Mackie CR8S-XBT Unbox and Review. Should you buy it?

Is the Mackie CR8S-XBT Subwoofer a good buy? What is the best use case for this subwoofer? Is the CR8S-XBT the best under $200?
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[@maddogrexx8208]

thank you for taking your time to explain.

[@KeithronPowell]

👍🏽

[@AmerikkkaGuitars]

Thanks for the review. Had a hard time choosing between this and the PreSonus Eris Sub 8 and Monoprice 10in Powered Studio. The PreSonus has better tighter bass but not as powerful at only 100 watts. I feel like the extra controls on the Mackie where more useful also. Plus it's on sale right now.

[@KeithronPowell]

A sale is a powerful thing!

[@sparky3690]

Yo same that’s why I’m here . I saw it on sale and just had to see some reviews first.

[@KeithronPowell]

@@sparky3690 I hope someone uses my links! 😂😂😂

[@musicbill]

Great Video! You really helped me out. I was going back and forth about which monitors to get. I have the JBL 305P MkII 5-inch Powered Studio Monitor Pair. I want something a little smaller for my mixes. I am leaning toward the Mackie CR3-X 3 inch Multimedia Monitors. I think these will work well for me. I dont need the 5 in. ones. Will the sub work with these also?

[@KeithronPowell]

Yes

[@sammorris7739]

Hey there! Thanks so much for the review! I am a bedroom DJ looking to add a sub to my smaller desktop monitors. Would you say there is any issues with delay from the Bluetooth capability of the Mackie? From what I have heard this may be an issue when compared to an alternate non BT model such as the presonus Eris 8 sub and would love your take on it.

[@KeithronPowell]

They are not “primarily” Bluetooth. I have them plugged in. I have also connected them to my Presonus monitors. You can too. They’ll connect the same way.

[@KeithronPowell]

Be sure to use the link if you decide to order. It helps the channel. Thanks 🙏🏾

[@sammorris7739]

@@KeithronPowell oh right! Maybe I got dud advice. So you haven't noticed any delay from the internal digital processing when it's connected then? Not phased if it's only a potential when running the BT. How do you find it vs. The Eris 8 Sub? Yeah I am leaning towards the Mackie and would be happy to use the link, thanks for the great review and content!

[@KeithronPowell]

I haven’t tried the Presonus Sub. I thought about getting it and I may pick one up to review. In my set up I only use it during mixing and mastering. I’ll likely grab one maybe this month and review it. 🤔

[@flprmn9448]

Can it play BOTH bluetoot and phsical input SIMULTANEOUSLY? For instance to play a backing track while jamming on guitar?

[@KeithronPowell]

Nope… you need something else.

[@KeithronPowell]

You have to remember this mainly is designed for bass. So the backing track won’t come through at all. Not to mention you just can’t plug it in like that. Your need something like the Simmons DA2102 or one of the speakers in that series. With that you can do both.

[@andrewb5894]

Hey will this split the lows and send the highs to my cr5 with RCA cables and no big knob? I know some cheaper subs don't and I'm not sure if I need anything else

[@KeithronPowell]

You don’t need a big knob. I use that because I have multiple studio monitors. That’s basically a splitter.

[@andrewb5894]

@@KeithronPowell thanks

[@andrewb5894]

@@KeithronPowell I ended up going for an Edifier T5 sub and the crx5s. Once I tuned the LFP to what I found was the best medium and set a comfortable volume, it definitely added a whole other dynamic. I feel like too many people try to let the sub handle too HIGH of tones resulting in that thuddy, air popping distorted bassy sound. Let the sub handle the low lows, as they're meant to and I find it sounds phenomenoal. Be realistic with volume. Overall happy.

[@KeithronPowell]

Cool…. I think the way they matched these CR8S is really good. Definitely gave a new dynamic to my studio. I have the PreSonus E8 and I love them. So when I got these with the Mackie set up I was surprised at what the sub did to the sound of the CR5 I like having them to mix and master and switch back and forth. Really makes the process smoother

[@ffash995]

@@andrewb5894 To get the low lows would I adjust the crossover at all? l am gonna use these for just a medium sized bedroom along with iloud MTMs. Would I just let it sit on 80hz?

[@bullrules33]

Just got my cr3xbt and the subwoofer too. When I hook up the speakers n sub I’m getting bad distortion n humming. If I unhook the sub n just hook up the speakers they sound great. I’m using trs cables from sub to speakers. Bluetooth also doesn’t work on the sub. I have contacted Mackie they said they would send a replacement order and a label to send back the other set. Been a few days hopefully they replace them cause I was really hoping for a nice studio speaker setup.

[@KeithronPowell]

They’re good about getting the new ones out. I’m curious, did you order it or did you pick it up at the store? You could’ve swapped it at the store.

[@bullrules33]

@@KeithronPowell I ordered them from Mackie site.

[@bullrules33]

Well second arrives n it’s messed up to a According to technical support

[@KeithronPowell]

@@bullrules33 😮….. that’s crazy

[@ThePilate30]

As far as the Bluetooth, I had trouble at first and there are no clear instructions. What worked is pressing the button, flashes rapidly for a few seconds. During those seconds, press again and hold for 3-5 seconds, it will flash slowly, then pairing will work (or at least should)

[@QueenGenah-oj7ky]

I have the Mackie .. CR4-x multimedia.and trust me the sound is not working . But when I plug in the headphone it work fine .I need help .. people are talking about opening the speakers and cutting pin 5 but I don’t get it . Any other way please

[@KeithronPowell]

Cut the pin? Why now get a replacement and make sure it’s not defective before you do surgery on it?

[@spookymulder1171]

I cannot decide between the eris sub 8 and the mackie sub. Do you have an idea if the mackie sub has a Highpassfilter build in? I just know the eris sub has one you can turn and off. Did you had experience with noises in standby?

[@KeithronPowell]

I use the Presonus E8 in my studio. If I was deciding between the ERIS and the Mackie I’d match it with the Presonus. The Mackie doesn’t hide or make noise in standby. It gives good bass. I haven’t tried the Presonus though.

[@goodstuff]

Would you recommend this sub for a casual consumer? No audio mixing/mastering here. Movies, music, videos on a PC. I already use speakers from the CRX line and like them. Thanks.

[@KeithronPowell]

Yes!!! I actually thought about using it for that purpose.. the sound bar that I have sucks! If you do decide to order it please consider using the link in the description.

[@YakDiezel]

Brother i got a question. I have Mackie MR5 monitors Im running that sub through. This is my first sub so i need to be sure i'm setting things correctly. can you do one showing us how to do it without the small monitors?

[@KeithronPowell]

I have moved the Mackie set up out of my studio and no longer have need for it. It’s a tv speaker set up now. The key is to find the right balance for your room and your taste. As you play with it you’ll get it tuned properly for your situation.

[@NicholasT-f9n]

1 Question - How do they sound at 9 o'clock playing B-Boys Brass Monkey ? Do they pound hard enough to rattle everything around ?

[@KeithronPowell]

🤨

[@Mrsmashsmellow]

Do you think I can add this for watching movies to my HiFi system ? I've matched my Marantz pm6006 with a pair of Borea Br03 and I'm wondering if adding a small sub can make any difference. I don't know if something this cheap can ruin the sound, but maybe it can be funny for movies. I'd love to have your opinion. Thanks in advance

[@KeithronPowell]

I say try it. It actually sounds pretty decent.

[@Mrsmashsmellow]

Thank you

[@TheKing4576]

Looking to get one this Sunday for my studio set up 🆙

[@KeithronPowell]

Can’t wait to hear back

[@TheKing4576]

Definitely will let u know mines will be here tomorrow

[@TheKing4576]

@@KeithronPowell man that sub is very nice clean sound definitely with studio sound

[@lesmok1341]

I wanna get myself this sub', I'm not familiar with Mackie's products however I'm pretty much sold. Thanks for the great review.

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for watching.

[@Mrsmashsmellow]

Loved this review, thank you for you work!

[@clayontheloose]

Any chance you will be reviewing their new Stealthbar? Love the channel!

[@KeithronPowell]

Thanks for the channel love… I don’t know. It would be nice if they’d send me one to review but I don’t think they will. I may have to go and buy it for review but I just don’t know if I want to. If enough people asked I would do it. Not sure how many people either know or are interested in it.

[@TheKing4576]

Definitely look into this I got nice small studio set up 🆙

[@KeithronPowell]

I use it for my reference speakers and on my tv as surround. It’s good for me when I mix and master to test what I’ve done.

[@TheKing4576]

@@KeithronPowell thanks for that this what using for my mix n master for studio set up got nice small set up so far all I need this subwoofer what I like it’s budget friendly too definitely will be order me next Friday off Sweetwater

[@akshay2719]

Can you do the sound test of it please?

[@KeithronPowell]

I tried… the issue is bass doesn’t translate well like thatS I’d suggest go to a Guitar Center and check it out in person. When I did the sub for the Simmons it doesn’t show what is really going on. The house was shaking and you can’t record that. You can’t record the feel of bass and that’s what bass is frilly about.

[@akshay2719]

@@KeithronPowell how is the bass compared to other subs like paradigm deviance v10 .

[@KeithronPowell]

@@akshay2719 not sure how that sub sounds but… I’d suggest going in and playing with the setting and listening with the music you like. I have it as a secondary monitor for mixing and mastering. It is also connected to my tv and works great. I’m constantly telling my wife to turn down the volume for the neighbors! 😂😂

[@akshay2719]

@@KeithronPowell Does it have have theatre like bass or it has tight bass because I read many reviews on Amazon and people were saying that the sub doesn't shake the house and it is underwhelming.

[@akshay2719]

Sir in India we have very few shops that sell sub-woofer. And also on amazon India there are very few sub-woofers company available. So please help me 🙏

[@MrEnjoy67]

Hello Mr. Powell, I mainly make music with synthesizer and effects etc. Would it help if I add this subwoofer to my Kali's LP8 or is it too light in power? What do you think can you help me further. Thank you in advance!

[@KeithronPowell]

I think it could help but… the question is what’s the wattage your pushing?

[@MrEnjoy67]

@@KeithronPowell 60w for the low and 40w for the high.... so each speaker is 100W

[@smsno1]

Blue fila!!!

[@KeithronPowell]

If you watch my videos you’ll see all sorts of colors and versions.

[@avationmusic]

17:15 Can confirm I hate airpods

[@KeithronPowell]

Don’t get my wrong I love mine. But not for music… that’s actually what makes them great! If you mix and master… they’re perfect