ONYX 80 SERIES

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 80 Series professional live mixing console. The Onyx 80 Series of mixers feature all-new analog circuitry and the latest technologies for live sound reinforcement in a durable, road-worthy package.

The Onyx 80 Series mixing consoles come in four sizes: the 24-channel Onyx 2480, 32-channel Onyx 3280, 40-channel Onyx 4080, and the flagship 48-channel Onyx 4880. The master section and channel strip configura- tion are the same for all four models, the only difference being number of channels.

The Onyx 80 Series consoles are equipped with 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.

Each mono channel strip features an individual phantom power switch, low-cut filter, polarity switch, pre-EQ channel insert, and an all new four-band EQ design with sweepable mids and EQ bypass switch.

All mono channels have eight Aux sends with a stereo- link function (can provide up to four IEM mixes), Pan, Mute and Mute Group assign, PFL Solo, 100 mm Fader, Group and Main Mix assign, and four signal-level indica- tors. In addition, balanced direct outputs are provided on DB-25 connectors (eight channels per connector) for multitrack recording.

The master section features eight stereo Aux inputs, eight Master Aux sends, eight Group Masters, an Aux/ Group Flip function, a 10x2 Matrix, a Phones/Monitor section, and a Talkback section with routing switches that allow you to communicate through the Aux Sends, Group outputs, or the L/R mix.

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HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

We know that many of you can’t wait to get your new mixing console hooked up, and you’re probably not going to read the manual first (sigh!). So the next section 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 80 Series, roughly following the signal flow through the mixer.

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 80 Series. 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.

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ONYX 80 SERIES