Mackie

Mackie CR3.5BT 3.5" Powered Bluetooth Studio Monitors

4.8 (6 reviews)

Versatile 3.5-inch powered monitors with Bluetooth, a tone-shaping knob, and switchable desktop/bookshelf modes.

$129.99*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Mackie CR3.5BT Creative Reference Powered Studio Monitors pack professional-grade audio into a compact form factor designed for desks, shelves, and small studios. Each monitor pairs a 3.5-inch woven woofer with a silk dome tweeter to deliver clear, articulate sound with respectable low-end presence for its size. The built-in amplification provides up to 50 watts of power, and the tone control knob offers a practical way to move between flat monitoring and a more colored, bass-forward sound profile depending on whether you are mixing, gaming, or just listening to music.

Connectivity is a standout feature. The CR3.5BT accepts audio via TRS and RCA connections for studio gear and playback devices, a 3.5mm input for gaming consoles and computers, and Bluetooth for wireless streaming from phones and tablets. A front-panel headphone output rounds out the options. The switchable desktop/bookshelf mode adjusts the frequency response to match your physical setup — near-field at a desk or mid-field from a shelf — ensuring accurate sound regardless of placement. The monitors measure 7.1" deep by 5.5" wide by 8.1" tall and weigh 10.14 pounds combined, making them substantial enough to feel solid without dominating a workspace.

Key Features

Mackie CR3.5BT Creative Reference Powered Studio Monitors combine studio-quality sound with a tone control and Bluetooth, making CR3.5BT the best studio monitors, gaming speakers and party speakers, all wrapped into one.

Connect CR3.5BT to just about anything. Hook up audio interfaces and playback devices with TRS and RCA connectors. Play gaming consoles and PCs with the 3.5 mm input. Pair smartphones via Bluetooth. There’s even a built-in headphone output.

Use the tone knob to shape the sound, starting with the transparent response you expect from studio monitors. Turn the knob to gradually boost the bass and add high-end sparkle, perfect for immersive gaming, casual listening or all-out partying.

Flip the location switch between desktop speaker mode and bookshelf speaker mode to optimize CR3.5BT for wherever you place them. Use desktop mode for listening up close (like in the studio) and bookshelf mode for listening at a distance (like from the couch).

Mackie CR3.5BT monitors combine a silk dome tweeter and a 3.5" woven woofer for clean, articulate sound with plenty of low end. For enhanced bass that rumbles the floorboards, connect your speakers to the CR8SBT subwoofer (not included).

Specifications

Brand
Mackie
Model
2056260-00
Speaker Size
3.5 inches
Tweeter Diameter
1 inch
Tweeter Type
Silk dome
Woofer Type
Woven
Maximum Output Power
50 watts
Connectivity
TRS, RCA, 3.5mm, Bluetooth
Wireless Technology
Bluetooth
Audio Output Mode
Stereo
Mounting Type
Tabletop mount
Dimensions
7.1"D x 5.5"W x 8.1"H
Weight
10.14 lbs

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Multiple input options including Bluetooth, TRS, RCA, and 3.5mm cover nearly any source device
  • Tone control knob lets you shift from flat studio response to bass-boosted casual listening
  • Desktop and bookshelf mode switch optimizes sound for your actual speaker placement
  • Compact 5.5" x 8.1" footprint fits easily on crowded desks and shelves
  • Built-in headphone output adds private listening flexibility without extra hardware

👎 Cons

  • 3.5-inch woofer limits low-end extension, and deep bass requires purchasing the optional subwoofer
  • 50 watts maximum output may not fill larger rooms adequately
  • No individual channel volume or EQ controls beyond the single tone knob
  • At over 10 pounds total weight, they are heavier than some competing compact monitors

Frequently Asked Questions

The CR3.5BT includes TRS, RCA, and 3.5mm aux inputs, as well as Bluetooth for wireless streaming. There is also a built-in headphone output on the front panel.
Starting from a flat, transparent studio response, turning the tone knob gradually boosts bass and adds high-frequency sparkle. This lets you shape the sound to suit different uses — flat for mixing, enhanced for gaming or casual listening.
The location switch optimizes the frequency response for your listening distance. Desktop mode is tuned for near-field listening, such as sitting at a desk, while bookshelf mode adjusts the output for greater listening distances, like across a room.
The CR3.5BT system delivers a maximum output of 50 watts.
Yes, the CR3.5BT is compatible with the Mackie CR8SBT subwoofer, which is sold separately, for extended low-frequency performance.