Cr3 Studio Monitor

Mackie Cr3 Studio Monitor

• Studio-quality design, sound and performance ideal for multimedia creation and entertainment
• Professional-grade components for optimized sonic performance.1/8 inches to stereo RCA cable to connect computer output to speakers
• Ultra-wide frequency range perfect for full-range multimedia (80 Hz - 20 kHz)
• Choose which side of your desk gets the volume knob with CR3's convenient speaker placement switch
• Convenient front panel volume knob with lit power ring gives you on/off/volume control and power indication where you need it. Plug your smartphone or other source right into the front of the speakers and listen instantly

The Mackie CR3 promises to give you high-quality flat sound at an affordable price. A compact 3-inch sized woofer makes it a good choice for a small studio or those without the need for epic volume. With a few extra features built-in for extra flexibility it aims to please both the beginner and professional

For a 3 inch sized speaker, these are pretty good. The mids and highs are solid. The bass is unfortunately lacking. Given the size of the monitor its not surprising. If you do enjoy the low-end frequencies you’ll need to invest in a subwoofer to complement these.

Offering a nice flat sound is critical to good studio monitors. While these are not amazing they are an upgrade over generic computer speakers. They are also surprisingly loud considering the size.

Clarity is good at all volume levels. For those with a more refined ear, they may not be as satisfying. Any audiophile will notice the difference compared to more expensive speakers.

Build Quality

The are built well but do not compare to some more expensive options. While rugged and offering a decent amount of heft they are not overbearing in weight. As always I recommend you treat your speakers with care. The materials used are decent but not high-end. That is to be expected at this price point.

There have been reports that the left/right switch on the back can cause issues leading these monitors to eventually fail. Luckily it seems after sales support appears to be fairly solid.

Either way when picking these be mindful that you’ll likely need a new set of studio monitors in a couple of years. If you are on a budget these will do the job. For the longer term, you may need to invest in a new pair. Or at that point, you may be in a position to buy a longer lasting pair of studio monitors.

Specifications

The 3-inch woofer is well suited for a smaller studio or for near field listening. The frequency response of 60Hz to 20 kHz makes these able to represent a good range of frequencies for clear sound. At 97 dB these are reasonably loud especially when you consider their size.