CR-X Series OM
CR-X Series OM
6. Clean only with a dry cloth. 22. WARNING: Please refer to the information on exterior bottom enclosure for electrical
and safety information before installing or operating the apparatus.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions. 23. The use of apparatus is in tropical climates.
8. Minimum distance (5 cm) around the apparatus for sufficient ventilation. 24. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
9. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and,
if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
10. No naked flame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus. interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation.
11. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged
and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement
of the obsolete outlet. • Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
12. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, • Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
13. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. is connected.
14. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified PORTABLE CART
WARNING
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart
is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by LOUD Audio,
to avoid injury from tip-over. LLC. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.
15. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long 25. This apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital
periods of time. apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
16. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has Canada ICES-003(B)/NMB-003(B)
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B
17. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no object filled (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté
with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed on the apparatus. par les ministere des communications du Canada.
18. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a risk of fire or electric 26. This equipment is a Class II or double insulated electrical appliance. It has been
shock. designed in such a way that it does not require a safety connection to electrical
earth.
CAUTION 27. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules and Industry Canada’s license-exempt
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK! DO NOT OPEN! RSS standard(s). Operation is subjected to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. cause undesired operation.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
28. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone
triangle is intended to alert the user to the prescence of uninsulated will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of time.
“dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure, that may be of The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
significant magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. has specified the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits could result in some
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure
to alert the user of the prescence of important operating and levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high
maintaining (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs
the appliance. or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment
in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth
here:
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not Duration, per Sound Level dBA,
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. Typical Example
day in hours Slow Response
8 90 Duo in small club
CAUTION – These servicing instructions are for use by 6 92
qualified service personnel only. To reduce the risk of electric
shock, do not perform any servicing other than that contained 4 95 Subway Train
in the operating instructions unless you are qualified to do so. 3 97
2 100 Very loud classical music
1.5 102
Laite on liitettävä suojakoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan.
Apparatet må tilkoples jordet stikkontakt. 1 105 Craig screaming at Troy about deadlines
Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag. 0.5 110
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
Correct disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE directive (2012/19/EU)
and your national law. This product should be handed over to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling
of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated
with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about
where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.
Owner’s Manual
Important Safety Instructions.....................2 Signature CR Series Sound
Contents........................................................3 • Professional studio-quality sound
Features.........................................................3 • Perfect upgrade for your desktop speakers
Introduction..................................................4 • Great for home studios, content creators,
gaming, listening to your favorite tunes,
Getting Started.............................................4 and more
Hookup Diagrams.........................................5
Please write the serial numbers here for future reference Additional Tidbits of Wisdom
(i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization,
make dad proud, etc.) • Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.
Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2
for information on hearing protection.
• When you shut down your equipment, turn off
the monitors first to prevent thumps and other
Purchased at: noises generated by any upstream equipment
from coming out the speakers. When powering
up, turn on the monitors last.
• Save the sales receipt and original packaging in case
Date of purchase: you ever need warranty service. See page 15
for details.
Owner’s Manual
CR3-X / CR4-X / CR5-X CR3-X / CR4-X / CR5-X
The illustration above shows a typical use for CR-X Series Multimedia Monitors. Everyone needs tunes
while working, right... or is it just me?
In this example, simply connect the (included) cable from the computer’s 1/8" output jack to the L/R RCA inputs
of the powered CR-X Series Multimedia Monitor. If you prefer to use 1/4" inputs or 1/8" stereo input instead of RCA
inputs, those options are available, too.
Next we’ll want to connect the passive speaker. The included black (–) and red (+) speaker wires should
be connected from the powered monitor’s ± spring clips to the passive monitor’s ± spring clips as detailed
by the dotted lines above:
Connect black (–) to black (–) and red (+) to red (+).
Almost there! Move the ‘Powered Speaker Position Select’ switch to either the “L” or “R” position based on whether
the powered reference monitor – the one with the volume knob – will be on the left or right side.
Now position the monitors where you would like them. Play audio through the computer, making sure
that the volume of the computer and monitors are above “0”.
Last step: move the monitors around until the optimal sound has been achieved and adjust volume to taste.
Optional (CR5-X): place the included acoustic isolation pads underneath the monitors to minimize boomy bass
build-up and provide up/down tilt control for more focused listening.
Owner’s Manual 5
Hookup Diagrams continued...
CR-X Multimedia Monitors
R L
2.0
The illustration above shows another use for CR-X Series Multimedia Monitors. Perhaps you’re a home studio
musician using your favorite DAW to record.
In this example, a pair of 1/4" cables is connected from the audio interface’s output jacks to the 1/4" inputs
on the rear panel of the powered CR-X Series Multimedia Monitor. As seen here, we’re partial to Mackie’s Onyx
Artist 1•2 2x2 USB Audio Interface!
Next we’ll want to connect the passive speaker. The included black (–) and red (+) speaker wires should
be connected from the powered monitor’s ± spring clips to the passive monitor’s ± spring clips as detailed
by the dotted lines above:
Connect black (–) to black (–) and red (+) to red (+).
Almost there! Move the ‘Powered Speaker Position Select’ switch to either the “L” or “R” position based
on whether the powered reference monitor – the one with the volume knob – will be on the left or right side.
Now position the monitors where you would like them. Play audio through the interface, making sure
that the volume of the interface and monitors are above “0”.
Last step: move the monitors around until the optimal sound has been achieved and adjust volume to taste.
Optional: plugging a pair of headphones into the front panel 1/8" headphones jack auto-defeats the speaker
output. The front panel volume control then controls the level going to the phones.
Owner’s Manual
Connect the line-level signal from a computer, mixer,
or other signal source to one pair of these input jacks.
There are two types of input connectors to choose from:
1/4" line-level signals driven by balanced or unbalanced
sources or RCA line-level signals driven by unbalanced
sources. Since these are connected together
electrically, do not connect more than one signal
TIP
RING
TIP
SLEEVE
TIP
TIP
1. AC Line Cord SLEEVE
Plug the attached power cord into a live AC outlet
that has the correct voltage indicated on the rear panel.
The unbalanced RCA plugs are wired as follows:
Unbalanced RCA
2. Power Switch Sleeve = Shield (Ground)
Tip = Hot (+)
Press this switch left to turn the CR-X multimedia
monitors on. Make sure the volume knob is off SLEEVE TIP SLEEVE TIP
9
SEASON
Owner’s Manual
Included with the CR-X Series Multimedia Monitors CR-X Series multimedia monitors will provide many
are multiple accessories, including: years of reliable service if you follow these guidelines.
• 1/8" to stereo RCA cable to connect computer • Avoid exposing the monitors to moisture.
output to speakers
• Avoid exposure to extreme cold (below freezing
• 1/8" to 1/8" cable to connect a smartphone or media temperatures).
player
• Use a dry cloth to clean the cabinets.
• Speaker-to-speaker cable Only do this when the power is turned off.
Even though these cables are included, they
might need to be replaced at some point [e.g. cats
play tug-of-war, you ran out of ribbon to tie a gift
and used these instead]. Or perhaps you prefer to use
the 1/4" inputs. If so, we recommend using high-quality,
shielded cables to connect the signal source to the
signal input jacks on CR-X Series multimedia monitors.
Three types of input connectors are provided to
interface with virtually any application you may have:
• Balanced TRS / Unbalanced TS cables work well
with the 1/4" inputs.
• Unbalanced phono cables work well with the RCA
inputs.
• Unbalanced TRS cables work well with the 1/8"
input.
Owner’s Manual 9
Appendix A: Service Information
CR-X Multimedia Monitors
If you think your CR-X Multimedia Monitors Poor sound
have a problem, please check out the following • Is it loud and distorted? Make sure that you’re not
troubleshooting tips and do your best to confirm overdriving a stage in the signal chain. Verify that
the problem. Visit the Support section of our website all level controls are set properly.
(www.mackie.com/support) where you will find lots
of useful information such as FAQs and other • Are the input connectors plugged completely into
documentation. You may find the answer the jacks? Be sure all connections are secure.
to the problem without having to part with your monitors.
• If possible, listen to the signal source with headphones
Troubleshooting plugged into the preamp stage. If it sounds bad there,
it’s not the monitor.
No power
• Too much bass or not enough bass? Move around
• Make sure the power cord is plugged all the way into
the room and see if the bass response changes.
the AC outlet.
It’s possible your listening position coincides
with a room mode where the low frequencies either
• Our favorite question: Is it plugged in? Make sure
become exaggerated or nulled. If so, try moving
the AC outlet is live [check with a tester or lamp].
the monitors to a different position, or moving your
listening position.
• Our next favorite question: Is the power switch on?
If not, try turning it on.
• Is the front panel volume control “clicked” on? Noise / Hum / Buzz
The power is on only when the rear panel power • Check the signal cable between the computer/mixer/
switch is on and the front panel volume control MP3 player/phone and the reference monitor. Make
is not fully counter-clockwise. sure all connections are secure. These problems
usually produce crackling noises, hum, or buzz.
• Is the power LED on the front panel illuminated?
If not, make sure the AC outlet is live. If so, refer • If connecting an unbalanced output to the CR-X Series
to “No sound” below. reference monitor’s balanced input, make sure
the shield is connected to the unbalanced ground
• The internal AC line fuse may be blown. This is not of the source.
a user serviceable part. If you suspect the AC line
fuse is blown, please see the "Repair" section next. • Make sure the signal cable is not routed near AC
cables, power transformers, or other EMI sources
(including wall warts and line lumps!). These sources
No sound usually produce hum.
• Is the level knob for the input source turned all the way
down? Verify that all the volume controls in the system • Is there a light dimmer or other triac-based device
are properly adjusted. on the same AC circuit as the monitor? Dimmers
cause buzzing noises. Use an AC line filter or plug
• Is the signal source turned up? Make sure the signal the monitor into a different AC circuit.
level from the computer, mixer, MP3 player, phone
(or whatever device immediately precedes • Excessive hiss is an indication of an incorrect gain
the multimedia monitors) is high enough to produce setting somewhere before the speaker.
sound.
• If possible, listen to the signal source with headphones
• If it’s a stereo pair, try switching them around. plugged in. If it sounds noisy there, it’s not the monitor.
For example, if a left output is presumed dead,
switch the left and right cords at the monitor end.
If the problem switches sides, it’s not the monitor.
It could be a bad cable, or no signal from the source.
Owner’s Manual
jack. If the noise disappears, it could be a “ground
loop,” rather than a problem with the CR-X Multimedia
For warranty service, refer to the warranty information
Monitor. Try some of the following troubleshooting
on page 15.
ideas:
• Use balanced connections throughout your Non-warranty service is available at a factory-authorized
system for the best noise rejection. service center. To locate the nearest service center, visit
• Whenever possible, plug all the audio www.mackie.com/support/service-locator. Service
equipment’s line cords into outlets which share for CR-X Multimedia Monitors living outside the United
a common ground. The distance between States may be obtained through local dealers or distributors.
the outlets and the common ground should
If you do not have access to our website, please call
be as short as possible.
our Tech Support department at 1-800-898-3211 (normal
business hours, Pacific Time), to explain the problem.
They will tell you where the nearest factory-authorized
Other Issues service center is located in your area.
• Please email or call Technical Support if you
are having any other issue not listed here:
o mackie.com/support-contact
o 1-800-898-3211
Owner’s Manual 11
Appendix B: Technical Information
CR-X Multimedia Monitors
Transducers
Low Frequency 3.0 in / 76 mm [CR3-X] Physical Properties
4.0 in / 102 mm [CR4-X] CR3-X:
5.0 in / 127 mm [CR5-X] Height: 8.1 in / 206 mm
Polypropylene-coated woofer
Width: 5.5 in / 140 mm
High Frequency 0.75 in / 19 mm
ferrofluid-cooled silk-dome tweeter Depth: 7.1 in / 180 mm
Weight: 7.8 lb / 3.5 kg
Amplifiers CR4-X:
Rated Power 50 watts peak [CR3-X, CR4-X] Height: 8.9 in / 225 mm
80 watts peak [CR5-X] Width: 6.1 in / 155 mm
Design Class D Depth: 8.3 in / 210 mm
Weight: 10.1 lb / 4.6 kg
Disclaimer
Power Requirements Since we are always striving to make our products better
CR3-X and CR4-X ~100V – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz, 60W by incorporating new and improved materials, components,
CR5-X ~100V – 240 VAC, 50 – 60 Hz, 80W and manufacturing methods, we reserve the right to change
these specifications at any time without notice.
The “Running Man” figure is a registered trademark of LOUD
Audio, LLC.
All other brand names mentioned are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders, and are hereby
acknowledged.
©2019 LOUD Audio, LLC.
All Rights Reserved.
Owner’s Manual
DIMENSIONS
5.5 in / 140 mm 7.1 in / 180 mm
WEIGHT
(per pair)
7.8 lb
3.5 kg
8.1 in
206 mm
CR4-X Dimensions
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
(per pair)
10.1 lb
4.6 kg
8.9 in
225 mm
CR5-X Dimensions
DIMENSIONS
WEIGHT
(per pair)
14.9 lb
6.8 kg
10.2 in
260 mm
Owner’s Manual 13
14
CR-X Multimedia Monitors
7
PHONE S OUTPUT DETECTION 6
TRS L
3
L 2
4
5
1
PHONE S OUTPUT
VOLUME
TRS R
VOLUME
RCA L MCU
POWER SW
ON
OFF
SDA
SCL
+3.3V
RCA R
CR-X Multimedia Monitors Block Diagram
POWERED SPEAKER
POSITION SELECT
7 tweeter
6
3
L
counter
2 woofer
down
4
5
1
SDOUT
3.5 INPUT L IN SCLK
Green ADC
R IN LRCK Amplifier
MCLK tweeter
R
counter
woofer
down
+5V DC-DC
+3.3V
SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY
-12V
AC 100-240V +12V
POWER PANEL
+VCC
GND
Limited Warranty
Owner’s Manual
Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
This Limited Product Warranty (“Product Warranty”) is provided by LOUD Audio, LLC (“LOUD”) and is applicable to products
purchased in the United States or Canada through a LOUD-authorized reseller or dealer. The Product Warranty will not extend
to anyone other than the original purchaser of the product (hereinafter, “Customer,” “you” or “your”).
For products purchased outside the U.S. or Canada, please visit www.mackie.com to find contact information for your local
distributor, and information on any warranty coverage provided by the distributor in your local market.
LOUD warrants to Customer that the product will be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use
during the Warranty Period. If the product fails to conform to the warranty then LOUD or its authorized service representative
will at its option, either repair or replace any such nonconforming product, provided that Customer gives notice of the
noncompliance within the Warranty Period to the Company at: www.mackie.com or by calling LOUD technical support
at 1.800.898.3211 (toll-free in the U.S. and Canada) during normal business hours Pacific Time, excluding weekends
or LOUD holidays. Please retain the original dated sales receipt as evidence of the date of purchase. You will need it
to obtain any warranty service.
For full terms and conditions, as well as the specific duration of the Warranty for this product, please visit www.mackie.com.
The Product Warranty, together with your invoice or receipt, and the terms and conditions located at www.mackie.com
constitutes the entire agreement, and supersedes any and all prior agreements between LOUD and Customer related
to the subject matter hereof. No amendment, modification or waiver of any of the provisions of this Product Warranty
will be valid unless set forth in a written instrument signed by the party to be bound thereby.
• Telephone 1-800-898-3211 to speak with one of our splendid technical support chaps
(Monday through Friday, normal business hours, Pacific Time).
Owner’s Manual 15
19820 North Creek Parkway #201
Bothell, WA 98011 • USA
Phone: 425.487.4333
Toll-free: 800.898.3211
Fax: 425.487.4337
www.mackie.com