How many mic preamps does the Mackie Onyx16 have?

The Mackie Onyx16 is equipped with twelve professional-grade Onyx mic preamps. These preamps offer up to 60dB of gain for handling a wide variety of microphone types.

What is the maximum recording resolution of the USB interface?

The integrated USB interface supports high-resolution recording and playback at up to 96kHz and 24-bit. This allows for studio-quality multi-track audio capture directly to a computer.

Can I record without a computer using the Onyx16?

Yes, the mixer features the ability to record and play back audio using an SD card. This provides a convenient backup or standalone recording option for live events.

What type of EQ does the Mackie Onyx16 use?

The mixer uses a 'British-style' EQ with a sweepable midrange. This design is intended to provide the classic musical tone associated with 1960s and 70s analog consoles.

Does this mixer include built-in effects?

Yes, it includes a professional digital effects engine. This allows users to apply various effects such as reverb, chorus, and others directly to the mix.

What is the typical price of the Onyx16?

The Mackie Onyx16 is typically priced at approximately £584. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Is the USB connectivity multi-track or just a stereo mix?

The Onyx16 features full multi-track USB capabilities. This means you can record individual channels as separate tracks in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

How does the Onyx16 compare to the Mackie ProFX12v3?

The Onyx16 offers more channels and higher-tier Onyx preamps compared to the ProFX12v3. While both have USB, the Onyx series focuses more on premium analog circuitry and specific multi-track recording features.

Can the Onyx16 be used for live performances?

Yes, the mixer is designed for both live performance and studio use. Its analog circuitry, physical faders, and tactile EQ make it highly suitable for real-time sound reinforcement.

What makes the Onyx preamps special?

Onyx preamps are designed for exceptional audio performance with high headroom and low noise. They provide 60dB of gain, making them suitable for demanding studio microphones.

What operating systems are compatible with the Onyx16 USB interface?

The mixer's USB interface is designed to work seamlessly with both Mac and PC platforms. This ensures compatibility with most major recording software.

How many total channels are available on this mixer?

The Onyx16 is a 16-channel mixer. This count includes the 12 mic/line channels and additional stereo line inputs for various audio sources.

Gear article

Mackie Onyx16

The Mackie Onyx16 is a 16-channel analog mixer designed for live performance and studio recording, featuring integrated multi-track USB connectivity. It combines twelve high-gain Onyx mic preamps with a digital effects engine and signature British-style EQ to provide a professional-grade hybrid audio solution.

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Overview

The Mackie Onyx16 serves as a high-fidelity bridge between traditional analog mixing and modern digital recording. It is part of the updated Onyx series, intended for users who require the tactile control of an analog board without sacrificing the resolution of a high-end digital interface. The unit is built to manage complex signal routing for both front-of-house live sound and multi-track DAW integration.

Key Features and Circuitry

The core of the Onyx16 consists of twelve boutique-quality Onyx microphone preamps, which are capable of providing up to 60dB of gain. This high headroom ensures that even low-output microphones can be used effectively without introducing significant noise.

The channel strips feature a 'British-style' EQ, inspired by the classic consoles of the 1960s and 70s. This includes a sweepable mid-range control, allowing for precise tonal shaping. Additionally, the mixer includes a built-in digital effects engine, providing common processing tools such as reverb and chorus to enhance the mix without external outboard gear.

Recording and Connectivity

One of the standout features of the Onyx16 is its recording versatility. It functions as a powerful multi-track USB interface, supporting sample rates up to 96kHz at 24-bit resolution. Users can record each channel individually to a Mac or PC. For those working without a computer, the mixer also supports direct recording and playback via an SD card, making it a reliable tool for field recording or quick rehearsal captures.

Sound Character

The sound profile of the Onyx16 is defined by its analog circuitry, which aims for a crisp and clear reproduction of audio sources. The Perkins EQ design offers a musical response that mimics vintage hardware, providing a degree of warmth and 'colour' that is often missing from purely digital mixing environments. Despite this character, the Onyx preamps are noted for their transparency and low noise floor.

Target Audience and Comparisons

The Onyx16 is suited for small-to-medium sized bands, houses of worship, and home studio owners who prefer a hands-on mixing experience. It occupies a mid-tier position in the market: it is more featured than compact utility mixers like the Mackie Mix8, yet more straightforward for analog purists than fully digital consoles like the Allen & Heath QU-6D or the PreSonus StudioLive SE16. While models like the Yamaha MG12 offer basic analog mixing, the Onyx16 separates itself with its high-resolution multi-track USB capabilities, which are more advanced than the stereo-only USB outputs found on many entry-level boards.

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Frequently asked questions

How many mic preamps does the Mackie Onyx16 have?: The Mackie Onyx16 is equipped with twelve professional-grade Onyx mic preamps. These preamps offer up to 60dB of gain for handling a wide variety of microphone types.
What is the maximum recording resolution of the USB interface?: The integrated USB interface supports high-resolution recording and playback at up to 96kHz and 24-bit. This allows for studio-quality multi-track audio capture directly to a computer.
Can I record without a computer using the Onyx16?: Yes, the mixer features the ability to record and play back audio using an SD card. This provides a convenient backup or standalone recording option for live events.
What type of EQ does the Mackie Onyx16 use?: The mixer uses a 'British-style' EQ with a sweepable midrange. This design is intended to provide the classic musical tone associated with 1960s and 70s analog consoles.
Does this mixer include built-in effects?: Yes, it includes a professional digital effects engine. This allows users to apply various effects such as reverb, chorus, and others directly to the mix.
What is the typical price of the Onyx16?: The Mackie Onyx16 is typically priced at approximately £584. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Is the USB connectivity multi-track or just a stereo mix?: The Onyx16 features full multi-track USB capabilities. This means you can record individual channels as separate tracks in your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
How does the Onyx16 compare to the Mackie ProFX12v3?: The Onyx16 offers more channels and higher-tier Onyx preamps compared to the ProFX12v3. While both have USB, the Onyx series focuses more on premium analog circuitry and specific multi-track recording features.
Can the Onyx16 be used for live performances?: Yes, the mixer is designed for both live performance and studio use. Its analog circuitry, physical faders, and tactile EQ make it highly suitable for real-time sound reinforcement.
What makes the Onyx preamps special?: Onyx preamps are designed for exceptional audio performance with high headroom and low noise. They provide 60dB of gain, making them suitable for demanding studio microphones.
What operating systems are compatible with the Onyx16 USB interface?: The mixer's USB interface is designed to work seamlessly with both Mac and PC platforms. This ensures compatibility with most major recording software.
How many total channels are available on this mixer?: The Onyx16 is a 16-channel mixer. This count includes the 12 mic/line channels and additional stereo line inputs for various audio sources.