Mackie Speaker Rankings and Reviews

Last updated: October 8, 2026

Coverage note. Speaker Ranking currently covers 11 Mackie models across powered speakers and pa speakers. These are the products in our database, not a complete list of everything Mackie makes.

What this page covers. The Mackie models ranked here span powered speakers and pa speakers, including Mackie MR524, Mackie HR824 and Mackie HR824mk2. Use each model’s category position to compare it with alternatives of the same size and use case.

This page lists all 11 Mackie speakers ranked on this site across powered speakers and pa speakers. Each model is shown in the category where it competes, with its current rank and the size of that ranking.

Use the category position rather than the brand name alone: speakers from the same manufacturer can perform very differently by size, price and product family.

Prices on this page were last checked October 7, 2026 at 9:25 PM UTC. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date/time and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.

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Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #23 of 44 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie CR4-X: $129.99 per pair Estimated Amazon eBay

Mackie CR4-X ranking card

Newer model: the Mackie CR4.5, ranked lower, estimated 3.3/5.

Older model: the Mackie CR4 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).

Same family: the Mackie CR3-X (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, rated 3/5).

Pros: The updated CR4 with a 4” polypropylene woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter and 50W total, all-wood cabinets, a front headphone jack and RCA, 1/4” and 1/8” inputs. It costs $130 a pair.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from its measured predecessor. Its predecessor measured with an uneven on-axis response, and Mackie rates bass only to 60Hz at -10dB.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power50W total
Aux InputYes
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DIY KitNo
Drivers4” polypropylene-coated woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response60Hz-20kHz -10dB (manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
Headphone OutputYes
Maximum SPL100dB (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
XLR InputNo

Ranked #24 of 44 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie CR4.5: $129.99 per pair Estimated Sweetwater eBay

Mackie CR4.5 ranking card

Older models: the Mackie CR4-X (ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5) and the Mackie CR4 (ranked lower, rated 3.2/5).

Same family: the Mackie CR3.5 (smaller bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 3/5).

Pros: The third generation of Mackie’s CR4 monitors, replacing the CR4-X. A 4.5” woofer and silk dome tweeter are powered by 50W, rated 55Hz to 20kHz and 100dB, with the new tone control and desktop/bookshelf location switch, TRS, RCA and 3.5mm inputs and a front headphone jack.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the CR4-X it replaces and the measured CR3-X. Bass is rated only to 55Hz.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power50W total
Aux InputYes
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DIY KitNo
Dimensions8.9”H x 6.1”W x 8.3”D (226 x 155 x 211 mm)
Drivers4.5” woven woofer, silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response55Hz-20kHz (manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
Headphone OutputYes
Maximum SPL100dB (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
Weight9.9 lbs (4.5 kg) (pair)
XLR InputNo

Ranked #31 of 44 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie CR3-X: $99.99 per pair Amazon eBay

Mackie CR3-X ranking card

Newer model: the Mackie CR3.5, ranked lower, estimated 3/5.

Same family: the Mackie CR4-X (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: Erin’s Klippel data predicts 2.50 standalone and 5.42 with an ideal subwoofer. The existing comparative review found less exaggerated tonal shaping and better sustained-output behavior than the original PreSonus E3.5 tested alongside it. Midrange distortion was reasonably controlled for inexpensive desktop speakers at moderate listening levels. Measured bass extension of 80Hz (-3dB), with a measured sensitivity of 96dB.

Cons: The response spans 4.4dB from 300Hz to 5kHz, with substantial narrow-band irregularities and bass rolloff reaching -3dB around 75Hz. Bass peaking and crossover-region changes with listening height prevent neutral monitoring. Limiting becomes intrusive above modest desktop levels, and there are no tone controls. Comparisons with the original E3.5 should not be treated as measurements of its second generation.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power50W total (25W per speaker)
AppNo
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)70Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Bass Extension (-3dB)80Hz (measured, Erin’s Audio Corner)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (205.7 x 139.7 x 180.3 mm)
Drivers3” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter
EQNo
Frequency Response80 Hz-20 kHz (-3dB) (Manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
Headphone OutputYes
InputsRCA, Aux
Maximum SPL92dB @ 1m (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputNo
Outputs1/8” headphone jack
RCA InputYes
Sensitivity96dB (measured at 0.3V/1m, Erin’s Audio Corner)
Spinorama Preference Score2.50
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub5.42
TRS InputNo
USB InputNo
Weight7.7 lbs (3.5 kg)
XLR InputNo

Ranked #34 of 44 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie CR3.5: $99.99 per pair Estimated Sweetwater eBay

Mackie CR3.5 ranking card

Older model: the Mackie CR3-X (ranked higher, rated 3/5).

Same family: the Mackie CR4.5 (larger bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5).

Pros: The third generation of Mackie’s best-selling CR3 desktop monitors, replacing the CR3-X. A 3.5” woven woofer and silk dome tweeter are bi-amplified with 50W RMS, and new features include a tone control for more bass or treble and a location switch that tunes the response for desktop or bookshelf placement. TRS, RCA and 3.5mm inputs plus a front headphone jack make it easy to set up.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured CR3-X it replaces, which measured with an uneven response and limited bass. A 3.5” woofer limits bass and output, so a subwoofer helps for music.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power50W RMS total (Class A/B)
Aux InputYes
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DIY KitNo
Dimensions8.1”H x 5.5”W x 7.1”D (206 x 140 x 180 mm)
Drivers3.5” woven woofer, silk dome tweeter
HDMI InputNo
Headphone OutputYes
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
Weight8.2 lbs (3.7 kg) (pair)
XLR InputNo

Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #32 of 100 in Medium Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie MR524: $379.98 per pair B&H Photo Video eBay

Mackie MR524 ranking card

Same family: the Mackie MR624 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5) and the Mackie MR824 (larger bookshelf, estimated 4/5).

Pros: The available third-party data suggests a useful combination of bass reach and midrange balance: -3dB around 46Hz, a 2.0dB midrange span, and preference estimates of 5.11 standalone and 7.06 with an ideal subwoofer. Balanced inputs, boundary compensation and treble trim are practical studio features. Measured bass extension of 46.2Hz (-3dB).

Cons: The measured response trends upward toward the treble by about 0.47dB per octave, which can lend a brighter balance. Boundary compensation and treble trim help with setup but are less flexible than parametric correction.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power50W bi-amplified per speaker
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)approximately 38Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)46.2Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
Dimensions11.1” x 7.1” x 8.7” (281 x 180 x 221 mm) (H x W x D)
Drivers5-inch polypropylene woofer; 1-inch silk-dome tweeter
Frequency Response45Hz-20kHz
HDMI InputNo
InputsBalanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
Spinorama Preference Score5.11
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.06
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
Weight10.1 lbs (4.6 kg)
XLR InputYes

Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #48 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie HR824mk2: $1,699.98 per pair Estimated Sweetwater eBay

Mackie HR824mk2 ranking card

Older model: the Mackie HR824 (ranked higher, rated 4.4/5).

Pros: The updated HR824 with an 8.75” woofer, a 1” titanium dome tweeter in a waveguide, a solid aluminium Zero Edge baffle and a rear 6” x 12” passive radiator, driven by 150W and 100W amplifiers. Mackie rates it from 37Hz to 20kHz within ±1.5dB, and it has acoustic space controls for placement near walls.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from its measured predecessor, the HR824. It weighs 15.7kg each.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power250W (150W LF, 100W HF)
Aux InputNo
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DIY KitNo
Dimensions16.8”H x 10.8”W x 13.8”D (427 x 274 x 351 mm)
Drivers8.75” woofer, 1” titanium dome tweeter with waveguide, 6” x 12” passive radiator
EQYes (acoustic space and HF controls)
Frequency Response37Hz-20kHz ±1.5dB (manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
Maximum SPL111dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
Weight34.6 lbs (15.7 kg) each
XLR InputYes

Ranked #84 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie MR624: $459.98 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay

Mackie MR624 ranking card

Same family: the Mackie MR524 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5) and the Mackie MR824 (larger bookshelf, ranked lower, estimated 4/5).

Pros: A larger sibling of the MR524 using the same logarithmic waveguide, which spreads the treble wide for a broad sweet spot. A 6.5” polypropylene woofer and 1” silk-dome tweeter are bi-amplified with 65W, and Mackie specifies 38Hz to 20kHz. That is deeper bass than the 5” MR524, so it needs a subwoofer less often. Balanced XLR and TRS plus RCA inputs, three acoustic space settings for wall or corner placement and a treble trim make it easy to set up in a home studio.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured MR524, which measured slightly bright. Room correction is limited to simple boundary and treble switches, with no parametric EQ.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power65W Class A/B bi-amplified per speaker
Aux InputNo
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
Drivers6.5” polypropylene woofer, 1” silk-dome tweeter
Frequency Response38Hz - 20kHz
HDMI InputNo
InputsBalanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
XLR InputYes

Ranked #85 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie MR824: $599.98 per pair Estimated B&H Photo Video eBay

Mackie MR824 ranking card

Same family: the Mackie MR524 (smaller bookshelf, rated 4/5) and the Mackie MR624 (smaller bookshelf, ranked higher, estimated 4/5).

Pros: A larger sibling of the MR524 using the same logarithmic waveguide, which spreads the treble wide for a broad sweet spot. An 8” polypropylene woofer and 1” silk-dome tweeter are bi-amplified with 85W, and Mackie specifies 35Hz to 20kHz. The 8” woofer gives it the most bass reach and output in the MR range. Balanced XLR and TRS plus RCA inputs, three acoustic space settings for wall or corner placement and a treble trim make it easy to set up in a home studio.

Cons: No independent measurements yet, so its tonal balance and directivity can’t be compared directly with measured speakers; the rating is estimated from the measured MR524, which measured slightly bright. Room correction is limited to simple boundary and treble switches, with no parametric EQ.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power85W Class A/B bi-amplified per speaker
Aux InputNo
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
Drivers8” polypropylene woofer, 1” silk-dome tweeter
Frequency Response35Hz - 20kHz
HDMI InputNo
InputsBalanced XLR, balanced TRS, RCA
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
XLR InputYes

Battery-Powered PA Speakers

Ranked #7 of 14 in Battery-Powered PA Speakers - Mackie Thump Go: $449.99 Amazon eBay

Mackie Thump Go ranking card

Pros: 8-inch custom high-output woofer + 1-inch compression driver delivers powerful audio with incredible dynamic range. Built-in mini live mixer with two XLR/TRS combo inputs + 3.5mm aux. Up to 12 hours battery (5 hours comfortable gig time), removable for swapping spares. Lightweight 17.6 lbs. Balanced sound with crisp highs, tight lows, natural vocals. Pair two Mackie Thump Gos for stereo via app. High efficiency drivers reach 2-3x the volume of typical speakers for the same wattage. Measured bass extension of 57Hz (-3dB).

Cons: Not quite as good sounding as a Everse 8 or S1 Pro. Bluetooth pairing doesn’t auto connect every time. Designed for more loudness than deeper bass. Battery latch breaks easily. Handle on top also can break off. Not very deep bass

Amplifier Power200W
AppYes
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)50Hz
Bass Extension (-3dB)57Hz
Battery Life12 hours (Manufacturer specified)
BluetoothYes
Bluetooth CodecsSBC
Cabinet MaterialPolypropylene
ConfigurationBattery-powered 2-way active PA
Coverage90° H x 60° V
DSPFeedback eliminator, Music Duck and voicing modes
Digital Aux InputNo
Dimensions18” x 9.1” x 11.2” (457 x 230 x 285 mm)
Drivers8” woofer, 1” compression driver
EQYes
Frequency Response57Hz - 20kHz (-3dB, Manufacturer specified)
Guitar InputYes
IP RatingNone
Inputs2x XLR/TRS combo (mic/line), 3.5mm stereo, Bluetooth
Maximum SPL115dB
Microphone InputYes
OmnidirectionalNo
Party ModeNo
Power BankNo
Rigging35mm pole mount; monitor wedge
StereoNo
TWSNo
USB PlaybackNo
Weight17.6 lbs (8 kg)
XLR InputYes

Discontinued Mackie Models

Still ranked, and often still worth buying used, but no longer in production. Check availability before planning around one of these.

Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #28 of 44 in Small Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie CR4: $149.99 per pair Discontinued eBay

Mackie CR4 ranking card

Newer model: the Mackie CR4.5, ranked higher, estimated 3.3/5.

Pros: Low cost powered multimedia monitors with a 4” woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter and 14W per channel, plus a front volume knob and headphone jack. Wide horizontal coverage (about ±60 degrees) in the only Spinorama data. Measured bass extension of 67.3Hz (-3dB).

Cons: That data is low quality and shows a very uneven on-axis response (1.52dB average deviation), for a preference score of 2.80. Bass reaches 67.3Hz (-3dB). Replaced by the CR4-X. Discontinued.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power14W x 2 RMS
Aux InputYes
Bass Extension (-10dB)about 58.0Hz (measured, third-party data via spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)67.3Hz (measured, third-party data via spinorama.org)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DIY KitNo
Dimensions8.8”H x 6.1”W x 7.3”D (224 x 156 x 186 mm)
Drivers4” polypropylene woofer, 0.75” silk dome tweeter
Frequency Response70Hz-20kHz -3dB (manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
Headphone OutputYes
Maximum SPL100dB peak (manufacturer specified)
Optical InputNo
RCA InputYes
Spinorama Preference Score2.80
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub5.53
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
Weight6 lbs (2.7 kg) each
XLR InputNo

Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers

Ranked #46 of 113 in Large Size Powered Bookshelf Speakers - Mackie HR824: $1,300 per pair Discontinued eBay

Mackie HR824 ranking card

Newer model: the Mackie HR824mk2, ranked lower, estimated 4.4/5.

Pros: A classic active studio monitor with an 8.75” woofer, a 1” aluminium dome tweeter and a rear passive radiator, driven by 150W and 100W amplifiers. Measurements show a flat on-axis response (0.25 average deviation) and deep bass, 43.7Hz (-3dB), for a preference score of 6.36 that reaches 7.82 with an ideal subwoofer. Measured bass extension of 43.7Hz (-3dB).

Cons: That data is of unknown quality. Mackie replaced it with the HR824mk2, which is also discontinued.

AES InputNo
Amplifier Power250W (150W LF, 100W HF)
Aux InputNo
Bass Extension (-10dB)about 31.9Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
Bass Extension (-3dB)43.7Hz (measured, spinorama.org)
BluetoothNo
Coaxial InputNo
DIY KitNo
Drivers8.75” woofer, 1” aluminium dome tweeter, rear passive radiator
Frequency Response39Hz-22kHz ±1.5dB (manufacturer specified)
HDMI InputNo
Optical InputNo
RCA InputNo
Spinorama Preference Score6.36
Spinorama Preference Score with Perfect Sub7.82
TRS InputYes
USB InputNo
XLR InputYes