Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2

$44.99 to $89.99 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (2)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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4.5 (3)

$89.99

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4.5 (378)

$59.95 New

$38.24 Used (Very Good)

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4.0 (4)

$44.99 11 available New

$55.77 4 available Used

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$89.99

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Average Price: $68

Budget/Beginner

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Audio Interfaces category, Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

Price History

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Description

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Dive into your creative universe with the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2, a robust audio interface designed to bring your musical ideas to life with exceptional clarity and versatility. Whether you're a singer-songwriter, podcaster, or home studio enthusiast, this compact device packs a punch with its boutique-quality Onyx mic preamp, renowned for its warmth and transparency. Coupled with high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz converters, it captures every nuance of your performance, ensuring professional-grade recordings.

The Onyx Artist 1.2 is equipped with a 1/4" input featuring a hi-Z switch, perfect for direct instrument input from guitars or basses. What sets this interface apart is its zero-latency direct monitoring — experience seamless tracking without digital routing delays, allowing you to focus on your creativity without distractions. Its bus-powered design ensures you can take it anywhere, making it an ideal companion for mobile recording sessions.

Beyond hardware, the Onyx Artist 1.2 comes with a comprehensive software bundle, including the award-winning Tracktion T7 DAW and the DAW Essentials Collection, offering a suite of powerful plugins. This makes the Onyx Artist 1.2 not just an interface, but an all-in-one solution for crafting, editing, and polishing your audio projects from start to finish.

Key Features:

Boutique-quality Onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity
High-resolution 24-bit/192kHz converters
Zero-latency direct monitoring for effortless tracking
Hi-Z switch for direct instrument input
Bus-powered for convenient portability
Includes Tracktion T7 DAW and DAW Essentials Collection
Rugged design to withstand daily use
USB 2.0 connectivity for seamless integration with your setup

Product specs

Brand	Mackie
Model	Onyx Artist 1-2 USB Audio Interface
Finish	Black
Year	2017 - 2025
Made In	China
Categories	Audio Interfaces
Bit Depth	24-bit
Bus-Powered	Yes
Compatibility	Windows, macOS
Computer Connectivity	USB
Electronics	Analog, Solid State
Format	Desktop Standalone
Number of Analog Inputs	2
Number of Analog Outputs	2
Number of Channels	4
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	1
Sample Rate	192 khz
Simultaneous I/O	2 x 2

FAQs

What connectivity options does the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 offer?: The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 provides USB connectivity, making it compatible with both Windows and macOS systems. It features 2 analog inputs and 2 analog outputs, allowing for versatile recording and playback setups.
Is the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 suitable for home studio recording?: Yes, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 is ideal for home studio recording. Its 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution and high-quality Onyx mic preamp ensure clear, professional-grade sound, making it perfect for solo musicians and podcasters.
Does the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 require an external power supply?: No, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 is bus-powered via USB, so it does not require an external power supply. This makes it convenient for mobile recording setups.
How many microphone preamps are included in the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2?: The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 includes one high-quality Onyx microphone preamp, providing excellent sound clarity for vocals and instruments.
Can I use the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 with my DAW software?: Yes, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 is compatible with most DAW software, including popular options like Ableton Live and Pro Tools, thanks to its standard USB connectivity and driver support for both Windows and macOS.

Videos

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Podcastage

Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 USB Audio Interface Review / Explained

Podcastage

Mackie Onyx Artist 1•2 Review

All Things Gear

Sound Test of the Mackie ONYX Artist 1•2 USB Audio Interface 2-In x 2-Out

expert island

Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 & Producer 2-2 Interfaces Overview

Sweetwater

Mackie Onyx Audio Interfaces

proaudio.tv EN

Reviews

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PROS

Warm and full sound from the Onyx preamp
Direct instrument input works great with electric guitars
1/4 outs for monitors, an upgrade from RCA
Headphone out provides ample volume
Smooth knob rotation enhances user experience
Easy to use and USB-powered for convenience
Durable build quality, “built like a tank”
Direct monitoring with no latency
Comes with full release of Tracktion Waveform software
Excellent price-value ratio for budget-conscious users

CONS

Only one input, limiting versatility for multi-instrument recording
Requires USB adapter for Mac compatibility
Initial setup can be tricky, may need tech support assistance
Line inputs could have a stronger hold on cables

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2.

Comparisons

0 0

The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 is often compared to the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen; owners debate preamp quality and durability between these models.
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0 0

The SSL 2 and Audient iD4 are frequently suggested as superior alternatives to both Mackie and Focusrite for better sound quality and build.
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User experience

0 0

Some users note that Focusrite interfaces, including alternatives like the Scarlett Solo, can suffer from hardware issues like wonky volume knobs and channel imbalances.
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0 0

It's been reported that certain Focusrite units lack protection against disconnections, potentially causing speaker-damaging pops.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 lacks specific output wattage details for its headphone jack, raising compatibility concerns with high-impedance headphones like 250 ohm Beyerdynamics.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Users recommend pairing the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2's preamp with a more powerful headphone amp, such as the Magni3, for optimal performance with high-impedance headphones.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

For users intending to drive 250 ohm headphones at around 100 dB SPL, a separate headphone amp may be necessary to achieve sufficient power levels.
Source

Critic Reviews

Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 & Producer 2.2

soundonsound.com

Mackie’s Onyx Artist 1.2 delivers reliable performance with its well-engineered build and straightforward features, making it a solid choice for desktop musicians. However, the gain control’s non-linear response can be frustrating, especially as much of its range is squeezed into the last few degrees of travel. While it shines in portability and usability, the lack of advanced features compared to its sibling, the Producer 2.2, may leave some users wanting more. The bundled Tracktion T7 DAW and plug-in suite add value, but those seeking more sophisticated capabilities might need to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s a practical interface with some quirks that may not suit everyone.

neutral

Full Review

Mackie Onyx Artist 1•2 Audio Interface Review - All Things Gear

allthingsgear.com

The Mackie Onyx Artist 1•2 presents a solid option for budget-conscious musicians, boasting a sleek design and impressive sound quality with its Onyx preamps. However, the interface's single XLR input and lack of MIDI support may limit its appeal to those needing more versatility. While it excels in recording clarity at 24-bit 192kHz, competition from alternatives like the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96—offering dual preamps and MIDI—presents a dilemma. Ultimately, this interface is a commendable choice for singer/songwriters, but its limitations may lead some to seek a more feature-rich solution.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

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james_blunsdon

178

over 7 years ago

Excellent for the price

Excellent for the price, can't go wrong for £45. Needed a cheap interface to power my monitors since I discovered my UR44 isn't compatible with Mac. Does the job I need it to do and I hear the pres are decent as well, but for £45 as long as they're clean I'm happy. Build is metal and very robust, has rubber feet and dials feel very secure.

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