Mackie CR4.5 4.5" Powered Studio Monitors

The Mackie CR4.5 is a compact pair of powered studio monitors designed for desktop production, content creation, gaming, and everyday music listening. Its active/passive speaker arrangement places amplification and connections in one monitor, simplifying setup for computers, interfaces, mixers, and other line-level sources. The 4.5-inch format is well suited to smaller rooms, desks, and media setups where separate amplification is not desired.

Each system combines a 4.5-inch woven woofer with a 1-inch silk-dome tweeter for full-range playback. Mackie rates the CR4.5 at 50 watts RMS of Class AB system amplification, with frequency response extending to 55 Hz at -10 dB. A custom-tuned rear port supports low-frequency extension from the compact MDF enclosure.

A front-panel tone control lets listeners move from a more transparent monitor-style response toward increased bass presence and brighter high frequencies. This makes it practical to tailor playback for focused editing, casual streaming, games, or music. The control is continuously adjustable, so the sound can be set between its neutral and enhanced extremes.

The rear-panel location switch helps adapt the monitors to nearfield desktop or more distant bookshelf listening. Desktop mode is intended for close listening, while bookshelf mode is intended for placement farther from the listener. A powered-speaker position selector also lets the active monitor be placed on either the left or right side.

Wired connectivity includes balanced or unbalanced 1/4-inch TRS inputs, unbalanced RCA inputs, and a 3.5 mm stereo input. The front 3.5 mm headphone output mutes the speaker amplifier when headphones are connected for private listening. For a larger low-end system, the CR4.5 can be used alongside an appropriate external subwoofer or playback setup.

Key Features

• 4.5-Inch Woven Woofer: Delivers low and midrange output from a compact monitor cabinet.
• Silk-Dome Tweeter: Provides detailed high-frequency playback behind a protective grille.
• 50W RMS Class AB Amplification: Built-in system amplification eliminates the need for a separate stereo amp.
• Tone Control: Adjusts playback from a more neutral response to enhanced bass and highs.
• Desktop/Bookshelf Switch: Optimizes operation for close desktop or more distant room listening.
• Flexible Wired Inputs: Connects line-level sources through TRS, RCA, or 3.5 mm connections.

Design & Installation

The CR4.5 uses rectangular solid-MDF cabinets finished in black vinyl wrap. Each monitor includes a woven woofer, a silk-dome tweeter with protective grille, and a custom-tuned rear port tube. The active monitor includes a white power-ring LED surrounding the Mackie Running Man logo.

Connect the powered and passive monitors with the included red-and-black speaker cable, observing positive and negative terminal polarity. Connect a line-level source to the 1/4-inch TRS, RCA, or 3.5 mm input, then connect the included detachable power cord to AC power. For desk use, select Desktop mode; select Bookshelf mode when the monitors will be placed farther from the listening position.