When comparing Mackie CR3 vs M-Audio AV32, the Slant community recommends M-Audio AV32 for most people. In the question“What are the best studio monitors under $100?” M-Audio AV32 is ranked 2nd while Mackie CR3 is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose M-Audio AV32 is:
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.
Specs
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Pros
Pro You can select what channel the main speaker will be
It’ll be easier for you to position the main speaker as you prefer. At the back of the main speaker is a switch that allows you to select if the main speaker will be left or right channel. The other speaker will automatically be set to the other channel.
Pro Clear sound with good bass levels
The highs are clear and have okay detail. The mids are not very forward but they sound natural and full. The bass is quite powerful and will give music a boomy and thumpy feel.
Pro Two analog input options to choose from
You’ll have some flexibility as to the source devices that you can use with these speakers. You can choose between TRS or RCA inputs.
Pro Loud volume output
Despite the small size, these speakers can output good volume levels, enough to fill a small room with sound.
Pro Foam isolation pads included
Excess vibrations from the speakers to your desk won’t be too much of a big issue. Instead of stick on rubber feet, the CR3 speakers come with foam isolation pads which are quite good at minimizing vibrations.
Pro Clean and smooth sound with airy highs from such small speakers
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.
Pro Clear and forward presentation of detail thanks to proprietary OptImage IV waveguide design
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.
Pro Can fit in most studio/desk setups due to the compact size
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.
Pro Can give improved convenience due to headphone output jack on the front side of the speaker
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.
Pro Offers some degree of flexibility in terms of integrating into a user’s audio chain setup
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.
Pro Very affordable price for studio monitors
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.
Cons
Con No room compensation controls
You’ll have to take the extra time and effort to properly position these speakers. There are no bass compensation controls to adjust low-end output when positioning these speakers near a wall, so it’ll be much harder for you to get the proper bass response.
Con Bass can overpower the overall sound
The overall sound can get boomy and muddy. The bass is quite powerful so on bass-heavy tracks, the details of the music may be washed out.
Con Sound may distort at higher volumes
You can definitely crank these speakers up to max in order to get extra volume. However, do expect some audible distortion at high volume levels. If you prefer loud volumes for listening or mixing, then bigger studio monitors will suit your needs better.
Con Volume output may be limited
The volume output of these speakers is not that high, which can also be attributed to these speakers’ small size. While these are perfectly usable for close audio monitoring, this may not be a good option if you want your studio monitors to fill the room with great sound.
Con May not have enough bass output due to small woofers
Some may find the bass output of these speakers to be a bit lacking. The small 3 inch woofers can only deliver so much bass and while the output may be enough in small rooms, the bass can leave a lot to be desired in larger rooms.