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

Best prices today: Mackie CR3.5BT

$129.99

The Mackie CR3.5BT are 2-way active studio monitors featuring a 3.5-inch woofer and 0.75-inch fabric tweeter, making them ideal for office and home studio applications. With compact dimensions of 206 x 140 x 180 millimeters, they can be positioned flexibly. The low weight of only 3.7 kilograms per pair also ensures easy handling and mobility. Mackie CR monitors offer a full 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 input.

There is also a headphone output with a 3.5mm stereo jack on the front. As soon as headphones are connected, the speakers automatically turn off. 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 emphasized in the bass or treble. This is ideal for various applications such as gaming, living room or parties. The speaker also has a volume control with an on/off detent.

A position switch on the rear allows you to choose between desk mode (for short listening distances, e.g. in the studio) and library mode (for longer distances, e.g. to the sofa). The wiring can be flexibly adjusted using the L/R position switch.

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

Technically, there are almost no surprises. Amplification is provided by a Class D power amplifier with a peak power of 50 watts and a continuous power of 25 watts RMS. The case is made of MDF and has a bass reflex port for better bass reproduction.

Mackie is positioning the CR3.5BT as a universal desktop speaker for Macs, as well as a stereo speaker for connecting to a player like a turntable or 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 that was apparently enough to permanently disrupt the Bluetooth connection. On the other hand, a test with the iPhone worked without any problems. Alternatively, the Mac’s headphone output could have been used.

The sound via Bluetooth is immediately convincing. The CR3.5BT uses its decent enclosure volume for surprisingly full sound. It is important to correctly set the switch located on the back: “Desktop” for placement on the desk 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 mainly limited by Bluetooth and the AAC codec, but it is perfectly suitable for music and speech. It’s pleasantly clear for speech, but can sometimes be a little sharp and harsh for music.

Switching to directly connecting an Eve Play audio streaming player and positioning it on a speaker stand at ear height changes the listening experience. Listen Voltage II by Kylie Minogue plays in a much more ethereal and free manner. What was sufficient on the desk, the bass, is too weak when positioned some distance from a wall. This is particularly noticeable in the realm of 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 especially noticeable at high volumes.

Should you buy the Mackie CR3.5BT?

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

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