Mackie 2056261-00 CR4.5 4.5-inch Powered Studio Monitors - Pair — main product image

Mackie 2056261-00 CR4.5 4.5-inch Powered Studio Monitors - Pair

Mackie

Mackie 2056261-00 CR4.5 4.5-inch Powered Studio Monitors - Pair

Name: Mackie 2056261-00 CR4.5 4.5-inch Powered Studio Monitors - Pair
Brand: Mackie
SKU: 2056261-00

★★★★★4.0 (1 reviews)

Versatile 4.5-inch powered studio monitors with a tone knob that shifts from flat reference to bass-boosted party mode.

$129.99*

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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 CR4.5 Creative Reference Powered Studio Monitors are a compact, self-amplified speaker pair designed to serve double duty as studio reference monitors and everyday desktop speakers. Each monitor pairs a 1-inch silk dome tweeter with a 4.5-inch woven woofer, delivering clear highs and articulate midrange with respectable low-end presence for their size. The built-in 50-watt amplifier powers both speakers, with one unit housing all the electronics and inputs while the second connects via a dedicated speaker wire. Inputs include TRS and RCA for professional audio interfaces and playback devices, plus a 3.5mm auxiliary jack for gaming consoles, phones, and laptops — making the CR4.5 ready for virtually any source you throw at it.

What sets these monitors apart from typical studio speakers is the tone control knob. Starting from a flat, transparent studio response, you can dial in progressively more bass boost and high-end sparkle to suit gaming, music listening, or social gatherings. A location switch further tailors the sound by toggling between Desktop mode for near-field listening and Bookshelf mode for mid-room placement. The included foam isolation pads help decouple the monitors from your desk surface to reduce unwanted resonance. For those who need deeper bass response, Mackie offers the CR8SBT subwoofer as a companion. At 8.25" deep by 6.1" wide by 8.85" tall, the CR4.5 monitors maintain a compact footprint that fits comfortably on most desks and shelves.

Key Features

Mackie CR4.5 Creative Reference Powered Studio Monitors combine studio-quality sound with a tone control, making CR4.5 the best studio monitors, gaming speakers and party speakers, all wrapped into one.

Connect CR4.5 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. 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 CR4.5 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 CR4.5 monitors combine a silk dome tweeter and a 4.5" 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

CR4.5 (2056261-00)

Speaker Type

Powered Studio Monitor

Woofer Size

4.5 inches

Tweeter Size

1 inch

Max Output Power

50 Watts

Connectivity

TRS, RCA, 3.5mm Aux

Audio Output Mode

Stereo

Headphone Output

Yes

Special Features

Tone Control Knob, Desktop/Bookshelf Location Switch

Power Source

Corded Electric

Mounting Type

Tabletop

Dimensions

8.25"D x 6.1"W x 8.85"H

Included Accessories

1/8" to RCA cable, 1/8" to 1/8" cable, foam isolation pads, speaker wire

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

Tone control knob lets you shift between flat studio response and enhanced bass and treble for different use cases.
Desktop and bookshelf placement modes optimize audio output for your specific listening position.
Multiple input options including TRS, RCA, and 3.5mm accommodate a wide range of audio sources.
Built-in headphone output eliminates the need for a separate headphone amplifier.
Included foam isolation pads reduce vibration transfer to your desk or shelf.

👎 Cons

4.5-inch woofers have limited low-end extension, requiring an optional subwoofer for deep bass.
50-watt total power may not fill larger rooms at satisfying volume levels.
Frequency response is not specified by Mackie, making it difficult to compare against competing monitors.
Corded electric power means no battery option for portable use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate amplifier to use these monitors?

No. The CR4.5 monitors are self-powered with a built-in 50-watt amplifier, so you connect them directly to your audio source.

What does the location switch do?

It toggles between Desktop mode, which optimizes the sound for near-field listening at close range, and Bookshelf mode, which adjusts the output for listening at a greater distance.

How do the two speakers connect to each other?

The monitors connect to each other via the included speaker-to-speaker wire. One monitor houses the amplifier and all the inputs, while the second is a passive speaker.

Can I use headphones with these monitors?

Yes. There is a built-in headphone output on the monitors so you can plug in headphones for private listening without needing a separate headphone amp.

What is the tone knob for?

The tone knob lets you adjust the sound profile from a flat, transparent studio reference response to a bass-boosted, sparkle-enhanced sound suited for gaming, casual listening, or parties.