Analog Mixers

Mackie Onyx series comparison

All models include:

Onyx mic preamps (60dB gain) 24-bit / 96kHz USB multitrack SD card stereo recording Perkins 3-band EQ Built-in FX processor Studio Command display 48V phantom power Headphone output
Feature Mixer Onyx8 8 Ch Mixer Onyx12 12 Ch Mixer Onyx16 16 Ch Mixer Onyx24 24 Ch
Channels & inputs
Mic preamps 4 8 12 18
Line inputs 5 (3 stereo) 9 (5 stereo) 13 (5 stereo) 19 (5 stereo)
Hi-Z instrument input Ch 1–2 Ch 1–2 Ch 1–2 Ch 1–2
Recording
USB multitrack I/O 8×4 14×4 18×4 24×4
Routing & outputs
Aux / monitor sends 1 Mon + FX 2 Mon + FX 2 Mon + FX 2 Mon + FX
Connectivity
Bluetooth streaming
Controls & features
Footswitch input (FX mute)
Rackmount kit available
Power & size
Power consumption 30W 40W 45W 55W
Best for Home studio / content creation Small live rigs & home recording Mid-size live & studio Professional live & studio
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Features
  • Onyx Mic Preamps: Record ultra-clean, transparent sound with incredible accuracy. Our award-winning Onyx Mic Preamps are designed for maximum studio-quality performance. Create podcasts, live stream gameplay, or produce the next hit. No matter what you do, we want to make sure you sound great.

  • Perkins EQ: Onyx mixers feature an enhanced 3-Band “British Style” EQ based on the same circuit used on classic mixing consoles from the ‘60s and ‘70s. This version designed by Mackie has greater filter control, minimum phase shift and allows you to pinpoint specific frequency ranges. To create the Perkins EQ, Cal Perkins started with the Wien Bridge circuit topology inspired by the hallowed “British” desks of the ‘60s and ‘70s. This design essentially trades boost/cut capability for a wider, highly musical Q filter. After a mind-numbing amount of math, Cal was able to specify capacitor and resistor values that would give the EQ an extra 6dB of control (±15 dB) without excessively narrowing the “Q” or bandwidth of the filters. It's what we call a win-win.

  • Built-in FX: We don’t want to have to imagine a world without effects, which is why we built them into the Mackie Onyx16. Dive through a deep collection of reverb, chorus, delay and more. Access a digital library of customizable digital effects that you can quickly save and recall during studio sessions or band rehearsal. Spend less time menu-diving and more time making music.

  • Studio Command: There’s nothing like feeling in control of your workstation. Mackie Onyx16 mixers feature powerful full-color LCDs with dedicated physical transport controls. Apply FX and recall up to six customizable presets using an intuitive single-knob interface. Record a stereo mix, browse files and play music direct to/from an SD card, all via Studio Command.

  • Bluetooth Streaming: Bluetooth is a gamechanger on an analog mixer. Pair a compatible device via Bluetooth to stream audio through aux sends or the main mix. Bluetooth compatibility allows you to compare mix reference tracks or play background music when you need it.

Why We Love This
  • Users rave about the warm, detailed sound quality from the Onyx preamps, saying recordings and live mixes feel more professional and musical.

  • Many customers appreciate the easy USB interface for computer recording, making multitrack capture seamless for home studios and project setups.

  • Owners highlight the robust build and intuitive controls, noting that the mixer feels solid and reliable even in demanding live or studio environments.

  • Customers often mention how the flexible routing and channel count make the ONYX16 great for bands, podcasts, and hybrid live/recording workflows.

Customer Reviews