Search for suggestions on affordable monitor speakers, and you'll struggle to find a list that doesn't highlight Mackie’s Creative Reference (CR) series as a top choice. These speakers not only provide a fairly neutral frequency response ideal for tasks such as recording and mixing, but they also come at a very reasonable price. The ability to stream wirelessly via Bluetooth on some models makes them even more appealing.
Great for Budget Users
When someone is watching their spending, they likely don’t want to invest in a second pair of speakers just for casual listening, and Mackie clearly gets this. With the introduction of the new CR Series Gen 3, they’ve incorporated some essential features that turn it into a remarkably adaptable product, fitting for multiple uses.
Enhanced Features
To start, a new “location switch” on the back lets you toggle between desktop or near-field mode (suitable for gaming, content creation, or music production) and bookshelf or far-field mode (like standard hi-fi speakers placed further from the listener). The latter mode is achieved by gently boosting the mids and highs to achieve better reach.
Additionally, there’s now a tone-control knob located on the front panel, quite different from the standard one-knob controls that merely shift the sound from bass-heavy to treble-heavy. This control begins with a flat frequency response when turned all the way down and transitions towards a somewhat V-shaped EQ setting that enhances both the bass and treble for a more dynamic sound. This adjustment could be particularly enjoyable for certain music styles or when being used as a party speaker.
Speaker Lineup and Prices
The lineup includes six pairs of speakers, with four of them featuring Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. The main differences lie in the woofer size (indicated by the model name, in inches) and higher power ratings for the larger units. In terms of connectivity, they are all the same, offering 6.35 mm TRS (balanced/unbalanced), 3.5 mm TRS (unbalanced), RCA, and Bluetooth 5.0 for specific models. A headphone jack is conveniently added to the front for easy access.
There’s also the CR8SBT subwoofer, which provides Bluetooth connectivity to any powered speaker connected to it. Since subwoofers typically sit on the floor, this model includes a wired remote for desktop use, allowing for volume and bass control.
Mackie
