Mackie Onyx 1200F Owner's Manual

STUDIO RECORDING PREAMP with 192kHz FIREWIRE INTERFACE

OWNER’S MANUAL

Important Safety Instructions

instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Do not use this apparatus near water.

6. Clean only with dry cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

ONYX 1200F

manufacturer’s instructions.

8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type

plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁt into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.

Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

12.

Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

PORTABLE CART

table speciﬁed by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14.

Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing is required

when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15.

This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no

object ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the apparatus.

16.

This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must

be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third grounding prong).

17.

This apparatus has been equipped with a single-pole, rocker-style AC

mains power switch. This switch is located on the front panel and should remain readily accessible to the user.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

WARNING

18. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with

the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.

• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandthereceiver.

• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferentfrom

that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp.

CAUTION: Changes or modiﬁcations to this device not expressly

approved by LOUD Technologies Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC rules.

19. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is

applicable) set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as

of Communications.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.

20.

Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing

loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufﬁciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has speciﬁed the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.

According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits

could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.

Duration, per day in hours

8 90 Duo in small club 6 92 4 95 Subway Train 3 97 2 100 Veryloudclassicalmusic

1.5 102 1 105 Fooyoung screaming at desTROYer about deadlines

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert

Sound Level dBA, Slow Response

Typical Example

WARNING — To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electric shock, do not

expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)

Correct Disposal of this product: This symbol indicates that this product should not be disposed of with your household waste, according to the WEEE Directive

(2002/96/EC) and your national law. This product should be handed over to an authorized collection site for recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible negative impact on the environment and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated with EEE. At the same time, your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the effective usage of natural resources. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city ofﬁce, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

ONYX 1200F

Table of Contents

Introduction .................................................................................................................................5

Getting Started ........................................................................................................................... 7

Zero the Controls ....................................................................................................................................................................7

Connections ..............................................................................................................................................................................7

Set the Levels ...........................................................................................................................................................................7

Record to CD Using the DAW Mixer ..................................................................................................................................7

Record to CD Using the DSP Mixer ................................................................................................................................... 8

Standalone Mode .................................................................................................................................................................. 8

Hookup Diagrams ..................................................................................................................... 10

Onyx 1200F Features................................................................................................................. 14

Front Panel ..............................................................................................................................................................................14

1. Signal Level Indicators ..................................................................................................................................................14

2. 48V Phantom Power Switch ......................................................................................................................................14

3. LINE Switch......................................................................................................................................................................14

4. Channel GAIN ................................................................................................................................................................14

5. Instrument Input ...........................................................................................................................................................14

6. Instrument Switch ........................................................................................................................................................15

7. PHONES 1-4 Level ........................................................................................................................................................... 15

8. PHONES 1-4 Outputs .................................................................................................................................................... 15

9. CLOCK SOURCE Select and Indicators ....................................................................................................................15

10. METERING Select and Indicators ............................................................................................................................16

11. SAMPLE RATE Select and Indicators .......................................................................................................................16

12. FireWire Indicator .......................................................................................................................................................16

13. MIDI Indicators .............................................................................................................................................................16

14. TALK TO PHONES Level Control ..............................................................................................................................16

15. TALK TO PHONES On/Off Switch ..........................................................................................................................16

16. OUTPUTS 1-8 Level Control ......................................................................................................................................16

17. Output Level BYPASS ..................................................................................................................................................17

18. MONITOR Level Control ........................................................................................................................................... 17

19. MONITOR A/B Select Switch ..................................................................................................................................17

20. Power Switch ............................................................................................................................................................... 17

Owner’s Manual

Rear Panel ............................................................................................................................................................................... 17

21. MIC/Line Inputs ...........................................................................................................................................................17

22. INSERTS ..........................................................................................................................................................................17

23. TALKBACK MIC .............................................................................................................................................................18

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for more

information about this and other Mackie products.

Owner’s Manual

24. CONTROL RM MONITORS A/B .............................................................................................................................18

25. MIDI IN/OUT (1 and 2) ...............................................................................................................................................18

26. FIREWIRE ......................................................................................................................................................................18

27. AES/EBU IN/OUT .......................................................................................................................................................19

28. S/PDIF IN/OUT ...........................................................................................................................................................19

29. ADAT IN/OUT (A/B) .................................................................................................................................................20

30. EXTERNAL WORD CLOCK IN/OUT.......................................................................................................................20

ONYX 1200F

31. 8 CHANNEL BALANCED LINE LEVEL OUTPUT ......................................................................................................21

32. MON A/B FOOTSWITCH .......................................................................................................................................... 21

33. TALKBACK FOOTSWITCH ..........................................................................................................................................21

34. AC Power Receptacle .................................................................................................................................................21

Onyx 1200F Console ..................................................................................................................21

Installing the Software ........................................................................................................................................................21

Computer Requirements ................................................................................................................................................. 21

A Note about Hard Drive Speed: ...................................................................................................................................21

Installing the Drivers and Onyx 1200F Console ....................................................................................................... 22

Macintosh OS X Audio MIDI Setup ..............................................................................................................................23

Installing Tracktion .......................................................................................................................................................... 24

Using the Onyx 1200F Console ......................................................................................................................................... 24

Settings ................................................................................................................................................................................ 25

Outputs ...............................................................................................................................................................................28

Standalone Mode .............................................................................................................................................................29

Appendix A: Service Information .........................................................................................30

Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................................................................... 30

Repair ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 31

Appendix B: Connections .......................................................................................................32

Appendix C: Technical Info ....................................................................................................34

Onyx 1200F Speciﬁcations .................................................................................................................................................. 34

Onyx 1200F Block Diagram ................................................................................................................................................. 36

Onyx 1200F Limited Warranty ..............................................................................................39

Please write your serial number here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.)

Purchased at:

Date of purchase:

ONYX 1200F

Introduction

Onyx 1200F Input/Output Chart

Owner’s Manual

Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 1200F professional audio interface for live or studio analog or digital audio recording. The 1200F is equipped with twelve of our Onyx Series precision-engineered studio-grade microphone preamps, designed for the digital era and offering the newest features and latest technologies for live sound reinforcement and analog or digital studio recording in a durable, road-worthy package. Its selection of analog and digital output options provides the ﬂexibility to connect in almost any application (including an HDR in standalone mode).

Mackie is renowned for the high-quality mic preamps used in our mixers, and the Onyx mic pre’s are better than ever, with speciﬁcations rivaling other stand-alone boutique mic preampliﬁers at twice the price.

Channels 1 and 2 have balanced send and return insert jacks for connecting to an external signal processor.

Channels 11 and 12 feature an unbalanced instrument input jack and select switch, which lets you connect an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar pickup directly to the preamp, eliminating the need for an external direct box.

Channels 1-12 have Neutrik™ Combo input connectors, which allows you to use either a 1/4” TRS connector or an XLR connector. A 48V switch is provided for each channel and applies phantom power to pins 2 and 3 of the channel’s XLR input connector.

Two pairs of balanced control room monitor outputs are provided for connecting to powered monitors (or power ampliﬁer/monitor combination), and can be sourced from the audio streams for any adjacent pair of analog outputs, stereo headphone outputs, or the S/PDIF or AES/EBU outputs.

Eight channels of analog balanced line outputs are provided on a DB-25 connector. Two channels of digital inputs and outputs are provided on two S/PDIF RCAtype connectors and two AES/EBU XLR connectors. Up to 30 input channels and 34 output channels of digital I/O (at 44.1/48 kHz) are provided on the FireWire connectors (see chart below). There are two FireWire connec-

tors so the Onyx 1200F can be placed in a daisy-chain FireWire connection. Two pairs of ADAT optical connectors are included, which provide up to 16 channels of ADAT formatted digital I/O (16 channels at 44.1/48 kHz and 8 channels at 88.2/96 kHz). Two sets of MIDI IN/OUT connectors are provided for sending and receiving MIDI information.

The Onyx 1200F is designed to be a transparent audio interface for direct tracking to a DAW recording application on a PC or Mac. All 30 inputs are directly available to the DAW application over the FireWire connection (when operating at 44.1/48 kHz). The Console software application allows you to route any input to any analog or digital output on the 1200F, along with a pair of outputs from the DAW. This provides you with the choice of direct monitoring, without going through the FireWire connection and DAW software (zero latency), or monitoring through the DAW application.

You can provide a separate mix for each of the four headphone outputs from any of the inputs and from two of the outputs from the DAW. A talkback mic can be routed to the four headphone outputs, operated from a front panel button or a footswitch.

The Onyx 1200F Console Settings tab allows you to choose the sample rate (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192 kHz

) for the internal A/D and D/A converters. You can select the clock source from an external clock connected to the external word clock (WordClk) input connector on the rear panel, from the S/PDIF or AES/EBU input, from the ADAT 1 or ADAT 2 input, or from the internal clock. You can turn the DSP Mixer on and off, which allows you to operate the 1200F as a matrix mixer with digital streams to a computer (DSP ON), or as a standalone digital audio interface with digital streams to and from a computer (DSP OFF). You can select which inputs are routed to the Control Room outputs, and whether the S/PDIF I/O is formatted for consumer or professional status. You can adjust the buffer size (latency), and select which I/O audio streams are active on the FireWire connection.

Qty Inputs ASIO/Core Audio Stream 12 Mic/Line Inputs 1-12 8 Digital A Inputs 13-20 8 Digital B Inputs 21-28 2 S/PDIF/AES Inputs 29-30 30 Total Inputs

Note: The ASIO/Core Audio Stream assignments shown here apply when 44.1/48 kHz sample rate is selected. At higher sample rates, the digital outputs are multiplexed using the S/MUX format, which reduces the number of ASIO/Core Audio channels available for streaming. You can choose the inputs and outputs that are streamed to the DAW at the higher sample rates in the Console’s Settings window.

Qty Outputs ASIO/Core Audio Stream 8 Analog Outputs 1-8 8 Digital A Outputs 9-16 8 Digital B Outputs 17-24 8 Headphone Outputs (4x2) 25-32 2 S/PDIF/AES Outputs 33-34 34 Total Outputs

Owner’s Manual

Onyx 1200F Features

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

• Premium30-inputx34-outputRecordingPreamp/

FireWire Audio Interface

• 12agshipOnyxmicpreampswithclass-leading

ﬁdelity and dynamic range

• Mastering-gradeAKM®24-bit/192kHzA/DandD/A

converters

• DualFireWireportsfordaisychaininganddirect

ONYX 1200F

connection to Mac or PC

• 8balancedlineoutputsvia25-pinD-Subconnector

• 16x16ADATI/O@44.1/48kHz (8x8@88.2/96kHz;disabled@176.4/192kHz)

• 4headphoneoutputswithvolumecontrolanddis-

crete stereo feeds

• PowerfulonboardDSPMatrixMixer:connectany

input to any output at near-zero latency

• Built-incontrolroomfunctions:A/BMonitor

Switching, Talkback, plus stereo and up to 7.1 surround output main volume control

• BalancedTRSsendandreturninsertjackson

Inputs 1 and 2

•

2x2 MIDI, plus Word Clock, AES/EBU and S/PDIF I/O

• Stand-alonemixerfunctionalityforeldandstudio

use without computer

We know that many of you can’t wait to get your new preamp/FireWire interface hooked up, and you’re probably not going to read the manual ﬁrst (sigh!). So the ﬁrst section after this introduction is a Quick-Start Guide called “Getting Started” to help you get the Onyx 1200F set up fast so you can start using it right away. Right after that are the ever popular hook-up diagrams that show typical setups for recording.

Then, when you have time, read the Features Description section. This describes every knob, button, and connection point on the Onyx 1200F, as well as the software settings and controls.

Throughout this section you’ll ﬁnd illustrations with each feature numbered. If you want to know more about a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate illustration, notice the number attached to it, and ﬁnd that number in the nearby paragraphs.

This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the Onyx 1200F. For your own good, read them and remember them. They will be on the ﬁnal test.

This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. While not mandatory, they usually have some valuable nugget of information.

•

Includes full version of Tracktion Music Production

Software for digital audio recording

A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION

AppendixBisasectiononconnectors:XLRconnectors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and the insert connectors used on the Onyx 1200F.

More resources on our website at www.mackie.com. THE GLOSSARY: A Haven of Non-Techiness for

the Neophyte

The “Glossary of Terms” is a fairly comprehensive dictionary of pro-audio terms. If terms like “clipping,” “noise ﬂoor,” or “unbalanced” leave you blank, refer to this glossary for a quick explanation.

ARCANE MYSTERIES ILLUMINATED

“Arcane Mysteries” discusses some of the down ‘n’ dirty practical realities of microphones, ﬁxed installations, grounding, and balanced versus unbalanced lines. It’s a goldmine for the neophyte, and even the seasoned pro might learn a thing or two.

ONYX 1200F

Getting Started

Owner’s Manual

READ THIS PAGE!!

Even if you’re one of those people who never reads manuals, all we ask is that you read this page now before you begin using the Onyx 1200F. You’ll be glad you did!

The Onyx 1200F can be used in standalone mode, or connected to a computer with the FireWire connection. Either way, you will want to install the Windows driv-

ers(aPCrequiresdriverstobeinstalled;aMachasthe

drivers built into the operating system) and the Onyx 1200F Console software on your computer ﬁrst to get the internal routing setup. Refer to page 21 for instructions on installing the software.

Onceyou’veinstalledthesoftware,proceedasfollows:

Zero the Controls

1. Turn down the channel GAIN controls, and the

TALKTOPHONES,OUTPUTS1-8,MONITOR,and

PHONES level controls.

2. Set all push button switches to their “out” or “off”

positions.

5. Open the Onyx 1200F FireWire Console software application.

6. Connect the S/PDIF output from the Onyx 1200F to the S/PDIF input on a CD recorder or other S/PDIFcompatible recorder.

Set the Levels

To set the channel GAIN controls (on channels 1-12), it’s not even necessary to hear what you’re doing at the outputs of the preampliﬁer. The following steps must be performed one channel at a time.

1. Play something into the selected input. This could

be an instrument, a singing or speaking voice, or a line input such as a CD player or tape recorder output. Be sure that the volume of the input source is the same as it would be during normal use. If it isn’t, you might have to readjust these levels later.

2. Adjust the channel’s GAIN control so that the

“–20” and “–10” LEDs light frequently or continuously, and the “OL” LED doesn’t light at all (or only ﬂashes occasionally).

3. Repeat for each channel.

3. Turn the POWER switch off.

Connections

This tutorial demonstrates how to mixdown up to twelve input channels to a 2-track S/PDIF output, using either the DSP mixer in the Onyx 1200F or your DAW mixer, which can then be routed to a CD recorder

1. Plug a microphone into channel 1’s MIC input. You

can plug additional microphones or instruments into channels 2-12.

Connect the FireWire connector from the Onyx

to the FireWire connector on your computer.

1200F

Note: The Onyx 1200F is equipped with two 6-pin

FireWire connectors and comes with a 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire cable. If your computer has a 4-pin FireWire connector, use the supplied 6-pin to 4-pin FireWire adapter that came with your 1200F.

3. Plug in the detachable linecord, connect it to an

AC outlet, and turn on the Onyx 1200F’s POWER switch.

4. If the microphone is a dynamic microphone, leave

the 48V switch out. If it’s a condenser microphone, push in the 48V phantom power button to turn on the phantom power for that channel.

Record to CD Using the DAW Mixer

This method routes the input signals directly to the DAW via the FireWire connection, where each audio input signal is recorded on a separate track. Then you can mixdown the tracks to two tracks that are routed back to the Onyx 1200F and output on the S/PDIF output, which is then routed to the CD recorder.

Select the Onyx 1200F as the sound device in your

DAW application. Each DAW application has its own method of doing this, so refer to your DAW application’s manual if you are not sure. In Tracktion, this is done in “Audio Devices” under the “Settings” tab.

2. Assign the input signals from the 1200F to the tracks

in your DAW (if this isn’t done automatically). In Tracktion, right-click on one of the Onyx 1200F Audio Input icons and select “assign all inputs to consecutive tracks” in the pop-up menu.

3. You should now see the signals from the Onyx 1200F

appearing on the meters in your DAW (make sure each track is armed and ready to record). Start recording clarity.

Note: The signals appearing at the inputs to the

DAW are not affected by the settings in the 1200F

and hear the Onyx 1200F in stunning crystal

Owner’s Manual

Console Output tabs. Each input on the Onyx 1200F appears at its corresponding input in the DAW (see Figure on the next page).

4. Now you can play back the recorded tracks and mix them down to 2-track, which is routed back to the Onyx 1200F S/PDIF outputs (and the CD recorder) on DAW outputs 33 and 34.

Overdubbing

ONYX 1200F

Standalone Mode

1. Now you can use the Onyx 1200F in Standalone mode by closing the 1200F Console and disconnecting the FireWire connection from your computer. It retains the settings you made with the Console Control Panel and you can take your Onyx 1200F on location to make a stereo recording with your CD recorder or other recording device connected to the S/PDIF output.

You can expand on this method and overdub addition-

al tracks before mixing down to two tracks.

1. After you have recorded your initial tracks, you can play them back from the DAW and monitor them on one of the headphone outputs or the Control Room outputs while recording additional instruments or voices to the DAW.

2. When you have recorded all the tracks that you want, mix them down to two tracks and route back to the Onyx 1200F S/PDIF outputs (on DAW outputs 33 and 34) for recording to the CD recorder.

Record to CD Using the DSP Mixer

This method records directly to the CD recorder from the S/PDIF output on the Onyx 1200F, without routing the signals to the DAW.

Set the Console Control Panel

1. Select the “Settings” tab in the Console control

panel. Select 44.1 kHz sample rate, INT (internal) clock source, and DSP Mixer On.

2. Select the “Headphones” button at the bottom of

the Console screen. Select the “Headphones 1” tab at the top of the screen. Make sure the MUTE buttons for Inputs 1-12 and the Master fader are deselected and the faders are all the way up (0 dB). Adjust the Pan controls to your preference. Use this screen to setup your Headphone mix for monitoring.

3. Select the “Digital Outputs A” button at the bottom

of the Console screen and select “SPDIF/AES” at the top of the screen (this is for the S/PDIF outputs). Set it the same way you did for Headphones 1 in step 2 above. This will give you the same mix in your headphones that you are recording to CD.

4. Connect a pair of headphones to the Phones 1

output. Slowly turn up the Phones Level control while music is playing and adjust for a comfortable listening level.

5. Start recording and play your heart out.

In standalone mode, you can still use the front

Other Nuggets of Wisdom

• Youcanconnecttheanalogoutputsfromany

• AlwaysturntheOnyx1200Foffbeforemakingor

• Whenyoushutdownyourequipment,turnoffthe

• Neverlistentoloudmusicforprolongedperiods.

• Savetheshippingbox!Youmayneeditsomeday,

the “Hookup” section that shows you some typical ways that you might use the Onyx 1200F in real applications. After that, you can take the grand tour of the Onyx 1200F, with descriptions of every knob, button, input, and output. We’ll also take a look at the Console software application in more detail. We encourage you to take the time to read all of the feature descriptions, but at least you know it’s there if you have any questions.

You can set up the Onyx 1200F as a standalone rackmount mixer by adjusting the faders and pan controls for all the inputs in the “Analog Outputs 1/2” tab in the Console Control Panel

and using the Control Room Monitor outputs as the stereo output (the Control Room Monitor Outputs mirror the analog outputs 1/2). When you disconnect the FireWire connection between the 1200F and the computer, the settings are retained. When you turn off the 1200F, the settings are saved to the ﬂash memory in the 1200F and recalled the next time you turn it on.

panel gain knobs to control the relative volume for each channel.

line-level source to the line inputs on the Onyx 1200F and use its high-quality analog-to-digital converters to get your analog signals to your digital recorder(s).

changing connections.

ampliﬁers ﬁrst. When powering up, turn on the ampliﬁers last.

Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for information on hearing protection.

and you don’t want to have to pay for another one.

That’s it for the “Getting Started” section. Next comes

ONYX 1200F

Owner’s Manual

Onyx 1200F

DSP Mixer ON

Onyx 1200F

Inputs

Onyx 1200F

DSP Mixer OFF

Onyx 1200F

Inputs

Onyx 1200F

Audio Outputs

DSP Matrix

Mixer

FireWire

from DAW

Onyx 1200F

Audio Outputs

FireWire

to DAW

FireWire

to DAW

FireWire

from DAW

Onyx 1200F Signal Flow with DSP Mixer ON and OFF

Owner’s Manual

Hookup

Mackie Control

Diagrams

ONYX 1200F

8 Microphones

to each

Onyx 800R

8 Inputs

Headphones

for Talent

(from front panel)

WORD CLOCK

~100-240 VAC 50-60Hz 45W

EXTERNAL

OUT

8 CHANNEL BALANCED

LINE LEVEL OUTPUT

ADAT

IN OUT

S/PDIF

FOOTSWITCH

MON A/B

TALK BACK

C4 Pro

MACKIE CONTROL C4 PRO

FUNCTION MODIFIERSASSIGNMENT

1/3

2/2

MARKER

LOCK

3/1

SPOT ERASE

SPLIT

CHAN STRIP

TRACKSHIFT

OPTION

/ALT

FUNCTION

CONTROL

Universal Pro

MINUTES

HOURS

SECONDS

FRAMES

REC REC REC REC REC REC REC

–

SMPTE

RUDE SOLO

BEATS

ASSIGNMENT TICKSSUB DIVISIONBEATSBARS

87654321

VPOT ASSIGN

DISPLAY

NAME

SMPTE

TRACK

SEND

VALUE

BEATS

FUNCTION SELECT

PAN/

PLUG

SURROUND

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8

EQ INSTRUMENT

FADER BANKS

GLOBAL VIEW

BANK

MIDI

INPUTSAUDIO

AUDIO

AUXBUSSESOUTPUTS USER

TRACKS

INSTRUMENT

CHANNEL

MODIFIERS AUTOMATION UTILITIES

GLOBAL

FLIP

VIEW

SAVE

SHIFTOPTION READ/OFF

TRIM

UNDO

WRITE

MASTER

CANCEL

ENTER

CONTROL

TOUCH

LATCH

ALT

GROUP

MARKER NUDGE

CYCLEDROP REPLACE CLICK

–

SOLO

FAST FWD PLAYSTOP RECORD

REWIND

FAST FWDPLAYSTOP RECORD

REWIND

–

SCRUB

ZOOM

Po wered

Studio Monitors B

Po wered

Studio Monitors A

MACKIE CONTROL UNIVERSAL PRO

87654321

REC

SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL

–

SLOT UP

PARAMETER

BANK

SINGLE

TRACK L

TRACK R

SLOT DOWN

Stereo Digital Reverb

AES/EBU

OUT IN

OUT

12 11 10 98765432 1

FIREWIRE

MIDI 1

OUT

CONTROL RM MONITORS

L21R

MIDI 2

OUT

TALKBACK

MIC

(48V)

Mic 1

Compressor/Limiter

Talkback

Mic

INSERTS

(BALANCED)

SEND

RETURN

Handheld

Switch

for

Talkback

Mics

External FireWire

Hard Drive

The FireWire connector on the Onyx 1200F can be connected directly to a FireWire equipped

To Desktop

Laptop Computer

computer running a DAW application (Digital Audio Workstation). In this example, there are twelve microphones connected to the Onyx 1200F and 8 mics connected to each of the Onyx 800R microphone preamps feeding the ADAT inputs on the Onyx 1200F, for a total of 28 microphone feeds to the DAW.

Two different sets of studio monitor speakers are connected for control room monitoring. In addition, ﬁve studio monitors and a subwoofer are connected to the line-level outputs for surround sound monitoring.

A stereo digital reverb is connected to the AES/EBU IN/OUT to add reverb to the vocals, and a compressor/ limiter

is connected to the channel 1 Insert Send/Return.

The four headphone outputs on the front of the 1200F are used for the musician’s monitors. Each headphone output is getting a separate, unique headphone mix from the DAW stereo aux sends. A Mackie Control Universal and C4 are connected via the MIDI IN/OUTs, which controls the Tracktion software installed on the computer. An external FireWire hard drive is connected to the second FireWire connection on the Onyx 1200F to serve as a dedicated memory storage device for the audio ﬁles.

Onyx 1200F Multitrack Recording with a DAW (Tracking)

ONYX 1200F

Owner’s Manual

(to Instrument Input 11

EXTERNAL

WORD CLOCK

~100-240 VAC 50-60Hz 45W

Headphones

For Engineer

(To Monitor Recording)

Bass Guitar

on Front Panel)

ADAT

IN OUT

OUT

8 CHANNEL BALANCED

LINE LEVEL OUTPUT

FOOTSWITCH

MON

A/B

TALK BACK

S/PDIF

Electric Guitar

(to Instrument Input 12

on Front Panel)

Mics

AES/EBU

OUT IN

OUT

12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

FIREWIRE

MIDI 1

OUT

MIDI 2

OUT

CONTROL RM MONITORS

L 2 1 R

TALKBACK

MIC

(48V)

Mics

INSERTS

(BALANCED)

SEND

RETURN

Stereo DAT Recorder

(with S/PDIF Input)

Backup CD Recorder

(with AES/EBU Input)

This illustrates a simple direct to 2-track recording setup. You can conﬁgure the Onyx 1200F beforehand with the desired sampling rate, with the inputs routed to the S/PDIF output. The AES/EBU output on the Onyx 1200F carries the same signal as the S/PDIF out, and is connected to the AES/EBU input on a stereo CD recorder for backup

Onyx 1200F 2-Track Recording

Owner’s Manual

Bass and Electric Guitars

(to Instrument Inputs 11 and 12

on Front Panel)

Mackie Control

C4 Pro

MACKIE CONTROL C4 PRO

87654321

SLOT UP

PARAMETER

FUNCTION MODIFIERSASSIGNMENT

BANK

1/3

2/2

MARKER

TRACKSHIFT

LOCK

OPTION

3/1

SINGLE

TRACK L

TRACK R

/ALT

FUNCTION

CONTROL

SPOT ERASE

SPLIT

CHAN STRIP

SLOT DOWN

Mackie Control

Universal Pro

MACKIE CONTROL UNIVERSAL PRO

87654321

REC

REC REC REC REC REC REC REC

SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL SIGNAL

–

ASSIGNMENT TICKSSUB DIVISIONBEATSBARS

VPOT ASSIGN

TRACK

PAN/ SURROUND

EQ INSTRUMENT

FADER BANKS

BANK

CHANNEL

FLIP

MASTER

SEND

PLUG

GLOBAL VIEW

MINUTES

HOURS

SMPTE

BEATS

DISPLAY

SMPTE

NAME

BEATS

VALUE

FUNCTION SELECT

F1 F2 F3 F4 F5 F6 F7 F8

GLOBAL VIEW

AUDIO

MIDI

INPUTS AUDIO

TRACKS

INSTRUMENT

MODIFIERS AUTOMATION UTILITIES

SHIFTOPTION READ/OFF

WRITE

CONTROL

TOUCH

LATCH

/ALT

MARKER NUDGE

CYCLEDROP REPLACE CLICK

FAST FWD PLAYSTOP RECORD

REWIND

FAST FWDPLAYSTOP RECORD

REWIND

ZOOM

SECONDS

AUX BUSSES OUTPUTSUSER

FRAMES

RUDE SOLO

SAVE

TRIM

UNDO

CANCEL

ENTER

GROUP

SOLO

SCRUB

Po wered

Studio Monitors B

ONYX 1200F

EXTERNAL

WORD CLOCK

~100-240 VAC 50-60Hz 45W

OUT

ADAT

IN OUT

8 CHANNEL BALANCED

LINE LEVEL OUTPUT

Stereo Digital Reverb

AES/EBU

OUT IN

S/PDIF

OUT

FOOTSWITCH

MON A/B

TALK BACK

12 11 10 987654321

Po wered

Studio Monitors A

Out

FIREWIRE

CONTROL RM MONITORS

MIDI 1

OUT

MIDI 2

OUT

L21R

TALKBACK

INSERTS

(BALANCED)

MIC

(48V)

SEND

RETURN

Out

Stereo Compressor

Mics

External FireWire

Hard Drive

To Desktop

Computer

USB

MIDI Keyboard Controller

MIDI

USB MIDI Interface

MIDI

MIDI Drum Controller

This illustrates the potential of the Onyx 1200F to do entire band recordings with a minimum of physical gear or large recording spaces. Everything except the singers are “virtual!”

A USB MIDI interface is used to connect an external MIDI keyboard controller and MIDI drum controller to the computer running the DAW software, and a Mackie Control Universal connected to the MIDI I/O on the Onyx 1200F to control the DAW

. The DAW is running an amp emulation plugin for the

guitars and virtual instrument plugins for the keyboard and drum controllers.

Onyx 1200F with DAW and External Controllers

ONYX 1200F

+ 28 hidden pages