The Mackie MR8mk2 is a 2 way reference monitor that has very professional transducers and great power amplifiers. You can crank this monitor up and not have to worry about it distorting the sound at all. They have clean highs and solid mids with warm low end sounds. I have used the MR8mk2 over a dozen times and I still think it is one of the best set of monitors that you can get for the money. SOUNDS The low frequencies are my favorite about them, no matter what style of music you are working with or listening to with them the low end is thick and warm, mainly because of the power amplifiers that these Mackie monitors have in them. The strange thing is that I have used other Mackie monitors in the past that clam to have the exact same style of amplifiers in them (dual precision), but they do not sound anywhere as good as the MR8mk2’s do. OVERALL OPINION I was using these at my home studio which is in a bigger room without just a little bit of acoustic treatments. They instantly upgraded my whole sound. Right before I had these I was using a pair of Alesis monitors that I thought where pretty good until I purchased these from Mackie. It was an instant upgrade. Out of most of the monitors that I have heard in this price range, these could be the best ones. I have been through so many monitors from home to the studio and for this price range the only other ones that I would suggest are the KRK Rokit’s just because they have a very similar sound but these have cleaner highs than the KRK Rokit’s do. With the sound being clean and warm you just cannot go wrong with getting these monitors. If you are looking to spend in the 500 dollar range for a pair of monitors check these out or the KRK Rokits if you just want to focus more on bass.
The Mackie MR5mk2 do not come together, you will have to purchase them separate and they cost 150 USB a Piece. It has a 5” woofer and 1” tweeter (85 watts). The MR5mk2 monitors are very well built and will last you a long time if you take care of them. The low frequencies in this 5” woofer are amazing. I was really shocked to hear how much bass the MR5mk2 actually have, they have a smooth response and warm sound. They are rather small in appearance though , but that does not effect the sound of them. If you purchase these monitors make sure you have some sort of isolation pads underneath of them if you want to get the best possible quality you can get from them. SOUNDS The inputs on the MR5mk2 include TRS, RCA, and XLR connections. They are safe to put beside your monitor or TV and not have to worry about it damaging the color of your screen because they have magnetic shielding to protect your other gear. OVERALL OPINION Due to the fact these monitors should be used more for a reference , I don’t suggest you use them for your final mixes. You will need a better sounding monitor if you want to get a better mix. These do have the tendency to get a little muddy sounding if you have a lot of low frequency instruments and sounds going on in your music. But for the price they are not bad, I still would go with a pair of M-Audio monitors before I go with these Mackie’s . Mackie makes some great monitors and other products but they seem to lack certain things when they try to make an affordable product like this. Mackie does have some great monitors that are in the 400 dollar price range and up though, but I don’t recommend getting these unless you just don’t like M-Audio monitors. The M-Audio AV 40 is a better monitor than this one is, and they come in a pair cheaper than each on of these MR5mk2 are.
