When you're recording a band, track count can add up fast. For one thing, that drum kit alone is going to need 6 or 7 mics. And you were planning on tracking the bass direct and miking up the amp, right? That's why the Mackie Onyx 1620i has 16 channels: 8 clear, detailed Onyx mic preamps plus 4 stereo channels that can handle line-level inputs like keyboards or drum machines. Best of all, as part of Mackie's Onyx-i Series, the 1620i has a built-in 16-in/2-out FireWire interface. That's right: with this mixer plugged into your computer, you can send all 16 channels into your DAW software with no need for a separate interface. With the 1620i, you get all the robustness of a Mackie analog mixer, plus complete integration with your digital recording setup. Onyx preamps and high-quality Cirrus converters make the Onyx 1620i a clear winner as the analog front-end for any DAW.
This video from Mackie explains the power of the Onyx-I series:
A Robust Analog Mixer
Even if it didn't have a built-in FireWire interface, the 1620i would still be a serious analog mixer. First of all, it's a Mackie -- a company known for tank-like build quality. Mackie boards have long been indispensable in can't-fail environments like broadcast studios, live venues, and mobile recording rigs. Plus, the Onyx name means you're getting Mackie's flagship mic preamps -- 8 of them, in this case. Onyx mic pres are designed for accuracy, transparency, and detail. The first two channels have a dedicated switch for accepting a Hi-Z input like a direct guitar or bass. And every channel has Mackie's "British-style" Perkins EQ, named for the veteran engineer who developed these natural-sounding filters. Because the 1620i is a full-fledged analog mixer, it's an excellent real-time monitoring solution: just use its 4 aux sends to build headphone mixes in the analog domain with zero latency, regardless of what is going on in your DAW.
Send 16 Channels To Your DAW Over FireWire
The Onyx 1620i really starts working its magic when you plug in a FireWire cable. Your 16 channels sail through high-end Cirrus A/D converters, through FireWire, and into your DAW at up to 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution. Each channel has a pre/post-EQ button for the FireWire output, so you can record your tracks with or without the Perkins EQ and inserts applied. For example, if your bassist needs lots of low-end punch in his headphones during tracking, you can kick on his EQ, but press his channel's "pre" button so only the clean, un-EQ'd signal is sent out through FireWire and into your DAW. Or you can insert your trusty hardware reverb for the vocal channel for monitoring, but still record the vocal track "dry." However you set up the routing, FireWire is fully integrated into the Onyx 1620i -- making external interfaces or converters completely unnecessary.
Compatible With Rack Gear and Plug-ins, Too
Got outboard gear? With 1/4-inch insert plugs on the first 8 channels, you can easily insert your favorite hardware compressor on that vocal track. And with 4 aux sends, there's plenty of room to patch in your hardware reverbs and return them to the 4 stereo channels. Now, if you're of more of a plug-ins power user, that's where the 1620i's FireWire integration comes in handy. For example, say you're multitracking a band on the first 12 channels. Press a button to send a "copy" of auxes 1 and 2 out on FireWire channels 13 and 14 -- now you can use a software plug-in as an effects processor while you're tracking, returning the "wet," processed output to the 1620i's last stereo channel for monitoring. And if you'd like to capture the "board mix" in real time off the 1620i's high-headroom summing bus, just press a button to send the main stereo mix out FireWire channels 15 and 16. Flexible routing is the name of the game with the Onyx 1620i.
Ideal For Tracking Live Shows
Because it's so great at integrating with DAW software, people like to think of the Mackie Onyx 1620i as the heart of a home recording setup. But the 1620i is equally capable as the brain of a small PA. For starters, FireWire makes the 1620i perfect for playing music between bands: hit the "Assign to Main Mix" button to play a playlist from your FireWire-connected computer, or assign your FireWire returns to channel 15/16 for background music while the stage mics stay on. And that's just the beginning. If you'd like to record live performances, the 1620i lets you capture up to 16 tracks individually over FireWire -- completely independently of the house mix. And with 4 switchable pre/post-fader auxes, you've got 4 flexible stage monitor sends. There's simply no excuse not to archive your live shows, when setup is as simple as running a FireWire cable from the mixer to your laptop.
All told, the Mackie Onyx 1620i packs a whole lot of power into a very small footprint. You get 8 great-sounding preamps, 4 flexible stereo inputs, Perkins EQ, and built-in 16x2 FireWire integration for your home recording setup. Of course, you get legendary Mackie build quality. And if you're setting up to record live shows right off the board, the 1620i can't go wrong. Try this mixer and replace your cheesy interface with real analog hardware!
Features:
- 8 Onyx mic preamps with individual phantom power, plus Hi-Z instrument inputs on channels 1 and 2
- 4 stereo line inputs
- Musical Perkins EQ section on each channel
- Integrated 16-in/2-out FireWire interface at up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
- Pre/post switch sends channels to FireWire with or without EQ, inserts pre/post EQ switch on all channels
- Built-in talkback mic
- Tough Mackie build quality throughout
- Includes free download of Tracktion software
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Minimum System Requirements For General Use FOR PC - Microsoft Windows 7 32 / 64 RTM, Vista 32 / 64 RTM or XP 32 SP 2 - Pentium 4, Celeron or Athlon XP processor - 512 MB RAM
FOR MAC - Mac OS X 10.4.11 - 10.6.2 - G4 processor - 512 MB RAM
Minimum System Requirements For Pro Tools M-Powered 8 Use FOR PC - Microsoft Windows Vista 32 SP2 or XP 32 SP 3 - 1GB RAM
FOR MAC - Mac OS X 10.5.5 - 10.5.8 - 1GB RAM
The following computer systems have been qualified by the Mackie test department for use with all major DAW's including pro tools(r) m-powered(tm) 8. This list does not represent the only systems that will function faultlessly and is intended to be a guide, however we cannot guarantee or support problem free system setup outside of these qualified systems.
For PC: - HPCP7700P - Chipset Q963 - Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 @ 2.13GHz - 2GB RAM - Ultra ULT40109 8 port FireWire / USB 2.0 card (VIA chipset)
FOR MAC: - 8-core 3GHz - Mac Pro (first generation, second revision) - 4GB RAM - MFG date April 2007 Power Mac G5
Using your Onyx-i Series Mixer with any other major DAW? Onyx-i Series mixers are compatible with all major DAWs. This list includes (but is not limited to):
- Logic(R) - Sonar(TM) - Cubase(R) - Ableton(R) Live - Final Cut Pro(R) - Tracktion(TM) - Digital Performer(TM)
Register your Onyx-i mixer with Mackie and you will be given Instructions for the Mackie Universal Driver and Mackie Authorization Application that unlocks your mixer for use with Pro Tools M-Powered 8. The driver purchase allows your registered mixer to work with as many supported computers running Pro Tools M-Powered 8 as you have access to.
Our 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies to the Mackie Onyx Mixer. Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
M-Audio Pro Tools M-Powered Recording Software cannot be returned once opened due to copyright law.
The 16-channel Mackie Onyx 1620i FireWire Recording Mixer combines the benefits of a powerful computer interface with the tactile, hands-on control of a sleek, space-saving premium analog mixer. Proven, professional features like eight Onyx mic preamps and classic Perkins EQ only accentuate the mixer's ample connectivity and clear-cut workflow.
The Onyx 1620i allows you to send channels, aux sends or master L/R signals discretely to your Mac or PC for recording. Compatible out of the box with most major DAWs, and qualified for use with Pro Tools(r) M-Powered(tm) 8 via downloadable driver upgrade at Mackie's website It's a premium analog mixer that integrates seamlessly with your favorite DAW.
Features
- Premium 16 channel super compact analog mixer with integrated FireWire I/O
- Qualified by Mackie for use will all major DAWs, including:
-- Logic(r)
-- Sonar(tm)
-- Cubase(r)
-- Ableton(r) Live
-- Final Cut Pro(r)
-- Pro Tools M-Powered 8 (Requires $49.99 USD driver upgrade at www.mackie.com)
- Includes free download of Tracktion software
- 8 mono channels (mono mic and mono line inputs)
- 4 stereo channels (stereo line inputs)
- 8 Onyx mic preamps with sound comparable to boutique preamps
- 4-band Perkins EQ iwth sweepable mids on mono channels
- 3-band Perkins EQ on stereo line channels
- Flexible FireWire routing with up to 16 channels pre/post EQ, aux sends and master L/R routable to computer
- 2 channels of FireWire monitoring routable to either the control room or channels 15 and 16
- 4 independent aux sends with separate pre/post switches
- Selectable instrument inputs on first two channels-no DI box needed
- Individual 48 volt phantom power switches on all microphone inputs
- Talkback section with built in mic and flexible routing
- Planet-Earth switching power supply for worldwide use
Recording and Mixing
Send all channels, aux sends or the master L/R straight to your computer for recording. Pre/post EQ taps on every channel allow you to integrate the renowned Perkins EQ into the record path. Plus, returns from your DAW are assignable to the control room section or straight back into a channel for mix integration.
Powerful Effects Engine
With all aux sends routable to your DAW, Onyx-i allows you to use your favorite plug-in as a realtime effect. Just route an aux send to your DAW, apply the plug-in and assign your DAW outputs to the control room or to a channel strip for instant integration into the mix.
Live Recording
Live sound recording could not be simpler with Onyx-i. The ability to record individual channels either wet or dry allows for studio quality multitrack recordings for later editing and mixdown. Or simply record the main mix, allowing for immediate creation of CDs right at the gig.
Our extended 30-Day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee applies on
this product.Buy it, and if it isn't just right for you, return it!
What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds
"This is the first time I've shopped with zZounds and I couldn't have had a better experience. I was able to find what I was looking for easily, and the processing was simple and fast." - customer on May 7, 2013
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"The perfect front end for my studio."
Sound:
Compared to my old budget firewire mixer, this thing is a world class studio. I went cheap last time so I could get a few bazillion other things I needed to build my studio. And boy did I miss having a Mackie. This was the last piece in the link. And it makes everything else I spent the last two years buying, sound amazing. I feel like I'm hearing all my gear for the first time.
Feature:
Before I bought this mixer I was curious about the inserts. The manual only says they can be wired to be pre firewire but does not say that if you push the pre/post firewire button that lets you record the eq wet or dry, you will indeed get the insert in that mix. Very cool for playing your guitar with say, a POD but recording dry for later for processing. Or if you want to compress to tape, as we would have said all those years ago.
Ease of Use:
Having been a child of the analog era, and lived thru the analog verses digital war, this is my home. Most of my problem with using a more conventional interface is the software mixers and all that. I don't really have to deal with all that. No headphone mixes and no latency. I run hardware reverbs thru the aux sends and those don't get recorded so my singers got his comfort reverb. No software mixers to deal with.
Quality:
This thing is worth every penny. It ties my whole studio together. Makes everything else better. My last Mackie (1604 VLZ Pro) is 17 years old and is still our live mixer. So in my opinion,as long as you like the Mackie sound the quality isn't even in question.
Value:
It cost a pretty penny for those of use on a budget but the payment plan here at zZounds puts it within reach of those of us who have other bills to pay to. And after my last cheap mixer I've learned yet again that, you get what you pay for. And this thing is worth every cent.
Manufacturer Support:
I've never really had to deal with Mackie support because their stuff just works. I've never had one break unless it was my fault. And by break I mean fall out of a fourth floor window and smash into the concrete. Otherwise I've dropped them off the desk numerous times.I made a couple of dents and bent this or that, but they always kept working. So I have never made even one phone call to Mackie support.
The Wow Factor:
It's ease of use and familiar feel nice lines great look. It makes my studio desk look way more pro then that old silver mixer I had.
Overall:
I expect to be using this product until it breaks or a new technology comes out that replaces firewire. Whichever comes first. Most likely as with my previous Mackie purchases I will end up selling it in a few years so I can get the bigger one.
Style of Music: alternative acoutstic folk rock. ??
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"A happy camper"
Sound:
In the short time I've had this mixer, I have been very satisfied with the sound quality. I'm using it as my daw's audio interface running it through a pair of Tanoi reveal nearfield monitors.
Feature:
I would have liked to be able to have effect returns assigned directly to Firewire channels for easier use of outboard effects when mixing down, but overall its simplicity is a welcome relief.
Ease of Use:
I thought it was about as simple as it could be without sacrificing functionality. Yes, the documentation does assume you know something about signal flow etc. but that's why they call us pros.
Quality:
It has a very nice solid feel to me.
Value:
It is absolutely worth the price. Just as an audio interface alone, it blows away my motu. I've been running it with complex projects at very low latency with Sonar x1 and it is rock solid.
Manufacturer Support:
I haven't needed any support.
Overall:
Well, I can't pretend to predict the future, but I could see myself keeping this around for quite a while. I hope somebody will make a good road case for it.
Style of Music: Old school R&B, pop, jazz
3 of 3 people
(100%) found this review helpful. Did you?
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It's fast and easy
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A temporary customer reference number is assigned to each customer only while they are shopping on zZounds.com. If you call our customer service department for assistance, this number makes it easier for us to answer any questions you have about products, services or purchases.
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