M-Audio AV32 vs Mackie MR8 mk3

These speakers are able to produce a nice and smooth sound despite being quite small in size. There is an emphasis on the higher frequencies and the bass can sound full. Imaging is forward with a lot of detail. This sound is achieved by the use of three-inch polypropylene-coated, high-temperature voice coil woofers for the low and mid frequencies and a 1-inch silk cone tweeter for the highs. Overall, the sound is clearly a cut above the multimedia speakers that are within the AV32’s price range.

These speakers deliver optimal high frequency detail and clarity to the listener. This is due to M-Audio’s use of their proprietary waveguide design which allows for efficient travel of the high frequencies to the listener’s ears. This tech is further supported by the use of highly flexible silk cones on the tweeters which further reduce the restriction of the sound being produced.

The AV32 can fit in virtually all studio setups thanks to its truly compact size. It's true even if you have a rather small and cramped desk. This feat is achieved via a simple and small cabinet that houses the 3-inch speaker and 1-inch tweeter combo.

You may find this speaker very convenient to use if you also tend to listen to music on your headphones. There is a 1/8” headphone out jack which will channel the sound output to the connected headphones instead of the speakers. For added sound control, you can also adjust the volume of your headphones using the volume knob on the speakers.

You can easily integrate these speakers into your current audio chain. These speakers offer RCA inputs at the back as well as 1/8” input in front. This makes the AV32 compatible with DACs, audio receivers, and even smartphones and mobile music players.

These speakers are very attainable price-wise. These are positioned as entry-level studio monitors with prices that are not too far off from most multi-media speakers available on the market. This makes high quality, pro-level audio monitoring speakers within relatively easy reach, and should fit many budding audio enthusiast’s budgets.

What makes the MR8 a great choice for a studio monitor is that this speaker is able to deliver truly accurate sound ideal for music production. At its flat setting the bass is tight and punchy without much boom. The mids are full and precise while the highs are crisp and airy without being too sharp.

This sound is achieved thanks to the speaker’s 8-inch woofer which is able to provide great bass and mids output, as well as higher volumes without distortion or hiss. This large woofer is complemented by the 1-inch silk dome tweeter for accurate and natural reproduction of the higher frequencies. Audio accuracy is further achieved thanks to the monitor’s amps being matched to the drivers used.

This studio monitor is capable of producing clear instrument separation and imaging. For example, crash and ride cymbals can come off from the far left or far right of your listening space, as if you were sitting in front of the drums. This is thanks to Mackie’s proprietary waveguide design which allows for efficient soundwave travel from the tweeters to the listener’s ear.

Lower frequencies can be quite difficult to tame, but the MR8 can provide bass that is balanced yet impactful and fast without sounding loose or floppy. This is achieved by the use of custom tuned bass port situated in the rear of the monitor.

With this studio monitor, you also have the option to boost the highs for enhanced detail and sparkle to the sound or lower the highs output to get a sound that is flatter, with more emphasis on the mids. This can be adjusted according to your preference via the High Boost/Cut Filter switch that can also be found on the rear of the monitor.

This studio monitor’s bass out can be increased up a notch or two, which will give you more powerful bass, resulting in more thump and boom from the woofer. This option gives the MR8 the extra versatility to be used as a multimedia speaker as, for example, explosions in movies can have a lot of oomph and rumble. This can be toggled by the Low Frequency Filter switch in the back.

You can easily use this studio monitor with a number of audio sources including computers, audio interfaces, audio receivers, and mixers due to the three input options this monitor has. This includes balanced TRS and XLR inputs as well as an unbalanced RCA input.