RECORDING Video Review: Mackie Onyx16

[@BILLY-px3hw]

I have a Mackie 32-8 with the 24 ch expansion deck so it has 56 channels it is quite old but looks brand new, it was seldom used and well maintained, I bought it from a church for $200 with all the original boxes. I set it up in my studio as a prop because to the untrained eye it looks quite impressive and makes people smile but when I started messing around with it, I was surprised how quiet it was and how good it actually sounded, because according to all the audio chat rooms "Mackies are junk" my experience with this beast has been quite the opposite, I put it into service and use it for larger sessions, no problems, no frills, just a great sounding working mans mixer.

[@johnmary1852]

Finally a video that says something useful. I just ordered this mixer? they say its due in tomorrow! I'm super excited

[@dheerajvirgo3]

I've ordered it as well and it says due tomorrow! :D How's it going with yours?

[@markallen381]

I've got a Mackie ONYX 1620 with a fire wire card. It really does have a great sound.

[@EK489]

Love the format of the review and video. Thanks a lot! Subbed

[@shermLarock]

Mackie always makes their Interface & insert outputs pre EQ?? What's the use of a piece of hardware if I can't use it sweeten my sound?

[@amackclassic6737]

It really is mind blowing that they do that isn't it?

[@billfox3761]

Hi Paul. The Presonus mixer (Firewire!) in the school's TV Studio died and I was asked to suggest a replacement. The Mackie Onyx8 was one choice that I provided and it was selected by our TV Production teacher. I have since provided her and our boss with a link to this video. Thought you'd want to know.

[@AntonovichHicksenbrau]

2 years after this posting,.. Do we have any updates regarding reliability of the USB and the power supply?

[@MeisseLee]

This was great. Very informative. I'm an absolute beginner and have close to zero experience when it comes to mixers and I have a somewhat rare use case, from what I understand. So gathering info from multiple sources and multiple different use cases I think this mixer would do what I need it to do for me :D

[@EDDYMAT]

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

[@dyxonelgeniomusical5864]

¿Alguna manera de grabar usando los eq de esa consola en multitrack?. ¿Al grabar digital en usb aún mantiene algo analógico?

[@JuanAntonio-zn5tl]

Hola amigos desde España ! Permítame preguntar …. Podría yo sustituir mi tarjeta de sonido externa usb por la mackie onyx ?

[@Tropicalexc]

Nice job explaining the unit 😎🤘

[@stoofystoof]

If the +48V is commun to the 12 inputs, that means I couldn t plug a rubbon microphone ? If the input where the rubbon mic is plugged is spullied with 48V it will kill it, am I correct ?

[@StamatisDiamantopoulos]

Hello! Does it works as a DAW controller too?

[@robtherub]

2:48 "80hz hi pass filter" image says 100hz, trivial detail, just noticed

[@omnipotentzeus2750]

Hi. I use a Shure s58 with Mackie onyx 12 and Logic pro x. ( Just bought it ). Why the signal in the DAW is so weak? I mean it sounds loud but when is recording time the audio signal is weak recorded is very low. It must be something in Logic set ups?

[@EnmandsBand1]

Do you know if the last channel 17/18 will be recorded as seperate tracks as well? I am looking to buy an Onyx 8 but I need to be able to record 5 seperate mono tracks and that can only be done if channel 7/8 also records as seperate tracks

[@tylowe78]

No compression???

[@johnmary1852]

Could you make a video on how to use the sd card recorder and formatting card and selecting play bad tracks and playing them???

[@RichardGarvey]

Can you clarify? Multitrack only on USB? And Stereo LR only for SD. So no multitrack recording to sd card?

[@GivingGodTheGloryG3]

How do you run the effects send to a pedals and rout them back in? Also having trouble getting it setup in my DAW for multi track recording.

[@msgn8i11s2]

I have a first gen Onyx mixer desk. I would NEVER by this gen mixer desk... What I would LOVE to buy is a new 8-12 channel Onyx mixer desk with ALL 'bells and whistles", that is all options included. Individual Mic/line/instr options on ALL channels. Individual +48v power on ALL channels, minimum 4 aux sends on each channel, individual send/return on all channels, individual pre/post EQ send to PC DAW on ALL channels etc... simply maximize one channel and thwn copy that layout/options to ALL other channels.... When Mackie have done this, then I can give them some more of my money, but not before that...

[@ivanravello5687]

// greetings , can you name a mixer with those features, thanks a lot ////looking for a abordable and reliable mixer for live gigs ////

[@mastaboog749]

Does this record all 16 channels individually into the DAW? Or Can it only do 4 individual tracks?

[@RecordingMag]

Each channel but they are pre-fader.

[@1849ad]

Great video! Thank you for that! I have a question though, in the song I heard every instrument and especially the vocals sounded really compressed, but does the Mackie have a compressor besides the eq?

[@RecordingMag]

No compression or EQ was used at all in the song, either on the tracks or the master.

[@MikeUIibarri]

A little confused on the fx. Are they only there for listening? When fx are mentioned it's noted that they are not "recorded".

[@FrancoHikariMusic]

I decided to buy a Mackie mixer that I will mainly use for live streaming. I already own an exceptionally good recorder (nagra LB) but the device is not suitable for live streaming. Now I have my eye on 2 items. The onyx 8 and the Mackie ProFX10v3 ... I also like to use effects during live streaming. However, I only want to stream live with an iPad Pro and iPhone. Do you think the Onyx 8 is a good choice? Thank you in advance for your help and advice which I would greatly appreciate.

[@DialetheismMusic]

Great review! Too bad there is no return multi-track digital audio. How do those faders feel? The caps look a bit uncomfortable and wobbly....

[@scottschave7538]

Can you still play or take a small a dat tape and retrieve the music from it? I have tapes from an old band but I am not able to retrieve the music.

[@madmaximilian5783]

I just got a Mackie onyx16 and I hate the fact that it doesn't allow the effects to be processed through the USB.

[@lovedeathdisco]

hopefully you were able to return it. it's a shame. i believe the older 1620i allows you to switch between the eq / fx before the daw. i was so ready to get one of these til 5:17 where he explains any eq changes made will not be routed into the daw. what the hell, this could have been such a killer interface for all my synths. hopefully mackie brings this back, or does a firmware update.

[@madmaximilian5783]

@@lovedeathdiscowell hopefully a software update would solve this issue. I'm working with a DAW program Ableton for the mix down and mastering. This creates several extra steps but it's all very interesting to see what the final product will sound like.

[@emilloffler1216]

I use Sonar X1 studio as my DAW. I bought a Mackie Onyx 12FX very recently and find it can only multi-track to two separate record tracks. And I get a little bit of bleeding into one of the tracks. My Mackie Onyx 1620i Firewire desk is a true multritrack recording and live desk. Is there a way for my new desk to record separately to more than just two tracks? Using it's Usb interface. Could it be my DAW is outdated?

[@bioglassmusic]

It seems like features have been removed and wow not even USB-C?

[@BONZOOMM]

Hello, very good video, my question is, is this console an audio interface? That is, I don't need to have a separate audio interface?

[@RecordingMag]

Correct

[@andreaskurn]

Can you record separate tracks/channel directly to DAW with this?

[@donkuruppuarachchi5792]

Can I record vocal and music to a laptop using eq. ?

[@awpMusic1]

I was interested to use in my synth studio - I'd need the 24 channel - but not so sure now I know the eq or fx can't be recorded via USB. So I'd have a whole chunk of mixer I can't use? How to get round that problem?

[@AT-wl9yq]

You would need to buy a digital mixer. But if you are using the usb option, you can make the adjustment in your daw.

[@lovedeathdisco]

believe the older 1620i allows you to switch. or some more expensive options. but this defeats the purpose for me as well. damn. i just built a second eurorack of multiple divkid stereo strips to go into the 8ins of a saffire focusrite, but need a few more ins in almost every situation. but that kind of pre-rinse, pitstop of soundshaping on the way in makes a world of difference. plus a compressor per channel, it's such a game changer. hope you have since sorted it.

[@levonlooper5812]

Goodmorning, I have the onyx8. why when I record on the sd card, during the recording the volumes are pumped up and full but when I listen to the recording they are much more attenuated and poor? where am I wrong? which fader should I raise to not have a distorted sound but with a higher volume in the recording? thank a lot

[@a1k2i31]

Demo sound 6:30

[@awpMusic1]

STILL NO SIGN OF THESE MIXERS IN THE UK - no idea what the problem is - I've given up though!

[@marsMayflower]

biggest difference between mackie and the competition is build quality- my old Onyx 1620i firewire is built like a tank and is still producing great sound. Just picked up the Onyx16 to replace it.

[@Drinkyoghurt]

Does this also have direct outputs like the original 1620? They used DB25 connectors for those. Seems like this is Stereo Mains out and USB multi-track only?

[@audiolego]

I have an 2 channel Onyx mixer called VLZ4 . Perfect for me as I do electronic music. Gosh that onyx preamp is quiet.

[@garyclement5527]

I have a Mackie Onyx1220 and a ProFx10- I love Mackie products for the quality and construction and preamps. I am trying to decide if I want the Onyx 12 or to buy a Tascam 12- I need midi inputs and the Tascam provides that - does the Onyx Intergrate midi thru the usb connection?

[@AT-wl9yq]

The Tascam is a digital mixer. The Tascam 16 is more like this one,

[@ultrajayme]

why don't i get any audio when i open my DAW??

[@FrancoHikariMusic]

I did notice that you said at about 9:00 am :like teh EQ the effects can be capured by an SD recording but they can't be captured by USB...What do you mean by that? Can't I play/record the effects during a live streaming? My apologies for my limited technical knowledge. Maybe a stupid question for you but important for me to know if this device is better for me than the Mackie ProFX10v3 (series)

[@RecordingMag]

The USB outs are individual inputs of each channel, just like a 16-channel interface. It is mic pre/input to the channels in your DAW. The FX can only be captured from the analog stereo outs or to the digital card. If I remember correctly, there is no two-track USB capture.

[@Yelbomsirhc1]

@@RecordingMag I don't see this as a flaw. I'd prefer to have "dry" signals either going in to the DAW or onto the SD card. That allows you to use the DAW to add effects, compression, mix, pan, etc., as needed to get a good mix and master. If the .wav files came with the effects then there would be no way to remove them and you'd be stuck with them.

[@massimomarazzo9180]

Hi, a question please: each Channel Strip can have individual FX assign? Example: Channel 1: external reverb (AUX 1) + internal flanger + internal chorus Channel 2: external delay (AUX 2) + internal reverb + other internal FX .. Thanks

[@RecordingMag]

Sadly it's been almost a year since I had the unit here, and I honestly would need to dig back into the manual to find out. I don't believe, however, that you can do what you are asking.

[@GG-gr2px]

Hey, if i use the BT channel to feed a stereo track from an external player, can I apply FX from the console on that channel? Or, if I use the internal SD card to playback a backing track, can I apply any FX on that? That channel doesn't seem to have an FX knob...

[@RecordingMag]

I don not belive you can.

[@keithrichards4296]

Thanks, Paul, for this content. So the demo @ 6:31 was recorded using ONYX's preamps AND usb interface as well, right? The converters sound surpringly top notch. My question is, these Onyx preamps are updated from the previous generation, or are they exactly the same? Thank you very much.

[@RecordingMag]

I honestly do not know for certain.

[@jhirn2957]

Hi thanks for the great video. I know it’s 16x4 where 16 is input and 4 are returned, but can you record all 16 tracks in the daw simultaneously

[@Emphatiemesig]

i would like to know too

[@noahwoodward4916]

Yes

[@noahwoodward4916]

@@Emphatiemesigyes

[@HJAnderson]

Great review thanks. Would you kindly tell me = does the unit have compression? I don't see it. Maybe it's with the other effects? Any info greatly appreciated thanks. Cheers

[@RecordingMag]

No, this is no compression. Each channel has the Perkins EQ and the effects section has its own digital EQ, but no compression.

[@season7507]

I was actually worried about certain things like the one knob compression and it’s ability to return audio from the DAW to each channel. However, after taking a careful look at the unit and considering the fact that I already have a multitrack 18x20 audio interface that could take care of the routing, I went for it because I didn’t want a digital mixer for now. Trust me, the unit sounds really great. The Perkins EQ is more than enough to do without the one knob compression. I tested alongside my small mixer with one knob compression and it sounded far better. The studio command section is really good. As per the usb out from the DAW, I only use the audio interface when I need to mix and play back more than 2 channels from the mixer, and I can only do that when mixing. After mixing, I can decide to return everything into 2 channels and use a third channel for myself in live-streaming music through zoom. Hope this helps.

[@spacep0d]

@@RecordingMag Gah, I need compression. Not looking forward to having to buy a separate compressor.

[@TheMixClub]

Is it just me! or do the effects sound mono?

[@ultrajayme]

Two issues I cannot sort out. 1: when I arm a track in my DAW and try to record audio from a synth, the master channel bleeds into it when the audio channel is armed in record mode. Can't figure out how to correct. 2: my headphone input volume is for some reason linked to the Master volume on the mixer. It I turn master volume down, the headphone volume goes down in unison. Can't figure out how to separate the two so they work independently. Can anyone help me troubleshoot these issues? Thank you

[@Ideaitonband]

You ever figure this out?.. having the same issue myself

[@spacep0d]

Can the Mackie Onyx line record *separate* tracks to the SD Card for use in a DAW, and not just a stereo track? Is there onboard compression anywhere for a dynamic mic, such as a Shure SM-58? Thanks!

[@RecordingMag]

No compressor and the SD card is just a capture of the main stereo out.

[@spacep0d]

@@RecordingMag Thanks! Mackie needs to step up their game. They really glossed over this in their own videos. I heard 'stereo recording' but yeah they seem to be trying to avoid diving too deep into this limitation.

[@DiggyDon_33]

Hello! Could I interface this Mackie with computer like Cubase? Recording simultaneously on PC using the mixer? thanks you!

[@RecordingMag]

If you are asking if you can record each channel to your computer as an interface, but also use the mixer as a mixer at the same time recording to another source from the stereo outs, yes - including the SD Card.

[@DiggyDon_33]

Thanks for the answer! Cann I arm every single channel (for example only 5 channels) and record this 5 tracks on SD? can I then record multitrack on the sd card? thanks for your patience

[@neurosentience5150]

So effects can’t be used via usb livestream?

[@RecordingMag]

Effects can be tracked through and captured on the card or from the analog outs. USB is just a 1:1 multi-channel interface to your DAW.

[@josecorneliobrindiscobriimusic]

¿It is only for studio or can I to get out for live concerts?

[@YAWN....]

You can use it for both

[@vanhunsberger4192]

so can the unit send 16 individual channels to the daw or is it just a stereo mix?

[@spacep0d]

I'm interested in this answer too. Nobody seems to be addressing it, including Mackie.

[@beatsbyashu]

also interested

[@producer1762]

It would seem yes, its almost fucking hidden info but found out it only outputs 4x through the usb interface.... Look for the Zoom L series, Soundcraft MTK (no send to SD i think) series or the Tascam Model (12 version is digital) (for god sake double check but they should do the job)

[@emjayscafe]

It’s a little misleading to say “multitrack usb recording” bc to me that implies you can records the individual tracks live and then mix after… I don’t believe this is the case. Isn’t it still just a stereo master mix out that you can record? Or I’m missing something

[@marcnukoop]

@RecordingMag 5 maanden geleden "The USB outs are individual inputs of each channel, just like a 16-channel interface. It is mic pre/input to the channels in your DAW."

[@sdaservicetv]

I am trying to understand why Mackie has all these videos out and the product still is not available for purchase months after the first review video

[@omenjh]

Same, paid and been waiting 6 months now. I’m sure this is all a hoax 🤣😂 I since brought the 16 chan Tascam to tie me over and now contemplating scrapping the Mackie or in favour of the 24 Chan Tascam

[@kenyontech]

@@omenjh I hope that Mackie understands that delaying on something that does not necessarily bring any ground breaking features allows near equivalent competition to gain market share. As the saying goes the best audio gear is the one you have right now that gets the job done.

[@omenjh]

@@kenyontech Just had an email from my supplier who says Mackie keep putting the date back, is and now Jan / Feb. Mackie if you are reading these posts your losing customers. My supplier is saying I’m not the only one canceling to go to the competition. I think people would be ok with the wait if you guys actually talked to your customers instead of treating us like idiots.

[@YAWN....]

I bought the 24. Great preamp but i wasnt impressed with the EQs, woofy and boring sounding

[@edbernardmusic3599]

Another singer reading lyrics from a phone. LAME.

[@bilkun]

Thanks for the review. Do you know if it works as a USB interface with new Apple M1 Chips?

[@RecordingMag]

I cannot answer that yet as I have not made the jump to an M1. You might want to check Mackie's web site.

[@bilkun]

@@RecordingMag Thanks) Yeah, I even contacted Mackie support already but they told me that they do not know if it supports M1 yet themselves