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Mackie Onyx Blackbird

Item ID: Blackbird

16 x 16 FireWire Interface with 8 preamps, Built-in DI, ADAT Outputs, and Tracktion 3 Software

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From Our Research Team:

Make This Mackie Interface Your Recording Rig's Nerve Center!

Put Mackie quality right into your DAW rig! The 16 x 16 Onyx Blackbird FireWire interface makes it happen, thanks to eight premium Onyx preamps, 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA quality, a built-in DSP matrix mixer, and even a dedicated instrument DI. The Onyx Blackbird has two of its inputs right on the front panel, so you can quickly and easily access it when you get those bursts of inspiration. You'll love all the little details that add up to a major recording experience. Inserts let you patch in outboard gear. Dual headphone outputs each have their own level controls and source selectors. You get ADAT outputs and an onboard word clock. The rackmountable Onyx Blackbird even comes complete with Tracktion 3 music software!



Mackie Onyx Blackbird 16 x 16 FireWire Interface Features at a Glance:
  • Rackmountable chassis
  • 8 Onyx mic preamps
  • High-headroom design with ultra-low noise and distortion
  • 16 x 16, 24-bit/96kHz recording/playback
  • Flexible FireWire routing
  • 8 x 8 ADAT I/O for ultimate expandability
  • Onboard word clock I/O for studio and live integration
  • JetPLL jitter-elimination technology
  • Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
  • Compatible with most major DAWs
  • 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 on all inputs
  • Built-in DI for guitars, basses, and other instruments
  • Inserts for outboard processing gear
  • 8-input standalone preamp unit with up to 96kHz ADAT (S/MUX II) outputs
  • Studio monitor, main and alternative outputs with independent level control and source selection
  • 2 headphone outputs, each with independent level control and source selection
  • Includes powerful Blackbird Control DSP Matrix mixer
  • Zero-latency tracking of all inputs
  • Quickly set up independent mixes for headphones and more
  • Easily aggregate up to four units on Mac or PC
  • Tough, sleek ergonomic chassis design
  • Includes Tracktion 3 music production software for Mac or PC

Make Mackie's amazing Onyx Blackbird your studio's new front end!
Specification Detail
Computer Connection Type FireWire
Form Factor Rackmount
Simultaneous I/O 16 x 16
A/D Resolution 24-bit/96kHz
Built In DSP/FX Yes
Number of Audio Inputs 10
Audio Input Types 2 x Combo (Mic/Hi-Z), 6 x Combo (Mic/Line), 2 x 1/4" (Inserts)
Number of Audio Outputs 8
Audio Output Types 2 x TRS (Main), 2 x TRS (Mon), 2 x TRS (Alt), 2 x TRS (Headphone)
Number of Digital Inputs 8
Digital Input Types 2 x ADAT (Optical, 8 Ch@48kHz/8 Ch@96kHz)
Number of Digital Outputs 8
Digital Output Types 2 x ADAT (Optical, 8 Ch@48kHz/8 Ch@96kHz)
Number of Mic Preamps 8
Phantom Power Yes
Clock I/O 1 x Word Clock (In/Out via BNC)
Bus Powered No
Rack Units 1U
Depth 10.2"
Width 19"
Height 1.8"
Weight 8.2 lbs.
Manufacturer Part Number 2034520-00

Onyx Blackbird Image Gallery

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Best customer service I've ever encountered. My guitar arrived ahead of the date it was supposed to, in flawless condition. Played well right out of the box. I will be buying all of my gear from you, from here on out. You made me feel like I was ordering a custom guitar, just for me. I was treated like a valuable customer.


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Reviews

based on 6 reviews

TOP NOTCH! Super warm with character to spare

by Keith Jackson from Los Angeles
August 25, 2012
Music Background: Composer/Producter/Engineer
Let me start by saying, I've tried practically every 8 channel interface in this price range, including the Personus firestudio, Focusrite Pro 10/10 (which I own and do like), M-audio Profire, etc. ... read more [+]and I have an apogee duet as well. Now don't get me wrong, There is nothing wrong with the other interfaces, they functioned quite well at capturing audio clearly, but don't come CLOSE to the preamp character of the Blackbird. These pres ooze with that higher end "something," that these other's simply do not have. And for the price, WOW.

I work for an audio/tech company and was fortunate enough to get all of these interfaces in the same room at the exact same time for a session. I was tracking drums that day, and put each interface through its paces. As soon as I got to the Blackbird, the drummer stopped and said "Did you get new Mics?" When a drummer is noticing character differences in Pres (no offense drummers) BUT you know these things stand out. I bought this unit the next day. In fact, I just tracked an entire rock album from the group "Stateol" entirely on this interface because I enjoy the retro- meets- modern character of this guy.

So what about the conversion? Its a well known fact Apogee kinda runs the game when it comes to clear, crisp, in your face A/D. But again, The Mackie held up quite nicely. It doesn't quite give you the crispness of the Apogee, but it is certainly close enough to make it EXTREMELY hard to tell, which vocal I tracked on what.

If you've got $500, buy one of these today, If you've got $300, Save your money until you can afford one of these because it will definitely step up your sound. Not quite the big leagues, but in the Mid-range interface arena, this thing SMOKES. If you know what your doing with engineering and mixing, You can totally make some pretty convincing Pro recordings on this thing. close [-]

Really Nice Audiointerface

by youngkyun from Seoul, Korea
April 2, 2012
Music Background: Hobbyist with Recording Engineer Skill
You Don't have to hesitate
Once You Hear the Sound(Recorded or DAW)
You must be regret why I hesitate so long
with a respect of converting power, blackbird has superior to M-audio... read more [+] 2626. lovely Clear Sound makes recoding work to be cheerfully.
Super Channer mic Pre with incredible presence save money. You need not buy another prestige mice pre over $1,000
I think why there are few reviews about this great machine
first. don't want this to be used by other person(competitors) because
this machine has so fanastic sound.
second, compatibility problem with Mac Notebook using Lion OS
But if you once have an experice with it
You might be prisoner who are eager to buy it close [-]

Love it

by JMiker from Boston, MA
June 13, 2012
Music Background: Semi-Pro Musician/Engineer
Sounds great and really clean. No color added, but not sterile either.

Finally quality

by from
October 27, 2012
Music Background:
these microphone preamps sound very clean. As a drummer the low latency monitoring is a dream come true. I don't have to worry if I'm slightly off because of the computer causing latency.

Great Sound!!!

by Ernesto Fiks from San Jose, Costa Rica
October 29, 2011
Music Background: Audio Post Production
Great features for the price.
Read more reviews

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See Also: FireWire Interfaces , Mackie , Mackie FireWire Audio Interfaces

Mackie Onyx Blackbird

Today's Payment: $176.66
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Payment 2: $166.66
In approx. 30 days
Payment 3: $166.66
In approx. 60 days

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