Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 8 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (11)
$189.99
Guitar Center
4.5 (7)
$189.99
Amazon
4.4 (241)
$169.99
Reverb
$126.30 New
$153.40 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (4)
$189.99
B&H
5.0 (9)
$189.99
Thomann
4.7 (47)
$146.00 $145.00 $1.00 · All time low

Average Price: $172

Budget/Beginner

$300

$801+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Mackie MR524". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Mackie MR524 studio monitors are crafted for those who demand uncompromising accuracy and clarity in their mixing environments. Designed with the discerning producer in mind, these monitors boast a logarithmic waveguide system that enhances stereo imaging and creates a generous sweet spot, ensuring your mix translates perfectly across all playback systems. The 5" polypropylene woofer delivers responsive and dynamic low frequencies, while the 1" silk-dome tweeter offers crisp detail and precise transient response. The MR524's all-wood cabinet not only enhances sound quality but also adds a touch of elegance to any studio.

Tailor the sound to your unique space with the Acoustic Space switch and High Freq filter, allowing you to adjust the monitor's frequency response to suit your room's acoustics. With 50 watts of bi-amplified Class A/B power, the MR524 delivers powerful output without losing clarity, making it perfect for any genre—from hip-hop to rock and beyond. Flexible connectivity options, including balanced XLR and TRS inputs alongside RCA, ensure seamless integration into any studio setup.

Whether you're mixing tracks or mastering audio, the Mackie MR524 is an essential tool that guarantees professional results and inspires confidence in your sound.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt bi-amplified active studio monitor
  • 5" polypropylene woofer for dynamic low frequencies
  • 1" silk-dome tweeter for high-end clarity
  • Logarithmic waveguide system for enhanced stereo imaging
  • Acoustic Space switch and High Freq filter for room customization
  • Flexible input options: XLR, TRS, and RCA
  • All-wood cabinet for superior sound and aesthetics

Product specs

Powered Yes
Power Configuration Bi-amped
Quantity Single
LF Driver Size 5" woofer
LF Driver Type Polypropylene
HF Driver Size 1" tweeter
HF Driver Type Silk dome
LF Driver Power Amp 30W, 60W Peak
HF Driver Power Amp 20W, 40W Peak
Total Power 100W Class A/B
Frequency Response 57Hz-20kHz (-3dB)
Crossover Frequency 24 dB/octave @ 2kHz
Maximum Peak SPL 108 dB SPL @ 1m per pair
Input Types 1 x 1/4" TRS, 1 x XLR, 1 x RCA
Features Low frequency 3-way switch, high frequency 3-way filter
Enclosure Type Rear Ported
Enclosure Material MDF wood cabinet
Height 11.1"
Width 7.1"
Depth 8.7"
Weight 10.2 lbs.

FAQs

What type of input connections does the Mackie MR524 studio monitor support?

The Mackie MR524 studio monitor supports a variety of input connections, including 1/4" TRS, XLR, and RCA, allowing for flexible connectivity with different audio sources.

Is the Mackie MR524 suitable for mixing and mastering in a small home studio?

Yes, the Mackie MR524 is well-suited for mixing and mastering in a small home studio, offering a frequency response of 57Hz-20kHz and a maximum peak SPL of 108 dB, providing clear and accurate sound reproduction.

What are the key features of the Mackie MR524's sound customization options?

The Mackie MR524 features a low-frequency 3-way switch and a high-frequency 3-way filter, allowing you to tailor the sound to your room's acoustics for optimal monitoring accuracy.

How does the bi-amped power configuration of the Mackie MR524 benefit audio performance?

The bi-amped power configuration of the Mackie MR524, with 30W for the LF driver and 20W for the HF driver, ensures efficient power distribution and clearer sound by independently driving each driver.

What materials are used in the construction of the Mackie MR524, and how do they affect sound quality?

The Mackie MR524 features a polypropylene woofer and a silk dome tweeter housed in an MDF wood cabinet, providing durability and enhancing sound clarity and warmth.

DSAUDIO.review

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PreSonus E5 XT vs Mackie MR524 || Sound & Frequency Response Comparison

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KRK Rokit 5 G4 RP5G4 vs Mackie MR524 || Sound & Frequency Response Comparison

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Video thumbnail for Mackie MR524 Review | Quality Studio Monitors On A Budget by dopesnare

Mackie MR524 Review | Quality Studio Monitors On A Budget

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Video thumbnail for mackie MR524 sound test flack 32 bits by Dievents

mackie MR524 sound test flack 32 bits

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mackie mr524 volume 0 db

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Video thumbnail for Studio desk upgrade for Mackie MR 524 by Tóth Szabolcs

Studio desk upgrade for Mackie MR 524

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Tóth Szabolcs

Reviews

PROS

  • Cleaner sound enhancing overall listening experience

  • Adjustable settings tailor sound to individual needs

  • Significant improvement over other brands (KRK, JBL)

  • Accurate sound reproduction for professional and casual listening

  • Light and minimal standby noise

  • Good volume capacity for medium-sized rooms

  • Clean, punchy low mids enhancing music clarity

  • Features for room-specific sound customization

  • Comparable to high-end brands (Yamaha) at a better price point

CONS

  • Lacks low bass range without a subwoofer

  • Requires additional sound card for optimal performance

  • Some issues with ground loop hum when connecting directly to PC

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie MR524.

Comparisons

  • The Mackie MR524 was noted to have better detail and imaging than other monitors at Guitar Center, except at higher volumes where the Adam T5V excelled.

    Source
  • The JBL LSR305 was described as having a more "fun" and slightly more colored sound compared to the Mackies, with fantastic imaging.

    Source
  • The JBL LSR305 has a treble spike at 15kHz, giving a tinny character, while the Mackie MR524 reportedly offers more detail and fullness due to its Class AB design.

    Source
  • The MR624 vs. MR524 debate suggests that adding a subwoofer could be more beneficial than upgrading to larger drivers, as the difference in bass may be minimal.

    Source
  • The MR524's performance is highlighted in comparisons against the Adam T5V, where owners find the former sufficient for accurate bass in compact setups.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners mentioned the Klipsch RP-150M as an excellent choice for low volume listening, suggesting it performs well in quiet environments.

    Source
  • Owners noted the MR524's suitability for low-volume listening, particularly beneficial for late-night music production in shared living spaces like condos.

    Source

User experience

  • Users reported that adding a subwoofer significantly enhanced the depth and detail in the lower end of the MR524, highlighting the limitations of the 5" driver.

    Source
  • Class AB amplification in the MR524 results in a warmer back panel but avoids the hissing common in Class D amplifiers, making them quieter at low volumes.

    Source
  • Owners report that the MR524's lack of hiss makes them exceptionally quiet, even when no signal is present, enhancing their suitability for low-volume environments.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • It was observed that the JBL 305P might sound brighter than the Mackies, potentially due to the High-Frequency Filter (HFF) setting.

    Source
  • The Mackie MR524 features a bass adjustment switch for room placement (corner, near-wall, open space) and a high-frequency adjustment, useful for precise room tuning.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some MR524 units have issues like peeling plastic and cone rub, highlighting potential quality control problems; exchanging at a local retailer is recommended.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • In a nearfield setup, positioning the MR524 monitors 30" apart and toed in at 50 degrees provides tight, accurate bass without needing a subwoofer.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mackie MR Series

soundonsound.com

Mackie's MR524 monitors deliver impressive performance at an affordable price, offering excellent stereo imaging and a smooth, listener-friendly sound. While the bass can suffer from some port 'overhang,' this is common in affordable monitors. The MR524 is ideal for small studios, providing a clear mid-range and adequate low-end punch without overwhelming room acoustics. With competitive pricing and thoughtful design, these monitors are a solid choice for home studios on a budget, though they face strong competition in the market.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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dirigo

as good as the Yamahas

These are the closest thing I could find to the Yamaha's. they sound literally the same, perfectly flat, but they also have a feature on the back where you can set the sound to how you have them set up in your room. these are perfect for high end home studios.

ben_emiliano

excelentes

magnifico rango de frecuencia maginficas mezclas manejo de espacio acustico y definicion en audio de las mejores compras que he hecho

Artist usage

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See how Turbo uses Mackie MR524

Turbo

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this YouTube video at 0:00, Turbo can be seen using Mackie MR524

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mackie MR524, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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