Mackie’s new CR Series desktop monitors can transform into bookshelf speakers with flick of a switch
Search for recommendations for budget-friendly monitor speakers, and you’ll be hard pressed to find an article that doesn’t place Mackie’s Creative Reference (CR) series high on the list. They’re not only capable of delivering a reasonably flat frequency response for applications like recording and mixing, but also do it at a very affordable price. The option of wireless streaming over Bluetooth on some models only sweetens the deal.
Now, someone on a budget wouldn't want to buy a second pair of speakers for casual listening, and Mackie clearly understands this. With the new CR Series Gen 3, they’ve added some key features that make for an impressively versatile all-rounder of a product, well-suited for a variety of applications.
First off, a new “location switch” on the rear allows you to switch between desktop or near-field mode (for gaming, content creation or music making), and bookshelf or far-field mode (i.e. as regular hi-fi speakers placed at some distance from the listener). The latter is achieved by subtly boosting mids and highs for greater reach.
Secondly, there’s now a tone-control knob on the front panel, which is unlike typical one-knob controls that simply change the sound from bass- to treble-heavy. Instead, this one starts with a flat frequency response when dialled down, and moves towards a somewhat V-shaped EQ setting that boosts the bass and treble ends of the spectrum for a punchier sound. The latter may be more enjoyable for listening to certain genres, or when using it as a party speaker.
As listed below, the lineup consists of six pairs of speakers, of which four feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. They differ primarily in woofer diameter (denoted by the model name, in inches), as well as higher rated power for the larger models. Connectivity-wise, they’re all identical, with 6.35 mm TRS (balanced/unbalanced), 3.5 mm TRS (unbalanced), RCA and Bluetooth 5.0 for some models. A headphone jack is added to the front panel for easier access.
There’s also the CR8SBT subwoofer, which adds Bluetooth connectivity to any attached powered speaker. Since subwoofers are typically placed on the ground, this one also comes with a wired desktop remote for volume and bass level control.
The CR Series is available on Amazon, with the respective prices listed as follows:
- CR3.5 3.5" studio monitors (pair): $99.99
- CR3.5BT 3.5" studio monitors with Bluetooth (pair): $129.99
- CR4.5 4.5" studio monitors (pair): $129.99
- CR4.5BT 4.5" studio monitors with Bluetooth (pair): $159.99
- CR5BT 5.25" studio monitors with Bluetooth (pair): $199.99
- CR8BT 8" studio monitors with Bluetooth (pair): $279.99
- CR8SBT 8" subwoofer with desktop remote: $199.90
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