Mackie has just announced two new premium recording interfaces that join the Onyx family – the Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird.
Both combine the sonic benefits of Mackie Onyx mic preamps with Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters and workflow-friendly features well suited for new and expanded studios.
The Onyx Blackjack is an ultra-compact desktop 2 x 2 USB interface with dual Onyx mic preamp channels, each featuring built-in DIs for connecting guitars, etc.
Separate level control for studio monitors and headphones is provided, along with true analog hardware monitoring take the guesswork out of zero-latency recording.
It is bus-powered, with a rugged, ergonomic chassis that is also suitable for portable applications.
The rack-mount Onyx Blackbird incorporates eight Onyx mic preamps. A 16 x 16 FireWire interface, Blackbird also features 8 x 8 ADAT and wordclock I/O, providing ultimate expandability.
There are two “Super Channels” on the front panel with dedicated low-cut switches, phantom power and true hardware monitoring options for quick zero-latency tracking.
The other channels are also flexible, utilizing the Blackbird Control DSP matrix mixer for quick setup of independent mixes and the ability to route any input to any output.
Monitor, main, alt and dual headphone outs with dedicated source selection and level control offer plenty of mix routing options.
“Our new Onyx interfaces offer unmatched recording quality,” remarks Mackie Product Manager Matt Redmon. “The Onyx preamps alone are far superior to anything in this price range. Combined with the high-end converters and workflow-friendly features and design, the value is undeniable.”
The Onyx Blackjack and Onyx Blackbird are Mac/PC compatible, work with most major DAWs, and include Tracktion 3 Music Production Software.
Both interfaces will be available worldwide in August, 2010.
Onyx Blackjack will have a U.S. MSRP of $259.99, and Onyx Blackbird will have a U.S. MSRP of $749.99.
