All user reviews for the Mackie Onyx 1620

The Mackie Onyx 1620 has a total of 16 inputs. Eight of them can be used as either Bal/Unbal line ins or XLR3 microphone inputs. The remaining eight inputs are solely Hi-Z line ins. The inputs run through Onyx microphone preamps(one of the best mic pre's on the market is built into this board!). From there, it is equipped with Perkins E.Q., which is phenomenal. Not only do you have your typical E.Q. controls(high,high mid, low mid, low), but both mid E.Q. sections on each track have an additional frequency control knob. This knob controls the center frequency for the E.Q. filter. Think of it as a frequency selector. Once the desired frequency is found, you can then adjust the volume of said frequency in the usual way.

It is equipped with Aux sends and returns that can be used for bussing premixes or effects to or from or through whatever-wherever. Analog tape ouputs, main line outs, main XLR outs, control room line outs, and an optional Firewire card.

The Firewire card turns this kick ass analog mixer into a bad ass digital interface. So... What else could you need?... A lamp? just in case it gets dark?

Oh wait.

It has one.

UTILIZATION

Set up is always painless. It has no frills to get in the way and is extremely straight forward. With so many output options it is also extremely versatile. The manual is straight to the point and provides diagrams of suggested set ups for most common uses. I've used it in studio for the most part. When used in a live setting, however, it is just as simple.

Plug up.
Adjust levels and E.Q.
Play.
That simple.

SOUNDS

With the detail that can be achieved through the E.Q., everything is easily dialed in. No hissing or "electronic hum" from the unit. The Mic pre is constantly satisfying. With any preamp you sort of have to find it's sweet spot. Once learned, it can easily be reproduced for every occasion. The sweet spot on this one is pretty much everywhere. Dial it up to unity, adjust as needed, but it only takes a couple seconds to reach the perfect gain. Fan-Frikkin-Tastic.

OVERALL OPINION

This is constantly doing something in my studio. If I am working in my studio, this is undoubtedly being used. Best mixer I've ever owned. I'd highly recommend it to anybody who needs a board for any purpose. This is an older model, however, and I'm sure that the newer Mackie Onyx mixers have upheld the same incredible standard. Try one of those out first. If you can't find one of those within your budget that will suffice for your project, go old skool and find one of these. INCREDIBLE.



Pros:
-Onyx Mic Preamp
-Frequency Selector on the Perkins E.Q.
-Incredible versatility with multitudes of output options

Cons:
-I believe it is discontinued. That means(unless you can buy the mixer and the card together), finding a place to get the Firewire card for this model will be difficult.

Rackable: No
16 line inputs, 8 Mic, so the first two are also instruments entered.

Flexible faders, phantom power on Mic EVERY, also cut down button.
EQs on each input has knobs (but I'll never use it)
Plugged in thanks to the optional FireWire card (300 €) I record in 24bit cushy / 96Khz, beyond it's useless ...

UTILIZATION

Extremely simple configuration in Cubase 6.5
After the drivers are installed, the card is recognized by Windows (7), Cubase starts, it goes into the Device Setup, it selects the soundcard Mackie, it sets the buffer.
I usually use a buffer between 128 and 256 it depends on the project, which gives me a latency of 2 ms input and 3 output.

For very large projects obviously when no more records are do not needto I happily increases the buffer up to 512 or more, just to relieve the CPU and ASIO.

The manual clear and sufficient? Haha I have rarely seen a manual such as Mackie, who are full of humor, anecdotes and other .. otherwise yes it is very very clear and well explained with pictures etc. ..

PS: Tested in Logic Pro on a Macbook Pro 2010, no need for drivers, the card is automatically recognized, it is stable, no worries.

Extremely rare crashes under Windows passage (4 crashes in 6 years)

SOUNDS

For transparency I think not to be an expert at this level it, but I know it taints anything in sound, it does not take special colors ..

No breath report since I (2008) and yet I bought the model expo!

Equalizer works perfectly, although once connected by Firewire, faders and equalizers do not serve anything. Paid so in his DAW.

OVERALL OPINION

We are in June 2013, I used approximately since February 2008.

Before that, I had a small table on a connected analog PCI M-Audio Audiophile.

I love the fact that you can activate the phantom power on a particular track, not an entire group.
I love his side digital sound card can FireWire, which works great with extremely low latency (the PC must follow as of course ..)

Value good price. With the experience so I probably do it again this choice because now they have released the new model (the 1620i) and 16 digital tracks for 900 € with a sound card M-Audio/RME/MOTU, that price was that 8 inputs ...

the disadvantage is its size, the former model is a little bigger than the new one, which makes the little portable thing if you want to help save on the outside ..

But if placed on desktop and bosser, TIP TOP!

Compact console to look neat: 8piste mono mic, line switchable with 2 Hz with eq (2 parametric bass 1 1 acute)
4 track stereo line mid bass eq acute
To 4 pre or post

I put that 7 because no group

UTILIZATION

Very simple to use and most manageable despite this small size compare to previous makie of this size I can tell you that there was a marked improvement.

SOUNDS

The preamps are very transparent but lacks a little potato I trouve.ils saturate pleasant enough, if too many preamp (as many table) its high-gain ca cause problems for master.
The mono eq slices are good for a console that price, I would say that for Presice it's effectively while respecting the source, eq stereo tracks them his worst he can correct but harder to embellish the sound.
The S / N ratio is good without being either extra: disont that if you return too many low-level source that will cause problems.
if s is used properly and without too much abuse it sounds very good, if it happens to him too as a source of poor quality it could do anything,
c is to summarize a very transparent console a little character, j is the impression that c is in general philosophy makie.

OVERALL OPINION

I used the last 4 or 5 years (I had to buy the output at its option without firewire), I can tell you that I was not the household
-A lot of time, truck ride wrapped in blankets as a fly, it is fall once 20cm.
I done with the dub so I ruthlessly manipulates the fader and mute.
result:
Them to the preamp eq does not always crack c it is a very good point.
XLR-output kidding when you put the mic position that c is not great at all, and c is that it does not happen before fall.
A track-fader is slightly squeaky pan works not when you put a left and a track has a mute slight creaking, I saw little understanding of the abuse (in j am aware XD).
I find that c is an exellent console for live on stage
Studio home studio it's been the case if you work the sound came before it (c is for me the definition of a transparent console)
the ratio Q / p is the best for its category, for example, midas venice or Hallen and Health Wizzard's four times as much and I think (I is not misused) that's it, c is hard to quantify but I say roughly 1.5 times better:
Heat a slightly better definition
slightly better routing (group, with more).
I remake that choice.

8 Channel Console serious microphones, 4 lines with 4 stereo bus with a stereo recording, the eight direct output to its catch of the damage, great damage whatsoever pre eq and pre fader and it takes the point of insert ...)
equ are the type 2 shelving high and low enough for parametric and 2.
There is an option to put its digital sounds on the computer but damage is very unfortunate that it is without a control eq (it's so good) or fader and insert. In the studio, tinkering with the sound input can avoid putting his computer to its knees in the mix. In short I did not buy the optional Onyx ... How to get out of a sound FX software to my 70 pcm for example hmm? Or to make a separate return of headphone? your option to the nuts. Hééé .. the guys from mackie what you think? Short for these reasons I give 9 for 1620 (and 3 for option ..)

UTILIZATION

The console is very user friendly, pleasant, a little too big compared to 1402 VLZ PRO. It is no longer the old tanks that unbreakable takes around a suitcase, it looks bôôcoup trickier. The faders are tough and grind at the beginning (I hope this will stop I've had two months ...) The pots are tough against the gain except that zips in sharp contrast to the faders.
The manual is good but far less fun than the VLZ PRO ..
There are LEDs everywhere and it seems we are faced with a ssl (fred stop fantasizing ..)
The guys from Mackie's cool but why your talkback is clamped to the control room, headphones and 1 and 2 I would have liked to see the master and all cash in and ask if you want the signal on the bus recording.

SOUNDS

GOOD TALKING SOUND: IT'S GREAT! GOOD! A faithful WISH In fact it makes no sound .. Very responsive to a song like that in concert (my tube preamp aphex compresses and wet at least the sound .. also it depends of the singer's often better with the mackie because there are just sound clearer.) and then for percussion and other instruments is canon. Dynamic microphones are fishing.
Compared to the VLZ Pro audio is much more defined. Parrait sound dry but compared to my vintage preamp audio DRS2 PHOENIX (copy of the input stage of NEVE 1084) the sound is very fluid and often blow "faithful and nice" super good plan for some quality microphones .
THERE IS NO SOUFFFFL
The EQ does not drool or color or ... with low cut back against the low medium not very happy about the voices and instruments in concert. we dream of a "Q" on the variable parametric serious. The shelf is pretty serious ...

OVERALL OPINION

I have my console for 2 months to record it dry level stuff but then there ... bôôôcoup more expensive .. As good big qu'amek see better ... but without reaching the character and the sharpness of the phoenix audio drs 2. (Which costs 4 or 5 Mackie)
To color the sound is soft and uneven grated ... The console is neutral and flexible.
That guys usually so smart home mackie rebuild their copy for the option ... (16 in 2 out !!!??? Why this studio to mix the external effects, stuff like pedals cradde effects, stuff like reverbs class better than the plug-ins ...? how soon the 5.1 anywhere? I can not believe ...
It is a great choice in home studio tube microphone and (or) color preamp ..

- Rackable 19 inches but 12 U of long, hard to find shoes his foot.
- 8 mono channels, 4 Stereo, 4 to, a bus (sound mute when they are found on the ALT 3-4), 4 Stros return.
- Level connectors, XLR + Jack on mono, Stereo jack on the input / output magnto CAR.
- Equalizer paramtrique on low and high bands mdium.
- No effect.

I blame him it just did not insert on the master. Otherwise, I have what I need, nothing more, nothing less.

UTILIZATION

- The config is gnrale we can not simple, it's an analog console, so a knob / fader function.

- Everything is accessible, the knobs can be a bit small (smaller than my old console, but nothing dramatic).

- The manual is clear, with some tips and tricks, sometimes tinged with humor.

A + practice: seen LED meters on each slice, active even when the track is mut trs apprciable live.

SOUNDS

- I find it transparent, much more than the dung I used before.
- At the level of breath, idem.
- When qualiseur: musical prcis, you really push to do saturate, and still enjoyable even when (well be too much either).

Anyway, I redcouvert the sound of my machines since I have.

OVERALL OPINION

- I use it for 3 months.
- I like EQs, the LED meters seen on the slices, the sound. What I like least, I RPET, no insert on the hand.
- Before acqurir this console, I had a behringer mx2642 who accompanied me for 4 prs of years before he died, the mackie succde him without blushing, far from it.
- I find the price justified in terms of performance and features, I find it sounds, but I've never tried to high-end console (all fawn, I will not).
- I replaced it with the same MODEL rflchir if he happens without anything ...

Console 16 tracks (8 mono switchable Hi-Z/Mic then 2 -> HI-Z INPUT CAN BE USED AS NORMAL INPUT LINE!) And 4 Stereo, 4 to 4 with Stereo Returns, 1 insert per.
EQ semi-paramtrique for low-and high-mdium mdium + 2 low frequency shelf for low (80Hz) and treble (12kHz), 3 low frequency shelf on the runways Stereo (80Hz, 2 , 5kHz, 12kHz).

UTILIZATION

Excellent ergonomics!

SOUNDS

Pramp no breath and nickel EQ! no point!

OVERALL OPINION

This console is the alternative to buy a sound card with 16 track advantage of analog console and more! small BMOL for numrisation pr fader, pre EQ and unfortunately insert pr ...
I had the Swiss 1750fr (with FireWire)

Well, I'm not going m'tendre on the bte CHARACTERISTICS given the standard public who made t you know srement.
on the other hand I make a small complaint about the quality Mackie manufacturing. Usually solid construction here I find the knobs of a fragile-looking and are some irrguliers when they are running ...
There are only two bus is boring, low cut and I cut 75 Hz 100 Hz prfre finally it's personal. Ah yes ... there is no hand insert either while on the 1640 though.
Otherwise even when I am clearly satisfied CHARACTERISTICS offered for that price.

UTILIZATION

The manual in English, normal ...
Analog is a table so it can be complicated not just for source control room but hey you get used to it quickly.
As for the card and Tracktion, the use is really excellent, perfect for beginners intuitive.
I never used the PC for recording and even for the Fast Fashion (no sound card), and I quickly realized while liberalization and quickly and efficiently is a dconcertante simplicity ... Connect ... REGISTER!
Otherwise it is true that the record pre fader and EQ is a shame.

SOUNDS

Well I'm not a pro but I found the background noise on the output jack hand really abuse me to the point of branch output ctrl room all the time.
Otherwise the rest perfect.
Trs well thought out button Permutt EQ EQ

OVERALL OPINION

I use it less than a year.
I really apprci the possibility of direct connection to a PC.
Report qualitprix excellent.

Specs can be found on the Mackie site but basically it's a 16 channel mixer with 4 aux sends, firewire, and full eq on each channel. Nothing super out of the ordinary. It features the onyx mic pres. I really like that the eq is british style. You don't get that with some mixers but I think it's a good feature that more mixers should have. There aren't any surprises here. Mackie makes good stuff and they put all their best tech into everything. They've been around for a while and they know how to do it.

UTILIZATION

I use mine for live tracking bands in the studio straight into my daw. It works great. The mic pres sound really good. I didn't have ANY problems with install. It took to my studio and never let up. The manual (like all mackie manuals) is the best I've ever read. Mackie doesn't mess around with any mumbo jumbo technical stuff that you don't need. They get right to the point when explaining the finer details of the mixer. If it's worth knowing, they put it in the manual. It's not too short, and not overly long with a handful of needless info. This is primarily why I buy a lot of mackie stuff. They know their product and how us "joe's" see it.

SOUNDS

Unit is pretty much silent. The 2 best features in my opinion are the onyx pres and the eq sections. The pres are the best I've heard on a mixer. I don't know what mackie does to make them sound great but it works. I also thing this is my favorite EQ strip on a mixer. I had a mackie 8 channel years ago and I remember liking the EQ on that one too. Through my daw everything sounds nice. A+

OVERALL OPINION

This is a no frills unit. It does what it's supposed to and does it well. Mackie doesn't pile on a bunch of half baked features that you won't ever really use. They make a solid bare bones product that's built to work for years. If you want a good studio mixer for your daw, this is my pick. Hasn't given me any trouble and sounds great. Don't get something with a bunch of effects and bloated features you won't use. This does the job fine.

Full Specifications on the website of mackie and AF
Only thing to add, from the rack, or you Buy Mack brackets are not given, or you Planer your rack to not obscure the SEND jack and inserts, but nothing that's really good!
Otherwise everything you need for a table at this level. special mention to the section to send control and monitoring (as simple as on a DJ mixer to say .... c).
I put the 8 in relation to that format if the rack pasque Onyx 1620 is top!

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple?
enough to know hook instrumentals on a mixing desk, and read the manual .....
The usual functions are they easily accessible?
1 = 1 function button, everything is clear, precise, just read the manual ....
The manual is clear and sufficient?
An example for many manufacturers of audio because no translation, and all essential information.
Conclusion: This table is used with pleasure, the pots are nickel, slide the faders too well, and above all it exudes strength, and worse are lots of little features that tear all (pre / post on the sends, mute reroutable sub group, ....)

SOUNDS

The console is transparent?
Great question ... if you want to record a hip hop singer with a good static and is known to solve a gain, pa problem, the sound is clear net Preece, pa need to invest in an expensive preamp, and sound pa necessarily top (see presonus or some Focusrite, etc.)
if you want to make electro, musical experimentation, or hard tek, tribe, hardcore, etc., even better than a c soundcraft! You can saturate the console has enormous levels without losing quality preamps or eq (c always the same good, fo having done your levels before ....)
for everything guitere and bass, this console kills ... it helps to equalize the fine mono, re equalize your stereo effects return, adding the "crunch" your sound has, in short it kills !!!!!!!!!!
She introduced the breath?
ben pa it, no, g franchemant tested with the full config and not wonder, it blows the pa ..... I love korg emx of breath, blow external sources, but it allows you almost to breath away without treatment, without altering his tone ... and this is rather rare (see behringer or phonic or even the famous soundcraft)
after it is on is a matter of adjustment toutjours gain and eq too but even .........
The equalizer is effective? ...
Equalizer?? j'apelle me that a filter! franchemant is unheard of in a product of this price.
eq mono tracks: a sharp 12 kHz, a hi med between 400Hz and 12kHz, a low med between 100 and 800 Hz, 80 Hz 1 bass + low cut at 100Hz, and you just do stuff like send an old delay mono guitar on one track and grind your sound to have resulted from kaosspad type, and same with any purpose gtr, which in itself is something that kills
eq stereo tracks: well if your such a thing emx or esx or mpc 500 or 1000 you'll regale you EQUALIZED as a dj on your sound ..... But I think this is the table top for electronic music and I tested a lot of models before pa ...

OVERALL OPINION

I use for 1 year, g tested from every angle, and the only negative really is the racking.
I tested before the behringer ub 1220fx the phonic 16 tracks with fx g rained the ref gift, pmc 12 jb systems, and of course soundcraft spirit 16, 24 and 32 in the concert hall's 32, and there's none like mackie to the quality and price.
c are the top nine 800 euros and it kills ............... looking mieu addition, all other trademarks are the default pa r RAPORT series onyx mackie
I do it again this choice of 456 billion times because it really kills any onyx