The Mackie CR8S BT is an active Bluetooth subwoofer running a 100W Class D amp. It provides deep bass for the popular CR series of studio monitors, now in its third generation. The CR5 BTs are part of Mackie's much‑loved CR series of studio monitors, now cruising into their third generation. CR actually stands for Creative Reference, a nod to the devices' blend of reference‑grade playback and creative tone‑tweaking options. Pushing a mighty 112dB SPL and covering 35 to 400Hz, the CR8S BT delivers the kind of bass listeners won't just hear, but really feel. The subwoofer ships with Mackie's CRDV desktop remote, which lets producers dial in the unit's volume from their desk, while also adjusting the overall level of a full 2.1 setup – the sub acts as the entire system's control hub.
The Mackie CR8S BT's enclosure is built from MDF, with sealed joints to help get the most out of low end frequencies. Its 8" woven‑fibre cone is coated with polypropylene, which keeps the sound natural while taming unwanted resonances, cutting distortion, and making the driver more resistant to moisture. The bass reflex port on the underside of the unit extends its low‑frequency reach. For dialling in the best possible bass, the input and output levels can be adjusted independently. A polarity switch helps the sub line up with the space's acoustics, keeping phase issues and room modes in check so the bass is tight, even, and clearly defined.
The Mackie CR8S BT is a subwoofer aimed at home studio creatives and project studio producers who want a bass unit with straightforward Bluetooth 5.0 wireless pairing. Thanks to its compact build – it's barely a foot high – it won't clutter a gear-stuffed studio like some subs, and will complement compact monitor setups nicely. As such, the CR8S will also be of interest for music fans who simply want to drop a sub into their living space. For hooking up consumer audio devices, the RCA sockets are ideal, and the RCA/3.5mm adapter cable included here also makes the sub a solid option for gamers, who can hook it up to a PC or laptop. Recording enthusiasts and hi‑fi heads, on the other hand, will appreciate its balanced TRS inputs, which add a nice touch of pro‑grade flexibility.
In 1988 Greg Mackie, already a successful co-founder of a pro audio company, founded Mackie Designs Inc. with the goal of producing affordable, high-quality mixers. The company's first official product, the LM-1602 line mixer, was initially produced within the four walls of his home. As sales figures were encouraging, its successor model CR-1604 soon followed - and in 1991 the company finally moved into its first proper production facility. The combination of reliable quality and low prices quickly brought the company enormous success, so that by 1995 Mackie had already sold 100,000 products. In 2003, the company was renamed LOUD Audio, LLC so that there is no longer any confusion between the Mackie brand and its former parent company of the same name.
The combination of Bluetooth connectivity and the ability to pass on audio through its outputs means the Mackie CR8S BT is both a subwoofer and a wireless hub for 2.1 systems: It can pick up the full‑range audio wirelessly, handle the bass itself, and send the remaining signal on to any active speakers it's connected to. This even makes it possible to integrate speakers without their own Bluetooth connection into a fully wireless monitoring setup. To ensure compatibility with as many different satellites as possible, users can set the subwoofer's crossover frequency to anywhere between 40Hz and 180Hz. A practical, powerful, and affordable subwoofer, the Mackie CR8S BT is also well‑suited for everyday music listening or giving the sound at parties an extra portion of bottom end.