1220

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 1220 profes-

ONYX

sional compact mixing console. The Onyx Series of mix-

ers are designed for the digital era and offer the newest

 

 

features and latest technologies for live sound reinforce-

 

ment and analog or digital studio recording in a durable,

 

road-worthy package.

 

The Onyx 1220 is equipped with four 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 expensive

 

stand-alone mic preamplifiers.

 

Channels 1 and 2 feature high-impedance instrument/

 

line-level inputs so you can connect an acoustic, elec-

 

tric, or bass guitar directly into the mixer, eliminating

 

the need for an external direct box.

 

Each of the four mono channels have individual

 

phantom power switches, low-cut filters, pre-EQ chan-

 

nel inserts, and an all new three-band EQ design with

 

sweepable mids and EQ bypass switch.

 

Channels 5 through 12 are four stereo pairs of line

 

inputs, featuring a three-band EQ and EQ bypass switch

 

for each stereo pair.

 

All mono channels and stereo pairs have two Aux

 

sends, Pan, Mute/Alt 3-4, Solo, 60 mm Fader, and four

 

signal level indicators.

 

A built-in Talkback mic with routing switches allows

 

you to communicate through the Aux Sends or Phones

 

outputs.

 

All twelve channels have balanced direct outputs

 

on two DB-25 connectors for multitrack recording.

 

An optional FireWire card provides all twelve direct

 

outputs and the L-R Main Mix on a FireWire interface

 

for streaming digital audio to a laptop for multitrack

 

recording in a live situation, or connecting to a DAW in a

 

home studio.

 

Please write your serial number here for future

 

reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,

 

return authorization, etc.)

 

 

Purchased at:Date of purchase:

4

ONYX 1220

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

We know that many of you can’t wait to get your new mixer hooked up, and you’re probably not going to read the manual first (sigh!). So the first section after the table of contents is a Quick-Start Guide to help you get the mixer set up fast so you can start using it right away. Right after that are the ever popular hook-up diagrams that show typical mixer setups for live sound, recording and mixdown.

Then, when you have time, read the Features Description section. This describes every knob, button, and connection point on the Onyx 1220, roughly following the signal flow through the mixer from top to bottom and left to right.

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 1220. 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 practical 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 special hybrid connectors.

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.