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Average Price: $340
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Description
Step into a world where analog warmth meets digital precision with the Mackie Onyx 1620i, a versatile 16-channel mixer designed for both studio recording and live performance. This powerhouse blends 16 channels with the seamless integration of FireWire connectivity, making it a go-to choice for musicians and producers who demand flexibility and high-quality sound. The Onyx mic preamps promise pristine audio capture, while the Perkins EQ with sweepable mids ensures you have the tonal control to fine-tune every nuance of your mix.
Whether you're working on a complex multi-track project or simply need a reliable mixer for your live gigs, the Mackie Onyx 1620i offers the right balance of robust features and user-friendly design. With onboard DI options, 48V phantom power, and a talkback section, this mixer is built to accommodate the needs of both novice and seasoned audio professionals. Its universal power supply ensures you can take it anywhere in the world, without missing a beat or compromising on performance.
Key Features:
- 16 channels with eight Onyx mic preamps
- FireWire connectivity with pre- and post-EQ routing
- 24-bit/96kHz conversion for high-quality audio
- Perkins four-band EQ with sweepable mids
- Onboard DI for the first two channels
- Four auxiliary sends for versatile routing
- 60mm individual and master faders
- 48V phantom power switches on each mic channel
- Talkback section for seamless communication
- Universal "Planet Earth" power supply for global use
Product specs
| Brand | Mackie |
| Model | Onyx 1620i 16-Channel Firewire Mixer |
| Finish | Black/Grey |
| Year | 2010 - 2017 |
| Categories | Audio Interfaces, Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes |
| Bit Depth | 24-bit |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS |
| Computer Connectivity | Firewire |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | Desktop Standalone |
| Number of Analog Inputs | 42 |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 10 |
| Number of Channels | 16 |
| Number of Digital Inputs | 0 |
| Number of Digital Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Headphone Outputs | 1 |
| Number of MIDI Inputs | 0 |
| Number of MIDI Outputs | 0 |
| Number of Mic Preamps | 8 |
| Sample Rate | 96 khz |
| Simultaneous I/O | 16 x 2 |
FAQs
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Does the Mackie Onyx 1620i require any specific software for operation?
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The Mackie Onyx 1620i does not require specific software for basic operation, but its FireWire connectivity is compatible with most DAWs on Windows and macOS for recording and mixing.
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What is the primary use of the Mackie Onyx 1620i mixer?
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The Mackie Onyx 1620i is designed for studio recording and live sound applications, offering 16 channels and high-quality Onyx mic preamps for clear audio capture.
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How many mic preamps are included in the Mackie Onyx 1620i?
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The Mackie Onyx 1620i includes 8 Onyx mic preamps, providing high-quality amplification for microphones in live and recording settings.
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Is the Mackie Onyx 1620i compatible with modern computers?
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The Mackie Onyx 1620i is compatible with both Windows and macOS systems, but it requires FireWire connectivity, which may need an adapter for newer computers.
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Can the Mackie Onyx 1620i handle multiple simultaneous inputs and outputs?
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Yes, the Mackie Onyx 1620i can handle 16 simultaneous inputs and 2 outputs, making it suitable for complex recording and mixing tasks.
Videos
audiosavings
Mackie Onyx-i Series: 820i, 1220i, 1620i, 1640i - NAMM 2012 - AudioSavings
Mackie Onyx-i Series: 820i, 1220i, 1620i, 1640i - NAMM 2012 - AudioSavings
audiosavings
Mackie Onyx i-Series 820i, 1220i, 1620i & 1640i Analog FireWire Mixer Teaser | Full Compass
Full Compass
Mackie Onyx 1640i / 1620i Firewire mixers: how to multi-track record on your Mac
The Synth Shed
MACKIE ONYX 1620i Audio Mixcr How to fader replacement
Hari Rai
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent sound quality, noticeable upgrade from cheaper mixers
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Versatile routing with multiple configurations available
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High-quality EQ with no distortion when adjusted
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Works seamlessly with various DAWs like Pro Tools and Ableton
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High headroom allows for clean recordings
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Durable and lightweight, ideal for travel and live gigs
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Preamp quality praised for being quiet and neutral
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Supports analog summing with low latency
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Easy integration with Mac systems
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Reliable for both live performances and studio recordings
CONS
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Firewire setup can be confusing and problematic
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Records at relatively low volume levels
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Limited outputs compared to the number of inputs
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Cannot fully null Firewire output from main L/R bus and headphones
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Issues with Firewire card failure reported
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Effects sends rerouting reduces available DAW inputs
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Mackie's customer service has mixed reviews
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Not ideal for producing pleasant distortion when overloaded
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie Onyx 1620i.
Features and functionality
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Owners have to keep the gain high on the Mackie Onyx 1620i to achieve good levels in DAWs like Logic.
Source -
The mixer’s FireWire return is limited to FW 1-2, which can be assigned to channel 15/16 or monitored through the Control Room Source section.
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To route sound back through channels, users must press the FireWire button at the top of each channel strip, switching the input source to the DAW output.
Source
Software and compatibility
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The 1620i lacks the ability to assign faders or EQ knobs to DAW controls, as it functions as an analog board rather than a control surface.
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Installing Windows 8 drivers enables the Mackie Onyx 1620i to function effectively on Windows 10, despite official non-support.
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Users confirm smooth operation on Windows 10 after installing the latest available driver version.
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Mackie Onyx 1620i users face driver issues with OSX Yosemite due to lack of support for signed kernel extensions, requiring risky workarounds.
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Workarounds for unsigned kernel extensions may not reliably work on OSX El Capitan due to System Integrity Protection, which blocks these methods.
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OS X upgrades can disrupt FireWire device functionality, with the Mackie Onyx 1620i experiencing similar issues as other audio hardware like the Eventide H8000.
Source
Use cases and applications
Comparisons
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The Onyx 1640i offers more routing flexibility with 16 ADCs and 16 DACs, unlike the 1620i which has fewer DACs and routing options.
Source
Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings
41026
Sounds like a mackie with passable mic and line amps and watered down soundcraft EQ
This was a cheap solution when I needed more than my rane and ashly line mixers could provide me like stereo returns for aux sends etc.... it mixes my live keybaord rig and FX. The Eq is tolerably okay and sounds vaguelly british in the toft/soundcraft/A&H vein, but not as good. Its not good or bad but tis harder to screw up your sound than with any other mackie. I've tried the mic preamps, they're not actually awful. The board imparts zero coloration unless you use the EQ and it ahs lots and lots of headroom like an old 8 bus or CR series, better than a vlz in that regard. DO NOT OVERLOAD A MACKIE. Worst clipping ever. They specialize in cheap and clean because you can't make 'em this cheap and get pleasant and gradual harmonic distortion from your busses. Totally serviceable stage mixer. Could do monitors.... wouldn't try FOH with it unless it was essential to be portable. This mixer is light for what it is... even lighter than the 1620 in the wedge shape,
You can't kill a mackie unless you sledgehammer it or immerse it in a pool for a week. My regular 1620 dropped by the 1st owner, works fine. Its just dented. Does its job and nothing else.
This is my racked one, the dented wedge shaped one is for travelling even though this is lighter. The wedge is sturdier and its predisastered.
26900
This is like the most brutal 4 star review ever, lol. Great insights though. I'll have to review 1640i one of these days... I feel like I need another couple of years with mine to accurately aim my laser beams of judgement.
41026
@pkennethk, I just needed to make a brutally honest review and say "hey, this is a 4 star piece anyway! Its affordable, doesn't sound BAD if used correctly, its portable yet indestructible! If you don't expect it to live up to the marketing hype when these came out then you'll be pelasanty surprised when you use it for what tis good at."
Artist usage
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Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mackie Onyx 1620i, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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