Unfortunately, due to space constraints, this Mackie has no level faders, what a pity! But that seems to be the only thing missing.Ĭhannel 3-4 can be used either as a mic/line level mono channel or as a line level stereo channel. You'll also find pan and level controls, as well as mute and solo buttons. The stereo aux returns are also on 1/4" jacks. Mackie corrected its mistake from the former series: well done!īelow the EQ are the two aux sends, whose physical outputs (on balanced/unbalanced 1/4" jacks) are underneath channel 5-6. It's a real pity, considering the EQ is rather good! With the 820i, you now have the possibility to choose to record the signal with or without the Onyx EQ. One of the main cons of the 1220 we previously tested was that you couldn't record the signal processed with the mixer's EQ to your computer. An interesting feature allows you to tap the FireWire output pre or post-EQ. The choice of frequencies available should work fine with vocals. The mid band has a peak filter with sweepable center frequency from 100 Hz to 8 kHz. The high and low bands have shelving filters set to 12 kHz and 80 Hz respectively. The EQ is three band with semi-parametric mids, meaning you can set the center frequency for the mid band. It's certainly not enough for a precise level setting, but, unfortunately, that's something most compact mixers lack–for price and size reasons. The -20dB green LED turns on when the input signal exceeds this threshold. The gain control ranges from -20dB to +40dB, allowing you to set the level of your input signal, and a red "OL" LED indicates signal overload. A 75 Hz low-cut filter and 48V phantom power for condenser mics are also provided. The mixer has eight channels: the first two are mono and include XLR mic inputs, 1/4" jack line inputs which accept balanced/unbalanced signals, and switchable instrument inputs (via a dedicated switch) that allow you to connect an electric or bass guitar directly to the mixer. Now, let's have a closer look at the technical features of the Onyx. It also has four rubber feet on the bottom side so it's a mixer that will surely stay in place. We'll have to see if this holds true under real-life conditions. The mixer's compact dimensions (14.2" x 9" x 3.8") and weight (9.7 lb.) make the mixer seem sturdy. The plastic knobs–from the solo and mute buttons to the EQ controls–will be familiar to all Mackie users. We like the overall design of the mixer, and the aluminum chassis gives it a sturdy and classy look, which is a very good point considering it's an entry-level mixer.
What's more, even though the pack we received included the Onyx and Pro Tools M-Powered, the latter is not an integral part of the product that you will find in stores. As we write this review, we still don't know if this is the result of a cooperation between ProTools and Mackie or if the manufacturer just took the liberty to use the software.
We have not heard anything about a new Mackie analog mixer series sold with ProTools M-Powered, and there was also no information about it to be found on the web! The unit comes with "universal" drivers compatible with DigiDesign's sequencer. At AudioFanzine, we were very surprised when we first received the Onyx 820i.