Mackie MR524

below the radar

Owners of Mackie's MR series monitors call them the most underpriced monitors under $300. The fact is that the old models of the company cost a lot, and by a combination of factors they lost to popular models from Adam or Dynaudio. Therefore, the new MR went “below the radar” and did not often get into the tops. But in vain, thanks to the combination of an affordable price, high-quality sound, an advanced acoustic correction system and proprietary logarithmic bells, the model turned out to be very successful. Not for nothing in blind tests, many reviewers often put MR higher than eminent models with a price tag one and a half to two times higher, which says a lot. Although, the well-advertised JBL LSRs then still got into the annual tops.

The right sound in any position

Let's start with the logarithmic waveguide — Mackie's proprietary design, which was previously used in the HR and XR series monitors, and now first appeared in low-cost-level models. In fact, such a waveguide provides an ultra-wide “sweet spot”, that is, you will hear the same sound both sitting in the perfect position of an isosceles triangle (note: both monitors and the listener are at the same distance, ears at the height of the tweeters), and standing somewhere to the side of columns.

Acoustic correction

The next feature is the Acoustic Space acoustic adjustment system, which allows you to choose one of three options for installing monitors depending on the room. The first option is when the monitors are close to the wall at a great distance from each other. The second option is close to the wall, but at a short distance. Third — monitors in a narrow position at a distance from the wall. Given that the MR524, like many monitors, has a bass reflex at the back, this adjustment system greatly simplifies their placement in a room / studio and better control of the low frequency range. And for the "top" on the rear panel there are simple switches in +2, 0 and -2 dB.

Detailed, balanced and honest sound with perfect positioning

Now about the most important thing. Mackie MR524 sound just fine. Especially considering its price. They have a clear and accentuated bottom end, a detailed midrange and surprisingly silky and detailed high frequencies. The sound balance is perfectly adjusted, clear localization of instruments in space, no dips and humps in the frequency response, so they are equally suitable for working with hip-hop, pop, rock and dance music. In all cases, a high tolerance of mixes is ensured. And despite the honest nature, they show themselves perfectly during normal listening to music. There is no “monitor” dryness from which ears get tired. Oh yeah, unlike most monitors, the MR series doesn't have an optimal volume, they sound the same at 10% and 90%. It is convenient if, for example, you work at home late in the evening and do not want to disturb your family.