Two weeks ago, we had a review of the Samson MediaOne BT3 monitors. While it concludes that the BT3s are a great purchase, it’s worth evaluating alternatives.
Now, to keep things as comparable as possible, all the monitors in this post have the following features:
- Available for less than $100
- Three-inch woofers
- Sold as a pair
Disclaimer: none of these products have actually been used or tested by Light Audio Recording. This post intends to collate appropriate products based on similar criteria, that could be considered for compact and affordable recording.
Mackie CR3 monitors
Firstly, we have Mackie’s offering for the compact and affordable market. The CR3 is the smallest of the CR range. However, its output power is the same as the larger ones. And, that output is 50 watts, making it the most powerful speakers on our list.
In addition to the three-inch woofers, the CR3s have three-quarter-inch tweeters. So, nothing terribly outstanding thus far.
However, I think where the CR3s really win is the accompanying accessories. The box also includes…
- Isolation pads
- RCA to 1/8″ cable to connect your PC or Mac
- 1/8″ to 1/8″ cable to connect your smartphone
But, there’s more!
An interesting features at the back of the CR3 is a switch that lets you decide which will be the left and right monitor. So you decide which side the volume knob will be on.
I appreciate some creators will like things a certain way, but, in a personal capacity, I’d definitely file it under “things I never wanted.”
Also, at the back of the CR3, is a stereo 1/4″ input, and an RCA input. The front of the powered speaker has an additional 1/8″ mono input, and a headphone jack.
Check them out at your favorite retailer.
Alesis Elevate 3 MKII
Secondly, we have this pair from Alesis. Also, a very popular brand in pro audio gear – I think they’re best known for drum machines, but I’m familiar with their audio interfaces too.
The output power on the Elevate 3s are more expected of their size: 20 watts total.
The Elevate 3s are definitely all about simplicity. Probably more so than any of its competitors. The only input is an RCA at the back of the powered monitor, and the two speakers are connected via a 1/8″ to 1/8″ cable.
Also, it includes a 1/8″ to RCA cable to connect your audio interface or whatever device you need. And a bass boost button. I can’t see a use for that in music production though, as you want everything to sound balanced.
The only features on the front panel are the headphone jack and volume knob.
Sterling MX3
Finally, we have a little pair from Sterling. They’re not a household name in pro audio brands, but it looks like they’re trying to balance the power of the Mackies with the simplicity of the Alesis.
The MX3s pack 40 watts of power. Similarly to the Alesis, the features and functions of the MX3s are minimal:
- RCA input
- 1/8″ to 1/8″ speaker connection
- Headphone jack
- Volume knob
That’s really it. Unlike the other products on the list, it doesn’t seem to include any cables.
The best monitors for light audio recording: conclusion
To conclude, these are all completely solid brands. And, the specs are all relatively similar. So, you’re not going to go wrong with any of them.
Perhaps a side-by-side comparison of the differences will help?
| Output | 50 watts | 20 watts | 40 watts |
| Accessories included |
|
|
n/a |
| Other cool stuff | Switch to select which is left or right monitor | Bass boost switch | n/a |
| Frequency response | 80Hz to 20kHz | 80Hz to 20kHz | 55Hz to 22kHz |
However, looking at that table there’s still not much between any of them.
Ultimately, I think this will come down to how much you balance or lean towards power and/or simplicity.
Price might also sway you. The Amazon listings have free shipping, but so does zZounds. zZounds also has a discount for your first order with them.
eBay and Reverb can have some really good deals on used monitors, but make sure you check shipping costs.
And in all cases, make sure you check the sellers’ return policies – if it turns out it’s not for you, you’ll want to make sure you can get your money back.
Finally, if you found this helpful, subscribe on the right hand side of this page. You’ll get an email when new posts go live on Thursday, inspiring you going into the weekend.
Moreover, share your own light audio recording thoughts and experiences! There’s a Facebook group, a Subreddit, Twitter and Instagram.
Buy me a coffee
When it comes to monitor speakers, it’s important to consider the frequency range too. Maybe worth putting that in the comparison table?
Thanks Phil – updated!
Yeah, I was between two minds about including the frequency response info in the table.
I figured the nature of this blog is about getting on with it rather than dwelling on science – the priority is price and space. And that it would be obvious that monitors in that market would have such limitations.
But you’re right – so now it’s there for anybody who’ll get into it. And I neatened up the table while I was at it!