Premium 8-Channel Analog Mixer with Perkins EQ and FireWire OWNER’S MANUAL 1 2 YX MIC P ON RE ON YX MIC P 3-4 ON RE YX MIC PR AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 AUX SEND BAL/UNBAL E MAIN OUT IN 1 2 L L R R R L INSERT (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z LINE IN 5-6 R LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z (MONO) BAL/UNBAL +4dB -10dB LINE R 30 30 20 U 20 40 40 U 40 20 GAIN 60 U -20dB +40dB 60 U -20dB +40dB PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER 30 U GAIN
Important Safety Instructions 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. 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.
Quick Start 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. Set the levels 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. Setup 2.
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. Features The Onyx 820i is equipped with three of our premium precision-engineered studio-grade Onyx mic preamps.
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 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 find illustrations with each feature numbered and described in nearby paragraphs.
Contents IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................ 2 QUICK START .......................................................... 3 INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 4 YOU ARE HERE ....................................................... 6 HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 7 FEATURES ............................................................. 12 REAR PANEL ...................................................... 12 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Hookup Diagrams Acoustic Guitar and Mic Microphone Stereo Effects Processor Guitar Processor Aux 1 set to POST Return Send 1 ON YX MIC P 2 ON RE 3-4 YX MIC PR E ON AUX SEND AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 BAL/UNBAL YX MIC PR E MAIN OUT 2 L L R R R L INSERT (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE IN 5-6 R LINE HI-Z LINE HI-Z LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) (MONO) BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL +4dB -10dB LINE R 30 U 20 40 40 GAIN U 20 40 U 60 GAIN 60 U -20dB +40dB
Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Condenser Microphone Headphones Stereo Effects Processor Digital Delay Headphone Amp 1 ON YX MIC P 2 ON RE 3-4 YX MIC PR E ON AUX SEND AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 BAL/UNBAL YX MIC PR E MAIN OUT Amplifier Modeler 2 L L R R R L INSERT (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 1 press HI-Z button 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z LINE IN 5-6 R LINE HI-Z LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) (MONO) BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL +4dB -10dB LINE R 30 U 20 40 40 GAIN U 40 20
Headphones Electric Guitar Bass Guitar Condenser Microphone Headphone Amp 1 ON YX MIC P 2 ON RE 3-4 YX MIC PR E ON AUX SEND AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 BAL/UNBAL YX MIC PR E MAIN OUT 2 L L R R R L INSERT (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 1 press HI-Z buttons 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE IN 5-6 R LINE HI-Z LINE HI-Z LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) (MONO) BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL +4dB -10dB LINE R 30 U 20 40 40 U 40 20 GAIN 60 U -20dB +40dB 60 U -20dB +40dB PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER 30
Microphone Dynamics Processor Stereo Effects Processor Aux 1 set to POST Acoustic Guitar with pickup 1 ON YX MIC P 2 ON RE 3-4 YX MIC PR E ON AUX SEND AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 BAL/UNBAL YX MIC PR E iPod Docking Station MAIN OUT 2 L L R R R BAL/UNBAL 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z LINE IN 5-6 R LINE HI-Z LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) (MONO) BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL +4dB -10dB LINE R 30 U 20 40 40 U 40 20 GAIN 60 U -20dB +40dB 60 U -20dB +40dB PREMIUM ANALO
Headphones Effects Processor Voice-over Microphone Headphone Amp Voice-over booth record Video Deck 1 ON YX MIC P 2 ON RE 3-4 YX MIC PR E ON AUX SEND AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 BAL/UNBAL YX MIC PR E MAIN OUT 2 INSERT L L R R R (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 1 Synthesizer 2 LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z LINE IN 5-6 R LINE HI-Z LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) (MONO) BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL +4dB -10dB LINE R 30 30 20 U 20 40 40 GAIN U 40 20 GAIN 60 U -20dB +40dB 60 U -20dB +40dB
Onyx 820i Features FIREWIRE CTRL - RM OUT MAIN OUT BALANCED POWER ON R 1 4 R BAL/UNBAL L L 6 ALT 3-4 OUT R/4 2 3 BAL/UNBAL L/3 + 4dB MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL MIC 7 5 Rear Panel 1. POWER CONNECTION 3. FIREWIRE CONNECTIONS 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.
These same two channels from the computer can 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.
1 YX MIC P ON R 2 YX MIC P ON RE E 3-4 O NYX MIC PR AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 AUX SEND BAL/UNBAL E L 12 10 18 19 INSERT 11 1 2 LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z LINE HI-Z 48V L 16 14 15 13 R (MONO) BAL/UNBAL LINE IN 5-6 R R R LINE +4dB -10dB LINE IN 7-8 L 11 17 L (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 11 (MONO) BAL/UNBAL R 48V OUT L INSERT LINE L (MONO) 2 9 TAPE BAL/UNBAL IN 1 8 MAIN OUT R 48V PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE 20 Connection Section This is whe
Insert jacks can be used as channel direct outputs; post-gain, and pre-EQ. See the connector section on page 30 (figure G) showing three ways to use insert cables. 10. MONO LINE INPUTS (Ch. 1 and 2) These 1/4" jacks share circuitry (but not phantom power) with the mic preamps, and can be driven by balanced or unbalanced sources.
15. TAPE INPUTS These stereo unbalanced RCA inputs allow you to play a tape, CD player, iPod® dock, or other line-level source. The tape in jacks accept an unbalanced signal using standard hi-fi hookup cables. Push in the tape button [39] to route the tape input to the control room and phones outputs [6, 17]. This allows you to play back recordings of your mixes. Push in the assign to main mix button [40] to route the tape input to the main outs [4, 14].
Channel Controls 1 ON 2 YX MIC P RE ON YX MIC P 3-4 ON RE YX MIC PR AUX RETU 1 BAL/UNBAL AUX SEND BAL/UNBAL E 1 L (MONO) 2 INSERT L INSERT (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z R LINE IN 5-6 R LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z 20 40 30 U 40 GAIN SEND SEND EQ 60 1k -20dB +15 U 8k +15 U +15 L R • The 3-band EQ has shelving high, shelving low, and peaking mid EQ with adjustable mid frequency.
1 ON 2 YX MIC P RE ON YX MIC P 3-4 ON RE YX MIC PR AUX RETU 1 BAL/UNBAL AUX SEND BAL/UNBAL E 1 8 L (MONO) 2 9 INSERT L INSERT (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 10 18 19 23 20 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL 20 30 U 40 25 1k +15 8k FREQ 100 U +15 +15 +15 33 MAX OO 34 35 L MUTE ALT 3-4 36 OL MUTE ALT 3-4 - 20 U MAX R OL ALT 3-4 - 20 U - 20 PAN L R MUTE OL ALT 3-4 U - 20 OL ALT 3-4 U - 20 U 37 OO +10dB OO LEVEL 38 +10dB OO LEVEL 1 OO 2 +10dB LEVEL
Never plug single-ended (unbalanced) microphones, or ribbon mics into the mic input jacks if phantom power is on. Do not plug instrument outputs into the mic XLR input jacks with phantom power on, unless you know for certain it is safe to do so. Be sure the main level [55] is turned down when connecting microphones to the mic inputs when phantom power is turned on, to prevent pops from getting through to the speakers. 21. LINE +4 dB/-10 dB (Ch.
1 2 YX MIC P ON RE O NYX MIC P 3-4 RE O NYX MIC PR AUX RETU 1 BAL/UNBAL AUX SEND BAL/UNBAL E 1 8 L (MONO) 13 12 2 9 INSERT L INSERT (MONO) LINE IN 5-6 BAL/UNBAL 10 18 19 23 20 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL 20 30 40 30 40 GAIN SEND SEND 24 25 +15 1k +15 FREQ 100 U +15 +15 +15 32 MAX 33 34 +15 LOW -15 -15 +15 AUX 1 MAX OO 2 MAX MAX OO PAN 27. MID EQ LEVEL (Ch.
32. AUX SEND 1 and 2 34. MUTE switch and ALT 3–4 These controls allow you to set up two independent mixes, typically for running stage monitors or external effects processors. The dual-purpose mute/alt 3-4 switch is a Mackie signature. When Greg was designing our first product, he had to include a mute switch for each channel. Mute switches do just what they sound like they do. They turn off the signal by “routing” it into oblivion. “Gee, what a waste,” he reasoned.
1 ON 2 YX MIC P RE ON YX MIC P 3-4 ON RE YX MIC PR AUX RETU 1 BAL/UNBAL AUX SEND BAL/UNBAL E 1 8 L (MONO) 13 12 2 9 INSERT L INSERT (MONO) LINE IN 5-6 BAL/UNBAL 10 18 19 23 20 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL 20 30 40 25 1k +15 8k FREQ 100 U +15 +15 32 34 ALT 3-4 +15 -15 U U LOW LOW 80Hz -15 +15 LOW 80Hz -15 +15 80Hz -15 +15 AUX 1 1 1 1 1 MAX OO MAX OL R MUTE ALT 3-4 - 20 MAX OO U 2 MAX OO PAN L R R OL ALT 3-4 - 20 U - 20
CTRL ROOM/PHONES SOURCE 0dB=0dBu L 38 R 20 MAIN MIX the FireWire connection from your computer. Alt 3-4 is the additional stereo mix bus formed when any channel is muted with the mute/alt 3-4 switch [34].
42. PHONES Knob CTRL ROOM/PHONES SOURCE 0dB=0dBu L 38 R 20 MAIN MIX CLIP 15 10 39 6 TAPE 43 3 0 ALT 3-4 FW 1-2 2 40 30 MAX OO CONTROL ROOM These peak meters are made up of two columns of twelve LEDs, with three colors to indicate different ranges of signal level, traffic light style. They range from –30 at the bottom, to 0 in the middle, to +20 (CLIP) at the top. 20 42 MAX 43.
Aux Master This section includes the aux sends and the aux returns. Aux sends tap signals off the channels, via the aux knobs [32], mix these signals from each channel together, then sends them out the aux send jacks [12] and FireWire outputs 7 and 8. The aux sends can be prefader or post-fader (both are post-EQ, but see page 39). Post-fader aux sends can be fed to the inputs of an external processor like a reverb or digital delay.
50. POWER LED CTRL ROOM/PHONES SOURCE 0dB=0dBu L 38 R 20 MAIN MIX CLIP 15 10 39 6 TAPE 43 3 0 ALT 3-4 FW 1-2 LEVEL SET 4 7 10 ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX 30 42 MAX OO CONTROL ROOM RUDE SOLO PHONES 44 AUX MASTER SEND 51. TALKBACK MIC RETURN 48 1 46 45 PRE POST OO +15 OO RTN TO AUX1 49 OO +15 1 This is where the built-in talkback microphone is located. It is an omni-directional dynamic microphone, and it will pick up your voice from anywhere in front of the mixer. 2 52.
The aux 1-2 switch routes the talkback signal to the aux send 1 and 2 outputs [12]. Use this to communicate with the musicians through their stage monitors when you are setting up a live performance. It is fine to have both destination switches pushed in at the same time, so the talkback signal will be routed to both destinations. But if you don’t have either of the destination switches pushed in, the talkback signal won’t go anywhere. You might as well be talking to a brick wall. 54.
Appendix A: Service Information If you think your mixer has a problem, please check out the following troubleshooting tips and do your best to confirm the problem. Visit the Support section of our website (www.mackie.com) where you will find lots of useful information such as FAQs, documentation and any updated PC drivers etc. You may find the answer to the problem without having to send your mixer away.
Appendix B: Connections “XLR” Connectors Mackie mixers use 3-pin female “XLR” connectors on all microphone inputs, with pin 1 wired to the grounded (earthed) shield, pin 2 wired to the “high” (”hot” or positive polarity) side of the audio signal and pin 3 wired to the “low” (“cold” or negative polarity) side of the signal. See Figure A. Use a male “XLR”-type connector, usually found on the nether end of what is called a “mic cable,” to connect to a female XLR jack.
TRS Send/Receive Insert Jacks Mackie’s single-jack inserts are the three-conductor, TRS 1⁄4" phone type. They are unbalanced, but have both the mixer output (send) and the mixer input (return) signals in one connector. See Figure F. tip SEND to processor ring sleeve (TRS plug) This plug connects to one of the mixer’s Channel Insert jacks. “tip” “ring” RETURN from processor Figure F The sleeve is the common ground (earth) for both signals.
Appendix C: Technical Information Specifications Noise Characteristics: Attenuation and Crosstalk: Equivalent Input Noise (EIN), mic input at insert, 150 Ω source impedance, 20 to 20 kHz: 1 kHz relative to 0 dBu, 20 Hz to 20 kHz Main Mix knob down: -80 dBu 60 dB (max) gain: 40 dB gain: -127 dBu -126.5 dBu Equivalent Input Noise (EIN), mic input at insert, 50 Ω source impedance, A-weighted: 60 dB (max) gain: -130.
VU Meters Options: 2-segment pre-fader channel meters: Rack Mount Kit OL (+18 dBu), -20 dBu 12-segment pre-fader Control Room meters: OL (+20 dBu), +15, +10, +6, +3, 0, -2, -4, -7, -10, -20, -30 (0 VU = 0 dBu) Input Impedance: LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our products by incorporating new and improved materials, components, and manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve the right to change these specifications at any time without notice.
R L FW FW FW IN 1 FW IN 2 48V FW Line Bypass Low Cut HPF - 20 dB Pad Pre Direct FW Tap Gain -20 ~ +20dB (CH 7-8 only) 0 ~ +60dB +4dB -10dB Level - 20 dB Pad Gain HI-Z Normal HPF HPF 2.5K MID 2.5K 80 LO 80 12K HI 12K HI FW FW OUT 1, 2 100~8K 400 MOD13 (MOD17) MOD15 option (MOD19) Min to +10 dB MOD16 (MOD20) option MOD14 (MOD18) 12K HI OL -20dBu Level 2.5k 12k HI Talkback OL -20dBu FW OUT 4 HI 2.
Appendix D: Rack Ear installation instructions The optional Rack Ear Kit allows the Onyx 820i mixer to be mounted in a standard 19” rack. It will be out of harm’s way and the band may continue tearin’ it up without fearing any consequences. The mixer takes up nine rack spaces. Be sure to allow for an extra space or two above to make connections. The kit contains two rack ear brackets and eight black screws (M3.5 x 8mm).
Appendix E: FireWire The mixer comes with a CD containing the PC driver software needed to use your mixer's internal FireWire interface with Windows XP or Windows Vista. 3. The Windows application will start its "Found New Hardware" wizard. Select "Locate and install driver software." Mac OS X contains built-in drivers, so no software installation is required. Before installing the drivers from the CD, please check our website in case there are any updated drivers available.
6. Select "Install," and the driver software will be installed. Installation for Windows XP 1. Connect the FireWire cable from your Onyx 820i to the computer. 2. Power on your Onyx 820i . 3. The Windows XP application will start its “Found New Hardware” wizard. 7. The following message confirms that the driver software has been successfully installed. 4. Ignore any attempt to connect to Windows Update to find the software, by checking the "No, not at this time" button. Select "Next.
7. Select the “Next” command and the driver software will begin installing. 8. When Windows presents you with a warning about the software not having passed Windows testing, select “Continue Anyway.” 10. The following message confirms that the new software has been installed successfully and that the found new hardware wizard is complete. 11. Pack yourself a big lunch and go for a nice walk outside. Have a picnic and lie back and dream. Things are going to be so good now.
USING THE ONYX 820i WITH A MAC The Onyx 820i works with Mac OS 10.4.11 and higher. This OS includes the Apple FireWire 2.0 driver. The Onyx 820i will only work with the 2.0 driver, so if you have an OS before 10.4.11, you will need to check your system for updates from the nice folks at Apple. 5. Here you can see the settings for the mixer. You can also choose it as your default input or output, as well as designate it to be used for system sound output.
Appendix F: Modifications The following modifications can be carried out on the Onyx 820i by an authorized service center. Authorized service centers may be found online at: www.mackie.com/scripts/service_centers/search.asp Please contact our technical support department if you are having trouble finding an authorized service center in your area. The block diagram on page 33 shows these modifications as dotted lines in the channel signal flow.
Track Sheet 1 2 YX MIC P ON RE ON YX MIC P 3-4 ON RE YX MIC PR AUX RETURN 1 BAL/UNBAL 2 AUX SEND BAL/UNBAL E MAIN OUT IN 1 2 L L R R R L INSERT (MONO) BAL/UNBAL 1 2 LINE LINE BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z LINE IN 5-6 R LINE IN 7-8 L L (MONO) BAL/UNBAL LINE HI-Z (MONO) BAL/UNBAL +4dB -10dB LINE R 30 30 20 U 20 40 40 GAIN U 40 20 GAIN 60 U -20dB +40dB 60 U -20dB +40dB PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER 30 U R 48V 48V 48V OUT L (MONO) INSERT TAPE BAL/UNBAL 60
Onyx 820i Limited Warranty Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place. This Limited Product Warranty (“Product Warranty”) is provided by LOUD Technologies Inc. (“LOUD”) and is applicable to products purchased in the United States or Canada through a LOUD-authorized reseller or dealer. The Product Warranty will not extend to anyone other than the original purchaser of the product (hereinafter, “Customer,” “you” or “your”). For products purchased outside the U.S. or Canada, please visit www.mackie.
16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA United States and Canada: 800.898.3211 Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333 Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000 Fax: 425.487.4337 • www.mackie.com E-mail: sales@mackie.
