ONYX 800R

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 800R eight- channel professional microphone preamplifier. The Onyx Series of mixers and microphone preamps are designed for the digital era and offer the newest features and latest technologies for live sound reinforcement and analog or digital studio recording in a durable, road-worthy package.

The Onyx 800R is equipped with eight of our new premium precision-engineered studio-grade Onyx mic preamps. Mackie is renowned for the high-quality mic preamps used in our mixers, and the Onyx mic pre’s are better than ever, with specifications rivaling other stand-alone mic preamplifiers at twice the price.

The Onyx 800R is designed to be a transparent audio interface for direct tracking to MDM, HDR, or DAW re- cording applications. Its selection of analog and digital output options provides the flexibility to connect in almost any application.

Channels 1 and 2 feature an impedance select switch, which lets you fine tune the mic pre for vintage tube and ribbon microphones. Channels 1 and 2 also provide the option of engaging a Mid/Side Decoder for M-S stereo mic’ing. Adjusting the balance between channels 1 and 2 with their gain controls provides an effective way to vary the width of the stereo image.

Channels 7 and 8 feature high-impedance instrument inputs so you can connect an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar directly to the mic preamp, eliminating the need for an external direct box.

Each channel has a mic/line switch, a polarity reverse switch, individual phantom power switch, low-cut filter switch, and a gain control.

A sample rate selector allows you to choose 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192 kHz sample rates, or to use an external clock connected to the external word clock input connector on the rear panel. You can also select between 24-bit or 16-bit dithered word lengths at the digital outputs.

The rear panel provides individual XLR balanced

mic input connectors for each channel, and balanced line inputs on a DB25 connector. Analog balanced line outputs are also provided on a DB25 connector. Digital outputs are provided on two optical Toslink connectors using the ADAT lightpipe digital audio format. AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats are available on a DB25 connector, with selection buttons for impedance, pro or consumer status bits, and single-wire (two-channel) or dual-wire (single-channel) operation.

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

We know that many of you can’t wait to get your new

microphone preamplifier hooked up, and you’re probably not going to read the manual first (sigh!). So the first sec- tion after this introduction is a Quick-Start Guide called “Getting Started” to help you get the Onyx 800R set up fast so you can start using it right away. Right after that are the ever popular hook-up diagrams that show typical setups for live sound and recording.

Then, when you have time, read the Features Descrip- tion section. This describes every knob, button, and connection point on the Onyx 800R.

Throughout this section you’ll find illustrations with each feature numbered. If you want to know more about a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate illustra- tion, notice the number attached to it, and find that number in the nearby paragraphs.

This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the Onyx 800R. For your own good, read them and remember them. They will be on the final test.

This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practi- cal tips. While not mandatory, they usually have some valuable nugget of information.

A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION

Appendix B is a section on connectors: XLR connec- tors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and the two types of DB25 connectors used on the Onyx 800R.

More resources on our website at www.mackie.com.

THE GLOSSARY: A Haven of Non-Techiness for the Neophyte

The “Glossary of Terms” is a fairly comprehensive

dictionary of pro-audio terms. If terms like “clipping,” “noise floor,” or “unbalanced” leave you blank, refer to this glossary for a quick explanation.

ARCANE MYSTERIES ILLUMINATED

“Arcane Mysteries” discusses some of the down ‘n’ dirty practical realities of microphones, fixed installa- tions, grounding, and balanced versus unbalanced lines. It’s a goldmine for the neophyte, and even the seasoned pro might learn a thing or two.

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ONYX 800R

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Mackie 800R Introduction, We know that many of you can’t wait to get your new, Glossary of Terms is a fairly comprehensive
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800R specifications

The Mackie 800R is a high-performance 8-channel microphone preamp that is designed for recording professionals and studios that demand exceptional sound quality and flexibility. This versatile unit stands out due to its robust build quality, advanced features, and user-friendly operation, making it a vital addition to any audio setup.

One of the main features of the Mackie 800R is its high-quality mic preamps, which employ the renowned Onyx technology. The Onyx preamps are characterized by their high headroom, low noise, and excellent linearity, resulting in clear, detailed sound reproduction. Each channel provides a gain range of up to 60 dB, allowing it to accommodate a wide variety of microphones, from dynamic to condenser, ensuring your recordings are always crisp and professional.

The 800R also includes eight balanced TRS outputs, which allow for seamless integration with mixers and audio interfaces. This flexibility simplifies the workflow in any recording environment, making it easy to patch into existing setups. Additionally, the unit features both analog and digital outputs, providing options for connecting to ADAT and S/PDIF devices, further enhancing its versatility.

Another notable characteristic of the Mackie 800R is its user-friendly interface. Each channel is equipped with a direct output, a 48V phantom power switch, and a -20dB pad, which allows users to tailor their settings on the fly. The built-in LED indicators provide visual feedback on signal levels, ensuring that users can easily monitor their inputs.

This preamp is also designed for durability with its solid metal chassis, which is built to withstand the rigors of both studio and live environments. Its compact size makes it ideal for mobile setups, allowing engineers to take high-quality audio with them wherever they go.

In summary, the Mackie 800R is a powerful and reliable microphone preamp that provides outstanding sound quality and flexibility for recording engineers and musicians alike. With advanced Onyx preamp technology, multiple output options, and a user-friendly design, the 800R stands out as an essential tool for anyone serious about capturing high-fidelity audio.
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