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Home>Computer Music>Audio Interfaces>FireWire Audio Interfaces

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. 8 People rated this product: Rate and Review This Product
Ships to: Can ship to United States Can ship to Puerto Rico
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Manufacturer's Description for Mackie Onyx Blackbird FireWire Recording Interface

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.

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
- Includes Tracktion 3 Music Production Software
- High-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted)

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: 14 x 21 x 4 in
Mackie Warranty
Mackie Warranty
If you have additional warranty questions, please call the manufacturer at 800-898-3211
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 "I love zZounds because they stand behind all their products." - customer on January 26th, 2012
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Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 (8 ratings) Rate and Review This Product
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. "Blackbird singing in the dead of night (sorry, had to)!"
Sound: Preamps have just enough sparkle and clarity to outperform units priced around the same or lower price points. Excellent response with the Super Channels considering they also handle XLR and have Hi-pass switches and Phantom power toggles. I have reamped a lot of guitar after using the Super Channel input and it sounds like the real thing. I'm sure there are more expensive DI units that could do better, but for my needs it gets the job done in a single unit. Also have Mic'd guitar amps and keyboard/synths through the unit with no issue and barely any coloration. Feature: Virtual mixing console is very nice for Monitor, Headphone, and Alt mixes during recording or playback. The multiple outs are great for Inserts and various buss options. My only disappointments with this unit compared to Mackie's previous 400F is the analog outs which have been replaced by ADAT light pipe outs. So that's another converter I don't want to skimp on with a digital to analog into mixer setup. Second, there's NO USB. Not that I don't have a Firewire port (only 1), but they are becoming extinct especially with the advent of USB3. Granted, you can buy a $30 IEEE card to get setup, but what about motherboard space? Lastly my only personal drawback of the unit is lack of MIDI I/O. This would not be a big deal except for the lack of 64-bit MIDI interfaces (had to go with a Cakewalk UM-3G which still didn't have signed drivers for 64-bit, but worked by bypassing Driver Signature Enforcement). What is a big deal to me is the previous Mackie interface 400F, has MIDI ports, guess they stripped this unit down to what it does best. Anyway I find that multiple channel mixes and inputs into this unit are sufficient for a full band recording, even better for project studio work/play. Ease of Use: Set this unit up very easily. Used it on Mac OSX Lion, XP, Vista, and Windows 7 32 AND 64 bit without issues. Took a little while to get Sonar to detect the right drivers instead of using the ASIO4All drivers. Once I got past that hurdle it was smooth sailing. No problems in Pro Tools or Ableton on any OS. Had one issue with no output of audio which was resolved by pairing and resetting the unit on another PC. Has not happened since. So do your troubleshooting before blaming shoddy drivers or support. I've heard many issues with incompatible Firewire cards as well. DO YOUR RESEARCH! Lastly, I do wish the unit had more inserts instead of just on 1/2, but they are already cramming a lot in there. I would also like to add that Zzounds has helped in many situations with questions and problems I've had in the past. Quality: I feel like I could throw this thing out of a speeding car and the only thing damaged would be the knobs. Excellent hard metal case, rack-mounted for your convenience, sturdy and smooth dials. Value: Looking at other units in this price range I was very happy at what I got. Other units with more features could be skimping on parts and quality. Manufacturer Support: Issue with driver and Virtual Mixer was responded to and answered within the week. Not bad, but I was out a few days of session recordings The Wow Factor: Price point and sound quality aside, it had the features I wanted recording mostly guitar and not using an outboard mixer. Very DAW friendly. Overall: Probably keeping this for the long haul, it's usefulness and quality could not be replaced. When I get ready to dive into more units I could see going with a second Blackbird, if not getting another interface and keeping it for situational recordings and variety. I would replace it if it was lost or stolen or broken out of warranty.
Style of Music: post-rock, metal, sludge, electronic
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