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Mackie Onyx Blackbird FireWire Recording Interface

Use this interface's 8 Onyx preamps for pristine sound in the studio, or add it to your stage setup as an 8-channel preamp rack.

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Product Description

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Mackie's Onyx Blackbird Premium 16x16 FireWire Recording Interface delivers industry-leading recording quality via eight boutique-quality Onyx preamps and high-end 24-bit/96kHz conversion in a sleek rackmount design. True analog hardware monitoring, in both mono and stereo, provide simple zero-latency recording, while onboard word clock and 8x8 ADAT I/O allow for ultimate expandability. Two front panel Super Channels provide quick access to crucial recording tools and the powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix Mixer allows for quick mix creation and routing of any input to any output. Plus, since it works as a standalone 8-channel preamp rack, Blackbird offers a single box solution ready for integration into your studio or digital live setup.

See the Blackbird in action with this video from Mackie:

Features

- Eight boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
- High-headroom design with ultra-low noise and distortion
- Ideal eight input standalone preamp unit with up to 96kHz ADAT (S/MUX II) outputs
- 48V phantom power on all inputs for use with condenser microphones
- Studio monitor, main and alternative outputs with independent level control and source selection
- Two headphone outputs with independent level control and source selection
- Easily aggregate up to four units on Mac or PC
- Built-Like-A-Tank sleek and ergonomic chassis design
- High-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
- Includes free download of Tracktion software

Professional 16x16 24-bit/96kHz recording/playback:
- Flexible FireWire routing
- 8x8 ADAT I/O for ultimate expandability
- Onboard word clock I/O for studio and live integration
- Acclaimed JetPLL jitter elimination technology

Compatible with most major DAWs:
- Logic
- Sonar
- Cubase
- Ableton Live
- Final Cut Pro
- ...and more

Powerful and flexible Super Channels:
- Front panel connectivity for easy access
- True analog hardware monitoring of inputs, in mono or stereo, for easy zero-latency recording
- 80Hz low-cut switches
- Dedicated 48V phantom power
- Built-in DI for direct connection of guitars, bass, etc.
- Inserts for outboard processing gear

Includes powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix Mixer:
- Route any input to any output
- Zero-latency tracking of all inputs
- Quickly set up independent mixes for headphones and more zZounds is an authorized dealer of Mackie products.

Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item: Shipping Weight: 10 lbs; Shipping Dimensions: 21 x 14 x 4 in

Mackie Warranty

Mackie Warranty

If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-898-3211

zZounds is an
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What Our Customers Are Saying About zZounds "Thanks to zZounds for the awesome Play as you Pay installment plan. I have become a customer for life!" - customer on May 13, 2013

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Customer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 (11 ratings) Rate and Review This Product

Read all 4 Mackie Onyx Blackbird FireWire Recording Interface Reviews

zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. Mackie Onyx Blackbird FW Customer Review

Sound: The blackbird works very well in seamlessly recording elements of a blues-based rock and roll outfit as well as serving as a simple interface for getting ideas down into Logic Pro 9. Feature: Very much appreciate "super channels" 1 & 2 at front of unit with attendant Hi Z and low cut features. I don't use the Blackbird controller/mixer software as I run directly into Logic but I suppose it might be useful to somebody doing something other than what I use it for. Ease of Use: Simple as plug and play to make multitrack recordings, read close-mic'd live drums, in Logic Pro 9. It is nice to be able to simultaneous recording 8 tracks into 8 separate strips in Logic for later manipulation. Quality: Excellent sound. I don't have experience with the raved about preamps, eg, Neve, classic Telefunken, etc, but I have experience building/modifying tube amps and I know what sounds good. The Onyx preamps thru firewire definitely are a step above generic mixer/USB interfaces. There is warmth and detail I didn't hear using other means. Value: Excellent value for the buck. This will especially be useful to those doing DAW recording and interested in high quality, simultaneous multichannel recording into multichannel DAW provided your DAW is compatible- works great with Logic. Read the online manual and you will get a sense of the versatility. Manufacturer Support: No experience yet.

Style of Music: Rock

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zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us. "I call it the SR71"

Sound: I've heard previous Mackie preamps from mixers to interfaces. My previous experience recording on a 400F gave me a direct comparison on the sound of my own rigs (guitar, bass, and acoustic). I'd have to say they are pretty close in transparency and have only limited me because of my mic selection. Use the Super Channels a lot for DI work and have never been disappointed upon reamping. Also getting a fair amount of use out of the Inserts on Channel 1&2. Feature: Loving the headphone mix outs for custom mixes. As well as the Super Channels with hi-pass amd DI switch. I do however have some gripes. Initially I was looking for a unit with MIDI I/O and TRS channel line outs for running to a console or mixer, other units at this price have those options. I decided I did not need them having a home studio, and previously owning a MIDI interface UM-3G by Roland which I already had running on Win 7 64bit. Ease of Use: Not too hard to setup. Driver installation was a snap, however I did have quite a bit of latency and audio artifacts using the WDM driver. Once I switched to ASIO4All, all was resolved. Upon recent reinstallation of Win 7 64bit I ended up using ASIO Onyx Firewire drivers I assume are included with the Driver download now, because they were not on the Initial installation CD. Heard a lot about bad drivers, but a restart and/or reinstallation have fixed it everytime. I've run this unit in Sonar, Ableton, and Pro Tools (briefly). Never had an issue other than symptomatic crashes and freezes most often cause by my OS and infected PC's since I'm too lazy to have an installation just for audio. Also I've brought the unit to other friends home setups and the virtual mixer settings have always saved right on the unit, ready to pump out whatever mix we were working on anywhere I attached it. Quality: Solid, excellent converters, reinforced inputs. I have a rage issue every once and a while which goes from ripping out cables to throwing gear and this one is no exception. The knobs have been tugged on and cables pulled out at horrible angles and it still works great. Only reason it hasn't taken more of a beating is because of it's sturdiness, and besides I'm not going to throw my whole rack, nobodies that insane. Value: Great value for the price, make sure you're getting the features you NEED and not just some flash that convinces other people you're supposed to be important. I'm sure Firewire will be dead very soon so hopefully they release a USB3 or PCIe interface. Until then, I'm pretty sure I'll kill the unit before I actually need to upgrade. Manufacturer Support: Contacted initially about driver support, was responded to fairly quickly with a promise of better drivers. I'm sure there are a lot out there still dealing with issues but again, I have not had a problem with Windows based systems as of yet. Did I mention I'm in IT, so that probably helps in the troubleshooting. The Wow Factor: All the knobs make my friends with no music experience baffled I can work such a device. Other than that, I feel the name appealed to me first Beatles AND spy jet reference, I'm in! Overall: I bought this unit over a year ago. I like to tryout my hardware before I really decide on a purchase or in this case, review. I have a few close friends that are studio engineers so I was constantly referring to them as far as future proofing and standards. Needless to say this meets almost all of my requirements, especially the ones I didn't know I had upon purchase.

Style of Music: post-rock, metal, hardcore, metalcore, indie

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Read all 4 Mackie Onyx Blackbird FireWire Recording Interface Reviews

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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

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Need it now but short of cash? All we need is the first payment up front and the rest in easy monthly payments!

Fast approval.: We approve everyone, with very few exceptions, as long as we can verify your identity.
No interest. Ever.: It's just as if you paid the whole amount up front!
No paperwork. Nothing to track.: No application to mail or fax, no bills to pay. We automatically charge the payments to your credit card.

We'll wait on your money so you don't have to wait for your gear!

When you checkout, just click the Play as you Pay checkbox to indicate which installment plan you wish to use.

on most orders $49+

Just $2.99 on
smaller orders

Really heavy stuff might cost you a
little more

learn more

Why fight traffic and pushy salesmen when we'll bring your gear straight to your home, free of charge?

zZounds free shipping is really free!: No hidden charges or hassles on returns.
Fast, reliable delivery: We have warehouses on both coasts, so most shipments arrive in 3 days or less.
We don't collect sales tax. Bonus!: Only NJ residents pay tax during checkout.

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