First real world test of Eris E3.5 on YT! Your sir, broke the record again. Mackie is just too muffled; and Presonus, although mids is not all satisfactory, sounds better in this comparo. Eris E3.5 wins!
I ordered a pair of Presonus E3.5 a few days ago based mainly on this. These were exactly the two models I was most interested in and couldn't find a good comparison that helped me to decide, until I found your video. Thank you! :D
I was literally just given both of these options on amazon to buy as my first monitors and ended up choosing the Eris' thanks to your video. 8:45 bass comparison was the final battle for me.
@@johnkbijo The presonus eris 5 or ext version ,Kali lp6 and Mackie Mr524 are in my radar now.I think 3.5 or 4.5 will be a bit too small for my liking and what i'm gonna use it for.
The clarity on the Presonus is outstanding, I think these two E3.5 with a woofer could reach insane results. I mean the only thing those are missing are low end, but balance and clarity are nailed. The Mackies were kinda muddy on mid lows i think, more bassy. Maybe more suitable for consumers not mixing engineers.
I was actually considering these very two models a few weeks ago. After reading some reviews that the Mackies are very inaccurate and too bass heavy, I decided to take a chance on the Presonus Eris E3.5s since there was not much information online and impressions at the time. I am very glad I chose the E3.5s, as I am coming from a really unbalanced and muffled set of Bose Companion 2 Series IIIs that had horrible midrange and treble. Thank you for posting this excellent comparison, and I hope it helps others choose the flatter and crisper E3.5s over the CR3s!
With the volume knob at halfway, I have to be 3" away to hear any hiss, and with the knob at 75%, I can hear low hissing only at around 10". However, the hiss isn't like most speakers but more of a soft deep static that isn't irritating at all. Hope this helps!
I have three e4.5's I have no hiss at all.. I've seen other people talk about a hiss but figured it must be something they fixed because my after totally silent and hiss free
I agree with most of the comments - Pre's are more cresp/real while Mack's muddy/bass. I'm commenting to your post because I'm going from Bose Companion 2 (I think mine are older) to something else. I saw Mackies on sale somewhere and went to get a pair but they had none in stock. I'm glad I came home and just started to look online a bit. I found the Pre's for the same price online and googled Presounus vs Mackie and came here. Thanks for your comment.
I purchased the E3.5 and i have to say how pleased i am with them! They have amazing sound in such a small and portable package. This video was key in my decision. Thank You! I appreciate your videos!
@@CriticalElixer Some people have more keen hearing than others. A test was done before where some people can't tell the different pitches between notes, so something going from clarity to more bassy, or more clarity to less clarity can be difficult for some. Age is another factor, but I know at least 3 60+ year olds who knows the difference between something like this, it just comes with whether you can hear it or not, you just may be in the no difference category.
@@eleesium8407 i think i was just being sloppy. I listened more carefully a second time. And I can clearly now tell a difference. This was excellent video. I bought the Presonus speakers. The speakers can be placed in medium sized trash buckets 2 increase their bass
It doesn’t really matter which studio monitors you use each brand sounds different as long as you do a clean mix on them it will sound good on almost all monitors
You are right but not all sound cards are created equal. This guy doesn't mention what brand he has but we have tos assume it is a "default" between the two monitors. Impedance in interface alone could throw off a "clean" mix. Unless you are pre amping a mono signal into stereo, there is no "true" clean mix. That requires post panning anyways but is the best option. This is why records are phono.
As someone who's bought the Eris, lemme tell you, it's not "flat" But that in no way has put me off the product. I was blown away with the sort of witchcraft these guys pull of with such a budget product. The stereo image is superb, and the sound stage is elaborate enough for you to think there's three speakers instead of two. As long as you position yourself right, you'll really hear the mix and the master and any errors in said processes if there are any. For $99, I'm hooked for life. But trust me when i tell you, despite the channel's extremely sophisticated measures to compare these speakers, a video on RUclips doesn't do either of these justice I'm sure. You need to hear it in-store for an accurate representation. Ps : Listening to Flacs, the eris does tend to distort at max volume. Could be the dac I'm using..but it's worth noting. But if you have a small space like i do, you don't really ever need to crank it up that high. Even a little past half volume on the speakers is substantially loud.
I sent back Ilouds and Yamaha HS5's because they didn't work well in my room (the dining room table - no acoustic room treatment - in close proximity - triangle sweet spot). Both had too much bass, even with thick pads and stands. My mixes didn't translate well to other systems. Everything sounded thin and weeny, as I was having to reduce the low end to make it sound OK, even with all settings on flat. I couldn't trust them and I'm not into guess work. So I tried the 3.5's on the off chance, as they were extremely cheap. Could always send them back anyway. The result is: they sound much bigger than they are and all of a sudden my mixes translate ...very well. I'm so pleasantly surprised. Good stereo separation, nice clean bass, good soundstage. Perfect for my little setup with MacBook Pro, Logic and Thunderbolt interface. I still can't believe how cheap they were. I saw a RUclips clip about them and the guy said they were a gift from Presonus and that the price was actually just a nominal service fee. I can affirm what he said.
Wow presonus are mind-blowing i can listen reverb clearly and it has more space than makie..i am going to presonus man...thank you so much for this video.. aarigato 💚💚
It confirms my impression after some research, the Eris have a little less roundness and are more faithful to the original sound, clearer. Knowing that on the Eris we have 2 potentiometers to adjust bass and treble and adjust them to +/- 6db, which the Mackies do not have. My choice is therefore validated, I order the PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT now! Thank you for this simple and effective test!
I honestly ordered the Presonus 3.5's this morning and was looking for videos to make me feel more encouraged about my purchase even though they were cheap as dirt. Thanks for taking the time to make this, it's a nice presentation and a good range for the comparison.
@@nahyako8111 I got them for $89 back in 2018 and still use them today. They aren't the loudest but they get the job done for my needs and I love their response and I have had 0 issues so far.
Just ordered my pair of Presonus after watching this for the course of a month, thinking about it and saving up. I make music on a budget and the Eris' sound incredible and truly flat for the price, great to get the ball rolling. What a time to be alive and make art.. Can't wait for them to arrive and get even more productive! Thank you so much for your videos!
Too flat. Mackie's too heavy on the bass and Presonus doesn't have enough midrange or lowend, tinny sounding. A good speaker would be a merging of the two.
i had the Mackies, they were great for home computer desktop applications. They have an amazing presence and presentation for such a small speaker. and can get fairly loud, with excellent bass for their size and clearly detailed mids and treble. I'd describe them as a little forward and warm, which is great for casual listening and video but not entirely neutral. You can definitely hear the CR3's sound signature is warmer and a bit punchier than the 3.5's the bass is more prominent but also slightly muddier. For critical listening and studio environments, though, a flat sonic profile is generally preferable. that said, the Mackies have more oomph on dynamic tracks and deeper bass, but sound dead even on classical. I like that the 3.5's have an EQ of +6/-6 dB which allows you more versatility in shaping the sound curve than the Mackies; however for non- critical listening situations, i couldnt complain about the Mackie's tuning, and they were fine for occasional audio editing of performance and interviews for radio broadcast. . Otherwise, these two speakers are pretty close, spec-wise and feature-wise. they both offer the same connectivity and flexibility in inputs and have the same power rating. the 3.5s have a slightly-larger woofer but the Mackies dont sound underpowered. For pure studio use, id probably go for the 3.5s but for more varied uses, the Mackies are hard to beat at their price/performance threshold. I think most people would be happy with either speaker but there are some distinct differences which could swing the pendulum one way or another.
People first know your tone then go for the monitors. If you love low mid to be in your track then go for the presonas. If you love to make your track crisp and less boomy then go for Mackie. Its all about your taste!
Olandes Volador Because it is...you'll mix according to what the speakers tell you if you don't compensate for them. With the cr3 you'll mix them to be less bass heavy as the bass will be accentuated. Same goes for whatever other characteristic
True, b/c when mixing you compensate for what the speaker does not have. Some responders thought you were describing what the speakers had, not what they lacked.
I had the Mackie. Lows are boomy and at high volume it's pretty muddy and harsh. Outstanding as a low volume PC speaker, unusable as a studio mixer. My $.02.
Thanks for this very helpful video! Correct me if I’m wrong but monitors aren’t meant for everyday listening. The way I understand it, they’re meant to present an accurate representation of music across a broad frequency range. It’s more about clarity, definition and separation. You might think the Mackies sound ‘better’ but that’s subjective and beside the point. To my ear, the Presonus Eris E3.5 monitors won this shootout easily. And having played in bands for years while standing in front of a crash symbol, I’m lucky I can still hear at all! I was leaning toward the Mackie, partly due to brand loyalty. The video helped me to decide and that’s what it’s all about, right? ;)
Unreliable are both lol... Upper mids on presonus has bump if i can even judge by this video (i cant), but 2-2.5khz seems elevated... Also am i trippin or macki has smoother highs? Silky and airy compared to presonus (im still judging)
For the listener, this test depends on the audio output from youtube and the headphones or speakers you are listening this comparison on, keep that in mind. Tnx for making these kind of the reviews. 🙂
Eris has a more open sound while Mackie seems to have muffled sound by comparison.. but I think this aspect can be beneficial depending on the room and if the use is to listen to music, not for mixing.
@@s_s-g4d Maybe you are right.. I cannot say otherwise, although I disagree with that. Based on my own experience with audio and my preferences, I think this is a matter of personal taste: I have an active system with processor and several features, including making the sound flat at +/- 1 dB from 30Hz to 18khz, and I really don't like this setup for listening to progressive and rock from seventies.
After watching this and a few other comparisons I got the Presonus Eris E3.5. I'm pretty disappointed in them. They sound pretty "empty", even after turning the knobs on the back to "max bass", and maxing out the bass in Windows and Creative control panel, plus increasing bass on the software EQ. I originally watched the video with my ATH AD700's and did like the CR3 a bit more, but was swayed by some of the comments that all favored the Eris. I guess the sound equipment people are using to listen to the comparison probably makes a big difference. Watching the video again on my Eris E3.5, I definitely still prefer the CR3, so I'll be returning the Eris and getting that.
@@sangarios54 Can you do test with the hardest song that i found and record it to RUclips? It doesn't have to be professional microphone. Also can you write that did your heard low bass at 3:30 or later sections? Thanks a lot from now. 0:20-0:30 1:50-2:00 3:30-4:10 Link : www.dosya.tc/server28/1jqque/a._Nolige_-_Leave_Me.mp3.html
@@Sam-me5pl yeah according to my research Mackies models tend to be super unrealiable, especially in the CR3 the power board can die in as little as 2 months usage. CR4 are not as prone to this but it still happens a lot. On the other side, the Eris dont have any reports of this at all... and Presonus as a company seems be way more solid than Mackie. Believe me I do a whole lotta research on sound tech including speakers and then I try 2-3 different models in search for my favourite. Got the 3.5s coming this Friday and I CANNOT WAIT to hear them live.
Yeah, the Mackie CR3 are equally tight sounding, but have more of a V-sound signature. The mids are not as clear and more muted, to cut some of that boominess out I’d guess. Which gives it an overall pleasant sound for listening. But for analytical listening and music production the Presonus Eris3.5 provide a more balanced flatter sound with slightly more detail and clarity. More can be said, but this is the general impression I’m getting here. There is of course the flavor aspect for each speaker which is personal preference. Great comparison video! Thanks! These kinda videos never get old. :)
I bought the Eris 3.5 the other week and I am really happy with them so far. I got the non-BT version on discount. I am not an audiophile and I use them only to listen to music at the computer. Clear vibrant sound.
Great comparison, TY! I only had to listen as far as the N.O. Jazz to hear how the Mackie was mushy in the low mids and the Presonus was WAY more transparent. I used very good headphones to listen. I'm a bit surprised that the Mackies didn't perform better, but it is a huge difference.
Great job! I was so glad to find this. Presonus sounded slightly more clear...a bit tinny in the highs, probably roll back the eq just a touch. Mackie's had a bit more rumble however it got a bit muddy around 100hz and too boomy. The presonus seemed to peak the bass around 55 hertz which was lower than mackie but seemed more "usable" and more complementary in my opinion.
Had the CR3's, really loved them, but they died this morning, after only 18 months of very moderate use, seems like a lot of people have the same problem with those speakers, they get too hot and die too soon..
I bought this video after buying cr3. After reading it, I will inform the seller of the return, postage I pay. I listened to this recording with a different device last night. There are obvious differences. I feel that the cr3 is a bit muddy, especially the mid-bass part. I bought eris E3.5 this morning, and I was on the road. Looking forward to it, I discussed a lot of these speakers with friends who helped me choose the sound. He agreed with cr3 and felt that the vocals are more realistic. He is also a music producer. People, he still recommend cr3, I still insist on E3.5, after all, is the equipment I need to use later, hahahaha. I am a Chinese music lover. I listen to music everyday, not a professional player. This price equipment is already very expensive for us. I am very grateful to the brothers who uploaded the video. Help me make the right choice, thank you again.
E3s sound too thin to my ears. Mackies seem to have more depth. I guess I'm in the minority thinking the Mackies sound a bit better to me. Thanks for this review. I was down to trying to decide between these two. Just found the CR3s for $10 less with TRS cables included.
The second song file ("The Making of Thumbs Up") is where the Presonus really shines. The mid to high range is so crisp and the lows are punchy and natural. When the Mackie's kick in, you can hear how artificial and over accentuated the lows-mids are. Was on the fence with both of these speakers, but this video sold me. I get it.. everyone wants that bass boost, but in terms of natural, clear and crisp sound it's no argument; the winner is Presonus by a long shot.
You've convinced me to get the Presonus. Yeah, the Mackie has the bass boost, but if you really listen, it's not a full, rich kind of bass. it's actually pretty flat and dull.
I’m not into classical music, but at 6:00 I can satisfyingly feel the string instruments being bowed into my ears with the Eris. A clear winner for monitoring purposes & thanks for this excellent comparison video. Now to decide between Eris 3.5 and 4.5, hahaha... I’ve watched your other comparison video, but any advice?
If you're looking for Studio Monitors to create metal or rock, like myself, I recommend the Mackie CR3 or something with more bass than treble. In those genres the bass is important. Even tho in the Presonus Eris E3.5 there's more definition and clarity, they are a little bit treble heavy. I think I'm gonna buy the Mackie CR3.
Thank you. This absolutely settles the debate for me. I think a mid range sub would make these two have a tie. The mackie's would match with less gain. I dunno why that would be important though unless you are dependant on an 2nd party mastering service without the sub or mixing your tracks at home and refining in a studio with a band. However, the price range is matched & that's a no brained toward the Presonus.
I think there's too much low in the Mackie's to where they are Booming and sound muffled. I'm seriously considering the Eris 3.5. I like the adjustment to High/Low on them. I got a Yamaha NW-SW050 Subwoofer recently and it has no crossover or phase correction on them, so I think the Eris could be a very good match to many components because of the features it has.
I ordered my the E3.5 because they are fine sound! I buyed them for 91€ in B-Ware quality, because I Think Microlab b77 wherent god enough in therms bass quality! So Iam sendet them back... and sorry for me lacking english!
I have the presonus speakers. They are particularly accurate and detailed in the high frequencies with good stereo definition. The bass is a different matter, however, revealing a very distinctive low mid frequency bump at 150hz...so it'll sound artificially 'boomy' without the subs (obviously not much sub-100hz given the small size of the speakers). Rolling off the bass on the controls helps a little bit but the 150hz peak remains. Used for mixing, I think these are good for a three-four hour session at low volume but there is some ear fatigue (for me) any longer than that, especially at higher volumes.
Mackie has emphasized low mids and lows and muddier top. However on small speakers that can't deliver much punch this I think actually creates a more balanced sound. Small speakers will always be more treble friendly so on louder volumes these frequencies will inevitably shine and presonus will sound harsher even though the top end is technically more detailed it just won't hit as hard.
From what I can tell the Pre’s have a much flatter response and more clarity.. good, I just ordered the pre’s and was torn between the too. Looking for a cheaper set to take with me on the road when traveling for work.
Wait, you want the CR3 bass turned up? It was the one with more bass in the example! I'm torn, because I think the CR3 might sound nicer for general use, the E3.5 will be better for a studio environment. But the CR3 was too mid to bass-heavy at times, and I love bass haha.
@@webthefox I love bass but I listen to a lot of reggae and house, so I really want something where I can hear bass clearly. I love bass, but not on an ignorant loud rap vibe, I want something I can completely hear the bass in the background
I have tried to search for the Dream A Dream Song but not finding it anywhere, please can you tell me the full details of the song I loved it and wanna listen it
The final part where the level of response to low frequency impulses is tested cleared my doubts and made it clear how the presonus control in a precise way that has no comparison with the mackie, unfortunately there are people who buy them but it is a matter of taste , the monitoring is more precise in Eris 3.5
Listened this on Yamahas HS50M and also tested on Beyerdynamic DT770PRO 250 Ohms + Focusrite 2i2, and guys, I think we need to go to the shop and listen live because I see the next picture - Mackie CR3 - More fulfilled atmosphere, more and clear bass, but there is a hum around 80Hz that dampens high and mid frequencies. Presonus E3.5 - Very high frequencies and clear mids, but a very huge gap between 40 - 120Hz - like there is no bass totally. So, I think that if you choosing between these monitors - You all should listen to 'em live to decide which is the best for you.
I am listening to this video with a set of Logitech Z213 speakers, with my own custom EQ (Dell Waves MaxxAudio Pro). During the last bass test, my speakers started turning into port noise at 60 Hz. Logitech rates the Z213 at 65 - 20, 000 Hz. I'm planning on getting the Logitech Z313, and EQ-ing them accordingly. Those are rated for 45 - 20, 000 Hz.
THE Presonus are Clearer in the high frequencies I dont know , I think the Mackies are more subdued in the high frequencies and a bit more muffled sounding...For my taste I prefer the Presonus because you can always tame those highs with an EQ or the HF Ajust knob on the back. I cant say that for the Mackies as they have no HP or LP AJUST Knobs on the back of the speaker...
Most people have too much Bass on their systems so If you can make your mixes sound like the Eris with natural mids on the Mackie Cr3's then you probably will have a good mix!
I prefer the sound of the Mackie CR3, the Presonous sound with more treble to my ears and I like the clarity of the CR3. What a shame these things cost double the US price here in my country :/
The Presonus has a balanced sound, not driving the bass harder than it should be. It should be a good representation of what the song should sound like. Let car audio boost the bass from your music. Mackie's still sound great, probably be awesome for gaming, or movie watching!
Hi, I am looking for a pair of studio monitors for my home studio to for EDM Production. I am confused between Mackie CR3, Presonus Eris 3.5 and The Edifier R1700BT. I watched many reviews and came to the conclusion that Edifier has most balanced sound, But are they studio monitors ? Or can they be used as studio monitors ? Please help me choose between the three. Thank You :)
Im in the market for a second pair of speakers. I've been working with the Yamaha HS8 for years, and they're great. But I wanna' build a second studio, and make it more portable. I'll get the Eris 3.5 monitors 😎. Thanks for the comparison. Big like 👍
I Produce EDM but I don't have a monitor, can you please help me out which one i should choose 🙏🙏🙏 anyway i can feel the Avicii vibe on this first song
For anyone: I moved & couldn't bring my JBL 305's with me. I used them for multimedia use but their tweeters/sound guide were AMAZING, to me. Does one tweeter design in this comparison do 'magical' things over the other?
Any idea if adjusting the bass knob on the back of presonus would bring it closer to cr3? After all Presonus have a bigger woofer(and tweeter) and should be more capable. I've cr3 and it died... and the only alternative speakers that are not faulty mackie in this price range are e3.5 and m-audio av42. Just gaming, movies, music, home use. no pro work.
I have steinberg ur2mkII device for recording guitar. I have Shure headphones when im recording. Ur2mkII have L/R outputs for speaker. Should i buy Presonus Eris 3.5 or Mackie cr3. Thank you!
I think the presonus are clearer, Mackies sound muddy to me I’m ordering the presonus, I like that they have eq adjustment Based on this comparison I see slightly bring the lows up on the presonus but it will depend how they sound in my home studio
This guy does God's work
🙌🏽
He really does.
First real world test of Eris E3.5 on YT! Your sir, broke the record again. Mackie is just too muffled; and Presonus, although mids is not all satisfactory, sounds better in this comparo. Eris E3.5 wins!
Mackie sounds like in the box and Eris sounds with much better clear presence. Thank You for comparing.
I ordered a pair of Presonus E3.5 a few days ago based mainly on this. These were exactly the two models I was most interested in and couldn't find a good comparison that helped me to decide, until I found your video. Thank you! :D
I was literally just given both of these options on amazon to buy as my first monitors and ended up choosing the Eris' thanks to your video.
8:45 bass comparison was the final battle for me.
i noticed that too.now i'm on the fence of the extra $100+ is worth it if i get the 4.5 eris.
@@Gogies777 and what did you get?
@@johnkbijo The presonus eris 5 or ext version ,Kali lp6 and Mackie Mr524 are in my radar now.I think 3.5 or 4.5 will be a bit too small for my liking and what i'm gonna use it for.
imo bass is much better on the mackie's
The clarity on the Presonus is outstanding, I think these two E3.5 with a woofer could reach insane results. I mean the only thing those are missing are low end, but balance and clarity are nailed. The Mackies were kinda muddy on mid lows i think, more bassy. Maybe more suitable for consumers not mixing engineers.
I was actually considering these very two models a few weeks ago. After reading some reviews that the Mackies are very inaccurate and too bass heavy, I decided to take a chance on the Presonus Eris E3.5s since there was not much information online and impressions at the time. I am very glad I chose the E3.5s, as I am coming from a really unbalanced and muffled set of Bose Companion 2 Series IIIs that had horrible midrange and treble. Thank you for posting this excellent comparison, and I hope it helps others choose the flatter and crisper E3.5s over the CR3s!
There is any hiss?
With the volume knob at halfway, I have to be 3" away to hear any hiss, and with the knob at 75%, I can hear low hissing only at around 10". However, the hiss isn't like most speakers but more of a soft deep static that isn't irritating at all. Hope this helps!
I have three e4.5's I have no hiss at all.. I've seen other people talk about a hiss but figured it must be something they fixed because my after totally silent and hiss free
I agree with most of the comments - Pre's are more cresp/real while Mack's muddy/bass. I'm commenting to your post because I'm going from Bose Companion 2 (I think mine are older) to something else. I saw Mackies on sale somewhere and went to get a pair but they had none in stock. I'm glad I came home and just started to look online a bit. I found the Pre's for the same price online and googled Presounus vs Mackie and came here. Thanks for your comment.
@@The_Gods_Beloved ruclips.net/video/nn1HAmcnQSM/видео.html
I purchased the E3.5 and i have to say how pleased i am with them! They have amazing sound in such a small and portable package. This video was key in my decision. Thank You! I appreciate your videos!
mine are on the way to me tomorrow, hopefully landing Friday!! Cant wait to hear them.
And how do they perform? Did you take versions with or without BT?
I think there 's much more definition and clarity at the Presonus Eris 3.5 speakers.
Damns your good. I can't tell a shred of difference. Maybe is age related
@@CriticalElixer Some people have more keen hearing than others. A test was done before where some people can't tell the different pitches between notes, so something going from clarity to more bassy, or more clarity to less clarity can be difficult for some. Age is another factor, but I know at least 3 60+ year olds who knows the difference between something like this, it just comes with whether you can hear it or not, you just may be in the no difference category.
@@eleesium8407 i think i was just being sloppy. I listened more carefully a second time. And I can clearly now tell a difference. This was excellent video. I bought the Presonus speakers. The speakers can be placed in medium sized trash buckets 2 increase their bass
@@CriticalElixer cr3s definitely sound more muffled and are leaning too far on the bass side
Ya best h
8:32 If u hear this in earphones, the bass goes slightly deeper when it turns to e3.5. Even though it should be same beat. Really interesting.
pretty sure its the song mate
Notice how Eris tends to have weaker bass in all frequencies but 60Hz. Maybe the beat just hit that sweet spot.
So Presonus Eris are going to be my first monitors ever. Thank you!
Same bro I just ordered them Today
I've had them nearly a year now, not disappointed at all. PreSonus rightfully says "nothing but the truth" in their ad.
It doesn’t really matter which studio monitors you use each brand sounds different as long as you do a clean mix on them it will sound good on almost all monitors
You are right but not all sound cards are created equal. This guy doesn't mention what brand he has but we have tos assume it is a "default" between the two monitors. Impedance in interface alone could throw off a "clean" mix. Unless you are pre amping a mono signal into stereo, there is no "true" clean mix. That requires post panning anyways but is the best option. This is why records are phono.
The sweet spot in comparison to BASS was at 60hz
As someone who's bought the Eris, lemme tell you, it's not "flat"
But that in no way has put me off the product. I was blown away with the sort of witchcraft these guys pull of with such a budget product. The stereo image is superb, and the sound stage is elaborate enough for you to think there's three speakers instead of two.
As long as you position yourself right, you'll really hear the mix and the master and any errors in said processes if there are any. For $99, I'm hooked for life.
But trust me when i tell you, despite the channel's extremely sophisticated measures to compare these speakers, a video on RUclips doesn't do either of these justice I'm sure. You need to hear it in-store for an accurate representation.
Ps : Listening to Flacs, the eris does tend to distort at max volume. Could be the dac I'm using..but it's worth noting. But if you have a small space like i do, you don't really ever need to crank it up that high. Even a little past half volume on the speakers is substantially loud.
Mackie is clearer.. just my feelings 😊
I sent back Ilouds and Yamaha HS5's because they didn't work well in my room (the dining room table - no acoustic room treatment - in close proximity - triangle sweet spot). Both had too much bass, even with thick pads and stands. My mixes didn't translate well to other systems. Everything sounded thin and weeny, as I was having to reduce the low end to make it sound OK, even with all settings on flat. I couldn't trust them and I'm not into guess work.
So I tried the 3.5's on the off chance, as they were extremely cheap. Could always send them back anyway. The result is: they sound much bigger than they are and all of a sudden my mixes translate ...very well. I'm so pleasantly surprised. Good stereo separation, nice clean bass, good soundstage. Perfect for my little setup with MacBook Pro, Logic and Thunderbolt interface. I still can't believe how cheap they were. I saw a RUclips clip about them and the guy said they were a gift from Presonus and that the price was actually just a nominal service fee. I can affirm what he said.
Wow presonus are mind-blowing i can listen reverb clearly and it has more space than makie..i am going to presonus man...thank you so much for this video.. aarigato 💚💚
It confirms my impression after some research, the Eris have a little less roundness and are more faithful to the original sound, clearer. Knowing that on the Eris we have 2 potentiometers to adjust bass and treble and adjust them to +/- 6db, which the Mackies do not have. My choice is therefore validated, I order the PreSonus Eris E3.5 BT now! Thank you for this simple and effective test!
On my opinion the CR3 trows the music at your face and the presonus gives you more clear sounds for each instrument
I honestly ordered the Presonus 3.5's this morning and was looking for videos to make me feel more encouraged about my purchase even though they were cheap as dirt. Thanks for taking the time to make this, it's a nice presentation and a good range for the comparison.
How much did you pay?
@@nahyako8111 I got them for $89 back in 2018 and still use them today. They aren't the loudest but they get the job done for my needs and I love their response and I have had 0 issues so far.
Thanks for comparison, bought Mackie CR3!
Just ordered my pair of Presonus after watching this for the course of a month, thinking about it and saving up. I make music on a budget and the Eris' sound incredible and truly flat for the price, great to get the ball rolling. What a time to be alive and make art.. Can't wait for them to arrive and get even more productive! Thank you so much for your videos!
Hi there,
Are they still working after 2 years? What's your opinion about them now?
Thanks
I think Presonus sounds better, more flat than Mackie 👍
I agree that Presonus is better balanced speaker of the two
I think so too
More than ever in 99$
Too flat. Mackie's too heavy on the bass and Presonus doesn't have enough midrange or lowend, tinny sounding. A good speaker would be a merging of the two.
i had the Mackies, they were great for home computer desktop applications. They have an amazing presence and presentation for such a small speaker. and can get fairly loud, with excellent bass for their size and clearly detailed mids and treble. I'd describe them as a little forward and warm, which is great for casual listening and video but not entirely neutral. You can definitely hear the CR3's sound signature is warmer and a bit punchier than the 3.5's the bass is more prominent but also slightly muddier. For critical listening and studio environments, though, a flat sonic profile is generally preferable. that said, the Mackies have more oomph on dynamic tracks and deeper bass, but sound dead even on classical. I like that the 3.5's have an EQ of +6/-6 dB which allows you more versatility in shaping the sound curve than the Mackies; however for non- critical listening situations, i couldnt complain about the Mackie's tuning, and they were fine for occasional audio editing of performance and interviews for radio broadcast. . Otherwise, these two speakers are pretty close, spec-wise and feature-wise. they both offer the same connectivity and flexibility in inputs and have the same power rating. the 3.5s have a slightly-larger woofer but the Mackies dont sound underpowered. For pure studio use, id probably go for the 3.5s but for more varied uses, the Mackies are hard to beat at their price/performance threshold. I think most people would be happy with either speaker but there are some distinct differences which could swing the pendulum one way or another.
People first know your tone then go for the monitors. If you love low mid to be in your track then go for the presonas. If you love to make your track crisp and less boomy then go for Mackie. Its all about your taste!
thats all backwards
Olandes Volador Because it is...you'll mix according to what the speakers tell you if you don't compensate for them. With the cr3 you'll mix them to be less bass heavy as the bass will be accentuated. Same goes for whatever other characteristic
exactly. The presonus has less low mids and bass so you'll tend to mix those higher on those.
True, b/c when mixing you compensate for what the speaker does not have. Some responders thought you were describing what the speakers had, not what they lacked.
I had the Mackie. Lows are boomy and at high volume it's pretty muddy and harsh. Outstanding as a low volume PC speaker, unusable as a studio mixer. My $.02.
Same thought. I am returning mine... can't use in studio.
Thanks for this very helpful video! Correct me if I’m wrong but monitors aren’t meant for everyday listening. The way I understand it, they’re meant to present an accurate representation of music across a broad frequency range. It’s more about clarity, definition and separation. You might think the Mackies sound ‘better’ but that’s subjective and beside the point.
To my ear, the Presonus Eris E3.5 monitors won this shootout easily. And having played in bands for years while standing in front of a crash symbol, I’m lucky I can still hear at all!
I was leaning toward the Mackie, partly due to brand loyalty. The video helped me to decide and that’s what it’s all about, right? ;)
The lows are overcompensated in the mackies therefore giving you a unreliable final mix.
Unreliable are both lol... Upper mids on presonus has bump if i can even judge by this video (i cant), but 2-2.5khz seems elevated... Also am i trippin or macki has smoother highs? Silky and airy compared to presonus (im still judging)
@@frog382 you right
For the listener, this test depends on the audio output from youtube and the headphones or speakers you are listening this comparison on, keep that in mind. Tnx for making these kind of the reviews. 🙂
Eris has a more open sound while Mackie seems to have muffled sound by comparison.. but I think this aspect can be beneficial depending on the room and if the use is to listen to music, not for mixing.
if you ask me, the best speakers (and headphones as well) for listening to music are actually the same that are the best for mixing/monitoring.
@@s_s-g4d Maybe you are right.. I cannot say otherwise, although I disagree with that.
Based on my own experience with audio and my preferences, I think this is a matter of personal taste:
I have an active system with processor and several features, including making the sound flat at +/- 1 dB from 30Hz to 18khz, and I really don't like this setup for listening to progressive and rock from seventies.
Presonus is just a beautiful sound. It's bright, crisp and clear. The Mackie sounds like a bookshelf speaker. A bit boxy and muddy.
After watching this and a few other comparisons I got the Presonus Eris E3.5. I'm pretty disappointed in them. They sound pretty "empty", even after turning the knobs on the back to "max bass", and maxing out the bass in Windows and Creative control panel, plus increasing bass on the software EQ.
I originally watched the video with my ATH AD700's and did like the CR3 a bit more, but was swayed by some of the comments that all favored the Eris. I guess the sound equipment people are using to listen to the comparison probably makes a big difference.
Watching the video again on my Eris E3.5, I definitely still prefer the CR3, so I'll be returning the Eris and getting that.
X2
I think all the people that prefer the eris aren’t musician or dont have good ear reception … there is a video where a guy compare all frequencies ….
listening this on my E3.5s
Hey how are you? My question is do you feel some time that you are missing low end or need more power? From your e3.5?
same lol
@@sangarios54 Can you do test with the hardest song that i found and record it to RUclips? It doesn't have to be professional microphone. Also can you write that did your heard low bass at 3:30 or later sections? Thanks a lot from now.
0:20-0:30
1:50-2:00
3:30-4:10
Link : www.dosya.tc/server28/1jqque/a._Nolige_-_Leave_Me.mp3.html
Mackie sounds like it can handle higher volumes and doesn't break as much. Thanks for this great comparison.
mine died after 2 years, so I wouldn't trust mackie as a company at all.
@@Sam-me5pl yeah according to my research Mackies models tend to be super unrealiable, especially in the CR3 the power board can die in as little as 2 months usage. CR4 are not as prone to this but it still happens a lot. On the other side, the Eris dont have any reports of this at all... and Presonus as a company seems be way more solid than Mackie. Believe me I do a whole lotta research on sound tech including speakers and then I try 2-3 different models in search for my favourite. Got the 3.5s coming this Friday and I CANNOT WAIT to hear them live.
@@TranceHistorian ¿Do you recommend purchase the BT version and use it with cables when you produce or edit? Or should i get the mackie CR4??? Please
Yeah, the Mackie CR3 are equally tight sounding, but have more of a V-sound signature. The mids are not as clear and more muted, to cut some of that boominess out I’d guess. Which gives it an overall pleasant sound for listening. But for analytical listening and music production the Presonus Eris3.5 provide a more balanced flatter sound with slightly more detail and clarity. More can be said, but this is the general impression I’m getting here. There is of course the flavor aspect for each speaker which is personal preference.
Great comparison video! Thanks!
These kinda videos never get old. :)
Presonus is more flat than mackie but in some songs I like the coloration the mackies have
oh man been waiting for this. thanks so much!!
buying the presounes definitely I heard great stuff on these monitors looks good sounds good ❤❤🙏
I bought the Eris 3.5 the other week and I am really happy with them so far. I got the non-BT version on discount. I am not an audiophile and I use them only to listen to music at the computer. Clear vibrant sound.
Great comparison, TY! I only had to listen as far as the N.O. Jazz to hear how the Mackie was mushy in
the low mids and the Presonus was WAY more transparent. I used very good headphones to listen. I'm a bit
surprised that the Mackies didn't perform better, but it is a huge difference.
I would say so: mackie would be good as multimedia speakers and for djs, presonus would be better for mixing and for producents.
Thanks for saying this. Looks like I'll be getting the Mackie
Thanks for saying this
this is by far the best comparison for the presonus erus e3.5 that i have found, thank you for helping me decide on the presonus
Great job! I was so glad to find this. Presonus sounded slightly more clear...a bit tinny in the highs, probably roll back the eq just a touch. Mackie's had a bit more rumble however it got a bit muddy around 100hz and too boomy. The presonus seemed to peak the bass around 55 hertz which was lower than mackie but seemed more "usable" and more complementary in my opinion.
Uhh, the Presonus don't go down to 55hz lol. That's the range of 5" nearfields--not 3's.
From someone with 3's, 5's, and 8's.
Had the CR3's, really loved them, but they died this morning, after only 18 months of very moderate use, seems like a lot of people have the same problem with those speakers, they get too hot and die too soon..
I bought this video after buying cr3. After reading it, I will inform the seller of the return, postage I pay. I listened to this recording with a different device last night. There are obvious differences. I feel that the cr3 is a bit muddy, especially the mid-bass part. I bought eris E3.5 this morning, and I was on the road. Looking forward to it, I discussed a lot of these speakers with friends who helped me choose the sound. He agreed with cr3 and felt that the vocals are more realistic. He is also a music producer. People, he still recommend cr3, I still insist on E3.5, after all, is the equipment I need to use later, hahahaha.
I am a Chinese music lover. I listen to music everyday, not a professional player. This price equipment is already very expensive for us. I am very grateful to the brothers who uploaded the video. Help me make the right choice, thank you again.
Fuck china!
Presonus for the win!
Great demo!
Made up my mind for me..thanks!!
E3s sound too thin to my ears. Mackies seem to have more depth. I guess I'm in the minority thinking the Mackies sound a bit better to me. Thanks for this review. I was down to trying to decide between these two. Just found the CR3s for $10 less with TRS cables included.
Definately more depth in the mackies...presonus sounds flat
Thanks, I hesitate between these two ones , I ordered the presonus after seeing your comparison!
The second song file ("The Making of Thumbs Up") is where the Presonus really shines. The mid to high range is so crisp and the lows are punchy and natural. When the Mackie's kick in, you can hear how artificial and over accentuated the lows-mids are. Was on the fence with both of these speakers, but this video sold me. I get it.. everyone wants that bass boost, but in terms of natural, clear and crisp sound it's no argument; the winner is Presonus by a long shot.
You've convinced me to get the Presonus. Yeah, the Mackie has the bass boost, but if you really listen, it's not a full, rich kind of bass. it's actually pretty flat and dull.
@@ileolai Hey You got the Presonus e3.5? Enough bass or not? Changing the bass dial on the back helps ?
Hey Thanks for this. I'd appreciate it so much more if you played Hip Hop & R&B/Pop music in some of your reviews. It would really help me out.
Votes for Eris. Good Job Mr. DS !
I had a doubt of these two monitors and after hearing this comparison I decided: Presonus Eris. Thanks for the amazing video.
Both are very close and sound nicely. I find the Mackie more coherent through the frequency range.
Thanks man, I just returned my cr3s and preferred the E3.5, after a week of use, the cr3s started having a white noise when it was plugged in
I’m not into classical music, but at 6:00 I can satisfyingly feel the string instruments being bowed into my ears with the Eris. A clear winner for monitoring purposes & thanks for this excellent comparison video.
Now to decide between Eris 3.5 and 4.5, hahaha... I’ve watched your other comparison video, but any advice?
E4.5 or even E5 if your budget is big enough
If you're looking for Studio Monitors to create metal or rock, like myself, I recommend the Mackie CR3 or something with more bass than treble. In those genres the bass is important. Even tho in the Presonus Eris E3.5 there's more definition and clarity, they are a little bit treble heavy. I think I'm gonna buy the Mackie CR3.
EmaDeathMetal 126 do you like them?
@@Turnmeupeh yep
i like this type of comparison very much, no bs, just a head on comparison, pretty cool.
Thank you. This absolutely settles the debate for me. I think a mid range sub would make these two have a tie. The mackie's would match with less gain. I dunno why that would be important though unless you are dependant on an 2nd party mastering service without the sub or mixing your tracks at home and refining in a studio with a band. However, the price range is matched & that's a no brained toward the Presonus.
I think there's too much low in the Mackie's to where they are Booming and sound muffled. I'm seriously considering the Eris 3.5. I like the adjustment to High/Low on them. I got a Yamaha NW-SW050 Subwoofer recently and it has no crossover or phase correction on them, so I think the Eris could be a very good match to many components because of the features it has.
I ordered my the E3.5 because they are fine sound! I buyed them for 91€ in B-Ware quality, because I Think Microlab b77 wherent god enough in therms bass quality! So Iam sendet them back... and sorry for me lacking english!
thank You, just chose and ordered Eris's :)
I think it`s the best comparison video that I`ve never seen before Thank you very much.
I have the presonus speakers.
They are particularly accurate and detailed in the high frequencies with good stereo definition. The bass is a different matter, however, revealing a very distinctive low mid frequency bump at 150hz...so it'll sound artificially 'boomy' without the subs (obviously not much sub-100hz given the small size of the speakers). Rolling off the bass on the controls helps a little bit but the 150hz peak remains.
Used for mixing, I think these are good for a three-four hour session at low volume but there is some ear fatigue (for me) any longer than that, especially at higher volumes.
Mackie has emphasized low mids and lows and muddier top. However on small speakers that can't deliver much punch this I think actually creates a more balanced sound. Small speakers will always be more treble friendly so on louder volumes these frequencies will inevitably shine and presonus will sound harsher even though the top end is technically more detailed it just won't hit as hard.
For mixing in the studio I would go with the Presonus all the way. They sound much more accurate. I ended up getting a pair to for work my Adam a7's.
From what I can tell the Pre’s have a much flatter response and more clarity.. good, I just ordered the pre’s and was torn between the too. Looking for a cheaper set to take with me on the road when traveling for work.
That "on hold" song (8:30) sounds so much better through monitors than a single mobile phone speaker :)
you are a life saver. Budget monitor, Eris 3.5 it is.
Just tested the Mackie CR3-X BT and the hissing when powered on made me put them back in their box. Getting a pair of something more decent
Is there a Bass and Trebel nob on the CR3? iam considering it and I like the way it sounds but i think it needs the bass slightly turned up.
Wait, you want the CR3 bass turned up? It was the one with more bass in the example!
I'm torn, because I think the CR3 might sound nicer for general use, the E3.5 will be better for a studio environment. But the CR3 was too mid to bass-heavy at times, and I love bass haha.
@@webthefox I love bass but I listen to a lot of reggae and house, so I really want something where I can hear bass clearly. I love bass, but not on an ignorant loud rap vibe, I want something I can completely hear the bass in the background
I have tried to search for the Dream A Dream Song but not finding it anywhere, please can you tell me the full details of the song I loved it and wanna listen it
Excelente video. Gracias por la aportación!!!
The final part where the level of response to low frequency impulses is tested cleared my doubts and made it clear how the presonus control in a precise way that has no comparison with the mackie, unfortunately there are people who buy them but it is a matter of taste , the monitoring is more precise in Eris 3.5
Listened this on Yamahas HS50M and also tested on Beyerdynamic DT770PRO 250 Ohms + Focusrite 2i2, and guys, I think we need to go to the shop and listen live because I see the next picture - Mackie CR3 - More fulfilled atmosphere, more and clear bass, but there is a hum around 80Hz that dampens high and mid frequencies. Presonus E3.5 - Very high frequencies and clear mids, but a very huge gap between 40 - 120Hz - like there is no bass totally.
So, I think that if you choosing between these monitors - You all should listen to 'em live to decide which is the best for you.
I am listening to this video with a set of Logitech Z213 speakers, with my own custom EQ (Dell Waves MaxxAudio Pro). During the last bass test, my speakers started turning into port noise at 60 Hz. Logitech rates the Z213 at 65 - 20, 000 Hz. I'm planning on getting the Logitech Z313, and EQ-ing them accordingly. Those are rated for 45 - 20, 000 Hz.
which is better when we talk about the BASS??? please, i really need to know, i want some monitor with a good base, under 100 euros.
I just ordered presonus eris 3.5's , should come later on today.
eris e3.5 or t20, which is better?
THE Presonus are Clearer in the high frequencies I dont know , I think the Mackies are more subdued in the high frequencies and a bit more muffled sounding...For my taste I prefer the Presonus because you can always tame those highs with an EQ or the HF Ajust knob on the back. I cant say that for the Mackies as they have no HP or LP AJUST Knobs on the back of the speaker...
Most people have too much Bass on their systems so If you can make your mixes sound like the Eris with natural mids on the Mackie Cr3's then you probably will have a good mix!
Sir I'm confused presonus 3.5 or alesis mk11 5 which one for home studio
I prefer the sound of the Mackie CR3, the Presonous sound with more treble to my ears and I like the clarity of the CR3. What a shame these things cost double the US price here in my country :/
I luv your comparison videos, thanks for this. ;)
The Presonus has a balanced sound, not driving the bass harder than it should be. It should be a good representation of what the song should sound like. Let car audio boost the bass from your music.
Mackie's still sound great, probably be awesome for gaming, or movie watching!
i never own any studio monitor before suggest me within this 2 monitors which one will be good for mixing? need help here..
Can't compare with Mackie, but just bought Presonus and it sounds pretty well and clear. Really like that sound. BT onnection is superfluent, too.
Hi, I am looking for a pair of studio monitors for my home studio to for EDM Production. I am confused between Mackie CR3, Presonus Eris 3.5 and The Edifier R1700BT. I watched many reviews and came to the conclusion that Edifier has most balanced sound, But are they studio monitors ? Or can they be used as studio monitors ? Please help me choose between the three. Thank You :)
Thank for video. I vote Eris 3.5 for the balance and detail
hello, If presonus have a more accurate sound, can I get the same bass that the makis just by adjusting the equalizer?
SAME QUESTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joining the queue. Gotta see that eq test.
2:56 pretty rich stringed bass on mackie
Im in the market for a second pair of speakers. I've been working with the Yamaha HS8 for years, and they're great. But I wanna' build a second studio, and make it more portable. I'll get the Eris 3.5 monitors 😎. Thanks for the comparison. Big like 👍
Which one is good for bedroom djing?
I Produce EDM but I don't have a monitor, can you please help me out which one i should choose 🙏🙏🙏 anyway i can feel the Avicii vibe on this first song
For anyone: I moved & couldn't bring my JBL 305's with me. I used them for multimedia use but their tweeters/sound guide were AMAZING, to me. Does one tweeter design in this comparison do 'magical' things over the other?
thankz for the vid ...still cant decide which 1 to buy...coz the mackie is 40$ lesser in my country
Definitely Mackie in my opinion. I just got the Eris and will return it.
Thanks for clear my mind! now finally know the one correct for me
Any idea if adjusting the bass knob on the back of presonus would bring it closer to cr3? After all Presonus have a bigger woofer(and tweeter) and should be more capable. I've cr3 and it died... and the only alternative speakers that are not faulty mackie in this price range are e3.5 and m-audio av42. Just gaming, movies, music, home use. no pro work.
Presonus bit clearer on the drums?
I have steinberg ur2mkII device for recording guitar. I have Shure headphones when im recording. Ur2mkII have L/R outputs for speaker. Should i buy Presonus Eris 3.5 or Mackie cr3. Thank you!
I think the presonus are clearer,
Mackies
sound muddy to me
I’m ordering the presonus, I like that they have eq adjustment
Based on this comparison I see slightly bring the lows up on the presonus but it will depend how they sound in my home studio
Presonus has many details in high and high mid and aslo has a beautiful low sound. I like it