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Mackie Chromium Review | 76 Data compared

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  • Avg. price: ~£45
  • Connection type: USB
  • Transducer type: electret condenser
  • Max SPL: 110 dB SPL
  • Supported sample rates: ?
  • Output connector type: USB-c

Mackie Chromium review. Compare 76 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among microphones and if it is worth buying.

7.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the microphone's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best microphones on the market.

Score components:

75.0%

7.7

Technical Score

25.0%

5.8

User score

Very good
7.7

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the microphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sound quality, sensitivity, pickup pattern, connectivity, onboard controls, accessories, compatibility, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

7.3

Audio Performance

20.0%

6.6

Recording

16.0%

8.6

Pickup Patterns

16.0%

7.5

Controls & Features

10.0%

10

Power

7.0%

10

Compatibility

5.0%

7.3

Connectivity

3.0%

4.7

Design

3.0%

4.7

Accessories

Very good
5.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.

When it matters: When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(44)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(46)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

Good
  • 10
    Gaming

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    25.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    20.0%

    10

    Mute function

    20.0%

    10

    Volume control levels

    10.0%

    10

    RGB lighting

  • 6.9
    Podcasting

    Score components:

    25.0%

    10

    Cardioid pattern

    20.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    20.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    20.0%

    1.0

    Audio interface bit depth

    15.0%

    1.0

    Audio interface sample rate

  • 6.4
    Vocal recording

    Score components:

    40.0%

    1.0

    Max SPL

    20.0%

    10

    Highest frequency

    20.0%

    10

    Lowest frequency

    20.0%

    10

    Cardioid pattern

  • 8.5
    Streaming

    Score components:

    25.0%

    4.0

    Loopback support

    25.0%

    10

    Zero-latency monitoring

    20.0%

    10

    Onboard gain control

    15.0%

    10

    Mute function

    15.0%

    10

    Volume control levels

  • 2.7
    Camera use

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    Weight

    25.0%

    4.0

    Windscreen included

    25.0%

    4.0

    Shock mount included

    10.0%

    3.1

    Height

    10.0%

    1.0

    Width

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Mackie EleMent Series Chromium is a large-diaphragm USB-C condenser microphone featuring an integrated two-channel mixer and four selectable polar patterns: cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional (figure-8), and stereo. Technical specifications include a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency response, -38 dB sensitivity, 110 dB max SPL, and 16-bit/48 kHz recording resolution powered by legendary Onyx preamp circuitry. Main pros include its versatile all-in-one design with a 1/4-inch instrument input, 1/8-inch stereo auxiliary input, and zero-latency headphone monitoring with a direct/USB blend control. However, notable cons include its bulky, non-detachable stand that limits mounting options and a lack of internal shock absorption, making it highly sensitive to desk vibrations and handling noise.

Technical Specifications of Mackie Chromium

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the microphone's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sound quality, sensitivity, pickup pattern, connectivity, onboard controls, accessories, compatibility, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare microphones based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

20.0%

7.3

Audio Performance

20.0%

6.6

Recording

16.0%

8.6

Pickup Patterns

16.0%

7.5

Controls & Features

10.0%

10

Power

7.0%

10

Compatibility

5.0%

7.3

Connectivity

3.0%

4.7

Design

3.0%

4.7

Accessories

7.7
Mackie Chromium has a technical score of 7.68 points, which is higher than 82.4% of microphones.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.

When it matters: When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.

Score components:

70.0%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

2.7

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
(44)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(46)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

5.8
Mackie Chromium has a user score of 5.83 points, which is lower than 99% of microphones.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the microphone.
When it matters: When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
2.7
Mackie Chromium has a popularity of 2.7 points, which is lower than 59.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the microphone's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a microphone with a good balance between quality and price.

Score components:

60.0%

7.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

8.1
Mackie Chromium has a quality-to-price ratio of 8.1 points, which is higher than 56.8% of products in this category.
Microphone type
What it is: The overall microphone class intended for uses such as studio work, lavalier recording, handheld speech, or instrument capture.
When it matters: When you are choosing the right microphone style for studio work, interviews, streaming, or instruments.

Importance: LOW

studio
Transducer type
What it is: The transducer technology used to convert sound into an electrical signal.
When it matters: When you are choosing between condenser, dynamic, or ribbon behavior for your room and voice.

Importance: LOW

electret condenser
Diaphragm size
What it is: The diameter of the microphone diaphragm that reacts to incoming sound pressure.
When it matters: When you compare small and large diaphragm microphones for vocal detail, room tone, or transient response.

Importance: LOW

16 (mm) inch / mm
Capsule type
What it is: The capsule construction used inside the microphone to capture sound.
When it matters: When you compare different capsule designs for tone, detail, or recording style.

Importance: LOW

triple
Sensitivity
What it is: The output level produced by the microphone for a given sound pressure reference.
When it matters: When you need enough output level without driving your preamp too hard.

Importance: LOW

-38 dBV/Pa
Show more
Connection type
What it is: The connection standard used to link the microphone with recorders, mixers, phones, or computers.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to plug directly into the device you actually record with.

Importance: LOW

USB
Output connector type
What it is: The type of output connector used by the microphone for sending its audio signal.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to connect to a specific kind of input on your gear.

Importance: LOW

USB-c
Headphone output
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a headphone output for direct monitoring.
When it matters: When you want to hear your own voice directly while recording or streaming.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium includes a headphone output. 62.9% of microphones include this output.
3.5 mm audio jack
What it is: Indicates whether a 3.5 mm audio jack is available for monitoring or direct connection.
When it matters: When you want to plug headphones or a cable directly into a standard 3.5 mm socket.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium includes a 3.5 mm jack. 62.8% of microphones include this connector.
6.35 mm audio jack connector
What it is: Indicates whether a 6.35 mm audio jack connector is present on the microphone or included interface.
When it matters: When your headphones, mixer, or instrument chain relies on a 6.35 mm jack connection.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium includes a 6.35 mm jack. 1.5% of microphones include this connector.
Includes 1/4-inch inputs.
Show more
Supported sample rates
What it is: The digital sample rates supported by the microphone for recording or monitoring.
When it matters: When you need the microphone to support the sample rates used in your recording workflow.

Importance: LOW

?
Supported bit depths
What it is: The digital bit depth values supported by the microphone for audio capture.
When it matters: When you want more digital recording resolution for editing or processing later.

Importance: LOW

16 bit
Audio interface sample rate
What it is: The audio interface sample rates supported by the microphone for digital capture or monitoring.
When it matters: When you need the microphone interface to support the sample rate used by your recording or streaming setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

48 kHz
Mackie Chromium supports an interface sample rate of 48 kHz which is higher than that of 2.4% of microphones and equal to that of 55.3% of microphones.
Audio interface bit depth
What it is: The audio interface bit depths supported by the microphone for digital recording quality.
When it matters: When you want the microphone interface to support the bit depth used in your recording chain.

Importance: LOW

16 bit
Mackie Chromium supports an interface bit depth of 16 bit which is lower than that of 58.8% of microphones and equal to that of 41.2% of microphones.
Signal-to-noise ratio (DAC)
What it is: The signal to noise ratio of the integrated DAC or headphone interface stage.
When it matters: When you monitor through the microphone headphone output and want that digital path to stay quiet.

Importance: MEDIUM

96 dB
Mackie Chromium has a DAC SNR of 96 dB which is higher than that of 65.1% of microphones and equal to that of 6.4% of microphones.
Show more
N. of polar patterns
What it is: The number of selectable pickup patterns available for different recording situations.
When it matters: When one microphone has to cover solo voice, room sound, and interview style setups.

Importance: MEDIUM

4
The number of selectable polar patterns offered by Mackie Chromium is 4, which is higher than that of 87.9% of microphones and equal to that of 11.1% of microphones.
Cardioid pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a cardioid pickup pattern for front focused capture.
When it matters: When you want to isolate one speaker in front of the microphone for podcasts, calls, or streaming.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Mackie Chromium supports a cardioid pickup pattern. 91% of microphones support this pattern.
Omnidirectional pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers an omnidirectional pickup pattern for 360 degree capture.
When it matters: When you want to capture everyone around the microphone instead of one voice from the front.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Mackie Chromium supports an omnidirectional pickup pattern. 25.6% of microphones support this pattern.
Hypercardioid pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a hypercardioid pickup pattern with narrower front focus.
When it matters: When you want stronger rejection of sounds coming from the sides in a noisy room.

Importance: LOW

no
Mackie Chromium does not support a hypercardioid pickup pattern. 1.5% of microphones support this pattern.
Bidirectional pattern
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a bidirectional pickup pattern for front and rear capture.
When it matters: When you record two people facing each other with one microphone between them.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium supports a bidirectional pickup pattern. 16.6% of microphones support this pattern.
Mute function
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone has a built in mute control for quickly silencing the signal.
When it matters: When you need to silence the microphone instantly during live calls, streams, or meetings.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Mackie Chromium includes a mute function. 67.8% of microphones include this control.
Onboard gain control
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a built in control for adjusting input gain.
When it matters: When different speakers or scenes need fast gain changes without touching the interface.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Mackie Chromium includes onboard gain control. 51% of microphones include this control.
Volume control levels
What it is: The available volume level or volume adjustment provided directly on the microphone or its interface.
When it matters: When you want direct volume adjustment on the microphone or its built in interface.

Importance: LOW

4
Mackie Chromium offers volume output of 4 which is higher than that of 100% of microphones.
Flat DSP mode
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone provides a flat DSP mode without tonal processing.
When it matters: When you want a neutral sound profile before adding your own EQ or processing.

Importance: LOW

no
Mackie Chromium does not support a flat DSP mode. 25.5% of microphones offer this processing option.
DSP presets
What it is: The number of built in DSP preset modes available for different sound profiles.
When it matters: When you want quick tone changes for voice, streaming, or different recording scenes.

Importance: LOW

0
Mackie Chromium offers 0 DSP presets, which is equal to 83.4% of microphones.
Show more
Phantom power required
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone needs external phantom power to operate normally.
When it matters: When you use the microphone with an interface or mixer that may not provide phantom power.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Mackie Chromium requires phantom power. 90.4% of microphones also require phantom power.
Phantom power voltage
What it is: The phantom power voltage required by the microphone for proper operation.
When it matters: When you must confirm that your power supply matches what the microphone actually expects.

Importance: LOW

N/A
USB bus-powered
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can be powered directly through its USB connection.
When it matters: When you want the microphone to run from a laptop or phone without a separate power supply.

Importance: MEDIUM

yes
Mackie Chromium supports USB bus power. 85.9% of microphones support USB-powered operation.
Battery life
What it is: The expected operating time on battery power during portable or wireless use.
When it matters: When you use the microphone away from wall power for events, field work, or mobile video.

Importance: LOW

N/A
Height
What it is: The overall height of the microphone body, stand, or supplied desktop structure.
When it matters: When the microphone has to fit under a monitor, inside a booth, or into a limited desk space.

Importance: LOW

249 mm
Mackie Chromium is 249 mm tall, which is taller than 85.6% of microphones.
Width
What it is: The overall width of the microphone body or its integrated base.
When it matters: When the microphone must fit between monitors, on a narrow desk, or inside a compact rig.

Importance: LOW

120 mm
Mackie Chromium is 120 mm wide, which is wider than 95.4% of microphones and equal in width to 1% of microphones.
Assembled product width.
Thickness
What it is: The overall depth or front to back thickness of the microphone unit.
When it matters: When front to back depth decides whether the microphone clears your screen or keyboard area.

Importance: LOW

120 mm
Mackie Chromium is 120 mm thick, which is thicker than 92.6% of microphones and equal in thickness to 0.5% of microphones.
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the microphone with its included or attached parts.
When it matters: When you mount the microphone on a small arm, pack it for travel, or hold it for long sessions.

Importance: LOW

1,600 g
Mackie Chromium weighs 1600 g, which is heavier than 96.8% of microphones and equal in weight to 0.6% of microphones.
With integrated stand.
Body material
What it is: The main material used for the microphone body or housing.
When it matters: When you care about how sturdy, premium, or lightweight the microphone body feels over time.

Importance: LOW

aluminum
Show more
Included accessories
What it is: The accessories supplied in the box with the microphone for mounting, protection, or immediate use.
When it matters: When you want the box to include the accessories needed to set up and use the microphone right away.

Importance: LOW

stand; cable
Shock mount included
What it is: Indicates whether a shock mount is included to reduce vibration and handling noise.
When it matters: When desk vibrations or boom arm movement would otherwise travel into the recording.

Importance: LOW

no
Mackie Chromium does not include a shock mount. 50% of microphones include this accessory.
Pop filter included
What it is: Indicates whether a pop filter is included to reduce plosive sounds during speech recording.
When it matters: When you record speech up close and want to reduce strong p and b bursts.

Importance: LOW

no
Mackie Chromium does not include a pop filter. 61.4% of microphones include this accessory.
Windscreen included
What it is: Indicates whether a windscreen is included to reduce wind and breath noise.
When it matters: When you record outdoors or close to the mouth and want less wind or breath noise.

Importance: LOW

no
Mackie Chromium does not include a windscreen. 31.8% of microphones include this accessory.
Cable length
What it is: The length of the included or attached audio cable supplied with the microphone.
When it matters: When the microphone has to reach your desk, camera rig, or interface without extension cables.

Importance: LOW

?
Android compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Android phones or tablets.
When it matters: When you plan to use the microphone with an Android phone or tablet without trial and error.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium is compatible with Android. 65.8% of microphones are compatible with Android.
iOS compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with iPhone or iPad devices.
When it matters: When you want the microphone to work properly with an iPhone or iPad setup.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium is compatible with iOS. 61.3% of microphones are compatible with iOS.
Windows compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with Windows computers.
When it matters: When your recording or streaming setup runs on a Windows computer.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium is compatible with Windows. 100% of microphones are compatible with Windows.
macOS compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone can work properly with macOS computers.
When it matters: When your audio setup depends on a Mac or MacBook as the main recording machine.

Importance: LOW

yes
Mackie Chromium is compatible with macOS. 99.5% of microphones are compatible with macOS.
Xbox compatibility
What it is: Indicates whether the microphone is explicitly compatible with Xbox consoles or controllers.
When it matters: When you want to connect and use the microphone with an Xbox console or controller.

Importance: LOW

?
Show more

Mackie Chromium vs the average microphone

  • 3 more polar patterns
    Mackie Chromium has more polar patterns than the average microphone (4 vs 1). The average microphone offers 1 polar patterns.
    What it is: The number of selectable pickup patterns available for different recording situations.
    When it matters: When one microphone has to cover solo voice, room sound, and interview style setups.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mackie Chromium has more polar patterns than the average microphone (4 vs 1). The average microphone offers 1 polar patterns.4 vs 1
  • Supports omnidirectional pickup
    Mackie Chromium supports omnidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers an omnidirectional pickup pattern for 360 degree capture.
    When it matters: When you want to capture everyone around the microphone instead of one voice from the front.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mackie Chromium supports omnidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports bidirectional pickup
    Mackie Chromium supports bidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone offers a bidirectional pickup pattern for front and rear capture.
    When it matters: When you record two people facing each other with one microphone between them.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium supports bidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes mix control
    Mackie Chromium includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone lets you balance microphone audio and playback audio directly on the device.
    When it matters: When game audio or playback needs to be balanced against your live microphone level.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mackie Chromium includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes 6.35 mm jack
    Mackie Chromium includes a 6.35 mm jack, the average microphone does not.
    Includes 1/4-inch inputs.
    What it is: Indicates whether a 6.35 mm audio jack connector is present on the microphone or included interface.
    When it matters: When your headphones, mixer, or instrument chain relies on a 6.35 mm jack connection.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium includes a 6.35 mm jack, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes LED level indicator
    Mackie Chromium includes an LED level indicator, the average microphone does not.
    5-segment LED meter.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone includes an LED indicator for signal or level status.
    When it matters: When you want a quick visual check that signal or mute status is behaving as expected.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium includes an LED level indicator, the average microphone does not.
  • 6 dB higher DAC signal-to-noise ratio
    Mackie Chromium has a higher DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (96 dB vs 90 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB.
    What it is: The signal to noise ratio of the integrated DAC or headphone interface stage.
    When it matters: When you monitor through the microphone headphone output and want that digital path to stay quiet.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mackie Chromium has a higher DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (96 dB vs 90 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB.96 dB vs 90 dB
  • Includes RGB lighting
    Mackie Chromium includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.
    What it is: Indicates whether the microphone includes RGB lighting or decorative status lighting on its body.
    When it matters: When your setup needs lighting cues or you want the microphone to match a gaming desk aesthetic.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes 6.35 mm jack
    Mackie Chromium includes a 6.35 mm jack, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes mix control
    Mackie Chromium includes mix control, the average microphone does not.
  • 6 dB higher DAC signal-to-noise ratio
    Mackie Chromium has a higher DAC signal-to-noise ratio than the average microphone (96 dB vs 90 dB). The average microphone DAC has a signal-to-noise ratio of 90 dB.
  • 3 more polar patterns
    Mackie Chromium has more polar patterns than the average microphone (4 vs 1). The average microphone offers 1 polar patterns.
  • Supports omnidirectional pickup
    Mackie Chromium supports omnidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Supports bidirectional pickup
    Mackie Chromium supports bidirectional pickup, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes LED level indicator
    Mackie Chromium includes an LED level indicator, the average microphone does not.
  • Includes RGB lighting
    Mackie Chromium includes RGB lighting, the average microphone does not.

Total
Connectivity
Recording
Pickup Patterns
Design
  • 12 dB SPL lower limit
    Mackie Chromium has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (110 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 122 dB SPL.
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Mackie Chromium supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
  • 2.79x heavier
    Mackie Chromium is heavier than the average microphone (1,600 g vs 573 g). The average microphone weighs 573 g.
    With integrated stand.
  • 64 mm thicker body
    Mackie Chromium is thicker than the average microphone (120 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
  • 64 mm taller body
    Mackie Chromium is taller than the average microphone (249 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
  • 64 mm wider body
    Mackie Chromium is wider than the average microphone (120 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a width of 56 mm.
    Assembled product width.
  • No pop filter
    Mackie Chromium does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 8 bit lower interface bit depth
    Mackie Chromium supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.
    What it is: The audio interface bit depths supported by the microphone for digital recording quality.
    When it matters: When you want the microphone interface to support the bit depth used in your recording chain.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium supports a lower audio interface bit depth than the average microphone (16 bit vs 24 bit). The average microphone audio interface supports 24 bit.16 bit vs 24 bit
  • 12 dB SPL lower limit
    Mackie Chromium has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (110 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 122 dB SPL.
    What it is: The highest sound pressure level the microphone can handle before severe distortion occurs.
    When it matters: When the microphone has to survive loud vocals, drums, brass, or close guitar cabinets.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Mackie Chromium has a lower max SPL than the average microphone (110 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL). The average microphone handles a max SPL of 122 dB SPL.110 dB SPL vs 122 dB SPL
  • 2.79x heavier
    Mackie Chromium is heavier than the average microphone (1,600 g vs 573 g). The average microphone weighs 573 g.
    With integrated stand.
    What it is: The total mass of the microphone with its included or attached parts.
    When it matters: When you mount the microphone on a small arm, pack it for travel, or hold it for long sessions.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium is heavier than the average microphone (1,600 g vs 573 g). The average microphone weighs 573 g.1600 g vs 573 g
  • No pop filter
    Mackie Chromium does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
    What it is: Indicates whether a pop filter is included to reduce plosive sounds during speech recording.
    When it matters: When you record speech up close and want to reduce strong p and b bursts.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium does not include a pop filter, the average microphone does.
  • 64 mm thicker body
    Mackie Chromium is thicker than the average microphone (120 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.
    What it is: The overall depth or front to back thickness of the microphone unit.
    When it matters: When front to back depth decides whether the microphone clears your screen or keyboard area.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium is thicker than the average microphone (120 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a thickness of 56 mm.120 mm vs 56 mm
  • 64 mm taller body
    Mackie Chromium is taller than the average microphone (249 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.
    What it is: The overall height of the microphone body, stand, or supplied desktop structure.
    When it matters: When the microphone has to fit under a monitor, inside a booth, or into a limited desk space.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium is taller than the average microphone (249 mm vs 185 mm). The average microphone has a height of 185 mm.249 mm vs 185 mm
  • 37.2% lower user score
    Mackie Chromium has a lower user score than the average microphone (5.83 vs 8.000).
    What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the microphone.
    When it matters: When you want to know how a microphone performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Mackie Chromium has a lower user score than the average microphone (5.83 vs 8.000).5.83 vs 8
  • 64 mm wider body
    Mackie Chromium is wider than the average microphone (120 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a width of 56 mm.
    Assembled product width.
    What it is: The overall width of the microphone body or its integrated base.
    When it matters: When the microphone must fit between monitors, on a narrow desk, or inside a compact rig.

    Importance: LOW

    Mackie Chromium is wider than the average microphone (120 mm vs 56 mm). The average microphone has a width of 56 mm.120 mm vs 56 mm
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Third-party reviews

United Kingdom
amazon
3.7
44 Reviews
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
46 Reviews
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
1 Reviews

(Reviews last updated: July 2026)

What customers like about Mackie Chromium?

  • Integrated 2-channel mixer with dedicated instrument (1/4") and auxiliary (1/8") inputs.
  • Four selectable polar patterns (cardioid, omni, bidirectional, and stereo) for high versatility.
  • Solid, heavy 'built-like-a-tank' metal construction and durable stand.
  • True plug-and-play functionality on macOS and Windows without needing extra drivers.
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring with a dedicated blend knob between USB and mic audio.
  • Excellent sound quality for the price, particularly favored for vocals and podcasts.

What customers dislike about Mackie Chromium?

  • Non-detachable stand prevents users from using their own boom arms or shock mounts.
  • Poor vibration dampening; the mic easily picks up desk thumps and keyboard clicks.
  • Short stand height may require propping up to reach the user's face comfortably.
  • Inconsistent visual LED metering that may not accurately reflect recording levels.
  • Occasional compatibility issues with USB-C to USB-C cables for some Mac users.
  • Reports of a strong, unpleasant 'chemical' or 'factory' odor upon unboxing.

Expert reviews

C
cgmagonline.com
07/09/2021
Mackie Chromium Review - CGMagazine

The Mackie Chromium is a solid, "built like a tank" USB microphone that stands out by featuring a built-in audio mixer and input/output ports directly on its heavy base. Priced at $199 USD, this device is uniquely tailored for musicians looking to create a simplified, plug-and-play home studio. Its primary strengths (pros) include a highly sturdy metal build, an auxiliary input, and...Read more

T
the-gadgeteer.com
28/08/2021
Mackie Element Series Chromium Microphone review

The Mackie Element Series Chromium Microphone is a robust, all-aluminum desktop USB microphone designed specifically to streamline recording setups for musicians. It functions effectively as a combined microphone and multi-input mixer, featuring built-in controls for four distinct polar patterns (Stereo, Cardioid, Bi-Directional, and Omni), a gain knob, and a mic mute switch. What...Read more

M
musicconnection.com
02/07/2021
Gear Review: Mackie EleMent Chromium USB Mic

The Mackie EleMent Chromium USB Microphone is a rugged, all-metal, premium unit that combines a high-quality studio mic with a two-channel audio interface. Key strengths include its easy plug-and-play setup, a built-in full-color level meter, and a front-panel mute button that lights up red when engaged. For recording versatility, users can switch between four distinct polar...Read more

B
bonedo.de
13/01/2021
Mackie EM-Chromium Review

The Mackie EM-Chromium is a robust, black metal USB condenser microphone that represents the upper end of Mackie’s Element series, featuring a built-in multi-channel audio interface and mixer integrated directly into its stable desktop stand. Equipped with three 16mm electret capsules, it offers excellent versatility by allowing users to switch between four polar patterns: cardioid,...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
faz.net
03/02/2026
The best USB microphone

Overview and Top Pick The F.A.Z. Kaufkompass review evaluated 61 USB microphones ranging from €30 to €350, naming the Audio-Technica AT2040USB as the overall test winner. This dynamic microphone features a hypercardioid polar pattern that excels at blocking out ambient desktop noise, such as keyboard clicks, and delivers a warm, voluble vocal quality without requiring external...Read more

(Translated)Show original
P
pressreader.com
01/08/2021
Review: Mackie EM-Chromium - Beat

This review summary for the Polyend Tracker, as featured in the August 2021 issue of Beat Magazine, highlights a hardware workstation that masterfully adapts the vertical, spreadsheet-style sequencing of vintage software trackers into a sleek, modern instrument. The pros of this device include its sturdy, metal build and its surprisingly intuitive workflow, which allows for...Read more

(Translated)Show original

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