Mackie MR524

So glad to have some monitors again, after some idiot blew my previous ones up. They are smaller than those I’ve had before, but suit my needs perfectly.

I’ve only had a few hours use so far.
The imaging is splendid.
The build quality is very good.
The bass response is pretty big (And I have it reduced as they’re in quarter-space)

I don’t imagine them to be fatiguing judging by the freq. response.

The mid response is really pleasing too, clarity is good where often sacrificed in this area.

Top end response is good, but to be expected with the soft-cone tweeter design.

I like the understated design and compact size.

Overall, really pleased. I’d buy them again if I had to.


So I need to say something negative just for the sake of it. Hmmm... the sticker on the cabs did take a couple of minutes to remove properly.

Had considered first the Yamaha HS5 . I gave these MR524 a trial. I have also the Pres. Eris Studio 5 which did quite well in home studio. However, the Pres. easily cap out at higher levels. This, as I now use such speakers as direct keyboard monitors. Also quite short distance to the head. I always never liked the front bass reflex port of the Pres. as with lower bass content the port air would make quite some noise. What seems easier for near wall placement is then a disadvantage when closer to your ears. Nonetheless, the Pres. are not bad by any means. The MR524 on the other side have a way cleaner bass. Perhaps not as mighty as the Pres. but cleaner and also go lower and still sound nice. No bass port noise as it is on the backside. ;-) And they have a greater headroom (I play synthesizer and piano and sometimes hammer really on the keys) and that is where the MR524 really, really shines a lot. I also appreciate that I can place them on the side due to the uniform tweeter waveguide. The Pres. is not so good there, as the waveguide is designed that the speaker stands. Also the MR524 are very silent compared to many other active speakers.