Mackie Onyx Blackjack User manual

Onyx Blackjack

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BAL/ UNBAL

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2x2 USB RECORDING INTERFACE

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Premium 2x2 USB Recording Interface

OWNER’S MANUAL

2 Onyx Blackjack

Important Safety Instructions

PORTABLE CART

WARNING

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.

AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER.

CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.

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

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.

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 amplifiers) that produce heat.

9.

Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.

10.

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

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.

11.

Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

12.

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.

13.

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

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

14. 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:

15. 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 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.

16.

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 Matty screaming at desTROYer

0.5 110

0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert

Sound Level
dBA, Slow
Response

Typical Example

about deadlines

• 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.

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

expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

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.

Owner's Manual 3

Quick Start

We realize that you must be really keen to
try out your new Onyx Blackjack 2x2 USB
Recording Interface. But please read the

safety instructions on page 2, then have
a look through some of the features and details in this
manual first.

Note: The Blackjack is class-compliant and will work
right out of the box. However, if you are using it in
conjunction with a PC running Microsoft Windows, you
should download and install the latest ASIO driver from
http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackjack/
to achieve the best possible performance.

Setup

Use the interface 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, fully
counter-clockwise. Yup, all of five of 'em!

2. Make sure all buttons are in the out position.
Only four here!

3. [For Mac users; PC users will have already
completed this step during the driver
installation.] Push the USB cable securely into
the USB connector on the rear panel of the
interface, and plug the other end into any open
USB slot of the computer.

4. If your microphone requires phantom power,
turn on the 48V phantom power button.

5. Before turning on the studio monitors or
amplifier(s), turn up the input gain and "tap
check" the microphone to make sure the
SIG/OL LED illuminates green.

6. Ensuring that you are not too close to them (or
you may hear deafening feedback), turn up the
studio monitors or amplifier(s), turn up the
input monitor [TO MON] knob to about
3 o'clock, then slowly turn up the MONITOR
knob while continuing to tap check to ensure
that the analog inputs are audible through the
monitors. Headphones may also be used to
check levels.

7. Now open your DAW of choice and get to work!

Other Notes

Connections and Setup

1. Before plugging into a computer, connect the
TRS 1/4" monitor outputs of the interface to
the line-level inputs of your studio monitors or
amplifier(s). Make sure the studio monitors or
amplifier(s) are off for the time being, as well.

2. [For PC users; Mac users may ignore this step.]
Prior to connecting the device, make sure to
download the latest driver software from:

http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackjack/

Instructions for installing the driver are

included in the .zip file located on the
product page. After running the driver
installation, you may return to these
instructions to check basic functionality.

• Whenshuttingdown,turnoffanypower

amplifiers or powered speakers first. When
powering 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 or doing anything that may
cause loudness in the headphones. This will
help protect your hearing.

• Alwaysturndownthemonitorlevelwhen 

making connections to the interface. Better yet,
shut down the computer first.

• Savetheshippingbox!

Part No. SW0865 Rev. C 10/10
©2010 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.
BJs rule! Blonde jokes, Bon Jovi, B.J. and the Bear, Ben and Jerry's, blue
jeans, band jams, bungee jumping, Billy Joel, bon jour's, Bijou Phillips (ok,
that's a stretch) and, of course, the Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2x2 USB
Recording Interface ...any BJs we missed here?

4 Onyx Blackjack

Introduction

As the saying goes, good things come in small
packages, and the Mackie Onyx Blackjack is just that!
Comparable in size and weight to a brick of cheese or a
package of hot dogs, this 2x2 USB recording
interface may not fill your tummy. However, this
powerful piece allows you to connect with nearly any
DAW in existence. As such, it provides you with the right
tools to record and playback as many #1 hits as you can
write.

It all starts at the inputs which feature Mackie's
renowned premium Onyx preamps...and in "combo jack"
style at that, so it accepts both XLR and 1/4" TS/TRS
connectors.

Both inputs are equipped with DIs (slyly disguised
as hi-z) so instruments may be connected directly to
the interface. And what good would the mic inputs be
without the ability to add phantom power, if needed? So
48V phantom power is readily available at the touch of a
switch!

Additional flexibility also occurs at the outputs. For
example, there are multiple knobs for separate level
control of monitors and headphones. Also, monitoring is
accomplished in mono or stereo with
zero-latency.

The interface is compatible with both Mac and PC
computers, as well as with most major DAWs so you can
get started instantly. You don't have software? No
worries, Mackie's Tracktion 3 Hardware Bundle is
included.

The Onyx Blackjack starts at the inputs and high
quality converters, but it ends with your masterpiece.
You have a fine piece of pro audio gear in your hands,
congratulations! Time to fire up the computer!

Features

• Twoboutique-qualityOnyxmicpreampswith

class-leading fidelity and dynamic range.

• High-headroomdesignwithultra-lownoiseand

distortion.

• Professional24-bitrecording/playbackvia2x2

USB.

®

• High-endCirrusLogic

114 dB dynamic range (A-weighted).

• Trueanaloghardwaremonitoringofinputs,in

mono or stereo, for easy zero-latency recording.

• CompatiblewithmostmajorDAWs.

 •Logic

 •SONAR

 •Cubase

 •Ableton® Live

 •FinalCutPro

 •...andmore

• Built-inDIoneachinputfordirectconnection

of guitars, basses, etc.

• 48Vphantompowerforusewithstudio-quality

condenser microphones.

• USBbus-powered,eliminatingneedfor

separate power cable.

• Separatestudiomonitorandheadphoneouts

with independent level control.

• Sleek,ergonomic"Built-Like-A-Tank"desktop

design.

• IncludesTracktion3

software.

®

™

®

AD/DA converters with

®

™

Music production

Owner's Manual 5

Contents

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

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

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

TABLE OF CONTENTS ............................................... 5

HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 6

FEATURES ............................................................... 8

REAR PANEL ........................................................ 8

1. MIC/LINE INPUTS .................................... 8

2. 1/4" L/R MONITOR OUT ......................... 8

3. USB INPUT/OUTPUT ................................ 8

FRONT PANEL .................................................... 10

4. GAIN CONTROL ...................................... 10

5. SIG/OL LED ........................................... 10

6. HI-Z Switch ........................................... 10

7. TO MON Level........................................ 10

8. MONO/STEREO Switch ........................... 10

9. MONITOR Level ..................................... 11

10. PHONES Level ........................................ 11

11. HEADPHONE OUTPUT ............................. 11

12. 48V PHANTOM POWER Switch and LED .. 11

13. USB LED ................................................. 11

14. POWER LED ........................................... 11

APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION .................... 12

APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS.................................. 13

APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL INFORMATION ................ 15

APPENDIX D: USB REVISITED................................. 18

LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................. 19

How To Use This Manual

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

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

• RearPanel

• FrontPanel

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

This icon marks infor mation that is critically
important or unique to the interface. 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.

6 Onyx Blackjack

Hookup Diagrams

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MONITOR

HI-Z

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STEREO

MONO

GAIN

1 2

SIG/OL

SIG/OL

2 1

MONITOR OUT

BAL/UNBAL

USB

BAL/UNBAL

2x2 USB RECORDING INTERFACE

MAX

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Acoustic

Guitar

Headphones

MR5

Studio Monitors

Desktop

Computer

Condenser

Microphones

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GAIN

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SIG/OL

SIG/OL

2 1

MONITOR OUT

BAL/UNBAL

USB

BAL/UNBAL

2x2 USB RECORDING INTERFACE

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Condenser

microphone

Desktop

Computer

Headphone

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MR5

Studio Monitors

1 2

Here is a simplistic view on how to record multiple tracks, even with only two inputs! This is a two (or

more) part process and we will start with the first hookup diagram (shown above left).

Our first goal is to track an acoustic guitar. A pair of mics set up in a stereo configuration are inserted
to XLR inputs one and two. Engage the 48V phantom power switch. Headphones are attached to the
phones output for recording while a pair of Mackie MR5 studio monitors are attached to the monitor
outputs for playback.

A desktop computer is attached via USB where the installed DAW software captures your brilliance.
The input [gain] knobs should be up, the phones knob should be up, the monitor knob should be down
(to eliminate feedback) and the direct monitor send should be up with the mono/stereo switch engaged
[stereo] so you may hear yourself (or the artist if that is not you).

Step 2 (above right) is exactly the same set-up, except we'll be overdubbing vocals over the already­tracked acoustic guitar. Remove the mics used to track guitar and replace them with one large diaphragm
condenser mic, attached to input one; be sure to disengage the hi-z and mono/stereo switches [mono].
All other knobs shall remain in the same position. Make sure the DAW is set up to accept input 1 to DAW
track 3 and press record.

When the perfect take has been recorded, turn the phones knob down and the monitor knob up to
listen to it through the studio monitors, and begin your solid gold mix...

It also happens that diagram #2 works as your typical podcaster setup, too!

Typical Singer/Songwriter Setup