Mackie Onyx 16 Analog Mixer with Multitrack Recording | Complete Walkthrough and Thoughts

► Check out the Mackie Onyx 16 here: amzn.to/437nvMO
After taking a look at the very popular and feature-packed Mackie ProFX mixers I've switched lanes to another mixer series from Mackie, the Onyx line. The Onyx 16 that I feature today comes with an array of features that are perfect for a home recording studio or live scenario, including multi-track recording capability, USB connectivity, an enhanced effect section, built-in SD card recorder, and so much more. In this video I walk you through every knob, button, and slider to discuss the standout features of the Onyx 16.
Shop my favorite products from this channel here: amzn.to/2KC5les
If you don't have an Amazon Prime account, you need one! I do almost all of my shopping through Amazon and many of the products on this channel are sold there. It's great to have the things I need show up on my doorstep in a day or two (or sometimes even a few hours). You can try it for free for 30 days here: amzn.to/3b6rAo1. Trust me, you won't go back to life before Amazon Prime!
The above Amazon links are paid links - your purchase provides a small commission to my channel, at no cost to you, to help me continue providing content for my viewers. As an Amazon Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@kenryan454]

Have the 12 and it’s just amazing. The clarity is what I love most. Zero noise. I just recorded our next CD on it and it’s flawless.

[@luciferrin7475]

I’ve been running mine in studio as a replacement for a PreSonus, I have no complaints. I haven’t hooked it up to a DAW yet. Just running in-house mains. 10/10 recommend.

[@williestyle2345]

Thanks for the video.

[@b-ip4ew]

This is super cool. I'm just learning about stuff like this. What exactly would you use this device for? Thank you for the video :)

[@MdHasan-ty3tp]

Very useful video!

[@fayzereviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidapgar3036]

Very informative video covering the features. I'm considering this model over my current ProFx12v3. I see the Onyx has a (L-R) button bellow the main FX slider, as well as under MON-1, and under MON-2. On the other hand, a Profx12v3 has both a (1-2) and (L-R) button on each channel. Under the FX slider itself there is only a (1-2) button. Under the SUB 1-2 slider there is a (L-R) button. Are the MON-1 and MON-2 sliders, basically the same thing as SUB 1-2...just with more individual control? Is there a simple explanation as to why the Onxy16 doesn't have or require a (1-2) button? Or is it because its controlled elsewhere on the Onyx16? I understand the (L-R) needs to be pressed to hear a given channel, but still haven't grasped how this works. I didn't hear you mention the (L-R) buttons next to the three FX, MON1, and MON2 sliders.

[@stevenjaskulsky942]

GREAT VIDEO. ...thanks... need a bit more info re: Main USB Send Switch

[@rondeangelis7384]

If i have mics my drumkit, will each input be sent to the DAW? So basically does it have internal audio interface to send each channel to the DAW?

[@DrBTV-uh9zr]

Does the mixer have a limiter? If not, how does it prevent over modulation?

[@jephryc]

Easy to use mixer, down side is no groups, no EQ on the BT channel and the aux 1 & 2 master is on faders

[@wavydarkyt8385]

would it be possible to set up iem with this mixer ?

[@shelovesdisco2153]

Can someone please explain me where to find the RecArm buttons ? (Or how to arm the tracks for recording and/or play-back)....thanks !

[@ron-almog]

How is that compared to Zoom LiveTrak L12, L20, etc?

[@TheGorillafoot]

Can you assign what record to a channel like a TASCAM model 12? It looks like all it does is record everything. Been trying to figure this out beforehand.

[@Eye_Zay]

Yes you can

[@nunoandradebluesdrive]

interesting mixer. My only complain is the SD stereo mix recording instead of multi track. It would be a great stand alone recorder when needed without the need of a computer.

[@happyhamster1411]

It would take too much storage space for multi track. Would need to install a flash drive. Added $$&

[@DexterityNJ]

What would you suggest. Connect this directly into a mac or connect it to a motu audio interface then to mac? Is there any benefit to using this with an interface? I know noob question :)

[@jmagemusic]

it IS an audio interface, so, there's no reason to do that, your just adding cable length.

[@andreaskurn]

How do you do multitrack recording with this?

[@mediumrarebakedpotatoes]

You need to use a computer if you want to do multi track. unlike tascam model series, this mixer only record stereo out to the sd card

[@melodychest9020]

So, if the L-R button at the bottom is not engaged it does not go to the Main Mix .. so where does it end up? I am trying to understand the difference between the Mute and the L-R button. There are no sub mixes on this mixer like the VLZ series 16 Channel mixers which is a bit of a let down.

[@DexterityNJ]

Did u ever figure this out?

[@melodychest9020]

@@DexterityNJ Nope! I think the 1642 VLZ 4 is a more comprehensive mixer with the ONYX preamps anyways and I am using it. Best home studio mixer imo.

[@DexterityNJ]

@@melodychest9020 thanks for the response. I have an old 1642 which I loved. I might upgrade to a new one but not sure what would differ. I took a little hiatus so I forgot a few things lol playing catch up

[@melodychest9020]

@@DexterityNJ If ur 1642 is old it may not have the ONYX clean preamps, depends how old. The new version has XLR main outs and the pots are all colour coded and overall a more polished finish. On the 1642 the channel input sockets are on the top and all the inserts, auxes, subs, outs etc in the rear. There is the more comprehensive 1604 VLZ4 which has 16 preamps, 16 inserts etc all in the rear with TS/TRS sockets only. No XLR main outs like in the 1642. If u need more than 10 preamps that's the go. Cheers.

[@DexterityNJ]

@@melodychest9020 thanks so much for the input. You know what. I do have the 1604, mixed up my numbers. Sorry! But it is still old. At least 15 years old, if not a lot older. Looks new but old. This is a shot in the dark. Would it be dumb to get the mackie onyx 16 but a separate motu 828 interface? I still want the hands on mixer side of things (and option to use with computer off) but feel like the motu is a way better interface. Just not sure if it stupid lol. Some how I would incorporate a dj controller into the work flow, akai mpc and a few other pieces of gear.

[@danielpratt9333]

Can it be hooked up to dj controller

[@DexterityNJ]

I have same question.

[@Mtaalas]

Well... at least it's cheap at around 800€. So there's that. I haven't used analog mixer in like a decade though... digital ones are so cheap and good these days that I just don't see analog anymore, unless it's an old SSL or some such in a large studio that costs hundreds of thousands... and even then people just mix int he box because digital offers stuff you need for the work of today... like recall. Oh well :D

[@aaronniehaus2224]

I prefer analog. The Behringer x32 has failed me twice and caused chaos at a gig

[@SONORSQ2guy]

It doesn’t have a phase switch on each channel that’s a hard pass for me.

[@Jovanmusictime]

Which model are u looking at that have phase switch button?

[@SONORSQ2guy]

@@Jovanmusictime I haven’t ever seen a Mackie mixer with a phase reverse on each channel. That’s why I have rack mounted preamps.

[@Jovanmusictime]

@@SONORSQ2guy thanks for sharing.

[@GaryCrase-wz9sy]

New to mixer terminology...Id like to know what is meant by the "Phase Switch" ? Thank you...