Mackie CR3.5BT review: Compact audio monitors at a good price

Macworld

At a glanceExpert's Rating

Pros

Powerful sound

Good speech intelligibility

Favourable price

Flexible connection options

Front volume control

Cons

No digital input

Subwoofer recommended

Our Verdict
Mackie’s CR monitors offer solid performance at an entry-level price. Although a digital USB input is missing, the features are impressive for the money. The speakers really come into their own on the desk, while larger models are recommended for use on a shelf. The CR series is also available with or without Bluetooth.

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The Mackie CR3.5BT are active 2-way studio monitors featuring a 3.5-inch woofer and a 0.75-inch fabric tweeter, making them ideal for desktop and home studio applications. With compact dimensions of 206 by 140 by 180 millimeters, they can be positioned flexibly. The low weight of just 3.7 kilograms per pair also ensures easy handling and mobility. Mackie CR monitors offer a comprehensive range of features and numerous connection options that allow the monitors to be used in a variety of ways.

Wireless audio streaming is easily possible thanks to Bluetooth 5.0. Various analog inputs are also available: two 6.3 mm jack sockets (balanced/unbalanced), two RCA connections (RCA), and a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack. These monitors do not have any digital inputs.

There is also a headphone output with a 3.5 mm stereo jack on the front. As soon as headphones are connected, the speakers mute automatically. This means that audio interfaces, mixers, turntables, or other playback sources can be connected flexibly.

There is a tone control on the front, which can be used to intuitively adjust the sound. Depending on the setting, the sound can be particularly transparent and linear or bass- or treble-emphasized. This is ideal for various applications such as gaming, the living room, or parties. The speaker also has a volume control with an on/off detent.

A position switch on the back allows you to choose between desktop mode (for short listening distances, for example, in the studio) and bookshelf mode (for longer distances, for example, up to the couch). The cabling can be flexibly adjusted using the L/R position switch.

The integrated power supply unit (100 to 240 volts) simplifies cabling as no external power supply unit is required. The scope of delivery includes a speaker connection cable, an RCA to jack cable, and foam pads.

Technically, there are hardly any surprises. Amplification is provided by a Class D power amplifier with a peak output of 50 watts and a continuous output of 25 watts RMS. The housing is made of MDF and has a bass reflex port for improved bass reproduction.

Mackie positions the CR3.5BT as a universal speaker for the desktop on a Mac, as well as a stereo speaker for connecting to a player such as a turntable or a streaming player.

I first tested the Mackie CR3.5BT via Bluetooth. This revealed the first problem with our M4 Mac Studio: the speakers were on the desk, the Mac Studio M4 under the desk, and this was apparently enough to permanently disrupt the Bluetooth connection. A test with the iPhone, on the other hand, worked without any problems. Alternatively, the Mac’s headphone output could have been used.

The sound via Bluetooth is immediately convincing. The CR3.5BT utilizes its decent housing volume for a surprisingly full sound. It is important to set the switch on the back correctly: “Desktop” for placement on the desk at a short distance from the listener or “Bookshelf” if the speakers are placed further away on a shelf, for example. The maximum sound resolution is primarily limited by Bluetooth and the AAC codec, but it is fine for music and speech. It is pleasantly clear for speech, but can sometimes be a little sharp and aggressive for music.

Switching to the direct connection of an Eve Play audio streaming player and positioning it on a speaker stand at ear height changes the listening experience. Listening to Tension II by Kylie Minogue plays much more airily and freely. What was sufficient on the desk, the bass, is too weak when positioned at some distance from a wall. This is particularly noticeable with pop, disco and rock. There’s a lack of punch here, but that’s not surprising given the small woofer. In this application scenario, it is best to use the optional CR8SBT subwoofer.

Depending on the music genre, the tweeter can be somewhat aggressive, which is primarily noticeable at higher volumes.

Should you buy the Mackie CR3.5BT?

The CR3.5BT can’t perform miracles, but it delivers a solid performance for its price. Beginners can buy these without hesitation, but will have to live with the fact that there is no digital USB input. Anyone looking for more sound or additional features will quickly end up paying around three times the price.

The features of the CR3.5BT are impressive for the low price: three analogue inputs, a headphone output, a tone control, and an easily accessible volume control conveniently located on the front. The speakers really come into their own on the desk; on the shelf, we would recommend one or even two sizes larger models.