The Evolution Of Mackie Studio Monitor Speakers

Mackie studio monitor speakers have been around since at least the 1990s, when their HR Series studio reference monitors became an industry standard. The company has since released a range of monitor speakers catering to the needs of musicians, content creators, and audio enthusiasts. The latest CR Series, released in 2014, offers a range of options from 3.5-inch to 8-inch monitors and subwoofers with Bluetooth connectivity. With their merger with RODE, Mackie continues to focus on providing accessible and versatile gear for the next generation of creators.

Mackie CR3-XBT 3-inch studio monitors

Mackie has been a leading brand in pro audio equipment for the past 25 years. Their studio monitors are designed to meet the needs of modern musicians, content creators, and video production. The Mackie CR3-XBT 3-inch studio monitors are a great example of their innovative products.

The Mackie CR3-XBT 3-inch studio monitors are designed to deliver professional sound without taking up too much space. They combine a silk dome tweeter and a 3-inch polypropylene woofer to provide clean and articulate sound, even in small rooms. The sleek design features a brushed metal grille and a distinct outline that stands out on any desk. With a speaker placement switch, you can choose which side of your desk has the volume knob, giving you better control over your creative space.

In terms of connectivity, the CR3-XBT monitors offer flexible input options, including 1/4", 1/8", and RCA. This allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously, such as an audio interface, turntable, smartphone, or media player. Additionally, the front-facing headphone jack lets you listen to your mix privately, automatically muting the output from the monitors.

The CR3-XBT monitors are a great choice for those seeking studio-quality sound without breaking the bank. They are perfect for content creators, DJs, solo artists, producers, or anyone looking to enjoy music, movies, or gaming with superior sound. With their compact size and powerful performance, the Mackie CR3-XBT 3-inch studio monitors are an excellent addition to any creative setup.

Mackie has been a trusted brand in the audio industry for decades, and their studio monitors are known for their excellent sound, affordability, and sleek looks. The CR3-XBT monitors continue this legacy, offering a powerful listening experience in a stylish and convenient package.

Mackie CR Series: Bluetooth connectivity

The Mackie CR Series offers a range of options from 3.5-inch to 8-inch monitors and subwoofers with Bluetooth connectivity. The Bluetooth-equipped models include the:

• 3.5-inch CR3.5BT
• 4.5-inch CR4.5BT
• 5-inch CR5BT
• 8-inch CR8BT
• 8-inch CR8SBT subwoofer

All models except the CR8SBT subwoofer are sold in pairs.

The CR Series is designed for the modern creator, with accessible gear that connects to your setup from laptops to mobile devices. The front panel features tone and volume controls, as well as a headphones port. The tone knob allows you to switch from analytical monitoring to party mode, and the location switch enables you to change from nearfield studio monitoring to bookshelf hi-fi speaker mode.

The CR3.5 model with a single passive speaker can be adjusted so you can configure the main active speaker as either the left or right channel, adding flexibility based on your proximity to a power source.

The CR4-XBT model, a 4" powered monitor, delivers studio-quality sound through a compact yet powerful setup. It combines a silk dome tweeter and a 4" polypropylene woofer for clean, articulate sound with plenty of low-end extension. With Bluetooth connectivity, you can stream audio to your monitors wirelessly.

The CR3-XBT model, a 3" powered monitor, is also available in limited-edition colours such as Arctic White and Green Lightning.

Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System

Mackie has been a top choice for pro audio equipment over the past 25 years. Their studio monitors are designed for studios of all sizes and are also suitable for casual listening, partying, and entertainment.

The Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System is a powerful desktop audio control centre that provides musicians and engineers with four main functions: Level Control, Studio Monitor Selection, Input Source Selection, and Talkback & Headphone Control. The system features a large, convenient volume knob for precise and quick level adjustments. It allows users to switch between different pairs of studio monitors, subwoofers, or powered speakers.

The Big Knob offers four stereo input sources, including a computer/DAW output, CD player, cassette deck, and turntable. It also supports the connection of instruments like keyboards, guitars, drum machines, and samplers. The system includes a built-in talkback microphone and spring-loaded activation switches for easy communication with musicians in the studio and tracking room.

The unit is designed for desktop use and features a sloping front panel for ease of access. It has a solid build quality, matching the cosmetic styling of Mackie's original mixers. The Big Knob is heavy and robust, ensuring it stays firmly in place even with the weight of connected cables.

The signal path of the Big Knob is clean and quiet, ensuring uncompromised monitoring. It offers excellent audio quality, with a flat frequency response from 10Hz to 50kHz and a dynamic range of 112dB on all paths except the phono inputs, which have a minimum dynamic range of 93dB. The input trims have a range of ±10dB, while the output trims go from -14dB to 0dB.

The front panel of the Big Knob features input-level meters, four input source-selector buttons, and the phones and studio output section. Multiple sources can be selected simultaneously, allowing for mixing and jamming along with a guitar preamp, for example. The phones and studio outputs have independent level controls and can be switched between different sources.

The centrepiece of the Big Knob is, as the name suggests, a large knob for monitoring level adjustments. It is accompanied by Mono, Mute, and Dim buttons. The unit also includes a talkback mic, a power LED, and status LEDs on all buttons. The talkback mic can be routed to the DAW output or the studio headphone amp for communication with musicians. Two non-latching Talkback buttons are provided for 2-track and Studio Phones, preventing accidental activation.

The rear panel of the Big Knob offers a footswitch jack for hands-free talkback switching and a variety of connectivity options. It is important to use the Big Knob carefully to avoid creating feedback loops. The unit provides flexible routing options, allowing users to route signals to the DAW from external devices and connect CD players and guitar preamps without turning on the DAW.

Overall, the Mackie Big Knob Studio Command System is an excellent choice for any mixerless DAW system, offering a wide range of source selections, including phono record-deck inputs, at a competitive price.

Mackie CR3 3-inch Creative Reference Multimedia Powered Studio Monitor Speakers

The Mackie CR3 3-inch Creative Reference Multimedia Powered Studio Monitor Speakers are designed to deliver studio-quality sound in a compact form factor. They are ideal for small studios or for those looking for an easy upgrade to their existing setup. The CR3 speakers feature a sleek design with a brushed metal panel and a distinct outline, making them a stylish addition to any desk or studio.

In terms of audio quality, the Mackie CR3 speakers receive mixed reviews. Some users praise the sound quality, stating that the speakers deliver crystal clear sound and impressive bass for their size. Others note that the bass response is lacking and that the sound quality is not perfect, but adequate for home use. The speakers have a dedicated input for mobile devices, making it easy to access your music. They also feature a headphone output and a volume/power knob on the front panel for convenient control.

The Mackie CR3 speakers are well-built and come with all the necessary cables, including a 1/8" to stereo RCA cable, speaker wire, and a power cord. The speakers are easy to set up and use, making them a popular choice for those seeking an affordable yet powerful studio monitor solution.

Overall, the Mackie CR3 3-inch Creative Reference Multimedia Powered Studio Monitor Speakers offer a good balance of sound quality, aesthetics, and functionality, making them a great option for those seeking an affordable and compact studio monitor system.

Mackie HR824mk2 8.75-inch Powered Studio Monitor

The Mackie HR824mk2 8.75-inch Powered Studio Monitor is an industry-standard reference monitor for critical mixing and mastering setups. It features a solid aluminium Zero Edge baffle, an optimised waveguide, and a passive radiator design, delivering accurate and natural sound reproduction with tight and articulate bass extension down to 35Hz.

The monitor's high-precision, low-distortion 8.75-inch LF driver and 1-inch titanium dome ferrofluid-cooled tweeter are powered by twin FR Series amplifiers, providing 150W of LF power and 100W of HF power. The monitor also features internal damping to eliminate midrange artifacts, an Acoustic Space Control function, and balanced XLR, TRS, and unbalanced RCA inputs.

The Mackie HR824mk2 is designed for modern studios, providing precision and accuracy with excellent low-frequency reproduction. It is THX pm3-certified for surround sound applications and is suitable for high-definition audio, cinema, and gaming systems.

The monitor's Zero Edge Baffle is constructed from a single piece of aluminium, minimising diffraction and providing a clear sonic image with tight bass response. The integrated Optimised Waveguide evenly disperses sound over a wide field, resulting in robust mids and improved frequency response and depth of field.

The Acoustic Space Control function allows the monitor to be adapted to different room sizes and placements, ensuring maximum accuracy in any setup. The monitor also includes low-frequency roll-off and high-frequency shelf functions, as well as time-correction circuitry to ensure that highs and lows reach the listener simultaneously.

The Mackie HR824mk2 8.75-inch Powered Studio Monitor is a high-quality, versatile studio monitor that delivers exceptional sound reproduction, accuracy, and flexibility, making it a top choice for professionals in various audio fields.

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