Mackie ProFX Vs Mackie Onyx

[@davidapgar3036]

You will have a difficult time finding any specs regarding the 1-knob compressors found on the ProFXv3 models. The company itself doesn't address this anywhere in manuals or online searching. I have a ProFx12v3 and no matter how I adjusted the knob for vocals and also for a Beat-Buddy Drum Pedal, I just couldn't notice any changes at all. It seems to be more of a "check the features box/add on" marketing/sales thing really. I personally haven't found any use for it. But that's just my opinion after almost a year of daily use. From what I could find it's a SOFT KNEE fixed 6:1 ratio, which has NO effect whatsoever on GAIN. Its only function is to lower THRESHOLD, without any other changes. From what I read, Yamaha 1 -knobs for example are considered more traditional, as they raise GAIN as compression is increased.

[@diestromms]

That is why I opted for the Onyx over the ProFXv3 as well as the ability to record individual tracks. Allen & Heath has a new line called CQ, that does not have faders, but seems to be a little more robust in the effects category.

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

I use the onyx x 12 I cant send audio signal to my pc. ¿This mixer need driver for Windows 8 & 10?. My pc not detected de mixer usb interface. I cant use it to record.

[@diestromms]

I have not used it with a PC, I only have been using it with an Apple Mac Studio.

[@mske903]

what do you mean by "the Onyx16 is a DAW controller"? it can't be a controller because of the lack of MIDI connectivity! or does it work over USB as well?

[@diestromms]

My apologies if I said that somewhere...the Mackie Onyx does NOT act as a DAW controller. Tascam Model 12 is supposed to be able to act as a DAW controller, but most of what I have seen it is difficult to set up. I have yet to get my hands on and use the Tascam Model 12. It also allows playback from the daw tracks to assigned channels. The mackie only allows you to do this on channels 13/14 and 15/16 selecting the USB input which effectively allows you to sub mix two mixes back into the mackie.

[@Ellz_The_EnginEar]

How were you able to control the volume of the session with the faders? Do the faders help control the post mix?

[@diestromms]

At the time, I was running individual outputs from the DAW interface into individual channel inputs, just to show fader functions. You can sub out from the DAW to USB 1/2 3/4 on channels 13/14 and 15/16, that is my only 'complaint' with USB is that you can't bring USB playback on individual channels, but the idea of the board is that if you use it for tracking, you are going straight to the DAW and editing / mixing there.

[@forofen]

Hello. Wich is better? Onyx 12 or profx12v3+? Thanks.

[@diestromms]

For my purposes, I picked the Onyx 16, I use it as a portable mixer/rehearsal mixer and studio hub. It allows me to record directly from each of the preamps in addition to 2 channel recording, the profx only does a stereo mix over USB.

[@auravyal3943]

Is there compression for indiviual tracks?

[@diestromms]

THe ProFX has compression on the first 8 channels. The Onyx does not have compression on any of the channels.

[@alainszyller615]

what do you think about the ZOOM series L and the BEHRINGER series Xenyx ?

[@diestromms]

Do not have any hands on experience with either so can not speak to their functionality. Last time I used a zoom product was an early zoom floor pedal effects processor. It seems to have packed DSP features and multi-track features, but may be lacking with mic pre's and EQ.

[@damirhodzic3009]

Please Make a Video how to use Usb and how to Get a good sound on apple tnx

[@punkarchynews]

No sure what you mean by 'good sound on apple. Are you using a DAW like protools or reaper? The USB lets you assign each channel to an I/O on a daw. It's pretty simple on the onyx, channel 1 is always channel 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. So if you recorded a drum kit. Kick mic, Snare mic, Two overheads in Stereo into channels 1, 2, 3, 4 you would choose those channels on the DAW audit would record each track, direct from the pre fader into the DAW for later mixing.

[@diestromms]

The USB interface records each channel pre fader... so if you record you would probably want to use a DAW on the Apple to record. The idea would be that you would edit and mix on the DAW using plugins after recording.

[@damirhodzic3009]

@punkarchynews I Get a Sound But not to loud Sound Tnx bro

[@diestromms]

@@damirhodzic3009 Remember that it records the signal pre fader and eq so you have to set the record level on each channel with solo to get a decent level. Also, once in your Daw, you can increase the volumes of the tracks. The main reason for this is that in digital, clipping is very bad. So you are always better off getting a nice clean signal, then adjust levels in your daw before you mix.

[@MrTonytunez]

Interface with 8 to 16 inputs is same as 8-16 track analog mixer

[@diestromms]

There is a 24 channel version also.

[@donkuruppuarachchi5792]

I do a lot of home recording. Can I record voca to a laptopl using onboard eq and effects ? I am asking about both mixers. Cheers.

[@punkarchynews]

The direct recording out USB is direct for each channel on the onyx. I believe that is the same on the ProFX on the two USB recordable channels.

[@diestromms]

I believe on both mixers the internal effects only goes to the main out via FX. The internal USB interface is dry input directly to the computer DAW.

[@MrTonytunez]

Can you take on board effects on analog mixer insert to daw software

[@diestromms]

This is more of a dual purpose 'live' mixer that has a multritrack record function. You can record each track separately to a DAW, while recording a stereo 'live' mix along with a main mix and a couple monitor mixes simultaneously. For a Budget.

[@iamdjrt]

The v3 can't use mid reverb for send/return

[@punkarchynews]

They are really two boards for two different primary purposes. The proFX is more of a travel 'live' board that lets you record a stereo mix. The Onyx is more of a 'studio' / 'live' board that lets you record multi-track to a Daw for remixing and processing the audio within a DAW.

[@diestromms]

Not sure if I am reading this correctly. On the ProFX the internal presets are limited and assignable by channel, but can be added to Mon sends or Sub mix faders to the main. Neither mixers have a true FX send to outboard gear.

[@Rk3807h]

Does it send fx in monitor?

[@diestromms]

Yes, you can. The onyx does not have any sub faders, just an FX send and two monitor sends. I believe the intent is a multi-purpose mixer for small live gigs, rehearsal spaces and a basic, simple recording interface. When recording, the fader gives you monitoring feedback but the recording to the DAW is right off the preamp pre-EQ/fader channel.

[@GivingGodTheGloryG3]

Is there a way to run external effect through this board?

[@punkarchynews]

There are monitor sends you could use as effect sends as well as the internal effects. If you have an a lot of outboard effects then I would maybe use the ProFX.

[@GivingGodTheGloryG3]

@punkarchynews so run sound out from monitor sends to my effects pedals and back in on another channel? I'm not a big fan of the built in effects and already purchased the Onxy mainly because of the Perkins EQ and onxy preamps. I didn't know much about mixers when I bought it. At the time my biggest concern was having more inputs for my synths and mic.

[@diestromms]

You can with either one, using the sub outs (proFX) or mon outs (onyx). Either way a stereo return would eat up channels 11/12 to 17/18 on the Onyx if you used a mono/stereo return from a mono send. The PRofx 9/10 to 13/14. The ProFX has essentially 4 Aux of which 3 have Mon volume knobs and the 4th one is FX which would be the FX levels. Vs the onyx does not have Sub outs on the mixer and the only two Mon outputs.

[@GivingGodTheGloryG3]

@diestromms okay that makes sense, is that considered a sidechain. Then you can mix in the wet signal with the dry signal?

[@punkarchynews]

@@GivingGodTheGloryG3 If you are wanting to go to that level, then the next step up is the VLZ series which has True Aux sends and Returns. No internal effects, just more I/O.

[@donkuruppuarachchi5792]

Can i record vocal or a music track to a laptop using onboard eq?

[@punkarchynews]

Perhaps the channel EQ, but recording on both mixers is dry through USB to a DAW.

[@diestromms]

The USB channel interfaces are pre-fader per channel. So not unless you record from the main stereo outputs.

[@audiolego]

Thanks man. I just asked myself the question, profx vs vlz . I found your video.

[@punkarchynews]

Great feedback!

[@diestromms]

It's really about what you are trying to do, the ProFX has effects sends as well as monitor...so if you are running a couple of outboard processors then perhaps the ProFX is better. It does record, but only a two channel stereo mix, or two USB channels on 1 &2. I picked the Mackie Onyx because of the multi-track recording.

[@victorjohnson2093]

Would this mixer be good in a church

[@punkarchynews]

Either of these mixer could certainly work in a church, but if the budget is there I would suggest and Allen & Heath QU24 for a church.

[@diestromms]

Either mixer could work in a small church, depending on how many channels you need, you might need to go with the 24 channel versions. For a church, if you have the budget, we would probably recommend something like an Allen and Heath QU16 or QU24, you can get a digital snake breakout box AB168 dSnake with it.

[@SAvid-rh3pn]

Good review but music is way too loud.. very distracting..

[@diestromms]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll keep that in mind on future videos.

[@baulsmahoney]

I barely noticed the background music

[@oompaloompa3188]

You need to avoid being a mix engineer for live music if that's the case 😭​@@baulsmahoney

[@diestromms]

I just realized what you were talking about, It's not 'background music', it is tracks from the daw inserted into each channel to show the function.

[@diestromms]

I just realized what you were talking about, It's not intended to be 'background music', it is tracks from the daw inserted into each channel to try to help show some of the functions. There is another video that focuses oh the USB interface a little more.

[@singerreid4624]

Background music is a bit too high sir

[@diestromms]

Noted. Will do better moving forward.

[@travishanson166]

Can the i/o of the onyx be used with waves in a live situation as an insert chain?

[@diestromms]

No, you have to think of this as an analog mixer with the ability to record individual tracks to a DAW with the USB for later mixing. Wouldn't really work well with DAW plugins as an I/O.

[@travishanson166]

@@diestromms I did some digging and the onyx did launch with waves in mind.

[@diestromms]

@@travishanson166 Interesting, my search is that you could use waves plugins with the Onyx-I series which are discontinued. The new Onyx 8/12/16/24 mixers are different.

[@travishanson166]

@@diestromms that is interesting. I'll have to do more digging. Because it's possible to use a behringer usb interface to get connectivity too, but I'd be happy to just use an onyx. But truth be told, if it has 16 in and 16 out, technically waves is supposed to work like an insert or routed to an input.....this is the type of dilemma that drives me to buy stuff and try it out haha.

[@diestromms]

@@travishanson166 The mackie preamps are nice clean analog preamps. Behringer may have stepped things up with the merger with Midas, but I do not believe they use the premium midas preamps.

[@MrTonytunez]

Basically better to get daw recording software get waves plugins and you set

[@diestromms]

This is just an interface, and meant for live mixing with a tracking function. If you are a producer, and working with artists, it would make complete sense to go with a DAW like Pro-Tools and get some waves plugins.

[@baertnicola6440]

You said 168 uuuuuhhhhm's in 11.33 min 😂

[@diestromms]

Yes, um, horrible speaker and uhmmm...horible presenter...and uhhmmmm, what else...oh yeah, I failed speech class. Twice.

[@larrycaraballo1747]

I use this mixer for karaoke. Does a fantastic job

[@donkuruppuarachchi5792]

Can i record a vocal or a music track to a laptop using onboard EQ ?

[@punkarchynews]

We like them both, but opted for the Onyx.

[@diestromms]

I believe both of these are good mixers. I opted for the Onyx for the main reason of being able to record multi-track direct. For rehearsals I just use the internal effects for BGV's but I use a vocal processor inline with my mic anyhow, so no real need for compression on each channel for me.

[@diestromms]

@@donkuruppuarachchi5792 With the USB interface, it bypasses the channel strip. Records direct off the preamp input.

[@MrTonytunez]

Should just use a daw it’s the same thang

[@diestromms]

This would be an interface to get into a DAW. You might use this when rehearsing, mic up the band and capture individual tracks.

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

I use the onyx x 12 I cant send audio signal to my pc. ¿This mixer need driver for Windows 8 & 10?. My pc not detected de mixer usb interface. I cant use it to record.

[@librasky]

Dam !!! Mine came with free recording software , that doesn't work 😡 Still in the process of figuring it out how to use mine to record with 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@diestromms]

I didn'nt try the 'free software', but it works with pro-tools and with garage band. Each track lines up with the numbered inputs, it records direct off the pre-amp so there is it is not affected by EQ or fader, the leve is se by the input gain only.