I found some Mackie CR3-X which I'd be using for reference while I save for some better monitors, I found them in like new condition for $45! I appreciate you making this comparison and the advice for getting the most flat response from them, I will definitely implement your technique. Thanks so much!
Knowing that the manufacturers more than likely donated/lent these speakers to you, I bet they're not thrilled on the review lol. Exactly why I watch your videos. Honest reviews backed with some facts.
This is very useful, and I think the biggest takeback for me here is that, for us amateur/budget musicians who use a lot of cheap/consumer/budget equipment and just cannot afford those nice 6.5" JBL/KRK/Yamaha bi-amped monitors, the best that we can do for our mixes is to listen to them on as many different monitors, speakers and headphones possible, and to have our friends listen to them on their equipment, too. It's not unlike testing the software code, where one wants to test with a variety of equipment in all kinds of different conditions, so that nothing is really a surprise anymore.
Wow.... Right after I saw a bunch of videos and comments recommending the eris, and just before buying them, I watch your video.. and shows evidence that the mackie is actually better even tough it's more boomy. Thank you for dedicating your effort to show us this info.
Lol damn they were that bad huh. Good thing I watched this video because I was about to buy them along with the sub. I think I'll prob get the newer Rokit monitors instead
omg THIS is how you review studio speakers god damn. THANK YOU. every other video is basically just a list of speakers and saying "it sounds good". one question though for anyone who owns the mackie, a lot of reviews mention a hissing sound when no sound is playing through them, does everyone have this issue or do some of yall not have any hissing?
haha. Glad you found it helpful. I can't really talk about the hissing because I just don't remember. Keep in mind that whatever you are using in the chain will be amplified if it has noise. I use the Motu M2 and it is silent. Love that thing.
Interesting and informative video. I was trying to decide between the Mackie and PreSonus. I am getting the PreSonus. If anything, I have read numerous complaints and issues of the Mackies making a hissing noise. That in itself is a serious flaw and no-go for me. So, PreSonus it is!
Bought two CR4-X. Both hissed like mad. With or with inputs. With or without signal. Various different power sockets. Different ring. Proceeded to purchase an Eris 3.5.
im super thankful for this review. i dont remember where i seen it but i seen the mackie recommended as the best $100 for computer speakers. i should have known i would be better off buying trusty dayton audio instead. keep up the awesome work!
I don't know. Im using them in my home studio, but in my headphones, the sound is so much richer, and I don't have to raise my lows, but as soon as I switch over to my Pre-sonis 3.5's the sound is far more tinny and lows are far less. I have to go into my daw to increase my lows on the channels needed, to get a descent sound. These are great! And sound great, but maybe im doing something wrong? Maybe I need a monitor with greater bass response. I want to make sure my mix will sound good on other media players, not just my system. Im using logic pro, scarlett 2i2, dbx 286s, newest mac, pre-sonis 3.5's. I just have to work hard to get the balance needed, on playback. am I doing something wrong?
@@ErinsAudioCorner Would be interesting to see your measurements compared to the micca mb42x, I have both and I think the Dayton might be more neutral and handle more power for the same price. Main issue with the Dayton's is port noise but they sound allot better at higher volumes than the micca imo.
I saw a lot of people raving about the E3.5s but wanted to see if there were any actual frequency response measurements of them and my search led me here. GREAT info!
Appreciate you doing this showdown Erin, it really does bring some perspective on what a poor performing speaker looks like when measured. It is easy to split hairs sometimes when looking at measurements of good performing speakers until you see measurements like these.
When I bought my Eris 4.5 I knew they were not meant for monitoring but I was limited on budget, however, I never expected they would break so quickly, I will upgrade, which monitors would you recommend? I need reliability, and good sounding flat response, thank you.
That thumbnail🔥That wig🔥 . That accent🔥. That intro was a masterpiece. If anybody watched that intro and didn't subscribe they have some splaining to do.
Honestly I don't understand what you are talking about nor the graphs, it's beyond me. I was just looking for a monitor and came across this video, and I have to say that your attitude and explanation is so natural and convincing, now I feel like I understand something enough to make a decision. Thank you.
Hey, this is just the right video I needed. My Rokit 5 speakers have stopped working. I edit video but I don't really adjust the sound beyond getting the overall volume in the right ballpark. I also almost always wear my headphones for everything. I was comparing the Mackie CR3-X monitors with other things on the market. This video makes me think, for the price and my _real_ needs, the Mackies will do just fine. (I have had a Mackie Micro Series 1202 mixer for over 30 years. I've dragged it all over the place. It still works just fine.) I ordered the MyRokit 5 with your link to B&H and now I'm *SUBSCRIBED!*
Hey, thanks for this very informative review. i definitely noticed the nasty low end on the Mackies but... Is it safe to use the speaker while sealing the port? how much time did you use it this way? Didn't you noticed the noise floor of these speakers, it's a common problem with them and you didn't mention it.
If we are being honest, I just needed something cheap to ruin my headrush through at bedroom levels after my frfr broke. Didn’t want to replace the headrush frfr with another as even the 108 was more than I needed. Really hoping the cr3 does the trick for that.
my only question after watching this is whether the Mackie CR4-X or CR5-X are significantly better to the point where they would represent a "must buy" for that price point. Kinda hard to find any reviews that aren't just "raving reviews" where they get top marks and the like. i just want the critical "this is pretty good, if i was purchasing i would / wouldn't buy"
good to test low budget audio as it concerns a lot of viewers. what is your recommendation for sub $200 a pair speakers(including amp or powered) for near field desktop usage @1m that sound good at low volume ? thanks
Just grabbed a pair and found this review. Super informative my man, thank you! Gonna try your suggestions. I bought these for portability as I'll be on a ship contract and wanted something beyond headphones to mix with. Of course they're not ideal, but you certainly helped a ton with the info I need to help flatten as much as I can. Great work!
Would these kind of speakers fare better if measured on a desktop/near walls for that midrange? The bass is likely to get worse. I owned a pair of passive speakers that had a similar style of response and I could only imagine that they were somehow designed to be placed right up next to a wall in corners etc. Modified the crossover to make it good for traditional hifi placements
PEOPLE DON'T BE SCARED, THEY DON'T SOUND AS BAD AS THIS CHANNEL SAYS, IT WORKS FOR A SMALL HOME STUDIO. THEY WON'T SOUND LIKE EXPENSIVE MONITORS, BUT YOU CAN DO SOMETHING DECENT WITH THEM. VERY BAD TO DISPRESTIGE THEM AND THEN PUT THEIR LINK TO BUY THEM AND CHARGE FOR THAT. AND IF I UNDERSTOOD YOUR ENTIRE ANALYSIS, WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND IS THAT THERE ARE FINANCIALLY LIMITED PEOPLE AND THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT THAT BAD. IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT PEOPLE WHO BUY 100 DOLLAR MONITORS DO NOT WORK AT SONY, SO THEY MAKE MUSIC WITH WHAT THEY HAVE, THE MESSAGE IS THAT, ENJOY THE MUSIC.
Hmmm,, think I met your cousin in London, at the London Zoo. A bit strange, cus he was at the other side of the fence,, 😬,,😂 . Do you know of any cheapish subwoofers Erin, that goes down to 20Hz/70-75dB? Couldnt agree more about ported small speakers. It only create problems. Most informative flicks as usual. Cheers and thanks,, 🍻😎👍
What is your opinion about: -Buy this Mackie Monitors -Make the EQ updates (APO) -And use to mix Do you think, this will give me a good quality on the final product? Or you prefere other budget monitor for this?
what studio monitors would u recommend for under $150, i will be doing basic mixing on headphones but want some cheap monitors that also go lower than 80 hertz, thanks for all the videos u provide
My god this channel is gold. Thank you mate. Just a question. Wich “port” do you mean should be filled? The hole in the back? Sorry im illiterate in this subject
Haha. Yep, the hole in the back is a port which is intended to push the output capability lower in frequency. But it does a poor job of it so I recommend sealing that up.
@@ErinsAudioCorner thanks man. I know they arent great but for creating some ideas and play around they will do. This advices are gold. Like i said this channel is gold
@@ErinsAudioCorner Hi Erin. You also said -Set the HF to “-6dB”, and the LF to “+3dB”. HF is the high knob on the back, and LF is the low knob on the back?
WE NEED ONE on yamaha hs4 vs edifier mr4. both are very popular . and there are rarely any videos on hs4 and edifier is so popular that i dont think anyone is being honest. but i trust you. thank you ( in my country hs5 / 5 inch monitors price just skyrocketed so my only options are these two)
also what WOULD you recommend for a budget monitor? a nice nuetral reference monitor for us poor people to get an accurate sound. a video from you giving a recommendation for each price range, ~100,
great review Erin love the no BS approach, are you going to do a series on N/F monitors or was this one off? Love to see a review on the higher end of Edifiers range like the S3000 Pro and Airpulse 300 Pro
What I learned from this video is that opinions are like lips and aholes....everyone has one. According to this video they are both junk but there are 10 other videos that say the PreSonus is better than the Mackie. I think the idea of these budget monitors are just that, budget monitors. Not everyone has the budget to purchase 1k monitors. I just ordered the Presonus monitors due to every other review claiming they are better than the Mackie. who knows????
Yeah, pretty terrible. At least they could make them more or less flat above 500Hz. Certainly one has to have aquired taste the when voicing was done. Just for the hell of it, Erin should measure them on the computer desk, maybe close coupling of the midwoofer driver lifts the midrange up. Still the horrible peak from woofer will dominate. Erin should do next round up in $500 range - just so we an idea how much one has to spend for something that performs decently.
Hey bro is there a constant noise coming from Mackie all the time is it noticable. Im seeing some bad reviews. When music is not playing are you hearing any noise floor?
Before I had ROkit 5 G4 I got M-Audio, Mackie and Presonus. THe M-Audio I sold. The presonus seem a little better than the Mackie. Now I'm trying to sell my Rokit so I can get Adam Audio T5V. Those are insane for their size.
Hi Erin, thank you for the review and the scientific explanation of your opinion. It was a little bit difficult to follow you in some graphics i.e 6:29 and 6:54. The other graphics were more clear because I saw the first two videos "understanding the measurements", but anyway I am only a fan of the sound and I want to buy good speakers or monitors for my laptop. Ten years ago I used two Behringer ms20 or ms40 from a friend and I started to recognize the difference between monitors and colored speakers. Now I am looking for something similar under 180 USD but with a BlueTooth connection because my jack 3.5mm connection always causes interference. If you have any suggestions, I will really appreciate them. Greetings from Lima, Peru!
Hey, man! Thanks for the reply. Check out the Neumi BS5P: ua-cam.com/video/q3ILf2soHyc/v-deo.html I think it’s gonna be hard to beat for the price. Not sure if it is available in Peru, though.
As of this moment, I'd say either of the two (Amazon affiliate link provided): Neumi BS5P: amzn.to/3KxRK4L Edifier M4: amzn.to/3MFvas5 I've reviewed both. Neither are perfect but the Neumi BS5P represents the best bargain I can think of. Make sure to watch my videos on them if you are interested because I offer some tips on how best to use them.
Just saw another channel gushing over how great these are. He said, 'all the music on this channel was mixed on these for the past 2 years'. lol I could tell. What's sad is all the fanboys in the comments waxing his shaft over what a great video it was instead of whether the info in the video was accurate or not. I do so hate the 'aduiofool' community. Before I crap on these too hard though, I have 2 pairs of them. One for my GF for general PC use and a pair for myself I've used as portable monitors. The key to making these usable is using Sonarworks Reference to correct them (and the room). With correction, they are quite usable. But I already had a license for Reference. If anyone is thinking of buying these and buying Reference (or any other DSP) to correct these, you'll be throwing good money after bad money. You'll be into them for $400 when you could have gotten a pair of Kalis. I will add that I've used them for tracking and roughing. I've never completely mixed anything on them exclusively, and never would.
oof those curves are... problematic... I would dissagree with you on companies should stop making small ported bookshelf speakers though. As they can be made to play relatively flat down to 60-70 hz or so with the right drivers and port (you'd probably have to accept some chuffing at higher volumes, but then again if its nearfield and not meant to be played loud then I'd accept that tbh).
I got both the Eris E4.5 and E5 and the difference is like night and day. I would say if a pair of speakers have one active speaker and one passive, it's probably a multimedia speaker and not a studio monitor. For studio monitors you want at least 5", active crossover and biamped.
I'm honestly baffled as to why you would even port speakers this small. A 3" driver isn't going to make much of any low end even with a port helping it and clearly it wasn't tuned anywhere near what it should be (probably because the speaker couldn't go any lower)
@@davidfuller581 I did but there’s more positive reviews because of their flat response for music production. Are you using speakers for music production or overall listening?
It’s hard out here for a $100 pimp! Sometimes you gotta pay to play, but sometimes you find that rate diamond in the rough. These were more like fools gold, but still...
When $100 """monitors"""" are these bad, why even bother creating consumer waste by buying these, when they're clearly quickly destined for the dumpster? I think it would be better to just use headphones, or heck - a single LSR 305 (the old one, since the 305P is not neutral but the 306P is more expensive). By the way, I'm guessing you're already aware but I find it educational/interesting to compare noaudiophile's results of the CR3 to yours - given that you use much, much more sophisticated measuring gear :)
@@inspectahdeck2642 It's just so hard to find anything new & passably decent under $100. There's the Pioneer BS22 and Neumi BS5, but that's just the passive speakers - you would still need an amplifier, some speaker wire, 3.5mm/RCA cable(s)... So I think yes, but connecting a single active speaker might be strange - haven't done it. Perhaps sticking with headphones or buy used is better then.
@@inspectahdeck2642 That's the tricky part I haven't tried - you'd need both a cable that can safely connect from your source in mono, as well as the software to do that (mix Left & Right channels to mono). I haven't done that or seen the option on my PC, but if you search online perhaps you'll find some info.
Hello Your frequency response graph of the Presonus is very different from the other we see on internet and even mine, it is strange, maybe your presonus are broken
@@ErinsAudioCorner well you are right but in fact, the presonus seems to sound pretty flat in a semi tretted room, we are not making music in a anechoic room
i know brands are just in it for the money, so they wont make any intelligent design choices unless we as consumers make better choices. it should be common knowledge that monitors are tools and they should start at 1000 dollar and never have ports or equivalent design.
I'm just looking for a pair of budget speakers for my PC-setup for $150 or less. Something for music, moves, podcasts etc. Literally every reviewer has a different opinion about these, so I guess it's just personal preference in the end. Most people like them, and a few hate them. It's pretty much these two and 1280T Edifiers people are recommending in every single thread. Probably getting the PreSonus because the Mackie looks like ass.
I had issues with that boomy 100hz ish range on the mackie and it made all my kicks sound boomy, closing up the port fixed that right up and made it an overall much more pleasant speaker. You can produce on these speakers, but mixing needs alot of cross referencing with headphones.
in europe (france) the mackie are 30% more expensive than the presonus, that's not a lot a money but if you buy cheap speakers like this you probably care about this difference
What do you mean neither of them are good? you mean to tell us that these dont give you the same sound quality & accuracy as your 1000-3000 $ studio monitors ,WOW mindblowing thanks for that totally didnt know that and blown away by that fact , i didnt know that until today that more xpesnive bigger studio monitors are better LMFAOOO , listen Sir with all due respect but i dont think people who went musical school and are pro's will be looking for studio monitors advice under 100 $ especially on some you tube video , with a chart that 90 % of the people dont even understand , let me tell you what ure dealing with , people on budget either tryina start out or make music for fun & their own ear , and you just go like oh neither of em sound good , but provide affiliate links for both anyway , so ure trying to sell your viewers something that you tell em its not good only b cuz they dont sound as good as your xpesnive a** speakers im impressed by the courrage and contradictory advise presented in your video , just my 2 cents and honest thoughts no hard feelings cheers.
Man, you have a lot of pent up anger it seems. This video isn't meant for people who can afford $1000-3000 monitors. It's meant for people who want to try to to make music but don't have much money at all... and it's meant to tell them to stay away from these. Look at Kali Audio's LP-6V2... $400 and killer speaker. Next time you want to reply with some straight sarcasm, ask yourself if you understand what it is you're replying to. You'd probably save yourself and others a great deal of time. And in your own words: "Just my 2 cents and honest thoughts no hard feelings cheers." 👍
@@ErinsAudioCorner ou defenitally no hard fellings but its funy how easily you can say a certain product sucks when comparing to a product x4 or x10 the price is what i meant to say , its like saying oh gtx 780 sucks you should just buy a 3080 😂🔫 like no sh*t i didnt know that
@@hasanprishtina725 dude, what are you on? The point is these are marketed as monitors and they're the furthest thing from a linear speaker. You gotta chill out, man. It's important that people understand what they are getting because there are *some* speakers out there that don't cost $1000+ and deliver excellent performance. You think you'd understand that. You seem perturbed. I suggest walking away from your phone/computer and taking a chill. Peace.
@@ErinsAudioCorner ure still comparing them to products far from their price range 😂😂, icing on the cake you open up the video with : "neither of em are good" and then ure like hey neither of these are good but if you still want to buy them make sure you do it through the link i provided to support the channel , so im really finding it dificult to consider this review as serious review even with all the info ure covering and providing , and all the details and ure out here giving professional & good opinion , all am saying is that ure doing it injustice expecting them to sound as good as 400+$ monitors and pointem em out as str8 as bad , as from what ure saying & from all other reviews i watched these are really the best in the "you get what you pay for" category , as im planning to go with the presonus 3.5 i would order them from your link but i prefer to buy in physical store over online , in other wordsi am not mad at you like i said ure doing it injustice comparing it to something x4 of their price ✌️
@@hasanprishtina725 Where is your channel with objective data? Show me what you’re doing other than complaining. If you’re not part of the solution your complacency is part of the problem. Don’t be an internet tough guy. Do something productive. I’ll wait for your channel link. 😉
Links for purchase (affiliate links):
Mackie CR3-X: bhpho.to/3bvCTJf
PreSonus Eris E3.5: bhpho.to/3frd7aq
have you ever tested Sterling Audio MX3's?
I found some Mackie CR3-X which I'd be using for reference while I save for some better monitors, I found them in like new condition for $45! I appreciate you making this comparison and the advice for getting the most flat response from them, I will definitely implement your technique. Thanks so much!
Knowing that the manufacturers more than likely donated/lent these speakers to you, I bet they're not thrilled on the review lol. Exactly why I watch your videos. Honest reviews backed with some facts.
The only youtuber I found that gets straight to the facts and science on how these speakers truly sound, thank you!
This is very useful, and I think the biggest takeback for me here is that, for us amateur/budget musicians who use a lot of cheap/consumer/budget equipment and just cannot afford those nice 6.5" JBL/KRK/Yamaha bi-amped monitors, the best that we can do for our mixes is to listen to them on as many different monitors, speakers and headphones possible, and to have our friends listen to them on their equipment, too. It's not unlike testing the software code, where one wants to test with a variety of equipment in all kinds of different conditions, so that nothing is really a surprise anymore.
After watching a bunch of "the best monitors ever made for 100$" marketing, this is like a breath of fresh air. Thank you kindly for keeping it real.
Wow.... Right after I saw a bunch of videos and comments recommending the eris, and just before buying them, I watch your video.. and shows evidence that the mackie is actually better even tough it's more boomy. Thank you for dedicating your effort to show us this info.
I'm glad none of this matters and I went with PreSonus.
4 years ago, I won a pair of the Presonus speakers, sold them to my friend, should have sold them to an enemy. lol.
Lol damn they were that bad huh. Good thing I watched this video because I was about to buy them along with the sub. I think I'll prob get the newer Rokit monitors instead
omg THIS is how you review studio speakers god damn. THANK YOU. every other video is basically just a list of speakers and saying "it sounds good".
one question though for anyone who owns the mackie, a lot of reviews mention a hissing sound when no sound is playing through them, does everyone have this issue or do some of yall not have any hissing?
haha. Glad you found it helpful.
I can't really talk about the hissing because I just don't remember. Keep in mind that whatever you are using in the chain will be amplified if it has noise. I use the Motu M2 and it is silent. Love that thing.
Interesting and informative video. I was trying to decide between the Mackie and PreSonus. I am getting the PreSonus. If anything, I have read numerous complaints and issues of the Mackies making a hissing noise. That in itself is a serious flaw and no-go for me. So, PreSonus it is!
Bought two CR4-X. Both hissed like mad. With or with inputs. With or without signal. Various different power sockets. Different ring. Proceeded to purchase an Eris 3.5.
@@DMW2000 that seems more like its your other gear introducing that hiss
@@bitmammothOG i mean, I'd say the same had i stopped there. Though, I purchased the PreSonus Eris 3.5 and have had zero hiss with it!
@@DMW2000 I have the same issue with my CR3-X, including with/without inputs etc.
Erin you are a gem.
im super thankful for this review. i dont remember where i seen it but i seen the mackie recommended as the best $100 for computer speakers. i should have known i would be better off buying trusty dayton audio instead.
keep up the awesome work!
Thanks, man. Glad it was helpful.
I don't know. Im using them in my home studio, but in my headphones, the sound is so much richer, and I don't have to raise my lows, but as soon as I switch over to my Pre-sonis 3.5's the sound is far more tinny and lows are far less. I have to go into my daw to increase my lows on the channels needed, to get a descent sound. These are great! And sound great, but maybe im doing something wrong? Maybe I need a monitor with greater bass response. I want to make sure my mix will sound good on other media players, not just my system. Im using logic pro, scarlett 2i2, dbx 286s, newest mac, pre-sonis 3.5's. I just have to work hard to get the balance needed, on playback. am I doing something wrong?
Might be good to put Dayton mk402btx in the mix since they are in the same price category and some have suggested they may measure well...
Would like to see a review of those. I have the passive versions MK402x and I find them very enjoyable.
I think Amir has measured these already but I'll try to remember to check.
@@ErinsAudioCorner Would be interesting to see your measurements compared to the micca mb42x, I have both and I think the Dayton might be more neutral and handle more power for the same price. Main issue with the Dayton's is port noise but they sound allot better at higher volumes than the micca imo.
I saw a lot of people raving about the E3.5s but wanted to see if there were any actual frequency response measurements of them and my search led me here. GREAT info!
Appreciate you doing this showdown Erin, it really does bring some perspective on what a poor performing speaker looks like when measured. It is easy to split hairs sometimes when looking at measurements of good performing speakers until you see measurements like these.
The peaks, and lows in the graph, are called shelving vector fields.
This is a man who truly knows what he's talking about.
When I bought my Eris 4.5 I knew they were not meant for monitoring but I was limited on budget, however, I never expected they would break so quickly, I will upgrade, which monitors would you recommend? I need reliability, and good sounding flat response, thank you.
That thumbnail🔥That wig🔥 . That accent🔥. That intro was a masterpiece. If anybody watched that intro and didn't subscribe they have some splaining to do.
I live in Australia... some of the locals look and sound like him.
LOL. I was worried I was gonna get it wrong. Glad to know I got it right! 😅
Thanks. If I where to upgrade to more than $100, what would you recommend?
Honestly I don't understand what you are talking about nor the graphs, it's beyond me. I was just looking for a monitor and came across this video, and I have to say that your attitude and explanation is so natural and convincing, now I feel like I understand something enough to make a decision. Thank you.
Hey, that’s great to hear (pun not intended).
@@ErinsAudioCorner Your graphs are way above my head... at the end of the day which is the better pair for my audio interface and my guitar?
Most useful audio review I have ever had the pleasure to watch. Thanks for this!
Appreciate the frank comments, good overall review & comparison ...
Which one is best between Mackie CR3-X CR4-X and M-Audio Bx4
Hey, this is just the right video I needed. My Rokit 5 speakers have stopped working. I edit video but I don't really adjust the sound beyond getting the overall volume in the right ballpark. I also almost always wear my headphones for everything. I was comparing the Mackie CR3-X monitors with other things on the market. This video makes me think, for the price and my _real_ needs, the Mackies will do just fine. (I have had a Mackie Micro Series 1202 mixer for over 30 years. I've dragged it all over the place. It still works just fine.) I ordered the MyRokit 5 with your link to B&H and now I'm *SUBSCRIBED!*
This is fire content thank you.
Love the video.
Could you suggest me a pair of budget monitors for a small room apartment, where i would have to mix with quiet volume?
Hey, thanks for this very informative review. i definitely noticed the nasty low end on the Mackies but... Is it safe to use the speaker while sealing the port? how much time did you use it this way? Didn't you noticed the noise floor of these speakers, it's a common problem with them and you didn't mention it.
If we are being honest, I just needed something cheap to ruin my headrush through at bedroom levels after my frfr broke.
Didn’t want to replace the headrush frfr with another as even the 108 was more than I needed.
Really hoping the cr3 does the trick for that.
my only question after watching this is whether the Mackie CR4-X or CR5-X are significantly better to the point where they would represent a "must buy" for that price point. Kinda hard to find any reviews that aren't just "raving reviews" where they get top marks and the like. i just want the critical "this is pretty good, if i was purchasing i would / wouldn't buy"
good to test low budget audio as it concerns a lot of viewers. what is your recommendation for sub $200 a pair speakers(including amp or powered) for near field desktop usage @1m that sound good at low volume ? thanks
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Just grabbed a pair and found this review. Super informative my man, thank you! Gonna try your suggestions.
I bought these for portability as I'll be on a ship contract and wanted something beyond headphones to mix with. Of course they're not ideal, but you certainly helped a ton with the info I need to help flatten as much as I can. Great work!
Awesome! Glad to hear that it’s helpful.
Would these kind of speakers fare better if measured on a desktop/near walls for that midrange? The bass is likely to get worse.
I owned a pair of passive speakers that had a similar style of response and I could only imagine that they were somehow designed to be placed right up next to a wall in corners etc.
Modified the crossover to make it good for traditional hifi placements
PEOPLE DON'T BE SCARED, THEY DON'T SOUND AS BAD AS THIS CHANNEL SAYS, IT WORKS FOR A SMALL HOME STUDIO. THEY WON'T SOUND LIKE EXPENSIVE MONITORS, BUT YOU CAN DO SOMETHING DECENT WITH THEM.
VERY BAD TO DISPRESTIGE THEM AND THEN PUT THEIR LINK TO BUY THEM AND CHARGE FOR THAT. AND IF I UNDERSTOOD YOUR ENTIRE ANALYSIS, WHAT YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND IS THAT THERE ARE FINANCIALLY LIMITED PEOPLE AND THESE PRODUCTS ARE NOT THAT BAD.
IT IS VERY LIKELY THAT PEOPLE WHO BUY 100 DOLLAR MONITORS DO NOT WORK AT SONY, SO THEY MAKE MUSIC WITH WHAT THEY HAVE, THE MESSAGE IS THAT, ENJOY THE MUSIC.
Hmmm,, think I met your cousin in London, at the London Zoo.
A bit strange, cus he was at the other side of the fence,, 😬,,😂 .
Do you know of any cheapish subwoofers Erin, that goes down to 20Hz/70-75dB?
Couldnt agree more about ported small speakers. It only create problems.
Most informative flicks as usual. Cheers and thanks,, 🍻😎👍
What is your opinion about:
-Buy this Mackie Monitors
-Make the EQ updates (APO)
-And use to mix
Do you think, this will give me a good quality on the final product? Or you prefere other budget monitor for this?
Nice video, thanks to you and your cousin.
what studio monitors would u recommend for under $150, i will be doing basic mixing on headphones but want some cheap monitors that also go lower than 80 hertz, thanks for all the videos u provide
My god this channel is gold. Thank you mate. Just a question. Wich “port” do you mean should be filled? The hole in the back? Sorry im illiterate in this subject
Haha. Yep, the hole in the back is a port which is intended to push the output capability lower in frequency. But it does a poor job of it so I recommend sealing that up.
@@ErinsAudioCorner thanks man. I know they arent great but for creating some ideas and play around they will do. This advices are gold. Like i said this channel is gold
@@ErinsAudioCorner Hi Erin. You also said -Set the HF to “-6dB”, and the LF to “+3dB”. HF is the high knob on the back, and LF is the low knob on the back?
@@bornasikora5409 yes
@@ErinsAudioCorner thx
Can stuffing the port over heat your amp??
Certainly heated up my speakers, so abandoned that experiment.
WE NEED ONE on yamaha hs4 vs edifier mr4. both are very popular . and there are rarely any videos on hs4 and edifier is so popular that i dont think anyone is being honest. but i trust you. thank you ( in my country hs5 / 5 inch monitors price just skyrocketed so my only options are these two)
also what WOULD you recommend for a budget monitor? a nice nuetral reference monitor for us poor people to get an accurate sound. a video from you giving a recommendation for each price range, ~100,
I just replied to you over on the Neumi video. :)
@@ErinsAudioCorner For the viewers of this video. It would be nice to know what you replied.
have learned a lot , thank you!
great review Erin love the no BS approach, are you going to do a series on N/F monitors or was this one off?
Love to see a review on the higher end of Edifiers range like the S3000 Pro and Airpulse 300 Pro
Best review! Subscribed!
Nice use of the frequency graph. Can see that flatness. 👍🏾
What I learned from this video is that opinions are like lips and aholes....everyone has one. According to this video they are both junk but there are 10 other videos that say the PreSonus is better than the Mackie. I think the idea of these budget monitors are just that, budget monitors. Not everyone has the budget to purchase 1k monitors. I just ordered the Presonus monitors due to every other review claiming they are better than the Mackie. who knows????
cool. enjoy.
That’s disappointing. I was hoping at least one of these would be a good, cheap monitoring or desktop speaker solution.
Yeah, pretty terrible. At least they could make them more or less flat above 500Hz. Certainly one has to have aquired taste the when voicing was done. Just for the hell of it, Erin should measure them on the computer desk, maybe close coupling of the midwoofer driver lifts the midrange up. Still the horrible peak from woofer will dominate. Erin should do next round up in $500 range - just so we an idea how much one has to spend for something that performs decently.
Maybe look at some cheap hifi speakers like those Mica ones and get a small class D amp from ebay etc.
@@RennieAsh I have a fosi mini amp. What speakers would be a good pair?
you need to post this on budget audiophile so i can link to it in the master list
Done!
Hi. What’s does “stuff the port” mean? I’m a bit confused by that tip
same question here!!!
I use a small towel or sock or foam to plug up the port and make the enclosure sealed.
With the port you mean the hole in the back? Sorry my english sucks
@@oscarcastellon7398 yep
I have the presonus 3.5 and they are good casual music and gaming. I don't know about professional use though.
Hey bro is there a constant noise coming from Mackie all the time is it noticable. Im seeing some bad reviews. When music is not playing are you hearing any noise floor?
I honestly don't even remember. I don't recall hearing any noise but I wouldn't go so far as to say there is none because I just don't remember.
what do you think about the port on the JBL 305 MKII...is it also senseless`?
to my EAR used to Yamaha ns10m, Genelec 1038A i have tested Mackie CR3-X and it sounds harsh! thanks for the review anyway!
To my EAR these both sound like poop. You’re welcome. 👍
@@ErinsAudioCorner 😅 n your mixing profile is??
Before I had ROkit 5 G4 I got M-Audio, Mackie and Presonus. THe M-Audio I sold. The presonus seem a little better than the Mackie. Now I'm trying to sell my Rokit so I can get Adam Audio T5V. Those are insane for their size.
Do you think if someone has a budget of 100$, they're buying both bookshelf speakers and a sub?
Nice comment! Thanks!
Hi Erin, thank you for the review and the scientific explanation of your opinion. It was a little bit difficult to follow you in some graphics i.e 6:29 and 6:54. The other graphics were more clear because I saw the first two videos "understanding the measurements", but anyway I am only a fan of the sound and I want to buy good speakers or monitors for my laptop. Ten years ago I used two Behringer ms20 or ms40 from a friend and I started to recognize the difference between monitors and colored speakers. Now I am looking for something similar under 180 USD but with a BlueTooth connection because my jack 3.5mm connection always causes interference. If you have any suggestions, I will really appreciate them. Greetings from Lima, Peru!
Hey, man! Thanks for the reply.
Check out the Neumi BS5P:
ua-cam.com/video/q3ILf2soHyc/v-deo.html
I think it’s gonna be hard to beat for the price. Not sure if it is available in Peru, though.
@@ErinsAudioCorner Thank you buddy! I will see that.
whats the best powered for around the 150 a pair mark
As of this moment, I'd say either of the two (Amazon affiliate link provided):
Neumi BS5P: amzn.to/3KxRK4L
Edifier M4: amzn.to/3MFvas5
I've reviewed both. Neither are perfect but the Neumi BS5P represents the best bargain I can think of. Make sure to watch my videos on them if you are interested because I offer some tips on how best to use them.
Like the intro! Nice you don’t take yourself to seriously 😉
Never have. Never will. 👍
Just saw another channel gushing over how great these are. He said, 'all the music on this channel was mixed on these for the past 2 years'. lol
I could tell.
What's sad is all the fanboys in the comments waxing his shaft over what a great video it was instead of whether the info in the video was accurate or not. I do so hate the 'aduiofool' community.
Before I crap on these too hard though, I have 2 pairs of them. One for my GF for general PC use and a pair for myself I've used as portable monitors. The key to making these usable is using Sonarworks Reference to correct them (and the room). With correction, they are quite usable. But I already had a license for Reference. If anyone is thinking of buying these and buying Reference (or any other DSP) to correct these, you'll be throwing good money after bad money. You'll be into them for $400 when you could have gotten a pair of Kalis.
I will add that I've used them for tracking and roughing. I've never completely mixed anything on them exclusively, and never would.
oof those curves are... problematic... I would dissagree with you on companies should stop making small ported bookshelf speakers though. As they can be made to play relatively flat down to 60-70 hz or so with the right drivers and port (you'd probably have to accept some chuffing at higher volumes, but then again if its nearfield and not meant to be played loud then I'd accept that tbh).
I got both the Eris E4.5 and E5 and the difference is like night and day. I would say if a pair of speakers have one active speaker and one passive, it's probably a multimedia speaker and not a studio monitor. For studio monitors you want at least 5", active crossover and biamped.
I'm honestly baffled as to why you would even port speakers this small. A 3" driver isn't going to make much of any low end even with a port helping it and clearly it wasn't tuned anywhere near what it should be (probably because the speaker couldn't go any lower)
Have you tried the presonus? I hear they are the best 3 inch
@@jorgeguitar2540 They are terrible. Watch the review to see why.
@@davidfuller581 I did but there’s more positive reviews because of their flat response for music production. Are you using speakers for music production or overall listening?
@@jorgeguitar2540 Music production. Nothing about their response is anything even resembling flat.
@@davidfuller581 I’m looking for something small to record music at night at lower volumes. I don’t know if these will be ok for that situation or?
It’s hard out here for a $100 pimp! Sometimes you gotta pay to play, but sometimes you find that rate diamond in the rough. These were more like fools gold, but still...
You did it great 👍🏽.
Oh no i just bought the presonus for producing music in the campervan
I want the genelec but a set is 500€
When $100 """monitors"""" are these bad, why even bother creating consumer waste by buying these, when they're clearly quickly destined for the dumpster? I think it would be better to just use headphones, or heck - a single LSR 305 (the old one, since the 305P is not neutral but the 306P is more expensive).
By the way, I'm guessing you're already aware but I find it educational/interesting to compare noaudiophile's results of the CR3 to yours - given that you use much, much more sophisticated measuring gear :)
Yea, I'm not sure how the CR3 differs from the CR3-X.... maybe they're the same sound-wise? I didn't even bother to look in to it tbh.
is it better to have single $100 speaker than any pair below $100?
@@inspectahdeck2642 It's just so hard to find anything new & passably decent under $100. There's the Pioneer BS22 and Neumi BS5, but that's just the passive speakers - you would still need an amplifier, some speaker wire, 3.5mm/RCA cable(s)...
So I think yes, but connecting a single active speaker might be strange - haven't done it. Perhaps sticking with headphones or buy used is better then.
@@RedBeardedRabbit does a single speaker act as left and right or just one side then? Pioneer and Neumi aren't availible in europe.
@@inspectahdeck2642 That's the tricky part I haven't tried - you'd need both a cable that can safely connect from your source in mono, as well as the software to do that (mix Left & Right channels to mono). I haven't done that or seen the option on my PC, but if you search online perhaps you'll find some info.
Hello
Your frequency response graph of the Presonus is very different from the other we see on internet and even mine, it is strange, maybe your presonus are broken
I doubt any of the others are true anechoic measurements. Links?
@@ErinsAudioCorner well you are right but in fact, the presonus seems to sound pretty flat in a semi tretted room, we are not making music in a anechoic room
@@xoare3134 you miss the purpose of these tests
@@xoare3134 I suggest you start here:
ua-cam.com/play/PLnIxFR_ey0b37Ex4KV2mBz-kYB7QLffR1.html
@@ErinsAudioCorner Ok
JBL Nano K review?
I'm not familiar with those.
Erin how about next round up, say in $500 range. I would expect something half decent for this money.
Hopefully soon. Lots of the products in this range are OOS at various places for some reason.
We had something similar at school. They chose the wrong type speakers for the purpose...
Came for the test, stayed for artistic performance 😂👍😎
Lol science is getting the clickbait treatment!
Those are making Neumi's look like Genelecs. 😂 J/K
Hey, hey, hey!!!…. I think you mean Micca. 😂😂😂
i know brands are just in it for the money, so they wont make any intelligent design choices unless we as consumers make better choices.
it should be common knowledge that monitors are tools and they should start at 1000 dollar and never have ports or equivalent design.
I'm just looking for a pair of budget speakers for my PC-setup for $150 or less. Something for music, moves, podcasts etc.
Literally every reviewer has a different opinion about these, so I guess it's just personal preference in the end. Most people like them, and a few hate them.
It's pretty much these two and 1280T Edifiers people are recommending in every single thread. Probably getting the PreSonus because the Mackie looks like ass.
I had issues with that boomy 100hz ish range on the mackie and it made all my kicks sound boomy, closing up the port fixed that right up and made it an overall much more pleasant speaker.
You can produce on these speakers, but mixing needs alot of cross referencing with headphones.
Subcribed. No Bullshit Review.
New viewer here I appreciate the rawness just hit the subscribe button! 👍
Mackie is utter muffled craр. Presonus are decent though, although I lust after Adam 7 and "iLoud Micro" a.k.a. "poor man's Genelec"
in europe (france) the mackie are 30% more expensive than the presonus, that's not a lot a money but if you buy cheap speakers like this you probably care about this difference
They’re both $100. The BT version costs an extra $30.
@@ErinsAudioCorner I forgot to say that I live in europe, in europe those don't cost the same
This was the first video I watched on this channel so I was like, "Wait, is this a joke? What's going on here?" Then I realized it was a joke :D
The Mackie’s have a ridiculous amount of bass and the bass is muddy
This is the only video so far I've seen that are talking down on these monitors. 🤦🏽
Ive listening to presonus, it doesn’t give a good sound to my ears.
And as i watched this, my ears didn’t get me wrong. 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Mackie. 👍🏻👍🏻
What do you mean neither of them are good? you mean to tell us that these dont give you the same sound quality & accuracy as your 1000-3000 $ studio monitors ,WOW mindblowing thanks for that totally didnt know that and blown away by that fact , i didnt know that until today that more xpesnive bigger studio monitors are better LMFAOOO , listen Sir with all due respect but i dont think people who went musical school and are pro's will be looking for studio monitors advice under 100 $ especially on some you tube video , with a chart that 90 % of the people dont even understand , let me tell you what ure dealing with , people on budget either tryina start out or make music for fun & their own ear , and you just go like oh neither of em sound good , but provide affiliate links for both anyway , so ure trying to sell your viewers something that you tell em its not good only b cuz they dont sound as good as your xpesnive a** speakers im impressed by the courrage and contradictory advise presented in your video , just my 2 cents and honest thoughts no hard feelings cheers.
Man, you have a lot of pent up anger it seems. This video isn't meant for people who can afford $1000-3000 monitors. It's meant for people who want to try to to make music but don't have much money at all... and it's meant to tell them to stay away from these. Look at Kali Audio's LP-6V2... $400 and killer speaker.
Next time you want to reply with some straight sarcasm, ask yourself if you understand what it is you're replying to.
You'd probably save yourself and others a great deal of time.
And in your own words: "Just my 2 cents and honest thoughts no hard feelings cheers." 👍
@@ErinsAudioCorner ou defenitally no hard fellings but its funy how easily you can say a certain product sucks when comparing to a product x4 or x10 the price is what i meant to say , its like saying oh gtx 780 sucks you should just buy a 3080 😂🔫 like no sh*t i didnt know that
@@hasanprishtina725 dude, what are you on? The point is these are marketed as monitors and they're the furthest thing from a linear speaker. You gotta chill out, man. It's important that people understand what they are getting because there are *some* speakers out there that don't cost $1000+ and deliver excellent performance. You think you'd understand that. You seem perturbed. I suggest walking away from your phone/computer and taking a chill. Peace.
@@ErinsAudioCorner ure still comparing them to products far from their price range 😂😂, icing on the cake you open up the video with : "neither of em are good" and then ure like hey neither of these are good but if you still want to buy them make sure you do it through the link i provided to support the channel , so im really finding it dificult to consider this review as serious review even with all the info ure covering and providing , and all the details and ure out here giving professional & good opinion , all am saying is that ure doing it injustice expecting them to sound as good as 400+$ monitors and pointem em out as str8 as bad , as from what ure saying & from all other reviews i watched these are really the best in the "you get what you pay for" category , as im planning to go with the presonus 3.5 i would order them from your link but i prefer to buy in physical store over online , in other wordsi am not mad at you like i said ure doing it injustice comparing it to something x4 of their price ✌️
@@hasanprishtina725
Where is your channel with objective data? Show me what you’re doing other than complaining. If you’re not part of the solution your complacency is part of the problem. Don’t be an internet tough guy. Do something productive. I’ll wait for your channel link. 😉
I thought your cousin was from Dublin..too funny
😅
hunnit dolla bill y'all
Both are terrible... I would say save and buy better monitors new, or used ones.
😂 that character 👌🏻
👍
come the fuck on