The Mackie CR series is one of the longest-running budget-friendly studio monitor pairs. The third-generation refresh brings new features and a refined look that is sure to make it a popular entry-level choice.
The Mackie CR8BT is the largest in the series. It boasts an engaging sound profile and consumer-level features within a stylish shell. The aggressive price point and versatile connections also add to its appeal.
Studio monitor reviews make up a large portion of our site, and after over 15 years in the industry, we’ve developed a detailed testing process to assess every monitor that graces our studio.
The invaluable feedback we receive from industry experts worldwide supports our internal testing. Every studio is different, and everyone has different needs. By engaging with our network, we get the most complete insight into the products we review. With that said, let’s check out the Mackie CR8BT in detail.
Features
The Mackie CR8BT isn’t just a rehash of the previous version with a fresh coat of paint. Instead, it noticeably advances this set of speakers by adding features previously not seen in the CR series.
Sound Quality
The Mackie CR8BT offers an engaging sound profile that is enjoyable to listen to and useful enough for light multimedia work. However, it lacks the neutrality and balance required for more critical listening applications.
For an 8-inch set of speakers, it offers a good level of bass response. It isn’t muddy, but it isn’t as punchy and deep as some might want. Adding a subwoofer to the setup is ideal if you want extra low-end performance.
The third generation CR series offers several improvements.
The mid-range is my favorite aspect, with ample warmth and vibrancy to bring out the best in vocals and instruments that occupy this range. The high definition in this range lends itself well to voice-over applications. The top-end is also clear and well-balanced.
One of the primary changes in this third generation is the new Tone dial on the front of the master speaker. This dial alters the output from its base state and opens up the flexible nature of this set of multimedia reference monitors. You can easily add extra oomph in the low end or sparkle.
The CR8BT is a viable choice for light multimedia work.
I’ll be the first to admit that these are not high-end studio monitors, but equally, they don’t come with a hefty price tag, so you need to temper your expectations. However, compared to other offerings in this price range, these are much better than they have any right to be.
If you need your monitors for critical listening, you should explore Mackie’s MR or HRMMK2 series of monitors. But if you want a pair of monitors for casual listening with enough clarity and precision for light studio tasks, the Mackie CR8BT is hard to beat.
Build Quality
Mackie continues to improve its product offerings, and the build quality, in particular, has rapidly improved over the years with a higher level of care and thought behind each new offering.
The entry-level CR series is a perfect example. While I had some issues with its first generation, the two subsequent series have shown increased build quality with each iteration.
Well built considering the low price point.
The Mackie CR8BT feels solid and robust, with a clean cabinet finish and vinyl wrapping. Likewise, the quality of the drivers, dials, and switches is well beyond that of many other budget-level monitor pairs.
While they may not offer the very best in material quality, at this price point, this set of speakers is easily among the most well-built, and if the previous generation is anything to go by, you should be able to get many years out of them.
Specifications
The specifications of the Mackie CR8BT have a few minor changes compared to the previous generation. However, while there appears to be little difference on paper, the performance of these speakers is noticeably improved over the previous model.
The frequency response of 44Hz-20kHz at -10dB highlights that while the CR8BT can hit reasonably low, it doesn’t dig as deep as more expensive options. As mentioned in the sound quality section, you should add a subwoofer if you want deeper bass.
Similar specs to the previous model but performance has improved.
Mackie retains the Class D amplifier with a total of 140W RMS power. The result is a Max SPL of 108dB, identical to the previous generation’s, but the devil is in the details.
The previous generation struggled as you approached higher SPL levels, while this latest series performs far better as you creep up in volume. It’s still not as loud as other 8-inch studio monitors, but the improvement is night and day, and for most applications, there is enough headroom to offer a satisfying listening experience.
Tuning Options
The addition of some tuning controls is what got me the most excited about the newest entry into the popular CR series. While I always appreciated the budget-friendly nature of the CR series, its lack of tuning controls held it back.
Mackie addresses this situation with the new Tone Dial, conveniently located on the front of the primary speaker. This dial makes a noticeable impact on the sound and allows you to find a sweet spot that is right for your tastes.
The position switch is a quick way to alter the sound profile.
The other major change is the addition of a placement switch. The desktop option is ideal for near-field listening, while the Bookshelf option is best suited for medium—and far-field listening.
It might not seem like much, but between these two options, the Mackie CR8BT instantly surpasses the previous generation. Considering how much of an improvement this is, I would imagine the previous generation to be aggressively discounted, as this third-generation offering is far superior while not jumping far in price.
Design
Each iteration of the Mackie CR series has seen the speakers evolve and mature in the design department. The iconic green remains, but it encircles the woofer instead of bordering the square box.
This change of placement and approach gives the newest generation a sleeker and more refined look, which couples well with the angular curvature of the front baffle. The cleaner integration of the waveguide also adds to the eye appeal.
The green ring catches the eye.
Consumer-grade features like a front headphone jack and Bluetooth connectivity are hallmarks of the CR series and help blur the line between computer speakers and reference monitors.
It is worth noting that the CR8BT features a rear-facing bass port. If you place these near a wall, you might encounter some bass build-up, so ensure you give these speakers as much room at the rear as possible for optimal low-end performance.
Dimensions
The Mackie CR8BT is a large set of monitors—unavoidable when you have to accommodate an 8-inch woofer. If you’ve seen the previous set of CR 8-inch series speakers, you’ll know what to expect.
Large monitors that need adequate space.
As for weight, these are also not the lightest speakers on the market. They offer some heft at 35.3 lbs. (16.0 kg), which is understandable considering these feature an MDF cabinet instead of plastic.
Inputs
The CR series’s strong suit is connectivity flexibility. At the rear of the primary speaker, you’ll have access to both balanced and unbalanced options. An L/R TRS connection and an L/R RCA connection point will cover the vast majority of connection situations you’ll likely encounter.
Flexible connection options.
A 3.5mm Stereo input supports this, adding further flexibility to connect various devices. Bluetooth connectivity is also handy for easy streaming. Pairing is quick, simple, and offers a good range.
Finally, a headphone jack is located at the front of the main speaker. This wide array of connection options solidifies the CR8BT as one of the most versatile options in this market group.
Value
The CR series is the pinnacle of Mackie’s passion for providing high-quality speakers at an affordable price point. Balancing performance with price is no small feat, but Mackie continues to lead the way.
For the price of many other entry-level monitors, you get a complete package with extensive features. If you want maximum tonal neutrality, you’ll have no choice but to spend more, but if you are on a budget, the Mackie CR8BT is among the best options in this price range.
Add Some Oomph
Most 8-inch monitors offer a solid level of low-end performance. Still, to experience the boom, you must invest in a subwoofer. The added reach in the low end provides the rumble many crave.
Connecting a subwoofer is easy and will greatly boost low-end performance.
The CR series also offers an 8-inch subwoofer with some excellent features. Still, more importantly, it hits deeper with a reach down to 30Hz at -10db. Connecting it to your CR series monitors is a breeze. You’ll have access to an all-in-one control interface to adjust volume and bass easily.
The placement of your subwoofer is also essential. The simplest way to find the right spot is to place the subwoofer on your chair, play some tunes, and then get down to floor level and find the spot in your room where the bass sounds the best. Mark that spot and move your subwoofer there. It might not be the most glamorous approach, but it’s a quick way to find a good spot.
Alternatives
One of the significant drawbacks of the Mackie CR8BT is that it could be better for critical listening applications. Below, I cover some alternatives if critical listening is high on your list of must-have features.
M-Audio Forty Eighty
The M-Audio Forty Eighty is a noticeable evolution of the M-Audio studio monitor lineup. This punchy 8-inch monitor also offers Bluetooth connectivity, which is a rarity among monitors focused on critical listening.
- Loud and vibrant sound with high neutrality.
- Option to switch between different sound modes.
- A pair of these is basically double the price of the CR8BT.
M-Audio Forty Eighty
Tannoy GOLD 7
The Tannoy GOLD 7 is among the best choices if clarity and neutrality are important to you. This eye-catching monitor also offers a distinct dual concentric driver configuration for superior imaging.
- Outstanding sound profile that is perfect for critical listening.
- Stylish design, and it features a unique forward-facing bass port.
- I would have liked to see more tuning flexibility for a monitor at this price.
Tannoy GOLD 7
Yamaha HS8
The final alternative I want to highlight is the excellent Yamaha HS8. This studio monitor is a staple in studios worldwide, and for good reason. It is ultra-precise with high clarity and outstanding build quality.
- Super neutral sound profile that many industry professionals trust.
- Clean and attractive design. Also available in white.
- Extremely expensive compared to the CR8BT.
Yamaha HS8
Our Verdict
Thanks to the new third-generation CR series, Mackie will undoubtedly continue to be a major player in this price bracket. The largest in the group, the Mackie CR8BT, takes all that was good about the previous model and improves on it in nearly every way.
If you want a budget-friendly set of 8-inch reference speakers, these should be on your list of options. Excellent build quality, extensive connectivity, and some tuning controls make them an enticing choice and a big step up from computer speakers if you need to do some light multimedia work.
Mackie CR8BT
Overall Rating (8/10)
