The Mackie CR series has always been an excellent budget option for casual listening and light multimedia work. The new third-generation series ups the stakes with some enticing new features.
The Mackie CR5BT features excellent sound and, for the first time, some tuning controls. The solid cabinet with attractive styling and Bluetooth are other benefits. All of this is at a very approachable price point.
We’ve reviewed dozens of studio monitors, including previous CR series options from Mackie. With over 15 years of experience, we’ve seen it all, and Mackie has been a mainstay during that time. But as with every review we undertake, the slate is wiped clean to ensure an unbiased assessment of every new product.
While we have an extensive testing system in place, we also go beyond that by engaging with our trusted network of experts to ensure that no detail is left uncovered. With that said, let’s get into the review!
Features
The new Mackie CR5BT has a lot to offer first-timers and existing Mackie owners who might be considering upgrading to the latest generation model of these popular entry-level multimedia speakers.
Sound Quality
Before diving into the details, I want to preempt my assessments with a key caveat. This is an aggressively priced set of multimedia speakers, so all assessments are within the scope of what you would expect from a budget set of speakers.
Can these compete with high-end studio monitors? No. But it is impossible to achieve studio-quality sound at such a low price. If you need precision for detailed studio work, Mackie offers both the MR series and HRMMK2 series as options for these settings. Both offer excellent sound while maintaining a reasonable price point.
The third generation CR series is the best to date.
Now, as for the CR5BT, these speakers sound fantastic for what they are and outperform many choices in this product category. They also have enough flexibility and quality to handle common creator tasks like editing audio for videos, so don’t write them off completely for studio work.
The low-end offers ample punch and good definition. Playing with the tone dial also gives the low-end a nice boost for casual listening sessions without introducing overt muddiness or distortion. The solid mid-range makes these a practical pair of reference speakers for voiceover applications. There is also enough vibrancy and depth to create an engaging, casual listening experience. The controlled top-end is clear, and once again, the Tone dial is effective at adding further sparkle if you want extra brightness in the higher frequencies.
A dependable choice for light studio work and casual listening.
I tested a range of genres, and at no point did I feel that the CR5BT was lacking. Putting it to work on studio tasks also yielded effective results, but for heavy, detail-oriented applications, I would seek alternatives.
The Mackie CR series is a solid entry point into the world of reference speakers. It is a noticeable upgrade to classic computer speakers, with a broader range of potential applications while keeping the fun factor in place.
Build Quality
For a budget set of multimedia speakers, the Mackie CR5BT offers excellent build quality. Many years ago, I had some minor gripes with Mackie’s entry-level options, but quality control and overall build quality have improved dramatically over the years.
Good quality at a low price.
The cabinet comprises a robust MDF frame with black vinyl wrapping. The wrapping execution is dependable, and while I always encourage you to look after your speakers, I can see these taking the odd minor bump without issue.
The quality of the connection points and associated dials and switches also meets my expectations for a well-built budget pair of multimedia monitors. Longevity is always a concern for cheaper speakers, but I can’t imagine these suffering early failure. If this is to change, I’ll be sure to return to this review and provide an update.
Specifications
Digging into the specifications also highlights some notable changes from the previous generation. The most obvious is the frequency response. The Mackie CR5BT offers a response of 50Hz-20kHz at -10dB and 59Hz-20kHz at -3dB. This is a noticeable jump in depth from the previous series, and throughout our testing, the reach and punch in the low end were much better than I had hoped.
More power and greater reach than the previous model.
The power configuration also sees a bump, with a total of 100 Watts with an efficient Class D amplifier. However, the increase in power doesn’t reflect a higher Max SPL. This remains at 105dB, but there is a big difference in how well the Mackie CR5BT handles higher volumes compared to the previous model. Much smoother and with less distortion, the extra power is a welcome addition.
The woven low-frequency 5.25-inch woofer and 1-inch silk dome tweeter combine well, and projection is impressive, with a generous sweet spot even when set to the near-field Desktop setting.
In typical Mackie tongue-in-cheek fashion, you’ll also discover a Pets section in the manual under the specifications, which got me thinking that perhaps I have too many pets at home once I realized how many I could tick off!
Tuning Options
One of my gripes with previous Mackie CR series multimedia speakers was the lack of tuning controls. While there is always a limit on what you can include at this price point, I always like to see this feature on entry-level gear as it allows some flexibility in sculpting the sound for different applications.
Mackie has addressed this in the new CR series with two distinct changes. The first is a placement switch. You’ll have the choice between Desktop for near-field applications and Bookshelf for medium to far-field situations. A good choice if you want broader dispersion in your space.
The Tone dial allows you to sculpt the EQ curve.
The second change, and by far the most impactful, is the new Tone dial on the front of the primary speaker. As you rotate clockwise, it swings from a neutral or flat response to a more aggressive smiley-faced curve. The more hyped curve is excellent for casual listening, with punchier bass and more top-end pizzazz, while the neutral response is better for critical listening applications.
It’s a big step forward in the right direction and allows these speakers to handle various tasks. Forward-facing access is also appreciated. Keeping with Mackie’s sense of humor, there is also a section in the manual for a non-existent Mood Enhancer and Intensity Level dial.
The only reason I mention this is to highlight Mackie’s funny side. I’m a grizzled veteran of the industry, but I often see many companies take themselves far too seriously, so it’s a welcome change to see a company have a little fun with their manual.
Design
The Mackie CR series has a tradition of certain styling, with a heavy emphasis on black and green. That remains the case here, but with each generation, I’ve seen a maturing of the design philosophy.
Modern design with a hint of green flair.
The new Mackie CR5BT is the best-looking Mackie CR series monitor to date. It retains the character and eye appeal of the previous series, but with added curvature and dimensionality, it has a sleeker and more refined appearance compared to the previous series.
On a more technical side, the CR series retains its rear-facing bass reflex port. I’ll admit I prefer forward-facing ports to reduce bass build-up in tighter areas, but it’s also not a dealbreaker.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the new Mackie CR5BT are essentially identical to those of the previous generation. It’s not the most compact option, but there is often not much you can do to conserve space when you have a 5-inch cone to work with.
A mid-sized set of multimedia speakers.
The new Mackie CR5BT is also only slightly heavier than the previous generation. But it is worth noting that it is noticeably heavier than that slightly smaller CR4.5BT. If you need a set of speakers that are a bit more nimble, that model is worth considering.
Inputs
The Mackie CR5BT features an extensive selection of input options. On the rear of the primary speaker, you’ll have access to TRS, RCA, and a 3.5mm input. It’s fantastic to have both balanced and unbalanced options.
Ample input options.
But it doesn’t end there. At the front, there is a headphone jack for added flexibility, and of course, the CR5BT features Bluetooth connectivity. Connecting to my phone was quick and efficient, and the range was dependable.
Bluetooth connectivity is simple and reliable.
Tonal quality over Bluetooth also seems to have improved from the previous generation’s. While there is still some degradation, it is far less noticeable now. You should have no issue connecting to various devices using these connection options.
Value
The Mackie CR series has always offered excellent value for money, and that remains the same with this third-generation offering. The addition of some tuning controls adds to the value offering in this new series, and if you had to choose between the old and the new, the new generation is worth the slight increase in price.
Desktop Vs Bookshelf
The Mackie CR5BT features two placement modes. Selecting the right one will greatly improve your listening experience.
The Desktop mode is a classic near-field design. Near-field speakers are ideal for close-range listening, typically within 3 to 5 feet. The aim is to reduce room reflections for a more direct and accurate sound. This setup is ideal for critical listening environments like recording studios, where audio detail and clarity are crucial.
Bookshelf mode is better for room-filling sound.
The Bookshelf mode is the exact opposite and offers broader dispersion. This mode is optimized for longer distances (6 feet or more) and is more likely to interact with room acoustics. It is better suited for larger spaces where you need wider sound dispersion. It is a perfect choice for casual listening sessions.
Alternatives
While there are some obvious comparisons that could be made with other sets of multimedia reference speakers, I’m going to diverge and explore some alternatives that might better suit your needs, depending on your goals.
M-Audio Forty Sixty
If you like the idea of having forward-facing speaker mode controls, the M-Audio Forty Sixty is worth considering. While it is a far more expensive option, the increase in neutrality for studio work makes it an enticing choice.
- Accurate sound profile that is good enough for more critical listening applications.
- Attractive styling and consumer-style connectivity options.
- Doesn’t offer RCA, 3.5mm, or a headphone jack.
M-Audio Forty Sixty
Pioneer DJ VM-50
For those who want to balance work and fun, the Pioneer DJ VM-50 is another good choice. It is a punchy and attractive studio monitor that can jump from neutral sound for studio work to hyped sound for DJ practice sessions.
- High-quality output with ample punch and depth in the low end.
- Ultra-modern styling with onboard tuning controls.
- Substantially more expensive than the CR5BT.
Pioneer DJ VM-50
Tannoy GOLD 5
If you have much more to spend and want a monitor for professional studio work, the Tannoy GOLD 5 is an excellent choice. With precise imaging and a neutral response, it’s one of the leaders in near-field monitoring in its price range.
- Superb dual concentric drivers deliver impeccable imaging.
- Premium components and rock-solid build quality.
- An expensive choice, and it offers fewer connection options.
Tannoy GOLD 5
Our Verdict
Mackie continues its tradition of offering affordable and capable entry-level multimedia reference monitors with the latest iteration of the CR series.
The Mackie CR5BT features engaging sound that can easily transition from light studio work to a party atmosphere sound profile. The solid cabinet and clean finish combine well with the wealth of connection options. The new addition of tuning controls also elevates it beyond its predecessor. This value-packed offering is sure to be a big player in the budget speaker sector.
Mackie CR5BT
Overall Rating (8/10)
