Mackie Onyx is an affordable new USB audio interface
The Mackie Onyx is an affordable new USB audio interface which is available in two packages, namely; the Onyx Artist 1.2 and Producer 2.2 respectively.
Mackie says these new interfaces “really rise above the rest”. Their previous Onyx Blackjack were pretty decent and we know it’s a premium brand so it’ll be interesting to see how these new additions fair.
The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 comes in at $140 (approx. R 3K) and the Producer 2.2 at $ 210 (approx. R 4k) so they are by no means budget or entry-level, especially by South African standards. Nonetheless they are competitively priced, considering the premium brand.
Both these interfaces include mic preamps, zero-latency direct monitoring, 48v phantom power, 1/4-inch monitor outputs and headphones outputs.
However, the Onyx Artist sports a single mic pre and a 1/4-inch line input with Hi-Z instrument switch. The Producer 2.2 has 2 mix pres with XLR/TRS combo inputs with Hi-Z instrument switches per channel plus traditional MIDI I/O.
The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 and Producer 2.2 both include the Tracktion T7 DAW and the DAW Essentials plugin bundle.
Features at a glance
Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2
2-IN X 2-OUT USB INTERFACE
- Boutique-quality Onyx™ mic preamp with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
- +48v Phantom Power for use with studio condenser mics
- 1/4” TRS input with Hi-Z switch for connecting guitar, bass, and more
- High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-Bit/192kHz recording
- Zero-latency direct analog monitoring of inputs
- Dedicated 1/4″ TRS outputs for connecting studio monitors
- Bus-powered for easy mobile recording
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- Built-Like-A-Tank™ design to survive day-to-day abuse
- Powerful headphone output
- Tracktion™ Music Production Software included
- Compatible with all major DAWs on Mac or PC
- 1.1 lbs / .5 kg
Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2
2-IN X 2-OUT USB INTERFACE WITH MIDI
- Two boutique-quality Onyx™ mic preamps with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
- XLR/TRS combo inputs accept mic, line and instrument sources
- Hi-Z switch per channel
- +48v Phantom Power for use with studio condenser mics
- High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-Bit/192kHz recording
- Zero-latency direct monitoring of analog inputs
- Dedicated 1/4″ TRS outputs for connecting studio monitors
- MIDI I/O for connecting synths, controllers and more
- Powerful headphone output
- Bus-powered for easy mobile recording with no power adapter needed
- USB 2.0 connectivity for fast transfer speed and low latency
- Built-Like-A-Tank™ design to survive day-to-day abuse
- Tracktion™ Music Production Software included
- Compatible with all major DAWs on Mac or PC
- 1.35 lbs / .68 kg
Find out more on the Mackie website.
