Mackie ONYX 820i User Manual

Premium 8-Channel Analog Mixer

with Perkins EQ and FireWire

OWNER’S MANUAL

1 2 3-4

M

X

Y

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N

P

O

R

E

M

X

Y

I

C

N

P

O

X

Y

N

R

O

E

AUX SEND MAIN OUT

M

I

C

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL /UNBAL

P

R

E

1

2

INSERT INSERT

1

LINE

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

LINE

HI-Z

48V

30

U

20

U

+40dB

-20dB

SEND SEND SEND SEND

U

+15-15

1k

100 8k

U

U

20

40

GAIN

U

60

-20dB

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

FREQ

100 8k

MID

+15-15

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

MAX

OO

2

OO

MAX

LR LR LR LR LR

OO

PAN

2

LINE

LINE

HI-Z

48V

30

40

20

GAIN

60

+40dB

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

1k

FREQ

U

MID

+15-15

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

MAX

2

MAX

PAN

L

(MONO)

LINE IN 5-6 LINE IN 7-8

BAL/UNBAL

R

+

4dB

LINE

-10dB

48V

30

40

MIC

GAIN

60

U

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

U

HIGH

MID

2.5KHz

+15-15

U

LOW

MID

400Hz

+15-15

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

MAX

2

OO

MAX

PAN

OO

OO

U

+20dB-20dB

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

MAX

MAX

L

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

R

GAIN

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12k Hz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

SEND INPUT

OO

OO

AUX RETURN

L

(MONO)

R

L

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

R

U

GAIN

+20dB-20dB

LINE
FW 1-2

U

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

U

MID

2.5kHz

+15-15

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

MAX

2

MAX

PAN

21

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

CTRL ROOM/PHONES

SOURCE

MAIN MIX

TAPE

FW 1-2

ALT 3-4

ASSIGN TO

MAIN MIX

OO

CONTROL

ROOM

MAX

OO

MAX

PHONES

AUX MASTER

SEND RETURN

OO

+15

OO

+15

AUX SEND 1-2

TO FW 5-6

1

RTN TO

2

PRE
POST

PRE
POST

TAPE

IN OUT

L

R

AUX1

L

R

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE

0dB=0dBu

LR

20

15

10

6

3

0

2

4

7

10

20

30

RUDE
SOLO

OO

+10

OO

+10

POWER

CLIP

LEVEL

SET

1

2

MUTE

ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4

U

OO

+10dB

SOLO

MUTE

OL

- 20

U

OO

+10dB

SOLO

MUTE

-

20

U

OO

+10dB

SOLO

12

MUTE

OL

-

20

U

OO

+10dB

SOLO

3-4 5-6 7-8

MUTE

OL

-

20

OO

LEVELLEVELLEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

SOLO

U

+10dB

OLOL

-

20

MIC

PHONES

DESTINATION

AUX 1-2

OO

LEVEL

TALKBACK

MAX

ASSIGN TO

FW 7-8

U

OO

+10dB

MAIN MIX

Important Safety Instructions

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 a dry cloth.

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

manufacturer’s instructions.

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

stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifi ers) 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 fi t 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 specifi ed by the manufacturer.

12.

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

table specifi ed by the manufacturer, or sold with

PORTABLE CART

WARNING

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 qualifi ed 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.

Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a

risk of fi re or electric shock.

16.

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

object fi lled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed
on the apparatus.

17.

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).

18.

This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power

switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain
readily accessible to the user.

19.

The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

20. 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 modifi cations to this device not expressly

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

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

applicable)

limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
of Com mu ni ca tions.

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
com mu ni ca tions du Canada.

22.

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
suffi ciently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specifi ed
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:

CAUTION AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN

RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR

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

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

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE.

AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE

2 Onyx 820i

AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER.

CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE

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.

Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral
est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de
"voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque
d'éléctrocution.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé
pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le
fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction
accompagnant l'appareil.

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 offi ce, waste authority, or your household waste disposal service.

Duration,
per day in
hours

8 90 Duo in small club
692
4 95 Subway Train
397
2 100 Very loud classical music

1.5 102
1 105 Woody and Anita screaming at Troy

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert

Sound Level
dBA, Slow
Response

Typical Example

about deadlines

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

expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Quick Start

Set the levels

We realize that you must be really keen
to try out your new mixer. Please read
the safety instructions on page 2 and this
page, and then have a look through some

of the features and details in this manual.

Setup

Use the mixer in a nice clean and dry environment,

free from dryer lint and dust bunnies.

Zero the controls

1. Fully turn down all the knobs to minimum,
except for the channel EQ and pan controls,
which should be centered.

It’s not even necessary to hear what you’re doing to
set optimal levels. But if you’d like to: Plug headphones
into the phones output jack, then turn up the phones
knob just a little.

1. Turn on the mixer by pressing the top edge of
the power switch.

2. For one channel, press the solo switch in, and
the rude solo light will turn on.

3. Play something into that input at real-world
levels.

4. Adjust that channel's gain control until the
right main meter stays around the 0 dB LED
(marked "level set").

5. Disengage the channel's solo switch.

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for the remaining channels.

2. Make sure all buttons are in the out position.

Connections

1. Make sure the AC power switch is off before
making any connections.

2. Push the linecord securely into the IEC
connector on the rear panel, and plug it into a
3-prong AC outlet. The mixer can accept
AC voltage ranging from 100 VAC to 240 VAC.

3. Plug a balanced microphone into one of the mic
XLR (3-pin) connectors. Or connect any line­level signal (keyboard, or guitar preamp) to a
line input jack using a TS or a TRS 1/4" plug.

4. If your microphone requires phantom power,
press in the 48V phantom power button.

any

7. Turn up the channel level to the "U" mark.

8. Slowly turn up the main mix level until you
hear the signals in your speakers.

9. If needed, apply some channel EQ wisely.

10. Adjust the channel levels to get the best mix.
Keep the gain controls and levels fully down on
unused channels.

11. During the performance, if you notice a channel
OL LED turning on during peaks, carefully turn
down that channel's gain control until OL does
not turn on.

FireWire

• See page 35 for details of getting started with
FireWire.

5. You can connect a guitar directly to line inputs
1 or 2 without needing a DI box, if you fi rst
engage the hi-z switch on these channels.

6. The insert jacks of channels 1 and 2 can be
used to connect an external effects or dynamics
processor into the signal chain.

7. Connect the main outputs of the mixer (either
XLR or TRS 1/4") to the line level inputs of your
amplifi er (with speakers already attached) or
to the line level inputs of powered speakers.

• PC drivers are on the supplied CD-ROM.
Mac OS X contains built-in drivers, so no
software installation is required.

Other Notes

• When shutting down, turn off any power
amplifi ers or powered speakers fi rst. When
owering up, turn them on last. This will reduce
the chance of turn-on or turn-off thumps.

• Always turn down the phones level when
making connections, pressing solo, or doing
anything that may cause loudness in the
headphones. This will help protect your
hearing.

• Always turn down the main mix level and

Part No. SW0718 Rev. D 02/2010
©2010 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Loosely based on a dream sequence in which the technical writer is given keys to a
sports car of his choice, unlimited gas, and closed roads. The dream suddenly ends and
reality kicks in. A mixer manual to write, a mixer manual to write!

control room level when making connections to
the mixer. Better yet, turn off the power.

• Save the shipping box!

Owner's Manual 3

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 820i
professional compact mixer. The Onyx i series of mixers
offer built-in FireWire, along with the newest features
and latest technologies for live sound reinforcement
and analog or digital studio recording, all in a durable,
road-worthy package.

The Onyx 820i is equipped with three of our premium
precision-engineered studio-grade Onyx mic preamps.
Mackie is renowned for the high-quality mic preamps
used in our mixers, and the Onyx mic pre’s are better
than ever, with specifi cations rivaling expensive
stand-alone mic preamplifi ers.

Channels 1 and 2 feature high-impedance
instrument/line-level inputs so you can connect an
acoustic, electric, or bass guitar directly into the mixer,

Features

• Premium 8-channel super-compact analog
mixer with integrated Fire wire I/O

• 2 mono channels (mono mic and mono line
inputs)

• 1 hybrid channel (mono mic and stereo line
inputs)

• 2 stereo channels (stereo line inputs)

• 3 Onyx mic preamps with sound comparable to
boutique preamps

• 3-band Perkins EQ with sweepable mids on
mono channels

• 4-band Perkins EQ on hybrid channels

eliminating the need for an external direct box.

Extremely adaptable DAW integration

Recording and Mixing

Channels, aux sends or the master L/R can be sent
straight to your computer via FireWire for recording.
Pre/post EQ taps on every channel allow you to integrate
our renowned Perkins EQ into the record path. Plus, a
stereo return from your DAW, or iTunes
the control room section or straight back into channels
7 and 8 for mix integration.

Powerful Effects Engine

With both aux sends routable to your DAW, the 820i

®

is assignable to

• 3-band Perkins EQ on stereo line channels

• Flexible FireWire routing with up to 8 channels
pre/post EQ, aux sends and master L/R routable
to computer

• 2 channels of FireWire monitoring routable to
either the control room or channels 7 and 8

• 2 independent aux sends with separate pre/post
switches

• Selectable instrument inputs on fi rst two
channels – no DI box is needed

• Individual 48v phantom power switches on all
mic inputs

• Talkback section with built in mic and fl exible
routing

allows you to use your favorite plug-in as a realtime
effect. Just route an aux send to your DAW, apply the
plug-in and assign your DAW outputs to the control
room or to a channel strip for instant integration into
the mix.

Live Recording

Live sound recording could not be simpler with the
820i. The ability to record individual channels either
wet or dry allows for studio quality multi-track
recordings for later editing and mixdown. Or simply
record the main mix, allowing for immediate creation of
CDs right at the gig.

• "Planet-Earth" switching power supply for
worldwide use

• Optional rack kit available

4 Onyx 820i

How To Use This Manual

The fi rst pages after the table of contents are the
hookup diagrams. These show typical setups for fun
times with your mixer.

Next is a detailed tour of the entire mixer. The
descriptions are divided into sections, just as your mixer
is organized into distinct zones:

• Back panel

• Connection section

• Channel controls

• Master controls

Throughout these sections you’ll fi nd illustrations
with each feature numbered and described in nearby
paragraphs.

This icon marks infor mation that is critically
important or unique to the mixer. For your own
good, read them and remember them.

This icon will lead you to some explanations of
features and practical tips. Go ahead and skip
these if you need to leave the room in a hurry.

Appendix A: Service information.

Appendix B: Connectors.

Appendix C: Technical information.

Appendix D: Rack ear installation.

Appendix E: FireWire.

Appendix F: Modifi cations.

Need help with your new mixer?

• Visit www.mackie.com and click
Support to fi nd: FAQs, manuals,
addendums, and other useful
information.

• Email us at: [e-mail].

• Telephone [phone] to speak with
one of our splendid technical support
chaps (Monday through Friday, normal
business hours, PST).

Owner's Manual 5

Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................ 2

QUICK START .......................................................... 3

INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 4

YOU ARE HERE ....................................................... 6

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 7

FEATURES ............................................................. 12

REAR PANEL ...................................................... 12

1. POWER CONNECTION ............................. 12

2. POWER SWITCH ..................................... 12

3. FIREWIRE CONNECTIONS ........................ 12

4. LEFT/RIGHT XLR MAIN OUTPUTS ........... 13

5. MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL .............................. 13

6. CTRL-RM OUT ........................................ 13

7. ALT 3–4 OUT ......................................... 13

CONNECTION SECTION ....................................... 14

8. MIC INPUTS ........................................... 14

9. INSERT (CH. 1 AND 2) ............................ 14

10. MONO LINE INPUTS (CH. 1 AND 2) ......... 15

11. STEREO LINE INPUTS (CH. 3-8) ............... 15

12. AUX SEND 1 AND 2 ................................ 15

13. AUX RETURN 1 AND 2 ........................... 15

14. LEFT/RIGHT 1/4" MAIN OUTPUTS ......... 15

15. TAPE INPUTS ......................................... 16

16. TAPE OUTPUTS ...................................... 16

17. HEADPHONE OUTPUT ............................ 16

CHANNEL CONTROLS ......................................... 17

18. HI-Z SWITCH (CH. 1 AND 2 ONLY) .......... 18

19. LOW CUT (CH.1–4 ONLY) ....................... 18

20. 48V PHANTOM POWER (CH. 1-4 ONLY).. 18

21. LINE +4 DB/-10 DB (CH. 3 AND 4 ONLY) 19

CONTROL ROOM/PHONES AND METERS ............ 23

38. MAIN MIX .............................................. 23

39. TAPE, FW 1-2, ALT 3-4 ............................ 23

40. ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX ............................. 23

41. CONTROL ROOM KNOB ........................... 23

42. PHONES KNOB ........................................ 24

43. LEFT/RIGHT LEVEL METERS ...................... 24

44. RUDE SOLO LIGHT ................................... 24

AUX MASTER ..................................................... 25

45. MASTER AUX SEND 1 AND 2 .................... 25

46. PRE/POST .............................................. 25

47. MASTER AUX RETURN 1 AND 2 ............... 25

48. RTN TO AUX 1 ........................................ 25

49. AUX SEND 1-2 TO FW 5-6 ....................... 25

50. POWER LED ............................................. 26

TALKBACK ......................................................... 26

51. TALKBACK MIC ........................................ 26

52. TALKBACK LEVEL ..................................... 26

53. DESTINATION: PHONES, AUX 1-2 ............. 26

54. TALKBACK SWITCH .................................. 27

MAIN MIX ......................................................... 27

55. MAIN MIX ............................................. 27

56. ASSIGN TO FW 7–8 ............................... 27

APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION .................... 28

APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS.................................. 29

APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL INFORMATION ................ 31

APPENDIX D: RACK EAR INSTALLATION ................. 34

APPENDIX E: FIREWIRE ......................................... 35

APPENDIX F: MODIFICATIONS ............................... 39

LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................. 41

22. INPUT (LINE OR FW 1-2) ........................ 19

23. GAIN CONTROL ...................................... 19

24. SEND FIREWIRE PRE/POST ..................... 19

25. HIGH EQ ................................................ 20

26. MID EQ FREQUENCY (CH. 1 AND 2) ......... 20

27. MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 1 AND 2) .................. 20

28. HIGH MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 3 AND 4) ......... 20

29. LOW MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 3 AND 4) .......... 20

30. MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 5/6 AND 7/8) ......... 20

31. LOW EQ ................................................. 20

32. AUX SEND 1 AND 2 ................................ 21

33. PAN....................................................... 21

34. MUTE SWITCH AND ALT 3–4 ................... 21

35. –20 AND OL LEDS .................................. 22

36. LEVEL .................................................... 22

37. SOLO ..................................................... 22

6 Onyx 820i

Hookup Diagrams

Acoustic Guitar

and Mic

Microphone

Stereo Effects Processor

Guitar Processor

Send

Drum
Machine

Laptop with

audio production

software

Return

Aux 1
set to
POST

1 2 3-4

M

M

X

X

I

C

I

Y

C

Y

N

P

N

P

R

R

O

O

E

E

INSERT INSERT

1

LINE2LINE

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

LINE

LINE
HI-Z

48V

48V

U

U

203040

203040

U

-20dB

SEND SEND SEND SEND

100 8k

OO

OO

LR LR LR LR LR

MUTE

ALT 3- 4 ALT 3 -4 ALT 3 -4 ALT 3 -4 ALT 3 -4

SOLO

GAIN

60

U

-20dB

+40dB

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

1k

1k

FREQ

100 8k

U

U

MID

+15-15

U

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

MAX

2

OO

MAX

PAN

MUTE

OL

U

- 20

OO

OO

+10dB

SOLO

12

GAIN

60

+40dB

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15U+15-15

FREQ

MID

+15-15

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

MAX

2

MAX

PAN

U

+10dB

AUX SEND MAIN OUT

BAL/UNBAL BAL /UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

M

X

I

C

Y

P

N

R

O

E

L

(MONO)

LINE IN 5-6 LINE IN 7-8

BAL/UNBAL

R

+

4dB

LINE

-10dB

HI-Z

48V

30

40

20

MIC

GAIN

60

U

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

U

HIGH

MID

2.5KHz

+15-15

U

LOW
MID

400Hz

+15-15

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

OO

MAX

2

OO

OO

MAX

PAN

MUTE

MUTE

OL

U

-

-

20

20

OO

OO

+10dB

SOLO

SOLO

3-4 5-6 7-8

U

+20dB-20dB

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

MAX

MAX

U

+10dB

1

2

L

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

R

GAIN

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

OL

- 20-

SEND INPUT

AUX RETURN

BAL/UNBAL

U

+20dB-20dB

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

OO

MAX

OO

MAX

MUTE

U

OO

+10dB

LEVELLEVELLEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

SOLO

L

(MONO)

R

L

(MONO)

R

GAIN

LINE
FW 1-2

HIGH

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

OLOL

20

21

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

CTRL ROOM/PHONES

SOURCE

MAIN MIX

TAPE

FW 1-2

ALT 3-4

ASSIGN TO
MAIN MIX

OO

OO

MAX

CONTROL

PHONES

ROOM

AUX MASTER

SEND RETURN

1

PRE

OO

+15

POST

2

PRE

OO

+15

POST

AUX SEND 1-2

TO FW 5-6

OO

LEVEL

MIC

DESTINATION

AUX

PHONES

1-2

TALKBACK

L

R

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE

MAX

RTN TO

AUX1

MAX

TAPE

IN OUT

0dB=0dBu

LR

20

15

10

6

3

0

2

4

7

10

20

30

RUDE
SOLO

OO

OO

POWER

ASSIGN TO

FW 7-8

U

OO

MAIN MIX

L

R

+10

+10

+10dB

CLIP

LEVEL

SET

1

2

Aux 2
set to
PRE

SRM150

Powered

Monitor

DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE

Mackie

SRM450v2

Powered

Speaker

"MACKIE" & "ONYX" ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. • COPYRIGHT ©2008

MAIN OUTPUT

LEVEL

MAIN OUT

BALANCED

FIREWIRE

POWER

ON

CNTL - RM OUT

BAL/UNBAL

R

ALT 3-4 OUT

BAL/UNBAL

R/4

L

L/3

LR

+4dB

MIC

Mackie

SRM450v2

Powered

Speaker

This diagram shows an acoustic guitar mic'd up directly to channel 1 and a microphone connected to

channel 2 for vocals. A guitar processor is connected to the insert jack of channel 1.

An effects processor receives a mono input from the aux 1 send, and its stereo outputs connect to the

stereo return inputs. Aux 1 is set post-fader, using the Aux 1 pre/post switch in the Aux Master section.

A Mackie SRM150 powered speaker is connected to aux send 2 as a monitor for the performer(s).

Aux 2 is set to pre-fader, using the Aux 2 pre/post switch in the Aux Master section.

Mackie SRM450v2 powered speakers are connected to the left and right main outputs.

A laptop connects to the FireWire port, and allows the 2-channel main mix of the performance to be
recorded using your audio production software. Two channels of audio can also play from the computer
to the main mix. For example, you can play intermission music when the call for an egg-nog decaf latté
or green tea gets too strong and you have to take a break.

1-2 Man Coffeehouse Gig

Owner's Manual 7

Electric

Guitar

Bass

Guitar

Condenser

Microphone

Stereo Effects Processor

Headphones

Digital Delay

Headphone Amp

Amplifier

Modeler

press HI-Z

button

Drum
Machine

Laptop with

audio production

software

1 2 3-4

M

M

X

X

I

C

I

Y

C

Y

N

P

N

P

R

R

O

O

E

E

INSERT INSERT

1

LINE2LINE

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

LINE

LINE

HI-Z

HI-Z

48V

48V

U

U

203040

203040

U

-20dB

SEND SEND SEND SEND

1k

100 8k

U

U

OO

OO

LR LR LR LR LR

MUTE

ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4

OO

SOLO

GAIN

GAIN

60

60

U

+40dB

-20dB

+40dB

PRE

PRE

POST

POST

U

EQ

EQ

HIGH

HIGH

12kHz

12kHz

+15-15U+15-15

1k

FREQ

FREQ

100 8k

U

MID

MID

+15-15

+15-15

U

LOW

LOW

80Hz

80Hz

+15-15

+15-15

AUX

AUX

1

1

OO

MAX

MAX

2

2

OO

MAX

MAX

PAN

PAN

MUTE

OL

U

U

+10dB

-

- 20

20

OO

+10dB

SOLO

12

AUX SEND MAIN OUT

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

M

X

I

C

Y

P

N

R

O

E

1

2

L

(MONO)

LINE IN 5-6 LINE IN 7 -8

BAL/UNBAL

R

L

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

+

4dB

LINE

-10dB

R

48V

30

U

40

20

MIC

GAIN

GAIN

60

U

+20dB-20dB

PRE

PRE

POST

POST

U

U

EQ

EQ

HIGH

HIGH

12kHz

12kHz

+15-15

+15-15

U

HIGH

MID

U

2.5KHz

+15-15

U

U

OO

OO

MUTE

OO

SOLO

MID

2.5kHz

+15-15

LOW

MID

400Hz

+15-15

U

LOW

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

MAX

MAX

U

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

AUX

1

1

OO

MAX

2

2

OO

MAX

PAN

PAN

MUTE

OL

OL

U

-

-

20

20

OO

+10dB

+10dB

SOLO

3-4 5-6 7-8

SEND INPUT

AUX RETURN

U

+20dB-20dB

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

OO

MAX

OO

MAX

MUTE

U

OO

+10dB

LEVELLEVELLEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

SOLO

BAL/UNBAL

L

(MONO)

R

L

(MONO)

R

GAIN

LINE
FW 1-2

HIGH

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

OLOL

-

20

21

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

CTRL ROOM/PHONES

SOURCE

MAIN MIX

TAPE

FW 1-2

ALT 3-4

ASSIGN TO

MAIN MIX

OO

OO

MAX

CONTROL

PHONES

ROOM

AUX MAS TER

SEND RETURN

1

PRE

OO

+15

POST

2

PRE

OO

+15

POST

AUX SEND 1-2

TO FW 5-6

OO

LEVEL

MIC

DESTINATION

AUX

PHONES

1-2

TALKBACK

L

R

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE

MAX

RTN TO

AUX1

MAX

TAPE

IN OUT

L

R

0dB=0dBu

LR

20

15

10

6

3

0

2

4

7

10

20

30

RUDE
SOLO

OO

OO

POWER

ASSIGN TO

FW 7-8

U

OO

+10dB

MAIN MIX

CLIP

LEVEL

SET

1

+10

2

+10

Keyboard

Mackie MR8

Recorder

POWER

DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE

"MACKIE" & "ONYX" ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. • COPYRIGHT ©2008

MAIN OUTPUT

LEVEL

MAIN OUT

BALANCED

FIREWIRE

ON

CNTL - RM OUT

BAL/UNBAL

RL

LR

ALT 3-4 OUT

BAL/UNBAL

L/3

R/4

+4dB

MIC

Powered

Reference

Monitors for

Control Room

This diagram shows an electric guitar connected to an amplifi er modeler, whose balanced line-level
output is connected to the channel 1 line input, a bass guitar connected directly to the channel 2 input
(with the hi-z switch engaged), a condenser microphone on channel 3/4 with phantom power engaged,
a drum machine connected to channel 5/6, and a keyboard connected to channel 7/8. A headphone
amplifi er allows for multiple headphone use.

An effects processor and a digital delay unit each receive a mono input from an aux send (in post
mode), and their stereo outputs connect to their respective stereo return inputs. As an alternative to
hardware units, you can send aux 1 and 2 to your computer by engaging the Aux Send 1-2 to FW 5-6
switch. Then use your DAW's effects plug-ins to add effects. Return them via FireWire to the main mix.

Mackie MR8 powered reference monitors are connected to the left and right control room outputs.

A nice 2 track recorder is connected to the main left and right outputs to record the main mix directly.

A laptop connects to the FireWire port, allowing the 2-channel main mix to be recorded and two
channels to be played back. Individual channels, and aux 1 and aux 2 can also be recorded via
FireWire (a maximum of 8 FireWire outs).

Home Studio System: Straight to stereo

8 Onyx 820i

Electric

Guitar

Headphones

Bass

Guitar

Condenser

Microphone

Headphone Amp

press HI-Z

buttons

Drum
Machine

Laptop Computer

with audio production

software

1 2 3-4

M

M

X

X

I

C

I

Y

C

Y

N

P

N

P

R

R

O

O

E

INSERT INSERT

1

LINE2LINE

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

LINE

LINE

HI-Z

48V

48V

U

U

203040

203040

U

-20dB

SEND SEND SEND SEND

100 8k

OO

OO

LR LR LR LR LR

MUTE

ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4

SOLO

GAIN

60

U

-20dB

+40dB

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

1k

1k

FREQ

100 8k

U

U

MID

+15-15

U

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

MAX

2

OO

MAX

PAN

MUTE

OL

U

- 20

OO

OO

+10dB

SOLO

12

GAIN

60

+40dB

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15U+15-15

FREQ

MID

+15-15

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

MAX

2

MAX

PAN

U

+10dB

AUX SEND MAIN OUT

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/ UNBAL

M

X

I

C

Y

P

N

R

O

E

E

L

(MONO)

LINE IN 5-6 LINE IN 7-8

BAL/UNBAL

R

+

4dB

LINE

-10dB

HI-Z

48V

30

40

20

MIC

GAIN

60

U

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

U

HIGH

MID

2.5KHz

+15-15

U

LOW
MID

400Hz

+15-15

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

OO

MAX

2

OO

OO

MAX

PAN

MUTE

MUTE

OL

U

-

-

20

20

OO

+10dB

SOLO

SOLO

3-4 5-6 7-8

U

+20dB-20dB

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

MAX

MAX

U

OO

+10dB

1

2

L

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

R

GAIN

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

OL

-

20- 20

SEND INPUT

AUX RETURN

U

+20dB-20dB

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

OO

MAX

OO

MAX

MUTE

U

OO

LEVELLEVELLEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

SOLO

L

(MONO)

R

L

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

R

GAIN

LINE
FW 1-2

HIGH

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

OLOL

+10dB

21

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

CTRL ROOM/PHONES

SOURCE

MAIN MIX

TAPE

FW 1-2

ALT 3-4

ASSIGN TO

MAIN MIX

OO

OO

MAX

CONTROL

PHONES

ROOM

AUX MASTER

SEND RETURN

1

PRE

OO

+15

POST

2

PRE

OO

+15

POST

AUX SEND 1-2

TO FW 5-6

OO

LEVEL

MIC

DESTINATION

AUX

PHONES

1-2

TALKBACK

L

R

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE

MAX

RTN TO

AUX1

MAX

TAPE

IN OUT

0dB=0dBu

LR

20

15

10

6

3

0

2

4

7

10

20

30

RUDE
SOLO

OO

OO

POWER

ASSIGN TO

FW 7-8

U

OO

MAIN MIX

L

R

CLIP

LEVEL
SET

1

+10

2

+10

+10dB

Keyboard

Mackie MR8

DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE

"MACKIE" & "ONYX" ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. • COPYRIGHT ©2008

MAIN OUTPUT

LEVEL

MAIN OUT

BALANCED

FIREWIRE

POWER

ON

CNTL - RM OUT

BAL/UNBAL

RL

LR

ALT 3-4 OUT

BAL/UNBAL

L/3

R/4

+4dB

MIC

Powered

Reference

Monitors for

Control Room

This diagram shows an electric guitar connected directly to channel 1 (with the hi-z switch engaged),
a bass guitar connected directly to channel 2 (also with the hi-z engaged), a condenser microphone on
channel 3/4 with the phantom power engaged, a drum machine connected to channel 5/6, and a
keyboard connected to channel 7/8. A headphone amplifi er allows for multiple headphone use during
the recording process.

A pair of Mackie MR8 powered reference monitors are connected to the left and right control room
outputs, for careful and accurate monitoring of the performances in the control room.

A laptop computer connects to a FireWire port, allowing each channel to be recorded and two
channels from the laptop to be played back. Note: You can record a maximum of 8 channels via
FireWire if you do not record the auxes or main mix.

The DAW gets the 8 individual channel tracks. You can then mix down the project within the DAW at a
later time. These individual tracks can be pre-EQ or post-EQ depending on the channel pre/post
switches. Post-EQ allows you to use the mixer's high-quality Perkins EQ in your recordings. Software
plug-ins can be used for the effects processing of different tracks, and software amplifi er emulators can
be used on the guitars to give the sound of mic'd amps.

Your carefully mixed 2-channel mix can be sent back to the control room via FireWire, by engaging the
FW 1-2 switch in the control room/phones matrix, and sent to the band with the headphone amp fed by
the phones out.

Home Studio System: Recording each channel

Owner's Manual 9

Dynamics
Processor

Microphone

Stereo Effects Processor

Acoustic

Guitar with

pickup

Mackie SRM450v2

Powered Speakers

(Stage Monitors)

HD1531

Powered Speaker

Main Right

press HI-Z

button

Drum
Machine

Aux 2
set to
PRE

Aux 1
set to
POST

1 2 3-4

M

M

X

X

I

C

I

Y

C

Y

N

P

N

P

R

R

O

O

E

E

INSERT INSERT

1

LINE2LINE

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

LINE

LINE

HI-Z

HI-Z

48V

48V

U

U

203040

203040

U

-20dB

SEND SEND SEND SEND

100 8k

OO

OO

LR LR LR LR LR

MUTE

ALT 3-4 A LT 3-4 A LT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4

OO

SOLO

GAIN

60

U

+40dB

-20dB

+40dB

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15U+15-15

1k

1k

FREQ

100 8k

U

U

MID

+15-15

+15-15

U

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

MAX

MAX

2

OO

MAX

MAX

PAN

MUTE

OL

U

U

- 20

OO

+10dB

SOLO

12

GAIN

60

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

FREQ

MID

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

-

+10dB

AUX SEND MAIN OUT

BAL/UNBAL BAL /UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

M

X

I

C

Y

P

N

R

O

E

L

(MONO)

LINE IN 5-6 LINE IN 7-8

BAL/UNBAL

R

+

4dB

LINE

-10dB

48V

30

U

40

20

MIC

GAIN

60

U

PRE
POST

U

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

U

HIGH

MID

U

2.5KHz

+15-15

U

LOW

MID

400Hz

+15-15

U

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

OO

MAX

2

OO

OO

MAX

PAN

MUTE

MUTE

OL

U

-

20

20

OO

OO

+10dB

SOLO

SOLO

3-4 5-6 7-8

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

GAIN

+20dB-20dB

PRE
POST

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

MID

2.5kHz

+15-15

LOW

+15-15

AUX

MAX

MAX

PAN

U

+10dB

1

2

L

R

SEND INPUT

EQ

80Hz

1

OO

2

OO

MUTE

OL

-

20- 20

SOLO

AUX RETURN

(MONO)

(MONO)

BAL/UNBAL

U

GAIN

+20dB-20dB

U

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

U

2.5kHz

+15-15

U

LOW

+15-15

AUX

MAX

MAX

PAN

U

OO

+10dB

LEVELLEVELLEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

21

L

R

L

R

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

CTRL ROOM/PHONES

LINE
FW 1-2

MID

CONTROL

80Hz

1

PRE
POST

2

PRE
POST

OLOL

PHONES

SOURCE

MAIN MIX

TAPE

FW 1-2

ALT 3-4

ASSIGN TO

MAIN MIX

OO

OO

MAX

PHONES

ROOM

AUX MASTER

SEND RETURN

1

OO

+15

2

OO

+15

AUX SEND 1-2

TO FW 5-6

OO

LEVEL

MIC

DESTINATION

AUX
1-2

TALKBACK

L

R

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE

MAX

RTN TO
AUX1

MAX

TAPE

IN OUT

R

0dB=0dBu

LR

20

15

10

6

3

0

2

4

7

10

20

30

RUDE
SOLO

OO

OO

POWER

ASSIGN TO

FW 7-8

U

OO

MAIN MIX

iPod
Docking Station

L

Headphones

CLIP

LEVEL
SET

1

+10

2

+10

+10dB

Keyboard

HD1531
Powered Speaker
Main Left

DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE

HD1801

Po w e r e d

Subwoofers

Laptop Computer

with audio

production software

"MACKIE" & "ONYX" ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. • COPYRIGHT ©2008

MAIN OUTPUT

LEVEL

MAIN OUT

BALANCED

FIREWIRE

POWER

ON

CNTL - RM OUT

BAL/UNBAL

RL

LR

ALT 3-4 OUT

BAL/UNBAL

L/3

R/4

+4dB

MIC

HD1801

Po w e r e d

Subwoofers

SRM350v2
Po w e r e d
Speakers

This diagram shows an acoustic-electric guitar connected to the channel 1 input (with the hi-z switch
pressed down), a microphone connected to the channel 2 mic input, a drum machine connected to
channel 3-4, and a keyboard connected to channel 7-8. Engage the +4dBu/–10dBV switch on
channels 3-4 if your drum machine runs at –10 dBV. An iPod

®

can be used for intermission music.
A dynamics processor is connected to the insert jack of channel 1 to work its magic on your guitar.
An effects processor receives a mono input from aux 1 send, and its stereo outputs connect to the stereo

aux 1 return inputs. Set Aux 1 to post-fader, using the pre/post switch in the Aux Master section.

A plethora of SRM450v2 powered speakers are strewn across the stage as monitors for the band; they

are connected to the aux 2 send jack (in pre-fader mode). Headphones are used to monitor all levels.

The club is driven by four HD1801 powered subwoofers and a pair of HD1531 powered speakers

connected to the main mix outputs. SRM350v2 powered speakers monitor the control room output.

Individual channels 1 to 8 can be sent via the FireWire port to a laptop computer. Aux 1 and 2 can be

sent instead of ch. 5 and 6, or the main L/R mix sent instead of ch. 7 and 8. Two channels can be played
back from the laptop using the same FireWire port. For example, you can play iTunes

®

as intermission

music in the main system, or send two channels from a virtual instrument into mixer channels 7 and 8.

Club System

10 Onyx 820i

Headphones

Voice-over

Microphone

Voice-over booth

Video Deck

Synthesizer

Recorder

record

play

Effects Processor

1 2 3-4

M

M

X

X

I

C

I

Y

C

Y

N

P

N

P

R

R

O

O

E

E

INSERT INSERT

1

LINE2LINE

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

LINE

LINE

HI-Z

HI-Z

48V

48V

U

U

203040

203040

U

-20dB

SEND SEND SEND SEND

100 8k

OO

OO

LR LR LR LR LR

MUTE

ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 ALT 3-4 A LT 3-4 ALT 3-4

OO

SOLO

GAIN

60

U

+40dB

-20dB

+40dB

PRE
POST

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15U+15-15

1k

1k

FREQ

100 8k

U

U

MID

+15-15

+15-15

U

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

MAX

MAX

2

OO

MAX

MAX

PAN

MUTE

OL

U

- 20

OO

+10dB

SOLO

12

GAIN

60

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

FREQ

MID

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

U

+10dB

AUX SEND MAIN OUT

BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL

M

X

I

C

Y

P

N

R

O

E

L

(MONO)

LINE IN 5-6 LINE IN 7-8

BAL/UNBAL

R

+

4dB

LINE

-10dB

48V

30

U

40

20

MIC

GAIN

60

U

PRE
POST

U

U

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

+15-15

U

HIGH
MID

U

2.5KHz

+15-15

U

LOW
MID

400Hz

+15-15

U

U

LOW

80Hz

+15-15

AUX

1

OO

OO

MAX

2

OO

OO

MAX

PAN

MUTE

MUTE

OL

U

-

-

20

20

OO

OO

+10dB

SOLO

SOLO

3-4 5-6 7-8

BAL/UNBAL

+20dB-20dB

+15-15

+15-15

+15-15

MAX

MAX

U

+10dB

1

2

L

(MONO)

R

GAIN

SEND INPUT

PRE
POST

EQ

HIGH

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

OL

-

20- 20

AUX RETURN

U

+20dB-20dB

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

U

+15-15

OO

MAX

OO

MAX

MUTE

U

OO

+10dB

LEVELLEVELLEVEL LEVEL LEVEL

SOLO

BAL/UNBAL

L

(MONO)

R

L

(MONO)

R

GAIN

LINE
FW 1-2

HIGH

12kHz

MID

2.5kHz

LOW

80Hz

AUX

1

2

PAN

OLOL

21

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

CTRL ROOM/PHONES

SOURCE

MAIN MIX

TAPE

FW 1-2

ALT 3-4

ASSIGN TO
MAIN MIX

OO

OO

MAX

CONTROL

PHONES

ROOM

AUX MASTER

SEND RETURN

PRE

OO

+15

POST

PRE

OO

+15

POST

AUX SEND 1-2

TO FW 5-6

OO

LEVEL

MIC

DESTINATION

AUX

PHONES

TALKBACK

L

R

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE

MAX

1

RTN TO

AUX1

2

MAX

1-2

TAPE

IN OUT

0dB=0dBu

LR

20

15

10

10

20

30

RUDE
SOLO

OO

OO

POWER

ASSIGN TO

FW 7-8

U

OO

MAIN MIX

L

R

CLIP

6

3

0

2

LEVEL

SET

4

7

1

+10

2

+10

+10dB

Headphone Amp

Effects/ Sampler

Keyboard Controller

Electronic

Drum Kit

Mackie

HR824mkII

Powered

Reference

Monitor for

Control Room

DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE

"MACKIE" & "ONYX" ARE TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. • COPYRIGHT ©2008

MAIN OUTPUT

LEVEL

MAIN OUT

BALANCED

FIREWIRE

POWER

ON

CNTL - RM OUT

BAL/UNBAL

RL

LR

ALT 3-4 OUT

BAL/UNBAL

L/3

R/4

+4dB

MIC

Mackie

HR824mkII

Powered

Reference

Monitor for

Control Room

RAID rack

Desktop
Mac or PC

Cinema Display for Audio Cinema Display for Video

This diagram shows a voice-over microphone connected to channel 1 mic input, a video deck's audio

output connected to channels 3/4, with its audio inputs receiving the main mix from the 1/4" outputs.
A synthesizer is connected to channel 5/6, and an electronic drum kit connected to channel 7/8.

An effects processor and a sampler each receive a mono input from an aux send (post-fader), and

their stereo outputs connect to the respective stereo return inputs. A keyboard controller is attached to the
sampler. Headphones are used to monitor all levels, using a headphone amp with multiple headphones,
including one in the voice-over booth.

A pair of Mackie HR824mkII powered reference monitors is connected to the left and right control room

outputs for careful and accurate monitoring in the control room.

A desktop Mac or PC is connected to a FireWire port, allowing the 2-channel main mix to be recorded

and two channels to be played back. Two cinema screens are connected to the desktop, one displaying
audio and the second for video. A RAID rack is attached to the computer for mass storage. A recorder is
connected to the main outs, and utilized as the master recorder.

Post-Production System

Owner's Manual 11

Onyx 820i Features

POWER

ON

FIREWIRE

1

2

3

Rear Panel

1. POWER CONNECTION

This is a standard 3-prong IEC power connector.

Connect the detachable linecord (included in the box
with your mixer) to the power receptacle, and plug the
other end of the linecord into an AC outlet. The Onyx

CTRL - RM OUT

BAL/UNBAL

R

ALT 3-4 OUT

BAL/UNBAL

R/4

L/3

L

6

7

MAIN OUTPUT

LEVEL

MAIN OUT

BALANCED

4

+4dB

LR

MIC

5

3. FIREWIRE CONNECTIONS

FireWire is a high-speed two-way interface for
connecting digital devices. Two FireWire connectors
allow the transfer of digital audio to and from your
computer or digital audio workstation (DAW) with

820i has a universal power supply that can accept

any
AC voltage ranging from 100 VAC to 240 VAC. No need for
voltage select switches. It will work virtually anywhere
in the world. That’s why we call it a “Planet-Earth” power
supply! It is less susceptible to voltage sags or spikes,
compared to conventional power supplies, and provides
greater electromagnetic isolation and better protection
against AC line noise.

Disconnecting the plug’s ground pin is
dangerous. Don’t do it.

2. POWER SWITCH

Press the top of this rocker switch inwards to turn on
the mixer. The front panel power LED [50] will glow
with happiness, or at least it will if you have the mixer
plugged into a suitable live AC mains supply.

Press the bottom of this switch to put the mixer into
standby mode. It will not function, but the circuits are
still live. To remove AC power, either turn off the
AC mains supply, or unplug the power cord from the
mixer and the AC mains supply.

As a general guide, you should turn on your
mixer fi rst, before any external power
amplifi ers or powered speakers, and turn it off
last. This will reduce the possibilities of any

turn-on, or turn-off thumps in your speakers.

ultra-low latency. Usually, only one connector is used.

The FireWire interface provides the following outputs

to your computer:

• Channels 1–8, tapped pre-fader, and either
pre-EQ, or post EQ (your choice).

• Aux send 1 and 2 (a copy of the fi nal aux
outputs to your stage monitors or processors).
FireWire outputs 5 and 6 can either be from
channels 5 and 6, or aux send 1 and 2.

• Left/right main mix. The left/right main mix
at the FireWire output is not affected by the
main mix level control (important for recording
live). FireWire outputs 7 and 8 can either be
from channels 7 and 8, or main mix L and R.

Use FireWire to record a live performance directly to

your

computer, then you can mixdown to a stereo mix
later. Or you can use FireWire to turn your Onyx mixer
into a high-quality

computer audio interface for your

DAW.

FireWire also provides a return for two channels from
a DAW or computer. This can be routed through the
control room/phones via
monitor the computer audio

the FireWire button [39], to

through your control room
speakers or headphones (or through the main
speakers if assign to main mix [40] is selected). In
this way, you can listen to pre-recorded songs and
iTunes

®

as intermission music, or examples of how the

12 Onyx 820i

practice sessions should really sound.

These same two channels from the computer can

• The main mix, if main mix is selected as the
also be chosen as inputs to channels 7 and 8,
allowing you to adjust the gain, EQ, level, and pan,
as well as to solo, and add to aux send 1 and 2. This
is routed using the FW/line input selector [22] on
channels 7 and 8. This is useful for live performances,
where those 2 channels might have, for example, a
software synthesizer you are triggering from a MIDI
keyboard, and you want to treat the softsynth as "just
another instrument," with equal processing and
routing options as the hardware keyboards coming
into the other channels.

The FireWire interface works with both PC (using
ASIO for Windows XP and Vista) and Mac (Core Audio
for Mac OS 10.4.11 or higher).

4. LEFT/RIGHT XLR MAIN OUTPUTS

These male XLR connectors provide a balanced line­level signal that represents the end of the mixer chain,
where your fully mixed stereo signal enters the real
world. Connect these to the inputs of your main power
amplifi ers, powered speakers, or serial effects
processor (like a graphic equalizer or compressor/
limiter). It provides a fully balanced signal that is the

control room/

phones source

• Tape outputs, if tape is selected

• Alt 3-4 outputs if alt 3-4 is selected

• A 2-track FireWire feed from your computer if
FW 1-2 is selected

• A combination of all four above

Except for main mix, whatever is playing in these
outputs can also be routed to the main mix if assign to
main mix [40] is engaged. The main mix input to the
control room is disconnected if assign to main mix is
engaged.

The headphones and meters play the same program
as the control room. The meters show the levels prior to
the control room and phones level controls.

Control-room out is long for ctrl-rm out, which
translated from the ancient language of the

Pacifi c NorthWestern I-405 corridor people

means "I'll have a double latté with chocolate
sprinkles, and a bagel with cream cheese, and I agree,
it does look like it will start raining again, but it might
stop in time for the Mariners game."

same level as the 1/4" TRS main out jacks [14] on the
top panel.

5. MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL

When this switch is out (+4 dB), the XLR main
outputs [4] provide a "+4 dBu" line-level signal. You
can then connect these outputs to the line-level inputs
of power amplifi ers, powered loudspeakers, or serial
processors.

When the switch is pushed in (mic), the XLR main
outputs are attenuated to microphone level. You can
then connect these outputs safely to the microphone
inputs of another mixer, providing a submix for
keyboards or drums, for example, in a live sound
application. The main outputs can then be plugged

7. ALT 3–4 OUT

These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a balanced line-level
signal that can provide an alternate stereo mix for
recording or subgrouping. Connect these outputs to the
inputs of an amplifi er, powered speaker, or recording
device.

Any channel whose mute switch [34] is engaged, is
added to the alt 3-4 outputs.

The alt 3-4 output doesn’t have a master level
control. All channels assigned to the alt 3-4
bus are summed together (post-fader and

pan) and sent directly to the alt 3-4 out.

CTRL ROOM/PHONES

SOURCE

directly into a stage snake, and appear back at the front
of house console like any other microphone level source.

When mic is engaged, you can safely plug the
XLR main output into a mixer's microphone
input, even if it provides 48 V phantom power.

The switch is recessed, to reduce the chance of

accidently turning it on or off when plugging things in.

6. CTRL-RM OUT

These 1/4" TRS jacks provide balanced left and right­line-level outputs
room.

Connect these outputs to the inputs of an

amplifi er, powered speakers, or recording device.

The source that plays in the control room,

to run a studio monitors in the control

MAIN MIX

FW 1-2

ASSIGN TO

MAIN MIX

OO

MAX

CONTROL

ROOM

TAPE

ALT 3-4

OO

MAX

PHONES

38

39

40

headphones, and meters can be selected using the
switches [38, 39] in the control room/phones source
matrix:

Owner's Manual 13