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.

[@KRE-64]

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.

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

¿Al grabar multipista no procesa el ecualizador?. ¿Al grabar digital aún mantiene algo analógico o debería ponerle una interfaz behringer uca222 para grabar analógico a digital para usar la mezcla de sus eq?.

[@sobhithgeorgesaanand]

@@dyxonelgeniomusical5864did you get a solution for this??

[@goodtimefolkrock]

what's a CD ?

[@jeffreydeasel9]

Just ordered one, I chose that one in part because of your review. I already have so many questions. Thanks for a very clear and informative explanation.

[@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.

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

¿Lo usas grabando a la sd?. ¿Se puede escuchar un audio de la sd y grabar otro audio en la sd o escuchar un metrónomo y grabar en la sd múltiples veces audios, no me refiero a multipista?.

[@AshishStevenson]

Does it have multitracks recording?

[@Steven-u5w]

This is already gone on my wish list. We've seen the video I'm using. Mackie in the home studio environment and absolutely no worries whatsoever there. Mine was second hand 24 channel 4 bus excellent service. No regrets. Whatsoever built like a tank. God bless

[@isettech]

Interesting. In comparing the price points and features, would prefer the lower cost Behringer X-Air XR18. For lower cost, it includes USB DAW interface for 18 track recording, or 2 channel USB recording interface, Phantom power switchable on each channel, EQ, Compressor, and Noise gate on each channel, 6 mix bus outputs for monitors, each with switchable tap points, for Pre/Post fader, pre, post eq, pre, post eq, and has the P16 Ultranet jack for the P16 series of personal mixers. Currently priced under $500, so a lot of bang for the buck. The inputs are combo jacks and will take either XLR or 1/4 instrument, and has a couple high Z inputs for your guitar or other high impedance instrument. The Mackie does have physical faders for those who prefer knobs over features. Disclaimer, I used to have a Mackie 32/4 VLZ console I used for years, so yes I grew up on using analog. For field work, having the mixer fit inside a short 4U rack case is fantastic. No longer lug an analog mixer board and worry about damaging the knobs in the car. Once I got used to the tablet or laptop interface, and used the shelf, low cut, and other features of the PEQ, there was no going back to analog for mixing for me. The analog has ease of use, at the expense of the features of digital. I do have a set of Mackie SRM450 speakers which are excellent.

[@HereForTheParty0909]

Really great demo, man! Thank you.

[@jacqueskorb879]

Hi. Nice show. Problem with Mackie is that this device is about 5 years behind the rest of the industry as usual.

[@AlixMoise-g1z]

🤷🏾‍♂️ is it good?

[@alexanderyozzo]

So what's a good alternative that's "5 years ahead"? I'll wait

[@seth_1138]

@@alexanderyozzothe tascam model 12, 16, or 24

[@REMREMAHMAR]

we have the one with more channels at our chruch and the quality(physical) is not up to our expectation.We have problems within short months with multiple of our faders , and with our mute buttons and encoder, etc. its so frustrating😢

[@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.

[@ron-almog]

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

[@MartinCraneRockbeast]

It doesn't do multi track internally unlike the others. Only to DAW.

[@SMASHINGSPARTANS]

@@MartinCraneRockbeast Thanx martin i actually had the question xd

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

¿Los canales stereo tienen el L como señal mono y estos canales también se graban en el multitrack usb?.

[@DonTitoTV1]

I can't wait to upgrade from my Onyx 1220 Firewire unit to an Onyx 16. It will definitely be a part of my next studio upgrade along with a few other Mackie products, Im definitely satisfied with the brand and quality including my Big Knob Studio+.

[@benhaim2098]

How can you use a compressor on all the 8 channels ?

[@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

[@markallen381]

I would like to see more of an angle. That would also leave more room for a phase reverse switch and a better ergonomic design. I would also like it with more of the Onyx 1640i features. I also need ADAT light pipes.

[@fuzzman3390]

Does anyone know if thers a way to listen to the live recording thts processed through the daw? I'm listening on headphones connected to mixer which allows me to only hear the instruments before being sent to my computer. I want to hear the processed signal from my daw.. basically like an audio interface. Does anyone know how to do this? Without connecting the mixer to a audio interface?

[@astonemachine]

are the channel eq's pre or post adc? ie when using it as a usb interface, do adjustments to channel eq get recorded as well?

[@williestyle2345]

Thanks for the video.

[@valonarecords3112]

Great...but I can record 11 or more track in multitrack on my daw?

[@crestonburks2141]

Does this unit come with multitrack recording software for PC?

[@TheMichaelseymour]

How would My SD cards from my Tascam adapt to this unit ? Could i finish my mixs etc ?

[@_hide_-lb1gk]

Is that white noise in the background from the mixer? It's pretty noticeable.

[@zachmacrockproductionsinc.9902]

can i connect a big screen hd input ,,like the the old roland vs2480,,

[@lomatv4144]

Can I use this as mixing console in logic pro

[@borgan1964]

is it possible to get a different reverb/ ecco on different channels?

[@juicy3397]

Hi bro thanks for the video , but when i try to get a FX on my chanel 1 its dosent work , i listen to my voice but not the effect on it idk why , ifu can help me , and i needto put solo to listen to my voice idk why

[@digiicode]

only downside is you can only set 4 outputs from the daw to use external effects and 2 of em are used up by my monitors

[@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?

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

Yes multitrack

[@Ajcbutch2]

How would this do connected to 2 Mackie Thump 215XTs and used for outdoor live sound? I work at a day camp that has a talent show and puts on a play every year.

[@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 $$&

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

Usa un metrónomo con móvil, graba individual en la sd y luego editas en un daw. En algún lugar que no tengas pc o grabas al móvil.

[@glenesis]

So disappointed. I have bought this thing if it multi-tracked to SD. At this point it wouldn't even be expensive to stick a terabyte of SSD in there.

[@JohnZornAscended]

So it's not a multi track?

[@57too]

I don't know why they didn't include a 'stop' button on the recording part instead of a play/pause button. In the heat of recording that is going to piss people off. Good clear and concise video though. Thanks!

[@markt747]

Can this be used specifically with Reaper or direct into any other DAW?

[@immanuelsanate8615]

How does it compare to the Soundcraft Signature 12MTK?

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

Onyx vs Ghost pre amps? Good question to ask

[@wavydarkyt8385]

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

[@EnmandsBand1]

do you know it it can record all the input channels as seperate tracks? I read different things on the Net and some says that the last track is only recorded as a mixed track I ask because I am about to buy an Onyx 8 and I need to be able to record 5 seperate mono tracks for my live gigs

[@dod8693]

he literally talked about multitrack recording in the video

[@jsipen2021]

Hey thanks for sharing this. Found it very helpful.

[@EDDYMAT]

Great stuff Gear. !!!! Just no Gain, no Trim for ALL Stereo Line Inputs ! (except BlueTooth channel 17/18, 13/14 on the Onyx12)

[@ricardomanzo]

Would this work as a stand-alone recorder (computerless)? Does it have a mastering suite?

[@JohnZornAscended]

They know that's what people are looking for. I hate this industry.

[@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 :)

[@DBFilmSchool]

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

[@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.

[@keysonthego3663]

The title of the video says..."multi track recording".. & you keep on saying "multitrack recording" but you never followed it up w/ info about how many tracks it can send to the DAW or how many it can receive back from the DAW.

[@agoodmansaid]

Pardon me if this is a dumb question. Shouldn't the solo button mute every other channel except the channel solo'd??

[@mrufino1]

Not on a console like this, which is essentially an inexpensive live sound console- the solo button sends it to your headphones, and whatever channels you solo will be in there. You wouldn’t want your main mix to suddenly be a solo channel during a show. Some mixers have a solo that allows either solo to your cue buss or solo in place (solo in the mains speakers). This one doesn’t have that though, solo is just to the headphones.

[@danielpratt9333]

Can it be hooked up to dj controller

[@DexterityNJ]

I have same question.

[@amackclassic6737]

You can bring your DJ Controller in on two of the inputs on the mixer, so yes!

[@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 !

[@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.

[@markallen381]

If you need ADAT light pipes you will need a MOTU 828es.

[@stevenjaskulsky942]

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

[@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

[@franknguitars7671]

Hi - nice video - thank you! So, I have bought this mixer in order to multi-track record via USB into Logic Pro X. I can definitely see signal arriving in Logic on the correct channels - but the signal is super low - too low to normalise or do anything with it - like -50dB or so. I wonder what is going wrong here? Is there any setting in either Logic or the Onyx that I can set to get a decent recording level? I am a bit stuck here and the manual does not help either.

[@stephenrobb5410]

i am seeing same issues, any response?

[@franknguitars7671]

@@stephenrobb5410 The only cure I found is to feed a stronger (line level) signal to the Onyx and then also crank the input gain quite a bit. It is not cranked all the way but a fair bit. It is not exactly ideal, but workable. On the HiZ input, I had no issue getting a good signal to the DAW. I wonder whether, for a given channel, the 1/4 inch inputs behave differently from the XLR inputs? Is it worth getting an XLR to quarter inch adapter?

[@dineshmahato3524]

I like it am using the profxv22 mixer aim sertifice thanks

[@jamman6]

This or the Tascam Model 16 everyone? For a simple home recording studio?

[@KaddysJamKave]

You didn't mention how many channels of multitrack recording it has... I was hoping it was 16 but apparently it's only 4???

[@MathsYknow]

I can't find confirmation of this either. I don't want to assume it has 16 channels of multitrack recording, because my Behringer Xenyx UFX1204 can only multitrack-record 8 of its 12 channels simultaneously, and it seems that a lot of mixers only let you record the master stereo mix (i.e. 2 channels).

[@MdHasan-ty3tp]

Very useful video!

[@fayzereviews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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...

[@Jovanmusictime]

@@GaryCrase-wz9sythe mentioned phase button is a button which basically reverse the phase. Hold on… let me explain. While recording, there’s chances that e.g due to positioning to the recording mics, what recorded into the DAW could be the same phase (for now, you treat it as same pattern). Same pattern cancelled out each other resulting when playing the audio, no audio is being heard. The button reverse the phase making it no cancellation occurred. During live, you can listen to what you are recording also known as monitor. When you are monitoring and realised that phase is being cancelled (could be some cancelled, not always the whole recording) and you didn’t hear what should be there, the button will do the magic to reverse it. The general idea is as such. (Anyone feel free to correct me)

[@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

[@MildredBennett-w1r]

Cronin Lock

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

So really it's a 12 track. Typical mixer con-job about the number of tracks. One stereo input does not equal 2 tracks. You talked about this mixer's recording aspects as if it's main purpose is to have a youtube channel. Phone connections and people's voices are the least important aspects of this mixer's recording capabilities.

[@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

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

​Realmente en todo daw pudes guardar preset y cadenas de efectos, la consola digital tiene el daw y efectos incluidos. Es lo mismo que guardar tus presets y usarlos cuándo necesites, también puedes crear plantillas para los daws, en fin hace lo mismo y con una consola analógica es más económico la inversión. No compro una digital por esto mismo. ​@@aaronniehaus2224

[@MathsYknow]

@@aaronniehaus2224 Same - we had headaches with our Behringer XR16 losing connectivity when devices went to sleep, having reception issues, struggling with multiple devices connected etc. Although we've sorted that now by carrying a home wifi router to every gig, I still find it less straightforward than an analogue mixer. There's something to be said for a dedicated knob for each function vs getting lost in menus trying to find stuff.

[@676bun]

Its NOT a 16 track multi-track recorder... Its a 16 track mixer, in other words its not like a Tascam model 16.

[@scottellis7573]

Mackie is garbage since being bought by Loud.. To illustrate just how far they've fallen I would rather buy a Behringer mixer over anything Mackie makes.

[@fayzereviews]

That’s a pretty hot take but you do you 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@sroksrehband]

really suck

[@user-JM1967]

Exatamente. Apenas mais um equipamento comum que grava estéreo e não multi pistas.

[@Mikepo587]

Not a real multi track recorder it’s expensive computer that you have to buy already on then you add this to it is everything point click I get it that that’s the way it’s done nowadays but professionals online I’ve also said if you don’t know what you’re doing it’s an easy pass to cheating especially if you’re starting out you’ll get people like Britney Spears fixing your pitch cause I can’t sing nothing everybody just saying and I’m a recovering alcoholic not currently drunk as a gentleman in the comment section has nothing better to do!

[@madrocker1125]

are you drunk?

[@Mikepo587]

@@madrocker1125 I’m recovering from it for decade now? So thanks for bringing something so painful up! Ohdouche

[@ronburg3663]

mackie is trash ...my big knob stated making noise after 2 months