Best Studio Audio Monitors in 2022

Last update: November 15, 2022

Are 3 inch studio monitors worth it?

If you're looking for a good pair of studio monitors, you might be wondering if 3 inch models are worth it. Here's a quick rundown of the pros and cons. Pros: - They're more compact than larger models, so they'll take up less space in your studio. - They're usually more affordable than larger models. - They still provide good sound quality. Cons: - They might not provide as much bass as you want. - They might not be loud enough for some applications. Overall,

Are studio monitors good for home use?

If you're looking for the best possible sound quality for your home studio, then studio monitors are definitely the way to go. They're designed to give you a flat, accurate response that will help you make better mixing and mastering decisions. However, they can be a bit pricey, so if you're on a budget, you may want to consider some other options.

Are studio monitors good for listening to music?

Yes, studio monitors are good for listening to music because they are designed to reproduce sound accurately. This means that you will be able to hear the music as it was intended to be heard by the artist or producer.

Can I use studio monitors as regular speakers?

Yes, you can use studio monitors as regular speakers. However, there are some things to keep in mind. First, studio monitors are designed to reproduce sound accurately, so they may not sound as "good" as regular speakers. Second, studio monitors are typically used in a near-field setup, so you may need to adjust the placement of the speakers to get the best sound.


Kali Audio LP-6 Studio Monitor - 6.5" inch Review:


The sound of these monitors is so flat and neutral that mixing my recordings is much more precise than it used to be. Because there isn't a built-in EQ, your songs will tell you exactly what you need to improve upon.Again, they tell you what you truly need in the track with a strong low end that isn't overpowering. The high end is also very well balanced, and it's great that the tweeters pop out when you push them in. You have access to three connections: RCA, TRS, and XLR. Having options is usually a plus.The Kali LP-6 monitors are an example of a product where you get more than you pay for; these speakers could easily be sold for $600 and yet perform just as well. Forever a Kali Audio customer.



JBL Professional 305P MkII Next-Generation 5" 2-Way Powered Studio Monitor (305PMKII) Review:


AROUND TWO YEARS LATER:I've updated the monitors and revised this review because I've learned a lot more since I wrote the earlier sections.My set-up is a desk with a PC that is placed around 4 feet from the nearest wall. I have absorption at the initial reflection locations as well as bass trapping in the corners behind the speakers. For use with my computer, I acquired the LSR 308s so I could rip some vinyl to flac for simple playback.At first, general listening led me to believe that the JBL speakers were exceptional; however, once I started ripping the vinyls, applying post-recording processing (primarily turning up the overall volume level), and listening to those mixes on other systems, I started to become more aware of their shortcomings.They are excellent general purpose speakers, in my opinion, and if you can find them on sale, it's difficult to find a general purpose speaker that offers a better value (gaming, movies, etc).I would be cautious to advise these to anyone looking for speakers for music or audio production, though. I don't think the JBLs are precise or detailed enough for me to make important musical choices regarding the material I've been working on (see "14 month review" section below for more details).In this case, it's even simpler to tell you about the shortcomings of the JBL speakers after having a speaker for my computer that doesn't have those shortcomings rather than having to rip, transfer medium, and try to compare on another system in another room as I described in my 14th month update. I'm updating now because I've upgraded to the new Kali IN-8 3 way speakers and they do provide the detail I was missing.The Kali are more expensive, especially when compared to the JBL 308s' sale pricing and the Kali IN-8's suggested retail price (and it's unlikely they'll go on sale because they're a new model), but the price difference is well justified for anyone purchasing monitors for audio work.Sincere audio work cannot be done with anything in the $300–400 price range, in my opinion. Even the Kali LP-6 would, in my opinion, need a subwoofer. You might as well purchase the Kali IN-8 for that additional money. They are valuable. They truly are on par with many speakers I've heard that cost between $2 and $3,000.In order to compare:Every feature of the Kali is superior to the JBL LSR 308s, including detail, warmth, richness, phase response, etc. The operating "sweet spot" is substantially wider thanks to the coaxial 3-Way architecture, which also gives the image a more coherent sound. Where they previously weren't there, details about the imaging (front, rear depth, even apparent "height") now stand out.Overall, the Kali has no obvious flaws anywhere along the sound spectrum. The drivers produce a more dynamic, quick, and accurate sound. If it makes sense, the Kali are more at ease. They never feel like their limitations are being pushed, in contrast to the JBLs, who are clearly straining (the more dense the material, the worse it is). This would seem to support Kali's statements about distortion being "best in class." As a result, I experience far less ear fatigue. The desk setting is also significantly different thanks to the dip switches on the back.In general, I found it really challenging to use the JBL to identify changes in tone and color. One of the things about the Kali that really jumps out is her ability to pick up on the subtleties of tone, timbre, and "character" in small elements.An illustration can be found in Washed Out's song "Eyes be Closed." There is a section where he employs a deeper vocal to create a background harmony with the bassline near the one minute mark (the 4:47 album version). With the JBLs, I've never heard that, but the Kali makes it crystal clear.The lyrics in the second part of Lower Dens' song "Brains" with the JBL, which at first sounded like garbled/muffled gibberish, are now almost entirely understandable on the Kali.Most importantly, whether you adjust the EQ or saturation levels, this greater clarity is noticeable. On the JBL, I discovered that this lack of clarity led me to alternate between various settings frequently, never feeling good about either, and for me, getting caught up in these decisions drove me to feel as though I was making no progress.The choices seem simple and straightforward when dealing with the Kali. Making decisions more quickly benefits my entire process since it helps me avoid the sense of being stuck in a rut.The improved midrange and low end detail has a significant impact on genres like electronic music and hip hop, obviously. Even when compared to using the JBL's LF trim db setting, the kicks are powerful and simply more enjoyable to listen to. The low end has a depth, richness, and tone that the JBL simply lacked. You discover a great deal more details about the transitory impact and tail. Some tunes really stand out for their warmth and organic feel.The clarity in the low mids and bass, as well as the stereo image, are just opened up and sound so much more clear for the Goldfrapp song "Strict Machine" on the Kali that you'd think it was an entirely different version of the song.Listening to old school Miami Bass songs, such as Techmaster P.E.B.'s "Bassgasm" and "Computer Love," was another eye-opener. The crispness and intonation that come through on various bass notes are what really stand out. The JBL speakers have a problem that you can definitely tell happens when they are pushed (the best way I can describe it is that the speakers sound like they are farting, pushing air without much actual tone/sound coming out), whereas the Kali articulate very well and exhibit not even the slightest hint of being pushed beyond their limits.Those two songs also demonstrate how much the Kali sounds superior to the JBL at lesser volumes. The majority of "cheap" monitors I've heard have a serious issue with providing little information in the low end at low volumes (inverted smiley). The Kali are rather flat from hardly heard to considerably beyond 85 db (higher sustained db levels not recommended for long term hearing safety, though they go well past that).Additionally, the high end has detail, sibilance, and separation that the JBL simply lacked. I can now tell when a track's highs need to be tamed because they are too harsh. Before, everything sounded a bit "splashy" on the JBLs, and there wasn't enough detail for me to understand how to adjust the mix without having everything sound flat. I would only really realize this after printing a final mix and listening to it on another system.The JBL cast a shadow of uncertainty over your decisions, making you mistrust everything you do.Is it your "ears," the environment, or another factor? This uncertainty was dispelled for me by the Kali, allowing me to concentrate on the more musical facets of my work.If you don't mind that poor mixes will sound horrible, the Kali make excellent all-around speakers.However, the Kali are not without flaws. There is a little white noise hum in mine (really only audible if ear is right next to speaker). I've read stories that the JBL LSR and Yamaha HS series experienced the similar problem, but my JBL didn't. So, in that regard, YMMV. However, I believe the benefits greatly surpass the level and make it unimportant.NEWS 14 MONTHS AGO:From my initial assessment: "These are really detailed and have excellent imaging. Greater than any other speaker I've heard in this price range, in my opinion."With this clarification, I'd like to say that although they are excellent, they are not quite at the level required for undertaking real audio work.I'm now ripping a lot of vintage vinyl to FLAC. Additionally, I've learned a lot about sound quality and music production software since I originally purchased them... I've been employing some fundamental "mastering" methods, primarily minor EQ adjustments (1db or less), very low compression, and limiting (generally less than 2db GR). My goal has been to keep the dynamics as intact as I can while turning up the level on ancient vinyl in order to prevent a drastic loudness drop while playing old rips in comparison to current music as part of my own playlists.I can compare some vinyl rips on the JBL speakers with a Bang



PreSonus Eris E3.5 - 3.5" Professional Multimedia Reference Monitors with Acoustic Tuning (Pair) Review:


(the PreSonus Eris E3.5 model is the subject of this review)The following features are positive: - The sound is neutral; - The sound staging is really accurate; - The so-called "acoustic tuning" feature lets you adapt for the environment; - There is an aux in on the front; - The appearance is professional; it isn't garish or overstuffed with leds.Cons: The cables you receive are only average, and the cabinet's construction feels subpar.a brief history. I don't consider myself an audiophile or an audio engineer, but I do own various headphones that cost between $100 and $300, as well as a headphone amp and DAC. My computer speakers are 15 years old and still functional, but I wanted to update since I knew I could do better.These speakers are accurately described as "Multimedia Studio Monitors" in terms of sound quality. These headphones sound very much like headphones in that regard because I usually wear headphones with a flat response curve. Although they have bass, it won't rock the house. Since previous reviewers have already done a fantastic job and I agree with all they have said, I won't go into detail about the audio. However, if you need accurate speakers for a computer, just buy them and you'll be satisfied. They wouldn't work well with a television or other devices that require you to fill the space with sound, in my opinion.For those who do purchase them and for whom they are their first set of "studio monitors," the rest of this review is for you.First off, the cords they provide you with are really subpar even though they appear to have used quality components for the displays. I have a picture of everything that is included (power cable is already plugged in and not pictured). The speaker cable between the two speakers is about 6 feet long and resembles 18 AWG wire in appearance. Despite knowing what I do now, I would have just bought 16 AWG wire because it would have been a little easier to work with. I ultimately bought 14 AWG wire. I then used a 1/8" to RCA jack to connect them to my computer. The cable they provide is approximately 5 feet long, but since my computer was farther away, I needed to purchase a new cable. Any 1/8" to RCA adapter should function properly. The power cord was possibly 6 feet long and had a normal IEC7 non-polarized connector.a few setup advice. First off, the complete manual is not included but can be found by searching for "eris e3.5" on presonus.com and clicking on "downloads." This goes far further in explaining placement and adjustment than the supplied fast start or even what I state above. The manual specifies the specifics, but generally speaking, the monitor's volume should be set between the hours of 11 and 12. After you've done so, adjust the audio from the source and don't touch the monitor's volume control. The computer's signal was excessively hot with the monitors set to 11 o'clock (too loud). It was really loud, yet the maximum volume I could have set was 10%. The volume will be slightly lowered using RCA attenuators shortly before reaching the monitors. Oddly, Amazon doesn't carry them, or their pricing was way too high. As of March 2018, the price for "Harrison Labs 12 dB RCA Line Level Attenuator" should fall between $30 and $40. I was able to work with a wider variety of volume as a result. I now listen to music on my computer at about 40% volume most of the time, but I do periodically turn it up or down. Wellcn 26 Pcs Ferrite Cores - EMI RFI Noise Filter Clip for 3mm/ 5mm/ 7mm/ 9mm/ 13mm Diameter-Black was the last item I purchased. Before the RCA and power wires connect to the monitor, place those on both of them. I occasionally heard crackling sounds, and those got rid of it. When working from home, I also attach one to the aux cord I use to link my laptop to them. Although it is unnecessary on the speaker cable connecting the displays, it won't do any serious harm. For an update on how I changed this, see below.You, the two displays, and the area between them should form an equilateral triangle when viewed from where you are typically seated. Meaning they should be 3 feet apart and facing you if your head is 3 feet from the front of the display. You won't be able to see the monitor sides properly. Your ear should be aligned with the tiny tweeters. My displays, which these monitors support, are tilted down and turned to the side because they are set a little high on the wall. Make sure to mirror the monitors if you do this. To achieve a wider sound stage, place the tweeters outdoors. Don't touch the equalization, or "acoustic tuning," until everything has been set up. Just play music for a few days to help you adjust. Additionally, a slight break in may be required. You shouldn't make any significant changes to the acoustic tuning options for a few days. It's better to lower a setting than to raise it. If you've ever manipulated images, you might have observed that darkening a bright image instead of trying to brighten a dark image looks worse. The concept is the same. Therefore, you should slightly lower the highs if it sounds too tinny or harsh. Due to the diminished highs, the lows will now stand out more. After a few days, the tinny sound either went gone or I grew accustomed to it because I haven't had to touch mine.One more recommendation from me. Although these are fairly portable, I don't want to undo my desk-based wiring routing if I decide to transfer the monitors somewhere else. I purchased an extra power cord and used the supplied speaker cable and 1/8" to RCA cable before placing everything in a compact ziplock bag. All that's left for me to do is turn off the monitors, gather my belongings in a ziplock bag, and I'll be good to leave.Although there was a lot of material there, I hope you enjoyed them and found it useful.December 2018 updateThese have so far held up nicely and been trouble-free. In fact, I'm thinking about purchasing a second pair to keep by my workbench. Since I wrote the previous paragraph, I altered my setup, and I now have a Maker Hart Loop Mixer that I connect my PCs to, and audio travels from there to PreSonus (see https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M68UK38). I can still use some inputs and change the settings, so I've done stuff like listen to music while waiting for a conference call to begin while on one. The RCA Line Level Attentuators were also removed. The loop mixer doesn't get as loud, so you might only buy a few more around -3 or -6db.



PreSonus Eris E4.5 2-Way Powered Studio Monitors (Pair) Review:


(the PreSonus Eris E3.5 model is the subject of this review)The following features are positive: - The sound is neutral; - The sound staging is really accurate; - The so-called "acoustic tuning" feature lets you adapt for the environment; - There is an aux in on the front; - The appearance is professional; it isn't garish or overstuffed with leds.Cons: The cables you receive are only average, and the cabinet's construction feels subpar.a brief history. I don't consider myself an audiophile or an audio engineer, but I do own various headphones that cost between $100 and $300, as well as a headphone amp and DAC. My computer speakers are 15 years old and still functional, but I wanted to update since I knew I could do better.These speakers are accurately described as "Multimedia Studio Monitors" in terms of sound quality. These headphones sound very much like headphones in that regard because I usually wear headphones with a flat response curve. Although they have bass, it won't rock the house. Since previous reviewers have already done a fantastic job and I agree with all they have said, I won't go into detail about the audio. However, if you need accurate speakers for a computer, just buy them and you'll be satisfied. They wouldn't work well with a television or other devices that require you to fill the space with sound, in my opinion.For those who do purchase them and for whom they are their first set of "studio monitors," the rest of this review is for you.First off, the cords they provide you with are really subpar even though they appear to have used quality components for the displays. I have a picture of everything that is included (power cable is already plugged in and not pictured). The speaker cable between the two speakers is about 6 feet long and resembles 18 AWG wire in appearance. Despite knowing what I do now, I would have just bought 16 AWG wire because it would have been a little easier to work with. I ultimately bought 14 AWG wire. I then used a 1/8" to RCA jack to connect them to my computer. The cable they provide is approximately 5 feet long, but since my computer was farther away, I needed to purchase a new cable. Any 1/8" to RCA adapter should function properly. The power cord was possibly 6 feet long and had a normal IEC7 non-polarized connector.a few setup advice. First off, the complete manual is not included but can be found by searching for "eris e3.5" on presonus.com and clicking on "downloads." This goes far further in explaining placement and adjustment than the supplied fast start or even what I state above. The manual specifies the specifics, but generally speaking, the monitor's volume should be set between the hours of 11 and 12. After you've done so, adjust the audio from the source and don't touch the monitor's volume control. The computer's signal was excessively hot with the monitors set to 11 o'clock (too loud). It was really loud, yet the maximum volume I could have set was 10%. The volume will be slightly lowered using RCA attenuators shortly before reaching the monitors. Oddly, Amazon doesn't carry them, or their pricing was way too high. As of March 2018, the price for "Harrison Labs 12 dB RCA Line Level Attenuator" should fall between $30 and $40. I was able to work with a wider variety of volume as a result. I now listen to music on my computer at about 40% volume most of the time, but I do periodically turn it up or down. Wellcn 26 Pcs Ferrite Cores - EMI RFI Noise Filter Clip for 3mm/ 5mm/ 7mm/ 9mm/ 13mm Diameter-Black was the last item I purchased. Before the RCA and power wires connect to the monitor, place those on both of them. I occasionally heard crackling sounds, and those got rid of it. When working from home, I also attach one to the aux cord I use to link my laptop to them. Although it is unnecessary on the speaker cable connecting the displays, it won't do any serious harm. For an update on how I changed this, see below.You, the two displays, and the area between them should form an equilateral triangle when viewed from where you are typically seated. Meaning they should be 3 feet apart and facing you if your head is 3 feet from the front of the display. You won't be able to see the monitor sides properly. Your ear should be aligned with the tiny tweeters. My displays, which these monitors support, are tilted down and turned to the side because they are set a little high on the wall. Make sure to mirror the monitors if you do this. To achieve a wider sound stage, place the tweeters outdoors. Don't touch the equalization, or "acoustic tuning," until everything has been set up. Just play music for a few days to help you adjust. Additionally, a slight break in may be required. You shouldn't make any significant changes to the acoustic tuning options for a few days. It's better to lower a setting than to raise it. If you've ever manipulated images, you might have observed that darkening a bright image instead of trying to brighten a dark image looks worse. The concept is the same. Therefore, you should slightly lower the highs if it sounds too tinny or harsh. Due to the diminished highs, the lows will now stand out more. After a few days, the tinny sound either went gone or I grew accustomed to it because I haven't had to touch mine.One more recommendation from me. Although these are fairly portable, I don't want to undo my desk-based wiring routing if I decide to transfer the monitors somewhere else. I purchased an extra power cord and used the supplied speaker cable and 1/8" to RCA cable before placing everything in a compact ziplock bag. All that's left for me to do is turn off the monitors, gather my belongings in a ziplock bag, and I'll be good to leave.Although there was a lot of material there, I hope you enjoyed them and found it useful.December 2018 updateThese have so far held up nicely and been trouble-free. In fact, I'm thinking about purchasing a second pair to keep by my workbench. The RCA Line Level Attentuators were also removed.



Edifier R1010BT 4" Active Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers - 2.0 Computer Speaker - Powered Studio Monitor (Pair) Review:


After returning a pair of JBL speakers that I never even had a chance to test out because they arrived in open box/used condition, I decided to buy this set of speakers. The Edifier R1010BT speakers were "fresh new" when they were delivered, and their quality far above my expectations given their affordable price. Despite my seldom use, the bluetooth component seems to function flawlessly, and I do suggest the Edifier R1010BT.This can assist if your speakers are producing muddy (low volume) sound, especially while you're using your computer to watch an online movie: For Windows 10, right-click the speaker icon in the lower right and select "Sound" from the menu. Then, under the "Playback" tab, select "Speakers" from the list and select "Properties." From there, you can scroll down the list of available sound effects to find "Loudness Equalization" and check the corresponding box. If it doesn't help, you might want to check "Equalizer" and adjust the value under "Sound Effect Properties" to see if that helps. Hope this was useful.



JBL Professional 1 Series, 104 Compact Powered Desktop Reference Monitors (sold as pair), Black (JBL104) Review:


There were no reviews available at the time I bought the 104 JBL, as far as I could tell. I have reviewed the specifications and have decided that this is what I want. The majority of the time, though, the item was out of stock and on back order. I was waiting in line to get a fantastic laptop sound system. I considered Yamaha, but I took note of certain fish reviews. I chose Bose speakers at the time, but I later realized they weren't ideal for me. When the new Bose was plugged in, it appeared a little bit dark and muted, as if clarity were struggling to define itself clearly. The Bose 20 laptop speakers I once owned sounded loud, yes, but to me they were kind of dead. As a result, the Bose ended up being a TV set speaker system, for which they are excellent. I've now located the JBL 104 here. The headphone jack was my main worry, and these did have one. They arrived on schedule and in excellent condition. Unboxed and found that these speakers were both weighty and stylish. Although I'm not very good at setting up electronics, these were rather simple and intuitive. There was top-notch wiring everywhere. Without any instructions, it took me fifteen minutes. had a problem. I turned off the power by pushing the button on the back, then I looked again at the speaker wires that connect to each red and black speaker. I made changes because I had the speaker leads jammed into the sockets too firmly. I turned the power back on using the button and double-checked that the power cord was plugged in securely. and went to work. My oh my, Sound stage was there in buckets, the dynamic clarity was there, such presence, and well-defined separation. I went to YouTube and put on Hendrix. I then performed the loud trick, and they audibly blasted. Who needs a power amplifier when you have headphones like this, so I plugged in my Seinns next. Again, the sound was really dynamic. They are now set up, they look great, and I have quality. I racked my brain, wondering why I would have ever thought to spend $100 on cheap computer speakers when I could have these JBLs for just $50 extra. Put items on backorder if they aren't already in stock. You won't regret it. I've owned Companion kinds throughout the years, and I've heard Yamaha computer speakers in retail, and these easily outperform any Bose I've ever owned. The tones in classical music were excellent throughout the board. With my review, I hope you now have more information and will give these speakers a chance. I also hope I have helped someone out there who was undecided about the standard, stark options available for pricey and overhyped computer speaker systems. They also include a headphone jack. JBLs are as tough as nails and are bright, crisp, and clear. Over the years, I have used them in all of my guitar amps. The way they sound on my computer is fantastic.Notably, the sounds are still being produced three years later. I always leave on, but occasionally the power cord in the back comes loose, so if these excellent, sturdy speakers suddenly stop producing sound, that is the cause. Put the speaker's power wire back in.



Mackie CR3 3-Inch Creative Reference Multimedia Monitors Bundle with Foam Isolation Pads and Pro Cable Kit Review:


Could not be more pleased.They were purchased for usage in my 6-bay shop. Although the store is not particularly huge, I wanted to be able to hear my music at maximum intensity throughout the entire space. They so completely meet my demand for volume.They provide adequate sound for the majority of listeners, and they perform much better when used as part of a desktop setup (they only have 3" woofers, so don't expect too much). If you're looking for audiophile quality, they're definitely not it, but I didn't buy them for that. After first impressions, my only complaint in that category would be low end, but if that's what you want, purchase a sub.I was aware that Mackie was a reliable brand because my friend purchased some and never experienced any problems.The speakers' included accessories are being put to good use. The /- wires that came with it were surprisingly good quality for a clamp connection, and the foam isolation pads are doing their jobs adequately. They were already wrapped, and the end looked to be soldered. For your convenience, the box also includes a balanced, unbalanced, and 3.5mm chord.Circuit City and Mackie get five stars.



Pioneer Pro DJ Studio Monitor, RCA, Mini-Jack, Black (DM40) Review:


To set the stage, I should mention that I have been producing for two years, that I previously used headphones (MDRXB-950N1), and that I love bass-heavy music with catchy melodies.I wasn't sure what to expect, therefore I was pleasantly delighted by these speakers. It quotes a precise frequency range, and the monitors are robust. The sound quality on my iMac is fantastic. Although the bass only goes as low as 70 Hz, the highs and mids are god-like at this size, and the bass is more than sufficient for leveling and mixing ( bass is punchy and loud for my liking). These are my top picks for beginners since you'll see a difference in your mixes right away.Other oddities include the fact that this monitor may be louder than I anticipated and that the subwoofer can actually manage high volumes as if it were already broken in (yay). The sound from this fills a 10 by 10 room, but it sounds much better when placed at eye level, as it was intended to.The monitors' headphone jacks appear to be of inferior quality, since my headphones produced a rather muffled sound when connected to them, which is the sole disadvantage in my opinion.These studio monitors are fantastic for a bass head like me and my rap beats, thus I highly recommend them. (Side note: it is smaller than I anticipated, which is okay.)



Mackie Studio Monitor, Black w/green trim, 3-inch (CR3) Review:


Simply said, I enjoy listening to music. I don't consider myself an audiophile or musician; all I wanted was high-quality speakers for when I'm relaxing at home (mainly through Pandora, Spotify or Google Music). So I started doing research and took into account all the well-known bluetooth and wifi speakers, such Bose and Sonos. But then I recalled that Google had released the Chromecast Audio, which enables me to stream music from any iOS, Android, or computer device to any speaker via a headphone jack. Since I could ultimately get speakers of higher quality for less money, I started investigating the studio monitor market, which I had never thought about previously.I had a $200 budget, and fortunately, you can acquire some extremely good studio monitors for that much, like these Mackie CR4s. They have excellent reviews (and rightfully so), are the ideal size for my bookshelf, are simple to connect, provide sound of the highest caliber, and look wonderful. After I played her some music on the Mackies, my wife, who had been impatiently demanding "Why do you even need these speakers when you have your (cheap) bluetooth one???," just remarked, "Oh...yeah they are good."With excellent lows, mids, and highs, you can hear all the lovely subtleties in the music overall. Some people claimed the bass was inadequate, but I believe it is great. You will be astonished at how much you can pull out of these guys, and there is undoubtedly a lot of bass there. Even at low volumes, the clarity is simply astounding. Although I have listened to high-end speakers previously, I didn't anticipate the sound to be THIS excellent (even after reading all the reviews).Anybody seeking to get a set of high-quality monitors along with a Chromecast Audio if they prefer the wireless option should consider them. Except in the case that I were using wireless speakers throughout my entire home, which I don't, I would always choose these over a Sonos 3 or 5.



Mackie Studio Monitor, Black w/green trim, 4-inch (CR4BT) Review:


I've heard a lot of monitors over the years as a songwriter and musician with experience recording in project/pro facilities as well as in my home studio. Classic Yamaha NSM-10s from the 1980s, gorgeous Genelecs, first-generation passive Alesis Monitor Ones I once possessed, and so on.These Mackies are incredible value; at $100 each, not $100 per pair, I wouldn't bat an eye! However, they are, and in that aspect, they make excellent speakers for use in general (PC speakers, gaming, multimedia, etc.)Although they aren't entirely transparent and don't have a razor-flat frequency response for studio monitors, if you already have decent ears and recording experience, these make excellent "B" monitors or primary monitors for home recording and other applications.If you "learn" them over the course of a week, along with some mix testing on other sources (vehicle stereo, iPhone speaker, other speakers), you can mix any project on these speakers with no trouble. They have a little bit of mid and bass hype, but it's actually pretty minor.The stereo spread soundstaging is quite good, and they are extremely prominent. The Mackies are ideal for getting amazing mixes and using their less than perfect (and it's actually a small "less that's"), you can mix from jumpstreet with the end user in mind. Music is being listened to on ear buds, mobile phone speakers, and other low quality speakers more and more. Engineers have been using the little Auratone speaker for years to test mixes on subpar playback speakers because they have the "if the mix sounds well on that, the mix will sound good anyplace" mentality, except that the Mackies actually sound fantastic; they are truly excellent.If you need some monitors, you might want to give these a try and see what I and the other reviewers have been saying: for the money, these speakers are practically a must-have piece of equipment for a home studio. Even if you don't open them and save them for backup monitors in case of emergencies, purchase them anyway.


Do I need a subwoofer in my studio?

A subwoofer in a studio can provide a tight, focused bass response that can help to enhance the overall sound of your mix. If you are working with a lot of low-end frequencies, then a subwoofer can help to keep them under control and allow you to focus on the other elements in your mix.

Do monitor speakers need an amp?

No, monitor speakers do not need an amp. They are designed to be powered by the audio output of a computer or other audio source.

Do you need 2 studio monitors?

If you're a music producer, you know that having a good set of studio monitors is essential to getting a good mix. But do you need two studio monitors? The answer is: it depends. If you're just starting out, one studio monitor will suffice. But as you become more experienced, you may find that having two studio monitors gives you a better sense of the stereo field and helps you to create a more balanced mix. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use two studio monitors is up to you. If you can afford it, we say go

How big should my studio monitors be?

The size of your studio monitors depends on the size of your room. If you have a small room, you will want to get small monitors. If you have a large room, you will want to get large monitors.

How far should studio monitors be away from the wall?

It is generally accepted that studio monitors should be placed at least 2 feet away from any wall, in order to avoid sound reflections that can color the audio. However, some engineers recommend even more distance, especially if the monitors are placed near corners. Ultimately, it is up to the engineer to experiment with different placements to find what sounds best in their particular room.

How much should I spend on studio monitors?

There's no set answer to how much you should spend on studio monitors, as it depends on a number of factors such as the size of your studio, the type of music you're producing, and your budget. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should expect to spend around $200-$300 per monitor.