For those seeking eight high-quality mic preamps for their computer audio setup, hard disk recorder, or analogue rig, the Mackie Onyx 800R is the ideal solution. This high-performance, eight-channel rackmount preamp features simultaneous analogue and 192kHz multi-format digital outputs. Built around Mackie’s flagship Onyx mic preamp circuitry, the Mackie Onyx 800R offers studio-grade performance, complete with variable mic input impedance controls for optimising each preamp to its connected microphone.
With premium analogue components and high-end A/D converters, the Mackie Onyx 800R delivers exceptional fidelity and dynamic range, making it a top choice for professional studio and live applications.
The Mackie Onyx 800R is equipped with eight of Mackie’s flagship Onyx mic preamps, providing performance that rivals costly boutique preamps but at a fraction of the price. These preamps offer a clear, detailed sound with a full-spectrum response that accurately preserves the characteristics of any microphone. Many professional testers have praised the 800R as the most versatile preamp they’ve used, often revealing nuances in their microphones they hadn’t noticed before.
With an impressive 123dB dynamic range and ultra-low 0.0007% THD, the Mackie Onyx 800R ensures outstanding sonic transparency. Thanks to its multiple analogue and digital output formats, it serves as an ideal interface for tracking directly into MDM, HDR, or software-based recording systems.
The Mackie Onyx 800R features a sample rate selector, allowing users to choose between 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192kHz sample rates, as well as external clocking from the rear panel. The digital output can be set to either 24-bit or 16-bit dithered word length. Digital outputs are available via two optical TOSlink connectors using the ADAT lightpipe format.
For additional flexibility, AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats are provided on a DB25 connector, with selectable impedance, pro or consumer status bits, and single-wire (two-channel) or dual-wire (single-channel) operation.
Channels one and two feature an Impedance Select switch, allowing precise adjustment of the preamp’s impedance to suit different microphone types. This function enables users to find various tonal “sweet spots” for a single microphone, offering multiple sonic variations. It also ensures optimal performance from microphones with non-standard impedance values, such as ribbon or vintage tube models.
Channels one and two also include an integrated Mid-Side (M-S) decoder, providing a simple way to utilise this advanced stereo miking technique. Mid-Side miking captures a stereo image while allowing adjustable width by balancing the Mid (mono) and Side (stereo) signals. This technique requires a cardioid microphone for the Mid signal and a figure-8 microphone for the Side signal, with the Onyx 800R handling the decoding internally for precise stereo width control.
To maximise versatility, channels seven and eight include high-impedance instrument inputs, allowing direct connection of acoustic, electric, or bass guitars without requiring an external DI box. Each channel is equipped with a mic/line switch, polarity reverse switch, individual 48V phantom power switch, low-cut filter, and dedicated gain control.
On the rear panel, individual balanced XLR mic inputs are provided for each channel, alongside balanced line inputs on a DB25 connector. The unit also features balanced analogue line outputs on a DB25 connector for seamless integration into professional setups.
The Mackie Onyx 800R is perfect for adding 8 high-quality Onyx mic preamps to computer audio setups, hard disk recorders or analog and digital mixing consoles. With its multi-format 192kHz digital outputs, it’s particularly well-suited for adding additional I/O to digital desks like the Mackie TT24 Digital Live Console.
Features
- Eight-channel 1U rackmount mic preamp featuring Mackie’s flagship Onyx preamps
- Variable Microphone Input Impedance control allows for precise preamp “tuning” to each mic
- Simultaneous analog and 24-bit/192k digital connectivity via AES/EBU, ADAT lightpipe and S/PDIF
- Front panel Mic/Line switches on every channel
- 2 front-panel Instrument input jacks – no DI needed
- Individual Low Cut, Phase and Phantom Power control on every channel
- Class-leading 24-bit/192kHz A/D converters rivaling dedicated standalone converter boxes costing thousands of dollars
- Premium audiophile-grade components, analog circuitry and rugged professional build quality
