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

Price when viewing

$129.99

Today's best prices: Mackie CR3.5BT

The Mackie CR3.5BT are active 2-way studio monitors with a 3.5″ woofer and 0.75″ fabric tweeter, making them ideal for desktop and home studios. Thanks to their compact dimensions of 206 by 140 by 180 millimeters, they can be positioned flexibly. Light weight (only 3.7 kg per pair) also ensures ease of use and portability. Mackie CR monitors offer a wide range of features and a variety of connection options that allow you to use the monitors in a variety of ways.

Wireless audio streaming is possible thanks to Bluetooth 5.0. A variety of analog inputs are also available: two 6.3mm jacks (balanced/unbalanced), two RCA (RCA) jacks, and a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack. These monitors do not have digital inputs.

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

There is a tone control on the front panel that allows you to intuitively adjust the sound. Depending on the setting, the sound can be particularly transparent and linear, or with an emphasis on low or high frequencies. It is ideal for various applications such as gaming, living room or parties. The speaker also has a volume control with an on/off lock.

A position switch on the rear panel allows you to choose between desktop mode (for short listening distances, such as in a studio) and bookshelf mode (for longer distances, such as to a sofa). The cables can be flexibly adjusted using the L/R position switch.

The built-in power supply (100 to 240 V) simplifies cable management since an external power supply is not required. The package includes a speaker cable, RCA-jack cable and foam pads.

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

Mackie markets the CR3.5BT as a versatile desktop speaker for the Mac, as well as a stereo speaker for connecting to a player such as a record player 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 table, the Mac Studio M4 was under the table, and this was apparently enough to permanently break the Bluetooth connection. But the test with the iPhone passed without problems. An alternative would be to use the Mac's headphone output.

The sound via Bluetooth is immediately convincing. The CR3.5BT uses decent cabinet volume for a surprisingly full sound. It is important to set the switch correctly at the back: “Desktop” for placement on a table at a short distance from the listener, or “Bookshelf” if the speakers are located further away, for example on a shelf. Maximum audio resolution is primarily limited by Bluetooth and the AAC codec, but it is suitable for music and speech. It's pleasant for speech, but can sometimes be a little harsh and aggressive for music.

Switching to directly connecting the Eve Play streaming audio player and placing it on the speaker stand at ear level makes a difference in the listening experience. I'm listening Voltage II Kylie Minogue plays much more airily and freely. The bass, which was sufficient on the table, turned out to be too weak if placed at some distance from the wall. This is especially noticeable in pop music, disco and rock. There's a lack of power 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 higher volumes.

Is the Mackie CR3.5BT worth buying?

The CR3.5BT can't perform miracles, but it delivers excellent performance for the price. Beginners can buy these without hesitation, but they will have to come to terms with the lack of a digital USB input. Anyone looking for more sound or extra features will quickly pay around three times as much.

The CR3.5BT features impressive features at a low price: three analog inputs, a headphone output, a tone control and an easy-to-reach volume control conveniently located on the front panel. The speakers really come into their own on the desk; on the shelf we would recommend models one or even two sizes larger.