information on Mackie and their range of products visit https://mackie.com
There’s a Mackie for Everyone
Almost four decades ago, rock ‘n roll and heavy metal markets were booming. Big stars were twirling microphones by their cables in the middle of rainstorms in front of crowds of 50,000 people, while a million garage bands were saving their coins to buy better instruments. In this landscape, where equipment built for the studio couldn’t withstand the battering of live performance, and bar bands struggled to make their music intelligible at high volumes, Mackie triumphed combining two qualities that at the time rarely went hand-in-hand in the world of professional audio: reliability and affordability.
Mackie’s 1990s SRM450
Pro Studio Quality For The Masses
Introduced in 2014, the Mackie CR Series was an instant hit. Initially launched as the Creative Reference (CR) Multimedia Monitors, their purpose was to offer quality sound at an affordable price, allowing users to take a break from their headphones while listening to digital content from their computers or phones. It didn't take long for customers to realize that these monitors offered more than just multimedia playback, such as faithfully reproducing the warmth of a beloved vinyl record — they were also being adopted as a studio tool by producers and musicians. This was quite a surprise being that they are such compact monitors, which ranged from 3 to 5 inches and included the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity.
Recognizing the potential, Mackie updated the line with another generation of these versatile monitors. The CR-X line entered the market with new models, catering not only to multimedia consumers but also to musicians and producers who needed studio-quality sound, on a budget. The introduction of slightly larger speakers, such as the 8-inch CR8-XBT and the CR8S-XBT subwoofer with an all-wood sealed enclosure (which also featured Bluetooth connectivity) met the demands of content creators and electronic music producers who required more precise low-end performance.
The second generation of CR Monitors was so well-received that it even spurred limited edition versions with unique aesthetics, such as the CR3-X Green Lightning and CR3-XBT Arctic White. However, the real standout feature was a noticeable improvement in sound quality, demonstrating that Mackie was serious about expanding the applications of the CR Series. Search online for comparisons and hear for yourself — some users have conducted well-designed tests on YouTube where the difference is clear for anyone listening.
The Third Generation
The CR Series has now solidified their identity as the ‘Creative Reference Powered Studio Monitors’ that they are, further distancing themselves from their initial multimedia-focused position, but that doesn’t mean the fun is over. As we’ll see, the entire new CR monitor line is equipped with controls designed for maximum flexibility, delivering the best sonic balance for a wide range of activities. Whether you’re playing video games, experiencing the depth of sound needed for immersive, feeling realistic environments with thrilling sound effects, powerful bass, and shimmering highs, or working on mixing and mastering audiovisual projects and/or music where neutral response is critical, these monitors have you covered.
The variety of sizes, designs, and connectivity options give the CR range the ability to fit seamlessly into all kinds of setups, from home studios to party systems. Whether you're working or playing, the new Mackie CR Series has a model ready for you!
CR3.5 and CR3.5BT
Specs:
Maximum SPL Peak
100dB
Frequency Response
60 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
50 watts RMS Class AB power amplifier
Dimensions
8.1 x5.5 x7.1 in (206 x 140 x 180 mm)
Weight *
8.1 lb (3.7 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0 **
Maximum SPL Peak
100dB
Frequency Response
60 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
50 watts RMS Class AB power amplifier
Dimensions
8.1 x5.5 x7.1 in (206 x 140 x 180 mm)
Weight *
8.1 lb (3.7 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0 **
Even if you're short on money or space, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy your music or be able to work on your projects being tied to headphones. Simply plug your sound source into these compact speakers and you’ll be amazed at how a monitor that’s not much more than the height of your laptop screen (or less!) can perform.
The smallest CR model has now gained an extra half-inch in woofer size compared to its predecessor, while still offering the same input options as its bigger brothers. And if you like a tidy wireless setup, the CR3.5BT shares the same features but adds Bluetooth connectivity.
CR4.5 and CR4.5BT
Specs:
Maximum SPL Peak
101dB
Frequency Response
55 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
50 watts RMS Class AB power amplifier
Dimensions
8.9 x 6.1 x 8.3 in (226 x 155 x 211 mm)
Weight *
9.9 lb (4.5 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0 **
Maximum SPL Peak
101dB
Frequency Response
55 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
50 watts RMS Class AB power amplifier
Dimensions
8.9 x 6.1 x 8.3 in (226 x 155 x 211 mm)
Weight *
9.9 lb (4.5 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0 **
Maybe Bluetooth isn’t your thing and you’d prefer a bit more bass instead - there's a solution for that. The CR4.5 is priced the same as the CR3.5BT but gives you an extra 5 Hz of low-end thanks to a 4.5” woofer. You may be surprised to find out that those extra few hertz might be just enough to help reproduce that bass synth you've been working on much more accurately.
However, if you still want that wireless connectivity and are willing to spend just a little more, the CR4.5BT could be the right choice for you.
CR5BT
Specs:
Maximum SPL Peak
105dB
Frequency Response
50 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
100 watts RMS Class D power amplifier
Dimensions
10.3 x 6.9 x 9.3 in (262 x 175 x 236 mm)
Weight
15.3 lb (6.9 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0
Maximum SPL Peak
105dB
Frequency Response
50 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
100 watts RMS Class D power amplifier
Dimensions
10.3 x 6.9 x 9.3 in (262 x 175 x 236 mm)
Weight
15.3 lb (6.9 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0
With a 5.25” woofer, you can start to appreciate the richness of 50 Hz, for example in the deep thump of a professional acoustic kick drum. From the CR5BT and up in the range, the specs deliver deeper lows and higher volumes, so it’s important to consider the size of your room and your workspace to ensure it meets your needs.
Cleverly, Mackie's engineers have considered that these will be used in a variety of spaces and have perfected them by designing special controls in order to adapt the speakers performance to the specific room in use (as we’ll explore further in this article).
CR8BT
Specs:
Maximum SPL Peak
108 dB
Frequency Response
44 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
140 watts RMS Class D power amplifier
Dimensions
14.8 x 9.9 x 13.6 in (376 x 251 x 345 mm)
Weight
35.3 lb (16 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0
Maximum SPL Peak
108 dB
Frequency Response
44 Hz - 20 KHz
Total System Power
140 watts RMS Class D power amplifier
Dimensions
14.8 x 9.9 x 13.6 in (376 x 251 x 345 mm)
Weight
35.3 lb (16 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0
The CR8BT is the most powerful speaker in the CR range, making it the perfect choice if you need to fill a larger space with sound.
The 8" woofers will help you produce, mix and master your music with a much wider sweet spot and deeper low-end, which is ideal for hip-hop and EDM production - or you can simply set it up in the living room and invite your friends over for a house party!
This speaker is definitely the best choice if you have the room for it - or enough friends for the party, anyway!
CR8SBT
Specs:
Maximum SPL Peak
112 dB
Frequency Response
30 Hz - 400 Hz
Total System Power
100 watts RMS Class D power amplifier
Dimensions
14 x 16.2 x 12.6 in (356 x 411 x 320 mm)
Weight
25.4 lb (11.5 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0
Maximum SPL Peak
112 dB
Frequency Response
30 Hz - 400 Hz
Total System Power
100 watts RMS Class D power amplifier
Dimensions
14 x 16.2 x 12.6 in (356 x 411 x 320 mm)
Weight
25.4 lb (11.5 Kg)
Bluetooth 5.0
No matter which CR model you choose, you can always boost your system's low-end performance by adding a subwoofer. The CR8SBT’s controls allow for seamless integration with any CR model - or even previously owned monitor speakers from other manufacturers. Simply connect them to the sub’s 1/4" TRS or RCA L/R inputs and adjust the crossover to your desired frequency. The CR8SBT’s crossover ranges from 40 Hz to 180 Hz, covering virtually all the low-end your desktop system might be missing.
Additionally, by connecting in this way, you can turn your previously wired system into a wireless one, thanks to the CR8SBT’s Bluetooth capabilities. This allows the connected speakers to receive sound from a Bluetooth source, such as your computer or smartphone.
The back panel on the CR8SBT subwoofer
Mackie’s Proprietary CRDV Volume Control
Tune Your Space With The Location Switch and Tone Control Knob
A 'Location' Switch is available on all units
Mackie's new CR range sort of simulates this studio experience in any environment, and best of all, it all happens in the same monitor with just the flip of a switch. If you’re working at your desk and need to listen closely, simply use desktop mode. If you’re on your couch listening from a distance, switch it to bookshelf mode, and you're all set.
Turn the Tone Control knob from flat to colorful
The Connection Is Made
The front and back panels of the CR3.5
Mackie’s CR monitors are active/passive speaker systems, meaning one unit houses the amplifier in order to power the other unit, in this case via - and + wire terminals. CR monitors have a convenient L/R switch in their back panel for you to select the powered speaker position for flexibility.
Still Reliable & Affordable
With the the new CR Series Mackie has once again demystified the notion that high-end audio quality is a privilege reserved for the few. Across the decades, the brand has evolved the landscape of music production and performance so artists of all levels can express themselves without compromise. The CR Series stands tall, providing dynamic tools at a time when audio needs vary greatly, with a wide range of sizes, connectivity options, and customizable settings. Whether you’re an aspiring producer in a home studio or a seasoned musician on stage, there is a Mackie monitor designed just for you.
* Weight has minimum variation between Bluetooth and non-Bluetooth units - displayed numbers are based on Bluetooth models
**Only available across ‘BT’ addressed models
For more information on Mackie and their range of products visit https://mackie.com
