Onyx 1620 Premium Analog Mixer Owner's Manual Maconyx1620

User Manual: 1620

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O W N E R ’ S

M A N U A L

ONYX 1620

Important Safety Instructions
1. Read these instuctions.

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.

2. Keep these instructions.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use
caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from tip-over.
PORTABLE CART WARNING
Carts and stands - The
Component should be used
only with a cart or stand
that is recommended by
the manufacturer.
A Component and cart
combination should be
moved with care. Quick
stops, excessive force, and
uneven surfaces may cause
the Component and cart
combination to overturn.

CAUTION

AVIS

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

15. This Onyx mixer has been designed with Class-I construction and must
be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third grounding prong).
16. This Onyx mixer has been equipped with an all-pole, rocker-style AC
mains power switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and
should remain readily accessible to the user.
17. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is
applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de
class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage
radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des communications du Canada.
18. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing
loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced
hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified
the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits
could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all
persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation.
Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn
when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing
loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here.
Duration Per Day
In Hours

Sound Level dBA,
Slow Response

100

1.5

102

105

0.5

110

0.25 or less

115

Typical
Example
Duo in small club
Subway Train
Very loud classical music
Tami screaming at Adrian about deadlines
Loudest parts at a rock concert

ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC
ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN
ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L’USAGER. CONFIER
L’ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D’INCENDIE OU
D’ELECTROCUTION, N’EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE
A LA PLUIE OU A L’HUMIDITE
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product’s enclosure, that may be
of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole clair avec point de fl che l’int rieur d’un triangle
quilat ral est utilis pour alerter l’utilisateur de la pr sence
l’int rieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isol d’ampleur
suffisante pour constituer un risque d’ l ctrocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to
alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d’exclamation l’int rieur d’un triangle quilat ral est
employ pour alerter les utilisateurs de la pr sence d’instructions
importantes pour le fonctionnement et l’entretien (service) dans le
livret d’instruction accompagnant l’appareil.

ONYX 1620

WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or
electric shock, do not expose this apparatus
to rain or moisture.

Introduction................................................................................................................4
Getting Started..........................................................................................................5
Zero the Controls .......................................................................................................................................5
Connections.................................................................................................................................................5
Set the Levels ..............................................................................................................................................5
Instant Mixing.............................................................................................................................................5

Owner’s Manual

Table of Contents

Hookup Diagrams......................................................................................................6
Onyx 1620 Features .................................................................................................10
Channel Strips...........................................................................................................................................10
Control Room Matrix, Metering, and Phones..................................................................................14
Auxiliary Section......................................................................................................................................16
TALKBACK Section...................................................................................................................................16
Front Panel Connectors..........................................................................................................................18
Rear Panel...................................................................................................................................................18

Appendix A: Service Information........................................................................ 21
Warranty Service......................................................................................................................................21
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................21
Repair ..........................................................................................................................................................22

Appendix B: Connections ......................................................................................23
Appendix C: Technical Info .................................................................................. 26
Onyx 1620 Speciﬁcations...................................................................................................................... 26
Onyx 1620 Block Diagram..................................................................................................................... 28
Onyx 1620 Track Sheet........................................................................................................................... 29

Onyx 1620 Limited Warranty ................................................................................31

Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for more
information about this and other Mackie products.

Part No. 0008668 Rev. B 4/04
©2004 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 1620 professional compact mixing console. The Onyx Series of mixers 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 1620 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 expensive
stand-alone mic preamplifiers.
Channels 1 and 2 feature high-impedance instrument/
line-level inputs so you can connect an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar directly into the mixer, eliminating
the need for an external direct box.
Each of the eight mono channels has individual
phantom power switches, low-cut filters, pre-EQ channel inserts, and an all new four-band EQ design with
sweepable mids and EQ bypass switch.
Channels 9 through 16 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 four 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 1-2 or the
Phones output.

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 1620, 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 illustration, 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 1620. 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.

All sixteen channels have balanced direct outputs
on two DB-25 connectors for multitrack recording.
An optional FireWire card provides all sixteen 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.

Appendix B is a section on connectors: XLR connectors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and
special hybrid connectors.

Please write your serial number here for future
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,
return authorization, etc.)

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

Purchased at:

A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION

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

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
Date of purchase:

ONYX 1620

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

a line input such as a CD player or tape recorder
output. Be sure that the volume of the input source
is the same as it would be during normal use. If it
isn’t, you might have to readjust these levels during
the middle of the set.

READ THIS PAGE!!
Even if you’re one of those people
who never read manuals, all we ask
is that you read this page now before
you begin using the Onyx 1620. You’ll
be glad you did!

Adjust the channel’s GAIN control so that the LEDs
on the RIGHT meter stay around “0” and never go
higher than “+7.”

Zero the Controls

If you’d like to apply some EQ, do so now and return
to step 3. Remember to push in the EQ IN/OUT button or the EQ controls won’t do anything.

Disengage that channel’s SOLO switch.

Turn down the channel GAIN, AUX, and Fader controls, and center the channel EQ and PAN controls.

Repeat for each channel.

Set all push button switches to their “out” positions.

In the output section (right hand side), turn all the
rotary knobs “down,” the switches “out,” and the
MAIN MIX fader down.

Instant Mixing

Leave the microphone plugged into channel 1 and
connect a keyboard, guitar or other instrument to
channel 2. Be sure to “Set the Levels” for channel 2
as described above.

To get sound out of the speakers, turn up channel 1
and 2 faders to the “U” mark and slowly turn up the
MAIN MIX fader to a comfortable listening level.

Sing and play. You’re a star! Adjust the faders for
channels 1 and 2 to bring your voice and your
instrument up and down to create your own mix.

Turn the POWER switch off.

Connections
If you already know how you want to connect the Onyx
1620, go ahead and connect the inputs and outputs
the way you want them. If you just want to get sound
through the mixer, follow these steps:
1.

Plug a microphone or other signal source into
channel 1’s MIC or LINE input.

Plug in the detachable linecord, connect it to an AC
outlet, and turn on the Onyx 1620’s POWER switch.

Other Nuggets of Wisdom
•

For optimum sonic performance, the channel and
MAIN MIX faders should be set near the “U” (unity
gain) markings.

Connect cords from the Onyx 1620’s MAIN OUTS
(XLR connectors on the rear panel and 1/4" TRS
connectors on the front panel) to your amplifier.

•

Always turn the MAIN MIX fader and CONTROL
ROOM knob down before making connections to
and from your Onyx 1620.

Hook up speakers to the amp and turn it on. If the
amplifier has level controls, set them however the
manufacturer recommends (usually all the way up).

•

When you shut down your equipment, turn off the
amplifiers first. When powering up, turn on the
amplifiers last.

•

Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.
Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for
information on hearing protection.

•

Save the shipping box! You may need it someday,
and you don’t want to have to pay for another one.

Set the Levels
To set the channel GAIN controls, it’s not even necessary to hear what you’re doing at the outputs of the
mixer. If you want to listen while you work, plug headphones into the PHONES jack on the front panel, then
set the PHONES knob about one-quarter of the way up.
The following steps must be performed one channel at
a time.
1.

Push in the channel’s SOLO switch. Make sure the
SOLO MODE switch is up (PFL).

Play something into the selected input. This could
be an instrument, a singing or speaking voice, or

Owner’s Manual

Getting Started

That’s it for the “Getting Started” section. Next comes
the “Hookup” section that shows you some typical ways
that you might use the Onyx 1620 in real applications.
After that, you can take the grand tour of the mixer,
with descriptions of every knob, button, input, and
output. We encourage you to take the time to read all of
the feature descriptions, but at least you know it’s there
if you have any questions.
Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Hookup Diagrams
Bass Guitar

This hookup diagram demonstrates how
you can do a live multitrack recording
using the RECORDING OUTs or the optional FireWire card.

Electric Guitar

The RECORDING OUTs provide an
analog balanced direct output for each
channel, and the FireWire card provides
a digital direct output for each channel.
Electric Guitar
1

6
7

CHANNEL

MONO

L
11 MONO

INPUTS

12 R

L
3
R

L
2
R

L
4
R

AUX
SEND

L
15 MONO

16 R

ALT 3/4
OUT

CNTRL ROOM
OUTPUTS

MAIN
OUT

RECORDING OUT
1-8

Headphones

Mono Power Stage Monitors
Amplifier

Mono EQ

L
R

Stereo EQ

L
R

Stereo Power
Amplifier

RECORDING OUT
9-16

OUT

PHONES

In
(record)

MAIN
OUT

IN-TAPE-OUT

Multi Effect
Processor

14 R

Out
(play)

5
6

L
1
R

L
13 MONO

10 R

Drum
Machine
Keyboard or other
line level input

In
Out Stereo Compressor
In
Out

8
9

CHANNEL INSERTS

Stereo Guitar Effects

In Mono Compressor
Out

AUX RETURNS

Vocal Mics

FIREWIRE
(OPTION)

Left PA Speaker Right PA Speaker

Digital Multitrack Recorder
Laptop Computer

Onyx 1620 Live Mix and Multitrack Recording

ONYX 1620

Electric Guitar

Electric Guitar
1

CHANNEL INSERTS

4
5

6
7

Stereo Guitar Effects

CHANNEL

MONO

L
11 MONO

INPUTS

12 R

L
2
R

L
4
R

16 R

Multi Effect
Processor

2
3

CNTRL ROOM
OUTPUTS

MAIN
OUT

RECORDING OUT
1-8

RECORDING OUT
9-16

OUT

PHONES

ALT 3/4
OUT

MAIN
OUT

IN-TAPE-OUT

Digital Delay

AUX
SEND

L
15 MONO

In
(record)

L
3
R

14 R

L
1
R

L
13 MONO

Out
(play)

10 R

Drum
Machine
Keyboard or other
line level input

In
Out Stereo Compressor
In
Out

8
9

In Mono Compressor
Out

AUX RETURNS

Vocal Mics

Owner’s Manual

Bass Guitar

Powered
Studio Monitors
for Control Room

Powered
Studio Monitors
for Studio

Digital Multitrack Recorder

Headphones
for Studio

Headphone Distribution
Amp

The RECORDING OUTs provide an analog balanced
direct output for each channel, tapped after the
GAIN control but before the EQ controls.

Onyx 1620 Multitrack Recording in a Studio (Tracking)
Owner’s Manual

Electric Guitar

Electric Guitar
1

4
5

6
7

4
5
6

MONO

CHANNEL

10 R

L
11 MONO

INPUTS

Drum
Machine
Keyboard or other
line level input

In
Out Stereo Compressor
In
Out

Stereo Guitar Effects

In Mono Compressor
Out

CHANNEL INSERTS

Vocal Mics

12 R

AUX RETURNS

ONYX 1620

Bass Guitar

L
1
R

L
3
R

L
2
R

L
4
R

L
13 MONO

Multi Effect
Processor

AUX
SEND

14 R
L
15 MONO

Digital Delay

16 R

2
3
4

OUT

PHONES

CNTRL ROOM
OUTPUTS

Headphones

ALT 3/4
OUT

LINE
IN L

MAIN
OUT

IN-TAPE-OUT

MAIN
OUT

Sound Card
L

LINE
OUTS

RECORDING OUT
1-8

RECORDING OUT
9-16

1
2
3
4
MIC
IN

Powered
Studio Monitors
for Control Room

In this hookup diagram, the tracking channels have
the MUTE/ALT 3-4 button pushed in. This routes their
signals to the ALT 3-4 OUT and on to the Sound Card
or other analog audio interface to your DAW.
IMPORTANT: The playback channels (channels 15-16
in this case) should have their MUTE/ALT 3-4 buttons
out or you will get feedback. Ouch!

Onyx 1620 Computer Recording

ONYX 1620

Powered
Studio Monitors
for Studio

Electric Guitar

Electric Guitar
1

6
7

MONO

10 R

L
11 MONO

INPUTS

12 R

L
2
R

L
4
R

16 R

2
3

CNTRL ROOM
OUTPUTS

MAIN
OUT

RECORDING OUT
1-8

RECORDING OUT
9-16

OUT

PHONES

ALT 3/4
OUT

MAIN
OUT

IN-TAPE-OUT

Headphones

Multi Effect
Processor

1202-VLZPRO

Submixer
for Drums

Digital Delay

AUX
SEND

L
15 MONO

L
3
R

14 R

In
(record)

L
1
R

L
13 MONO

CHANNEL

Drum
Mics

In
Out Stereo Compressor
In
Out

Keyboard or other
line level input

CHANNEL INSERTS

Stereo Guitar Effects

In Mono Compressor
Out

AUX RETURNS

Vocal Mics

Owner’s Manual

Bass Guitar

FIREWIRE
(OPTION)

Powered
Studio Monitors
for Control Room

Powered
Studio Monitors
for Studio

Laptop Computer

The optional FireWire card provides a digital direct output for each channel,
tapped after the GAIN control but before the EQ controls, as well as the L-R Mix.
Two tracks can be returned to the Onyx from the computer for playback monitoring in the Control Room Outputs, or mixdown to two tracks at the TAPE OUT.

Onyx 1620 Recording with FireWire to a Laptop
Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Onyx 1620 Features
Channel Strips
There are two kinds of channel strips on the Onyx 1620:
Mono and Stereo. The mono channel strips (channels
1-8) have mic and line input connectors. In addition,
channels 1 and 2 have high-impedance instrument
inputs so you can connect a guitar directly to the mixer.
The stereo channel strips (channels 9-16), have
two line input connectors per channel strip, left and
right. The stereo path is maintained
1
throughout the channel strip, sharing
the channel’s controls (the controls
work on both left and right signals at
the same time).
MIC PR
XD R
E

HI-Z
1
MIC
HI-Z

48V
30
20

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

OUT
IN

1. MIC Input (Channels 1-8)
This is a female XLR connector, which
accepts a balanced microphone input
from almost any type of microphone.
The microphone preamps feature our
new Onyx design, with higher fidelity
and headroom rivaling any standalone
mic preamp on the market today.
The XLR inputs are wired as follows:
Pin 1 = Shield or ground
Pin 2 = Positive (+ or hot)
Pin 3 = Negative (– or cold)

HIGH
12kHz

-15

+15
2k

FREQ
400

HIGH
MID
-15

+15

2. HI-Z Instrument Input
(Channels 1-2)

400

FREQ
100

LOW
MID
-15

+15

This is a 1/4" connector, which accepts an unbalanced instrument-level
input signal from a high-impedance
instrument like a guitar.

LOW
80Hz

-15

+15

3. LINE Input (Channels 3-16)

AUX

Note: For the stereo channels 9-16, if a signal is
plugged into the LEFT (MONO) side and nothing is
plugged into the RIGHT side, the signal is automatically
connected to both LEFT and RIGHT sides. This is called
jack normalling. As soon as something is plugged into
the RIGHT side, the normalled connection is broken
and the LEFT and RIGHT inputs become stereo inputs
(LEFT goes to the LEFT MAIN OUT and RIGHT goes to
the RIGHT MAIN OUT).

4. MIC/HI-Z Switch
Channels 1 and 2 have an extra button for switching
between the MIC and HI-Z inputs. When the button
is out (MIC), the XLR MIC input is used and the HI-Z
input is disconnected. When the button is pushed in
(HI-Z), the 1/4" HI-Z input is used and the XLR MIC input is disconnected. The input stage of the HI-Z inputs
is specially designed for the high-impedance pickups on
guitars.
Plugging a guitar into a lower-impedance
line input (like those on channels
3-16) can result in the loss of high
frequencies, causing an unnatural and
dull sound. Normally, you must use
a direct box between a guitar and a
mixer’s input, which serves to convert the impedance of
the guitar from high to low. The HI-Z inputs on channels 1 and 2 make the need for a direct box unnecessary.
HOWEVER: The HI-Z inputs are unbalanced, so if you’re
doing a live show and running a long cord between the
instrument and the mixer (say over 25 or 30 feet), it is
best to use a direct box with a balanced output to avoid
picking up noise over the length of the cord.

5. Low-Cut Switch (Channels 1-8)
The Low-Cut switch, often referred to as a high-pass
filter, cuts bass frequencies below 75 Hz at a rate of 18 dB
per octave.
We recommend that
you use the Low-Cut filter
+5
on every microphone
0
application except kick
–5
drum, bass guitar, bassy
–10
synth patches, or record–15
ings of earthquakes.
20
100
1k
10k 20k
These aside, there isn’t
Low Cut
much down there that
you want to hear, and filtering it out makes the low stuff
you do want much more crisp and tasty. Not only that,
but the Low-Cut filter can help reduce the possibility of
feedback in live situations and it helps to conserve the
amplifier power.
+15

1
OO

MAX

2
3
4
OO

MAX

PAN
L R

Mono Channel

This is a 1/4" TRS connector, which accepts a balanced or unbalanced line-level
input signal from almost any source.
When connecting a balanced signal to
the LINE inputs, wire them as follows:
Tip = Positive (+ or hot)
Ring = Negative (– or cold)
Sleeve = Shield or ground
When connecting an unbalanced
signal, wire them as follows:
Tip = Positive (+ or hot)
Sleeve = Shield or ground

ONYX 1620

+10

Here’s what the
combination of LOW EQ
and Low Cut looks like
in terms of frequency
curves.

+15
+10
+5

0
–5
–10
–15
20Hz

100Hz

1kHz

10kHz 20kHz

Low Cut with Low EQ Boosted

6. 48V Phantom Power Switch
(Channels 1-8)
Most professional condenser microphones require
phantom power, which is a low-current DC voltage
delivered to the microphone on pins 2 and 3 of the XLR
microphone connector. Push in the 48V button if your
microphone needs phantom power. An LED lights just
above the button to indicate that phantom power is active on that channel.
Dynamic microphones, like Shure’s SM57 and SM58,
do not require phantom power. However, phantom
power will not harm most dynamic microphones should
you accidentally plug one in while the phantom power
is turned on. Be careful with older ribbon microphones.
Check the manual for your microphone to find out for
sure whether or not phantom power can damage it.
Note: Be sure the MAIN MIX fader (38) is turned
down when connecting microphones to the MIC Inputs,
especially when phantom power is turned on, to prevent
pops from getting through to the speakers.

7. GAIN Control
If you haven’t already, please read “Set the Levels” on
page 5.
The GAIN control adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic
and line inputs. This allows the signal from the outside
world to be adjusted to optimal internal operating levels.
If the signal is plugged into the XLR jack, there is 0 dB
of gain (unity gain) with the knob turned all the way
down, ramping up to 60 dB of gain fully up.
When connected to the 1/4" jack, there is 20 dB of
attenuation all the way down, and 40 dB of gain fully
up, with a “U” (unity gain) mark at about 10:00. (On the
stereo channels, the GAIN range is –20 dB to +20 dB
with unity in the center.)

8. EQ IN/OUT Switch

LINE IN 9-10
(MONO)

This is a true hardware bypass of
the Perkins EQ circuitry to insure
that there is no coloration of the
signal if the EQ is not needed. When
this button is out, the EQ controls
have no effect on the signal. You
can use this switch to make an A/B
comparison between the EQ’d signal
and the signal without EQ.
We have completely redesigned
the EQ circuits in
the Onyx Series of
mixers, based on
the designs of Cal
Perkins, an industry-leader in audio
engineering for over three decades
and long-time Mackie collaborator.
This “neo-classic” design provides
the sweet musicality of the British
EQ sound, while still maintaining 15
dB of boost and cut with optimum Q
and minimum phase shift (in other
words, it gives you plenty of control
and is pleasing to the ear!).

L
BAL
OR
UNBAL

R
U

-20dB

+20dB

GAIN

OUT
IN

Owner’s Manual

Another way to use the Low Cut filter
is in combination with the LOW EQ on
vocals during live performances. Many
times, bass shelving EQ can really benefit voices. Trouble is, adding LOW EQ
also boosts stage rumble, mic handling
clunks, and breath pops. Low Cut removes all those problems so you can add LOW EQ without losing a woofer.

HIGH
12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz
-15

+15

LOW
80Hz

-15

+15

AUX

The 4-band equalization has LOW
shelving at 80 Hz, LOW MID peak2
ing, sweepable from 100 Hz to 2 kHz
on the mono channels, HIGH MID
3
peaking, sweepable from 400 Hz to
8 kHz on the mono channels (the
4
single MID frequency is fixed at
2.5 kHz on the stereo channels),
PAN
and HIGH shelving at 12 kHz.
“Shelving” means that the circuitry
boosts or cuts all frequencies past
the specified frequency. For exam- Stereo Channel
ple, rotating the LOW EQ knob 15 dB
to the right boosts bass frequencies starting at 80 Hz and
continuing on down to the lowest note you ever heard.
“Peaking” means that the frequencies around the center
frequency are less affected by the EQ the further away
they are.
OO

MAX

L R

9. HIGH EQ
This control gives you up to 15 +15
dB boost or cut at 12 kHz, and it +10
is also flat at the center detent. +5
0
Use it to add sizzle to cymbals,
–5
and an overall sense of transparency or edge to the keyboards, –10
vocals, guitar, and bacon frying. –15
20
100
Turn it down a little to reduce
High EQ
sibilance, or to hide tape hiss.
Hz

1kHz

Owner’s Manual

10kHz 20kHz

ONYX 1620

10. HIGH MID EQ

14. AUX Sends

+15

Short for “midrange,”
this knob provides 15 dB of
boost or cut centered at the
0
frequency determined by
–5
its FREQ knob (see FREQ
–10
next), or at 2.5 kHz for the
–15
20
100
1k
10k 20k
stereo channels. Midrange
High Mid EQ
EQ is often thought of as
the most dynamic because the frequencies that define
any particular sound are almost always found in this
range. The HIGH MID EQ range (400 Hz to 8 kHz)
includes the female vocal range as well as the fundamentals and harmonics for many instruments.

+10
+5

+15

This is a second midrange
EQ
control that provides 15
+5
dB
of
boost or cut centered
0
at
the
frequency deter–5
mined
by its FREQ knob.
–10
It extends down to 100 Hz,
–15
20
100
1k
10k 20k which includes the male
Low Mid EQ
vocal range and the fundamentals of some lower instruments (guitar, lower brass).

+10

12. FREQ
+15

This knob ranges from
100
Hz to 2 kHz for the
+5
LOW
MID EQ, and 400 Hz
0
to 8 kHz for the HIGH MID
–5
EQ. This determines the
–10
center frequency for the
–15
20
100
1k
10k 20k
EQ filter, and allows you
Mid EQ Freq Sweep
to zero in on the precise
narrow band of frequencies you want to have affected by
the LOW MID and HIGH MID EQ.

+10

+15
+10
+5

0
–5
–10
–15
20Hz

100Hz

1kHz

10kHz 20kHz

This control gives you
up to 15 dB of boost or cut
at 80 Hz. The circuit is flat
(no boost or cut) at the
center detent position.
This frequency represents
the punch in bass drums,
bass guitar, fat synth
patches, and some really
serious male singers.

Note: Used in conjunction with the Low Cut switch,
you can boost the LOW EQ without injecting tons of
infrasonic debris into the mix.

ONYX 1620

These are more than just effects and monitor sends.
They can be used to generate separate mixes for recording, for another zone, or “mix-minuses” for broadcast.

PAN adjusts the amount of channel signal sent to the left
versus the right outputs. On the stereo channels (channels
9-16), the PAN knob works like the balance control on your
home stereo (panning left turns down the right channel,
and panning right turns down the left channel).
With the PAN knob hard left, the signal feeds either
the MAIN LEFT (bus 1) or ALT LEFT (bus 3), depending on the setting of the ALT 3/4 switch. With the knob
hard right, the signal feeds either the MAIN RIGHT
(bus 2) or ALT RIGHT (bus 4).
Constant Loudness: The Onyx 1620’s
PAN control employs a design called
“Constant Loudness.” If you have a
channel panned hard left (or right)
and then pan to the center, the signal
is attenuated about 3 dB to maintain
the same apparent loudness. Otherwise, it would make
the sound appear much louder when panned center.

13. LOW EQ

Low EQ

Since the AUX Sends are mono, the left and right signals in the stereo channels are summed together prior
to the channels’ AUX 1-4 controls, sending the combined
signal to the AUX SEND outputs.

15. PAN

11. LOW MID EQ

These tap a portion of each channel’s signal out to
either an effects processor or for stage monitoring. The
AUX Send levels are controlled by the channel’s AUX 1-4
knobs, and by the AUX MASTER 1-4 knobs.

16. MUTE/ALT 3-4
The dual-purpose MUTE/ALT 3-4 switch is a Mackie
signature. When Greg was designing our first product,
he had to include a mute switch for each channel. Mute
switches do just what they sound like they do. They turn
off the signal by “routing” it into oblivion. “Gee, what
a waste,” Greg reasoned. “Why not have the mute
button route the signal somewhere else useful, like
a separate stereo bus?” So MUTE/ALT 3-4 really serves
two functions—muting (often used during mixdown or
live shows), and signal routing (for multitrack and live
work) where it acts as an extra stereo bus.
To use this as a MUTE switch, all you have to do is
not use the ALT 3-4 outputs (41). Then, whenever you
assign a channel to these unused outputs, you’ll also be
disconnecting it from the MAIN MIX, effectively muting the channel. The MUTE switch also disconnects the
channel from the POST AUX SEND bus. The channel’s
signal is still present on the PRE AUX SEND bus.

When doing multitrack recording, you can use the
ALT 3-4 outputs as a stereo or dual-mono feed to your
multitrack.
When doing live sound or mixdown, it’s often handy
to control the level of several channels with one knob.
That’s called subgrouping. Simply assign these channels
to the ALT 3-4 mix, engage ALT 3-4 in the CONTROL
ROOM/PHONES SOURCE matrix (20), and the signals
will appear at the CONTROL ROOM (40) and PHONES
(24) outputs. If you want the ALT 3-4 signals to go back
into the MAIN MIX, engage the ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX
switch (21) and the CONTROL ROOM knob (22) controls the levels of all the channels assigned to ALT 3-4.
Another way to do the same thing is to assign the
channels to the ALT 3-4 mix, then patch out of the ALT
3-4 OUT (LEFT/3 and RIGHT/4) back into an unused
stereo channel (9-10, 11-12, 13-14, or 15-16). If that’s
your choice, don’t ever engage the MUTE/ALT 3-4 switch
on that stereo channel, or you’ll have every dog in the
neighborhood howling at your feedback loop.
Another benefit of the ALT 3-4 feature is that it can act
as an “AFL” (After Fader Listen). Just engage a channel’s
MUTE/ALT 3-4 switch and the ALT 3-4 switch in the
SOURCE matrix (20) and you’ll get that channel, all by
itself, in the CONTROL ROOM (40) and PHONES (24).
MUTE/ALT 3-4 is one of those features that can
bewilder newcomers, so take your time and play around
with it. Once you’ve got it down, you’ll probably think of
a hundred uses for it!

17. Channel Fader
The fader controls the channel’s level…from off to
unity gain at the “U” marking, on up to 10 dB of additional gain.
“U” Like Unity Gain

18. Signal Level LEDs

LINE IN 9-10
(MONO)

These LEDs indicate the channel’s
signal level after the GAIN and EQ
controls, but just prior to the channel’s
fader. So even if the fader is turned
down, you can see if a signal is present.

BAL
OR
UNBAL

R
U

-20dB

If you’ve followed the “Set the Levels”
procedure, the –20 and 0 LEDs should
light frequently, the +10 LED should
light occasionally, and the OL (Overload) LED should not light at all. If
the OL LED is blinking frequently, the
signal is probably distorted from overdriving the input. Either turn down the
GAIN control or turn down the signal
at its source.

+20dB

GAIN

OUT
IN

HIGH
12kHz

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz
-15

+15

19. SOLO Switch
U

This handy switch allows you to hear
signals through your headphones or
control room outputs without having
to route them to the MAIN or ALT 3-4
mixes. Folks use solo in live work to
preview channels before they are let
into the mix, or just to check out what
a particular channel is up to anytime
during a session. You can solo as many
channels at a time as you like.
Your Onyx 1620 has “Dual-Mode
Solo.” A switch in the master section,
SOLO MODE (25) determines which
mode you’ll be hearing. With the
switch up, you’ll get “PFL” (Pre-Fader
Listen), which is after the GAIN and
EQ controls, but before the channel
fader. With the switch down, you’re
in “AFL” (After-Fader Listen), which
is post-fader and post-PAN, making it
ideal for mixdown soloing.

LOW
80Hz

-15

+15

AUX

1
OO

MAX

2
3
4
PAN
L R

MUTE
ALT 3/4

dB
10

9
10

5
U
5

Mackie mixers have a “U” symbol on
almost every level control. This “U”
stands for “unity gain,” meaning no
change in signal level. Once you have
adjusted the input signal to line-level, you can set every
control at “U” and your signals will travel through the
mixer at optimal levels. What’s more, all the labels on
our level controls are measured in decibels (dB), so
you’ll know what you’re doing level-wise if you choose to
change a control’s settings.

Owner’s Manual

To use this as an ALT 3-4 switch, all you have to do is
connect the ALT 3-4 outputs (41) to whatever destination you desire. Two popular examples:

Soloed channels are sent to the
SOURCE mix, which ultimately feeds
your CONTROL ROOM, PHONES, and
Meters. Whenever SOLO is engaged,
all SOURCE (20) selections (MAIN
MIX, ALT 3-4, TAPE, and FIREWIRE)
are defeated, to allow the soloed signal
to do just that—solo!

10
20

OL
+10

0
-20

30
40
50
60
OO

SOLO

Stereo Channel

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Control Room Matrix, Metering, and Phones
Typically, the engineer sends the MAIN MIX to an audience (if live) or to a mixdown deck (if recording). But
what if the engineer needs to hear something other than
the MAIN MIX in the control room or headphones? With
the Onyx 1620, the engineer has several choices of what
to listen to. This is one of those tricky parts, so buckle up.

20. CONTROL ROOM/PHONES SOURCE
Using the SOURCE switches, you can choose to listen
to any combination of MAIN MIX, ALT 3-4, TAPE, and
FIREWIRE (optional). By now, you probably know what
the MAIN MIX is. ALT 3-4 is that additional stereo mix
bus. TAPE is the stereo signal coming in from the TAPE
IN RCA jacks. FIREWIRE is a 2-track feed coming in
through the optional FireWire card from your computer.

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER
w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE OPTION

PHONES

CONTROL
ROOM/
PHONES
SOURCE

LEFT

RIGHT

0dB=0dBu
CLIP

20
10
7

MAIN MIX

4
2
0

FIREWIRE
(OPTION)

2
4

ALT 3-4

7
10
20

TAPE

30
RUDE
SOLO

ASSIGN TO
MAIN MIX

MAX

CONTROL
ROOM

MAX

PHONES

ONYX 1620

PFL
AFL

SOLO
MODE

LEVEL
SET

Selections made in
the SOURCE matrix
deliver stereo signals
to the CONTROL
ROOM, PHONES,
and Meters. With no
switches engaged,
there will be no signal
at these outputs and
no meter indication.
The exception to
that is the SOLO
function. Regardless of the SOURCE
matrix selection,
engaging a channel’s
SOLO switch will
replace that selection with the SOLO
signal, also sent
to the CONTROL
ROOM, PHONES,
and Meters.

21. ASSIGN TO
MAIN MIX
Let’s say you’re
doing a live show.
Intermission is nearing and you want
to play a soothing
CD for the crowd to
prevent them from
becoming antsy.
Then you think, “But

I have the CD player plugged into the TAPE inputs, and
that never gets to the MAIN OUTPUTS!” Oh, but it does.
Simply engage this switch and your SOURCE matrix selection, after going through the CONTROL ROOM level
control, will feed into the MAIN MIX, just as if it were
another stereo channel.
What if you have a playlist of MP3 files on your laptop
you want to play during the break? Get the optional
FireWire card and engage the FIREWIRE button to play
your MP3s directly from your computer, through the
SOURCE matrix, and into the MAIN MIX.
Another handy use for this switch is to enable the ALT
3-4 mix to become a submix of the MAIN MIX, using the
CONTROL ROOM level control.
Side effects: 1) Engaging this switch also feeds any soloed channels into the MAIN MIX, which may be the last
thing you want. 2) If you have MAIN MIX as your SOURCE
matrix selection and then engage ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX,
the MAIN MIX lines to the SOURCE matrix will be disconnected from the CONTROL ROOM and PHONES outputs,
to prevent feedback. Then again, why on earth would
anyone want to assign the MAIN MIX to the MAIN MIX?
WARNING: Pushing in both the TAPE
button (in the SOURCE matrix) and
ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX (21) can create
a feedback path between TAPE IN and
TAPE OUT. Make sure your tape deck
is not in record, record-pause, or input monitor mode
when you engage these switches, or make sure the CONTROL ROOM knob (22) is turned all the way down (off).

22. CONTROL ROOM Knob
This controls the volume at the CONTROL ROOM
outputs, from off (∞) to maximum gain (MAX). It also
controls the level of the control room signal going to the
MAIN OUTS when ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX is selected in
the CONTROL ROOM/PHONES SOURCE matrix.

23. PHONES Knob
This controls the volume at the PHONES output, from
off (∞) to maximum gain (MAX).

24. PHONES
This is where you plug in your stereo headphones. It
is a 1/4" TRS stereo jack and provides the same signal
that is routed to the CONTROL ROOM outputs (40), as
determined by the CONTROL ROOM/PHONES SOURCE
matrix (20). The volume is controlled with the PHONES
knob (23) (right next to the CONTROL ROOM knob).

25. SOLO MODE
Engaging a channel’s SOLO switch will cause this
dramatic turn of events: Any existing SOURCE matrix
selections are replaced by the SOLO signal, appearing
at the CONTROL ROOM OUTPUTS, PHONES and at the
RIGHT METER (LEFT and RIGHT METERS when in
AFL SOLO MODE). The audible SOLO levels are then
controlled by the CONTROL ROOM knob (22). The
SOLO levels appearing on the meters are not controlled
by the CONTROL ROOM knob—you wouldn’t want that.
You want to see the actual channel level on the meters
regardless of how loud you’re listening.
With the SOLO MODE switch in the up position, you’re
in PFL mode, meaning Pre-Fader Listen (post-EQ). This
mode is required for the “Set the Levels” procedure and
is handy for quick spot-checks of channels, especially
ones that have their faders turned down.
With the switch down, you’re in AFL mode, meaning
After-Fader Listen. You’ll hear the output of the soloed
channel—it will follow the channel’s GAIN, EQ, FADER
and PAN settings. It’s similar to muting all the other
channels, but without the hassle. Use AFL mode during
mixdown.
In either mode, SOLO will not be affected by a
channel’s MUTE/ALT switch position.

26. LEFT/RIGHT Level Meters
The Onyx 1620’s peak meters are made up of two
columns of twelve LEDs, with three colors to indicate
different ranges of signal level, traffic light style. They
range from –30 at the bottom, to 0 in the middle, to +20
(CLIP) at the top.
The 0 LED in the middle is labeled LEVEL SET
to show where the level should be when adjusting a
channel’s gain in the solo mode, as described in “Set the
Levels” on page 5.
If nothing is selected in the CONTROL ROOM/
PHONES SOURCE matrix (20) and no channels are
in SOLO, the meters won’t do anything. To display a

signal level, a source must be selected in the CONTROL
ROOM/PHONES SOURCE matrix, which feeds the CONTROL ROOM (40) and PHONES (24) outputs. The meters
reflect the program level of the selected source prior to
the CONTROL ROOM and PHONES (22/23) level knobs.
The reason for this is because you want the meters to
reflect what the engineer is listening to, and as we’ve
covered, the engineer is listening either to the CONTROL ROOM outputs or the PHONES outputs. The only
difference is that while the listening levels are controlled by the CONTROL ROOM and PHONES knobs, the
meters indicated the SOURCE mix before those knobs,
giving you the real facts at all times, even if you’re not
listening at all.

Owner’s Manual

WARNING: The headphone amp is
designed to drive any standard headphones to a very loud level. We’re
not kidding! It can cause permanent
hearing damage. Even intermediate
levels may be painfully loud with some headphones.
BE CAREFUL! Always start with the PHONES level
turned all the way down before connecting headphones
to the PHONES jack. Keep it down until you’ve put on
the headphones. Then turn it up slowly. Why? Always
remember: “Engineers who fry their ears, find themselves with short careers.”

When a channel is soloed, the meters change to
reflect the level of that channel’s signal level, pre- or
post-fader, depending on the SOLO MODE (25) setting.
You may already be an expert at the
world of “+4” (+4 dBu=1.23 V) and
“–10” (–10 dBV=0.32 V) operating
levels. What makes a mixer one or
the other is the relative 0 dB VU (or
0 VU) chosen for the meters. A “+4”
mixer, with +4 dBu pouring out the back will actually
read 0 VU on its meters. A “–10” mixer, with a –10 dBV
signal trickling out will read, you guessed it, 0 VU on its
meters. So when is 0 VU actually 0 dBu? Right now!
Mackie mixers show things as they really are. When 0
dBu (0.775 V) is at the outputs, it shows as 0 dB VU on
the meters. What could be easier? By the way, the most
wonderful thing about standards is that there are so
many to choose from.
Thanks to the Onyx 1620’s wide dynamic range,
you can get a good mix with peaks flashing anywhere
between –20 and +10 dB on the meters. Most amplifiers
clip at about +10 dBu, and some recorders aren’t so
forgiving either. For best real-world results, try to keep
your peaks between “0” and “+7.”
Remember, audio meters are just tools to help assure
you that your levels are “in the ballpark.” You don’t have
to stare at them (unless you want to).

27. RUDE SOLO Light
This large green LED flashes on and off when a
channel’s solo is active, as an additional reminder
beyond the indicating LEDs next to each SOLO button.
If you work on a mixer that has a solo function with no
indicator lights and you happen to forget you’re in solo
mode, you can easily be tricked into thinking that something is wrong with your mixer. Hence, the RUDE SOLO
light. It’s especially handy at about 3 am when no sound
is coming out of your monitors but your multitrack is
playing back like mad.
Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Auxiliary Section

so you can control the monitor levels independently
from the MAIN MIX. Use a post-fader send for effects, so
that the “wet” signal level follows the “dry” signal level.

This section includes the AUX MASTERS (Sends) and
the AUX RETURNS. These can be a bit confusing to the
uninitiated, so here’s the whole idea behind aux sends
and returns: sends are outputs and returns are inputs.
AUX SENDs tap signals off the channels, via the AUX
knobs (14), mix these signals together, then send them
out the AUX SEND jacks (50).

Most other mixing consoles require you to assign the
pre/post function in pairs (Aux 1/2, Aux 3/4), which can
be very limiting if you want to provide three monitor
sends and one effects send, for example. The Onyx 1620
allows you to assign the pre/post function for each AUX
SEND individually.

These outputs are fed to the inputs of an external
processor like a reverb or digital delay. From there,
the outputs of this external device are fed back to the
mixer’s AUX RETURN jacks (51). Then these signals are
sent through the AUX RETURN level controls (30), and
finally delivered to the MAIN MIX (38).

Both pre- and post-fader sends are affected by the EQ
controls (unless the EQ is bypassed, of course).

30. AUX 1-4 RETURNS
These four controls set the overall level of effects
received from the stereo AUX RETURN 1-4 inputs (51).
These controls range from off (∞) to +10 dB of gain
when fully clockwise, to compensate for low-level effects.

So, the original “dry” signals go from the channels to
the MAIN MIX and the affected “wet” signals go from
the AUX RETURNS to the MAIN MIX, and once mixed
together, the dry and wet signals combine to create a
glorious sound!

Signals passing through the AUX RETURN level controls proceed directly to the MAIN MIX bus where they
are combined with the other channels just before the
MAIN MIX fader (38).

The AUX SENDS can also be used to provide another
mix for stage monitors, for example. In this case, the
AUX RETURNS aren’t used to return the signal. Instead,
they can be used as additional stereo inputs.

31. FX TO MON Switch

28. AUX 1 -4 MASTERS

This switch routes the signal from AUX RETURN 3 to
the AUX 1 SEND instead of the MAIN MIX bus. This allows you to use an external effects device, like a reverb
or delay, exclusively for the monitors. When this switch
is pushed in, the effects signals coming into the AUX
RETURN 3 jacks are combined with the signals coming
from all of the channel AUX 1 send controls.

The AUX MASTERS provide overall control over the
AUX SEND levels, just before they are delivered to the
AUX SEND outputs (50). These knobs go from off (∞)
to +15 dB when turned all the way up.
This is usually the knob you turn up when the lead
singer glares at you, points at his stage monitor, and
sticks his thumb up in the air. (It would follow that if
the singer stuck his thumb down, you’d turn the knob
down, but that never happens.)

TALKBACK Section
The talkback feature allows the engineer to communicate with the talent either through the PHONES (24)
output or the AUX 1-2 (50) outputs. A talkback microphone is built into the Onyx 1620, or you have the option
of connecting an external microphone at the TALKBACK
MIC XLR (47) connector on the rear panel, which may
be preferable in live or noisy situations.

29. AUX 1-4 PRE/POST
The PRE/POST switches determine whether the AUX
SEND signal is tapped from the channel before the fader
(pre-fader) or after the fader and MUTE button (postfader). Typically, you use a pre-fader send for monitors
FADER

INPUT

GAIN

LOW CUT

INSERT

PAN

MUTE / ALT
"POST" SIGNAL OBEYS
MUTE STATUS

EQ
EQ
IN/OUT

AUX SEND 1 KNOB

"POST" SIGNAL
"PRE" SIGNAL

Aux “Pre vs. Post”
Signal Flow Diagram

TO AUX SEND 1
OUTPUT
AUX SEND 1 PRE/POST SWITCH
(IN MASTER SECTION)
AUX SEND 2 KNOB
TO AUX SEND 2
OUTPUT
AUX SEND 2 PRE/POST SWITCH
(IN MASTER SECTION)

ONYX 1620

37. TALKBACK Switch

This is where the built-in talkback microphone is located.
This is an omni-directional dynamic microphone, so it will
pick up your voice from anywhere in front of the mixer.

This is a momentary switch, meaning it’s only active
when you hold the switch down. As long as you hold
this switch down, the talkback signal is routed to the
outputs determined by the destination switches (35/36).
Release the switch, and the talkback circuit is turned off.

33. TALKBACK LEVEL
Use this knob to control the level of the talkback
signal being routed to the PHONES or AUX 1-2 outputs.
This controls the talkback level for either the internal
or external TALKBACK MICs.
You should start with the TALKBACK LEVEL control
turned down, and then slowly turn it up until you get
confirmation from whoever is listening to headphones
or monitors that they can hear you. Once you have set
the level, you can leave it there for the duration of the
session (or the gig).

34. EXTERNAL MIC Switch
If you are in a noisy environment, the built-in talkback
mic may not work as well because it picks up the ambient noise as well as your voice. You will probably have
better results if you use an external microphone that
you can talk directly into.
If you are using an external mic, you must push in
the EXTERNAL MIC switch. The indicating LED lets
you know when the switch is pushed. When the switch
is out, the built-in TALKBACK MIC is used, regardless
of whether or not you have an external mic plugged in.
When the switch is pushed in, the built-in mic is disconnected and only the external mic is used.

35. TALKBACK to PHONES
Push in the CR/PHONES switch to route the talkback
signal to the PHONES (24) output. Use this to communicate with the talent in the studio through the headphones during a recording session. When the talkback
circuit is activated (by pushing the TALKBACK (37)
switch) and the CR/PHONES switch is in, the CONTROL
ROOM outputs are attenuated by 20 dB to allow the
engineer’s voice to come through loud and clear.

36. TALKBACK to AUX 1-2
This switch routes the talkback signal to the AUX 1
and 2 outputs (50). Use this to communicate with the
musicians on-stage through their monitors during a live
performance.
By the way, it is okay to have both destination switches pushed in at the same time. The talkback signal will
be routed to both destinations. But if you don’t have either of the destination switches pushed in, the talkback
signal won’t go anywhere. You might as well be talking to
a brick wall.

Owner’s Manual

32. Internal TALKBACK MIC

MAIN MIX and POWER LED
These are a few more important features that
shouldn’t be overlooked.

38. MAIN MIX
Fader
The MAIN MIX
fader controls the
output level just
before the MAIN
OUTPUTS (1/4" and
XLR) (42/48) and
the TAPE OUTPUTS
(43). When MAIN
MIX is selected
for the CONTROL
ROOM/PHONES
SOURCE (20), the
MAIN MIX fader
(38) also controls
the main mix level
in the CONTROL
ROOM and PHONES
outputs (40/24).
When the fader
is fully down, the
MAIN MIX is off.
The “U” marking
indicates unity gain,
and fully up provides
10 dB of additional
gain. Typically, this
fader is set near the
“U” label and left
alone, but it can
be used for song
fade-outs or quick
system-wide mutes.

39. POWER LED
This LED performs one function—it lets you
know when the
Onyx 1620 is turned
on and ready to go!

AUX MASTERS

AUX RETURNS

PRE
POST

+15

PRE
POST

+15

PRE
POST

+15

PRE
POST

+15

1
OO

+10

2
3

FX
TO
MON

TALK
BACK

MIC
POWER

TALKBACK

MAIN
MIX

dB
10
OO

MAX

LEVEL

U
5
10

EXTERNAL
MIC
DESTINATION

CR/
PHONES

AUX
1-2

20
30
40
50
60
OO

TALKBACK

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Front Panel Connectors
Besides the channel strip MIC and LINE input connectors, there are some other connectors located on the
front panel for easy access.

The TAPE IN jacks accept an unbalanced signal from
a tape recorder or other signal source (could be a CD
player, if you want) using standard hi-fi hookup cables.
The signal is routed to the CONTROL ROOM/PHONES
SOURCE matrix (20). Push in the TAPE button to route
the tape input to the CONTROL ROOM and PHONES
outputs (40/24). This allows you to playback recordings
of your mixes.

40. CONTROL RM Outputs
These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a balanced line-level signal that can be used to provide another main mix output
(with MAIN MIX selected in the CONTROL ROOM/
PHONES SOURCE), or to monitor the ALT 3-4 outputs,
TAPE inputs, or a 2-track feed from your computer
(with the optional FireWire card installed).

Push in the ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX button (21) to
route the tape input to the MAIN OUTs (48/42). This
allows you to playback music between sets over the
main PA speakers.

Connect these outputs to the inputs of an amplifier,
powered speaker, or recording device.

WARNING! Pushing TAPE in the
SOURCE matrix and ASSIGN TO
MAIN MIX can create a feedback
path between TAPE IN and TAPE
OUT. Make sure your tape deck is not
in record, record pause, or input monitor mode when
you engage these switches, or make sure the CONTROL
ROOM level control is turned all the way down.

41. ALT 3-4 OUT
These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a balanced line-level signal that can provide an alternate stereo mix for recording or subgrouping.
Connect these outputs to the inputs of an amplifier,
powered speaker, or recording device.

The TAPE OUT jacks produce an unbalanced signal
that is tapped off the MAIN OUTs. Normally, you would
connect these to the inputs of a recorder, but you can
use them as an extra set of main outputs for feeding
another zone, for example.

Note: The ALT 3-4 OUT doesn’t have a master level
control. All the channels assigned to the ALT 3-4 bus are
summed together (post-fader and pan) and sent directly
to the ALT 3-4 OUT.

44. LAMP

42. MAIN OUT

This female BNC connector provides 12 volts DC on its
center pin. Connect any quality gooseneck lamp here.

These 1/4" TRS output connectors provide balanced
or unbalanced line-level signals. This is the same signal
that appears at the XLR MAIN OUTPUTS (48) on the
rear panel. Connect these to the next device in the signal chain like an external processor (graphic equalizer
or compressor/limiter), or directly to the inputs of the
main amplifier.

There are just a few more connectors and switches to
talk about and you’ll have completed your tour of the
Onyx 1620. Hang in there!

43. TAPE IN/OUT

45. POWER Switch

These RCA jacks are used to connect to the inputs and
outputs of a tape recorder or other recording device.

This one is self-explanatory. When the POWER switch
is turned ON, power is supplied to the Onyx 1620 and
the POWER LED on the front panel lights up.

BAL/UNBAL

Rear Panel

BAL/UNBAL

OUT

IN
LEFT

RIGHT

CONTROL RM OUT

ONYX 1620

LEFT/3

RIGHT/4

ALT 3-4 OUT

LEFT

RIGHT

MAIN OUT

TAPE

12V
0.5A

LAMP

50. AUX SEND 1-4

This is a standard 3-prong IEC power connector. Connect the detachable linecord (included in the box with
your Onyx 1620) to the power receptacle, and plug the
other end of the linecord into an AC outlet. The Onyx
1620 has a universal power supply that can accept any
AC voltage ranging from 100 VAC to 240 VAC. No need for
voltage select switches. It will work virtually anywhere
in the world. That’s why we call it a “Planet-Earth” power
supply! This also means that it is less susceptible to
voltage sags or spikes, providing greater electromagnetic
isolation and better protection against AC line noise.

These 1/4" TRS output connectors provide balanced
or unbalanced line-level signals for connecting to the
inputs of effects devices or stage monitor amplifiers.

47. TALKBACK MIC
This is where you plug in your external talkback
microphone if you need to have one. This female XLR
connector has +48 VDC phantom power always applied,
so you can use dynamic or condenser microphones.
Note: Almost all dynamic microphones can be used with
phantom power, but you might want to check the documentation that came with your microphone to be sure.

48. RIGHT/LEFT MAIN OUTPUTS
These male XLR connectors provide a balanced linelevel signal that represent the end of the mixer chain,
where your fully mixed stereo signal enters the real
world. Connect these to the inputs of your main power
amplifiers, powered speakers, or serial effects processor (like a graphic equalizer or compressor/limiter). It
provides a fully balanced signal that is the same as the
1/4" TRS MAIN OUT jacks on the front panel.

51. AUX RETURN 1-4
These 1/4" TRS input connectors accept balanced or
unbalanced line-level stereo signals from an external
processor or other device. The stereo AUX RETURNS
use jack normalling, like the stereo inputs on channels
9-16. If a signal is plugged into the LEFT (MONO) side
and nothing is plugged into the RIGHT side, the signal is
automatically connected to both LEFT and RIGHT sides.
As soon as something is plugged into the RIGHT side, the
normalled connection is broken and the LEFT and RIGHT
inputs become stereo inputs (LEFT goes to the LEFT
MAIN OUT and RIGHT goes to the RIGHT MAIN OUT).

Owner’s Manual

46. Power Receptacle

52. CHANNEL INSERT
These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a send and return point
for channels 1-8. Use the CHANNEL INSERT jacks to
connect serial effects devices such as compressors,
equalizers, de-essers, or filters to each individual channel.
The INSERT points are after the GAIN and Low Cut
controls, but before the EQ and Fader controls. The
send (tip) is low-impedance, capable of driving any
device. The return (ring) is high-impedance and can be
driven by almost any device.
Special insert cables are available, specially designed
for this kind of insert jack. They are wired as follows:

49. MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL

tip

When this switch is out (+4 dB), the XLR MAIN
OUTPUTS provide a +4 dBu line-level signal. When the
switch is pushed in (MIC), the signal is attenuated by
40 dB to a microphone level. You can connect the XLR
MAIN OUTPUTS to the microphone inputs of another
mixer, providing a submix for keyboards or drums, for
example, in a live sound application.

SEND to processor

ring

(TRS plug)

sleeve

this plug connects to one of the
mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.

“tip”

“ring”
RETURN from processor

Tip = Send (output to effects device)
Ring = Return ( input from effects device)
Sleeve = Common ground (connect shield to all
three sleeves)

Note: You can safely plug this output into a microphone input that provides 48 V phantom power.

POWER
ON

TALKBACK
MIC

RIGHT
BALANCED

MAIN

CHANNEL INSERTS

AUX SEND

LEFT
BALANCED

+48V
+4dB

( PRE-FADER / PRE EQ

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

TIP SEND / RING RETURN )

LEFT

RIGHT

MIC

MAIN
OUTPUT
LEVEL

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

~100-240 VAC
50-60 Hz 55W

AUX RETURNS
LEFT

RIGHT

LEFT

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

SERIAL NUMBER

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

MANUFACTURING DATE

LISTED COMMERCIAL
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
65HJ

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Besides being used for inserting external devices,
these jacks can also be used as channel direct outputs;
post-TRIM, post-LOW CUT, and pre-EQ. This is an
unbalanced direct out, in contrast to the RECORDING
OUTS on the rear panel, which are balanced direct
outputs, post-TRIM, pre-LOW CUT.

connect a compressor or other dynamics processor to
the INSERT jack, and adjust the channel fader to suit
your live mix, but it has no effect on the signal going to
the recorder. This provides maximum flexibility for the
mixdown stage.
See Appendix B for a wiring diagram of these connectors.

Here are three ways you use the INSERT jacks:

54. FIREWIRE I/O OPTION
Okay, we saved the best for last. FireWire (a.k.a. IEEE
1394) is a high-speed serial I/O interface for connecting
digital devices, with more than 30 times the bandwidth
of USB 1.1. You can install the optional Onyx FireWire
interface card in this slot, which provides three
FireWire connectors for transferring digital audio to and
from your laptop computer or digital audio workstation
(DAW) with absolute zero latency.

MONO PLUG
Channel Insert jack

Direct out with no signal interruption to master.
Insert only to first “click.”

MONO PLUG
Channel Insert jack

The FireWire interface provides the direct outputs
for all sixteen channels and the Left/Right Mix. The
Left/Right Mix is pre-fader at the FireWire output, so its
level is independent of the MAIN MIX fader (important
for live gigs). Instead, it has a rotary level control that
provides 10 dB of boost or cut for the Left/Right mix,
to optimize the level for the recorder or DAW. Use the
FireWire interface to record a live performance directly
to your laptop, which you can mixdown to a stereo mix
later. Or you can use it to turn your Onyx mixer into a
high-quality computer audio interface for your DAW.

Direct out with signal interruption to master.
Insert all the way in to the second “click.”

STEREO
PLUG
Channel Insert jack

For use as an effects loop.
(TIP = SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect)

53. RECORDING OUTS
These two DB-25 connectors provide balanced direct
outputs for channels 1-8 and 9-16, respectively. They are
designed to be connected directly to a recorder’s analog
inputs, and use the TASCAM standard pinout for analog
signal connections (the same standard used on the analog cards for the Mackie D8B and Hard Disk Recorder).
The signal at the RECORDING OUTS comes just after
the input GAIN control, and before the Low-Cut switch,
INSERT jacks, and EQ. This way you can EQ a channel,

The card also provides a return for two channels from
the DAW, which can be routed through the CONTROL
ROOM/PHONES SOURCE matrix (20) via the FIREWIRE
button, to monitor the computer audio through your control room speakers or headphones (or through the main
speakers if ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX is selected).
The FireWire interface works with both PC (ASIO
for Windows XP) and Mac (Core Audio for Mac OS 10.3
or higher). As an added bonus, we include a free copy
of Tracktion, our multitrack recording and sequencing
software application for PC or Mac.
Visit our website at www.mackie.com for more information about the Onyx FireWire card.

TALKBACK

POWER
ON

MIC

RIGHT
BALANCED

MAIN

AUX SEND

LEFT
BALANCED

+48V
+4dB

CHANNEL INSERTS
( PRE-FADER / PRE EQ

RIGHT

LEFT

RIGHT

TIP SEND / RING RETURN )

LEFT

RIGHT

MIC

MAIN
OUTPUT
LEVEL

CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN

~100-240 VAC
50-60 Hz 55W

AUX RETURNS
LEFT

RIGHT

WARNING:

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.

SERIAL NUMBER

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR

MANUFACTURING DATE

LISTED COMMERCIAL
AUDIO EQUIPMENT
65HJ

9-16

RECORDING OUTS
POST GAIN / PRE INSERT

1-8

OPTION CARD
BALANCED

ONYX 1620

BALANCED

LEFT

Warranty Service
Details concerning Warranty Service are spelled out in
the Warranty section on page 31.
If you think your Onyx mixer has a problem, please
do everything you can to confirm it before calling for
service. Doing so might save you from the deprivation of
your Onyx mixer and the associated suffering.
These may sound obvious to you, but here are some
things you can check. Read on.

•

Is there something plugged into the CHANNEL
INSERT jack (52)? Try unplugging any INSERT
devices (channels 1-8 only).

•

Try the same source signal in another channel, set
up exactly like the suspect channel.

Bad Output
•

Is the associated level control (if any) turned up?

•

If it’s one of the MAIN OUTPUTS, try unplugging all
the others. For example, if it’s the 1/4" LEFT MAIN
OUT, unplug the RCA LEFT TAPE OUT and XLR
LEFT OUTPUT. If the problem goes away, it’s not
the mixer.

•

If it’s a stereo pair, try switching them around. For
example, if a left output is presumed dead, switch
the left and right cords at the mixer end. If the
problem stays on the left side, it’s not the mixer.

Troubleshooting
No Power
•

Our favorite question: Is it plugged in?

•

Make sure the power cord is securely seated in the
IEC socket (46) and plugged all the way into the
AC outlet.

•

Make sure the AC outlet is live (check with a tester
or lamp).

•

Is the POWER (45) switch on? Make sure the
POWER switch on the rear panel is in the ON position (up).

•

Is the POWER LED (39) on the front panel illuminated? If not, make sure the AC outlet is live. If so,
refer to “No Sound” below.

•

Are all the lights out in your building? If so, contact
your local power company to get power restored.

•

If the POWER LED is not illuminated, and you are
certain that the AC outlet is live, it will be necessary
to have your Onyx 1620 serviced. There are no user
serviceable parts inside. Refer to “Repair” at the end
of this section to find out how to proceed.

Bad Sound
•

Is the input connector plugged completely into the
jack?

•

Is it loud and distorted? Make sure the input GAIN
control for the input is set correctly. Reduce the
signal level on the input source if possible.

•

If possible, listen to the signal with headphones
plugged into the input source device. If it sounds
bad there, it’s not the Onyx causing the problem.

Noise/Hum
•

Turn down the AUX RETURN knobs (30). If the
noise disappears, it’s coming from whatever is
plugged into the AUX RETURNS (51).

•

Turn down each channel, one by one. If the noise
disappears, it’s coming from whatever is plugged
into that channel.

•

Check the signal cables between the input sources
and the Onyx. Disconnect them one by one. When
the noise goes away, you’ll know which input source
is causing the problem.

•

Sometimes it helps to plug all the audio equipment
into the same AC circuit so they share a common
ground.

Bad Channel
•

Is the MUTE/ALT 3-4 button (16) in the correct
position?

•

Is the input GAIN control (7) for the channel
turned up?

•

Is the fader (17) turned up?

•

Is the signal source turned up? Make sure the
signal level from the selected input source is high
enough to light up some of the INPUT meter (18)
LEDs next to the channel’s fader.

•

If it is channel 1 or 2, make sure the MIC/HI-Z
switch (4) is in the right position.

Owner’s Manual

Appendix A: Service Information

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Repair
Service for Mackie products is available at our galactic
headquarters, located in sunny Woodinville, Washington.
Service for Mackie products living outside the United
States can be obtained through local dealers or distributors.

MACKIE
SERVICE DEPARTMENT
16220 Wood-Red Road NE
Woodinville, WA 98072

If your Onyx 1620 needs service, follow these instructions:
1.

Review the preceding troubleshooting suggestions.
Please.

Call Tech Support at 1-800-898-3211, 7 am to 5 pm
PST, to explain the problem and request an RA
(Return Authorization) number. Have your Onyx
1620’s serial number ready. You must have an RA
number before you can obtain service at the
factory.

Keep this owner’s manual and the detachable linecord. We don’t need them to repair the mixer.

Pack the mixer in its original package, including
endcaps and box. This is VERY IMPORTANT. When
you call for the RA number, please let Tech Support know if you need new packaging. Mackie is
not responsible for any damage that occurs due to
non-factory packaging.

Include a legible note stating your name, shipping
address (no P.O. boxes), daytime phone number, RA
number, and a detailed description of the problem,
including how we can duplicate it.

Write the RA number in BIG PRINT on top of the box.
Units sent to us without the RA number will be refused.

Ship the mixer to us. We suggest insurance for all
forms of cartage. Ship to this address:

We’ll try to fix the mixer within three to five business days. Ask Tech Support for the latest turnaround times when you call for your RA number.
The mixer must be packaged in its original packing
box, and must have the RA number on the box.
Once it’s repaired, we’ll ship it back the same way
in which it was received. This paragraph does not
necessarily apply to non-warranty repair.
Note: You must have a sales receipt from an Authorized Mackie Dealer to qualify for a warranty repair.

Need Help?
You can reach a technical support representative
Monday through Friday
from 7 AM to 5 PM PST at:
1-800-898-3211
After hours, visit www.mackie.com and click Support,
or email us at: techmail@mackie.com

ONYX 1620

XLR Connectors

1/4" TS Phone Plugs and Jacks

Channels 1-8 use 3-pin female XLR connectors on the
MIC inputs. They are wired as follows, according to standards specified by the AES (Audio Engineering Society).

“TS” stands for Tip-Sleeve, the two connection points
available on a mono 1/4" phone jack or plug. They are
used for unbalanced signals.

SHIELD
HOT

COLD

SLEEVE

TIP

SLEEVE

Owner’s Manual

Appendix B: Connections

TIP
SHIELD

1
SLEEVE

COLD 3
HOT
1
3

2
SHIELD
COLD

1/4" TS Unbalanced Wiring:
Sleeve = Shield
Tip = Hot (+)

HOT

XLR Balanced Wiring:
Pin 1 = Shield
Pin 2 = Hot (+)
Pin 3 = Cold (–)

RCA Plugs and Jacks

1/4" TRS Phone Plugs and Jacks
“TRS” stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve, the three connection
points available on a stereo 1/4" or balanced phone
jack or plug. TRS jacks and plugs are used for balanced
signals and stereo headphones:

Balanced Mono
RING SLEEVE

RING
TIP
SLEEVE

1/4" TRS Balanced Mono Wiring:
Sleeve = Shield
Tip = Hot (+)
Ring = Cold (–)

TIP SLEEVE

TIP

RCA Unbalanced Wiring:
Sleeve = Shield
Tip = Hot (+)

Unbalancing a Line
In most studio, stage, and sound reinforcement situations, there is a combination of balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs on the various pieces of
equipment. This usually will not be a problem in making
connections.
•

Stereo Headphones
SLEEVE RING TIP

TIP
RING
TIP
SLEEVE

1/4" TRS Stereo Unbalanced Wiring:
Sleeve = Shield
Tip = Left
Ring = Right

SLEEVE

SLEEVE RING TIP

TIP

RING SLEEVE

RCA-type plugs (also known as phono plugs) and jacks
are often used in home stereo and video equipment and
in many other applications. They are unbalanced and
electrically equivalent to a 1/4" TS phone plug.

When connecting a balanced output to an unbalanced input, be sure the signal high (hot) connections are wired to each other, and that the balanced
signal low (cold) goes to the ground (earth)
connection at the unbalanced input. In most cases,
the balanced ground (earth) will also be connected
to the ground (earth) at the unbalanced input. If
there are ground-loop problems, this connection
may be left disconnected at the balanced end.

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

•

When connecting an unbalanced output to a balanced input, be sure that the signal high (hot)
connections are wired to each other. The unbalanced ground (earth) connection should be wired
to the low (cold) and the ground (earth) connections of the balanced input. If there are ground-loop
problems, try disconnecting the unbalanced ground
(earth) connection from the balanced input ground
(earth) connection, leaving the unbalanced ground
connected to the balanced input low (cold) connection only.

In some cases, you may have to make up special
adapters to interconnect your equipment. For example,
you may need a balanced XLR female connected to an
unbalanced 1/4" TS phone plug. Many common adapters
can be found at your local electronics supply store.
The balanced-to-unbalanced connection has been
anticipated in the wiring of Mackie jacks. A 1/4" TS plug
inserted into a 1/4" TRS balanced input, for example,
will automatically unbalance the input and make all the
right connections. Conversely, a 1/4" TRS plug inserted
into a 1/4" unbalanced input will automatically tie the
ring (low or cold) to ground (earth).

TRS Send/Receive Insert Jacks
Mackie’s single-jack inserts are three-conductor 1/4"
TRS phone jacks. They are unbalanced, but have both
the mixer output (send) and mixer input (return)
signals in one connector.
The sleeve is the common ground (earth) for both
signals. The send from the mixer to the external unit is
carried on the tip, and the return from the unit to the
mixer is on the ring.

tip

SEND to processor

ring
sleeve

(TRS plug)

this plug connects to one of the
mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.

“tip”

“ring”
RETURN from processor

Using the Send Only on an Insert Jack
If you insert a 1/4" TS (mono) plug only partially (to
the first click) into a Mackie insert jack, the plug will
not activate the jack switch and will not open the insert
loop in the circuit (thereby allowing the channel signal
to continue on its merry way through the mixer).

Y-Cord Splitter

ONYX 1620

This allows you to tap out the channel’s signal at that
point in the circuit without interrupting normal operation.
Note: Do not overload or short-circuit
the signal you are tapping from the
mixer. That will affect the internal
signal.
If you push the 1/4" TS plug in to the second click,
you will open the jack switch and create a direct out,
which does interrupt the signal in that channel.

MONO PLUG
Channel Insert jack

Direct out with no signal interruption to master.
Insert only to first “click.”

MONO PLUG
Channel Insert jack

Direct out with signal interruption to master.
Insert all the way in to the second “click.”

STEREO
PLUG
Channel Insert jack

For use as an effects loop.
(TIP = SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect)

Mults and “Y”s
A mult or “Y” connector allows you to route one output
to two or more inputs by simply providing parallel wiring connections. You can make “Y”s and mults for the
outputs of both unbalanced and balanced circuits.
Remember: Only mult or “Y” an
output into several inputs. If you need
to combine several outputs into one
input, you must use a mixer, not a
mult or a “Y.”

Owner’s Manual

DB25 Connectors

Ch16
Ch16
Ch15
Ch14
Ch14
Ch 13
Ch 12
Ch 12
Ch 11
Ch 10
Ch 10
Ch 9

Pin 14
Pin 15
Pin 16
Pin 17
Pin 18
Pin 19
Pin 20
Pin 21
Pin 22
Pin 23
Pin 24
Pin 25

–
+
shield
–
+
shield
–
+
shield
–
+
shield

REC OUTS
9-16

Ch 8
Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 6
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 4
Ch 3
Ch 2
Ch 2
Ch 1

REC OUTS
1-8

REC OUTS
9-16

+
shield
–
+
shield
–
+
shield
–
+
shield
–
N/C

Signal
Description

REC OUTS
1-8

Pin 1
Pin 2
Pin 3
Pin 4
Pin 5
Pin 6
Pin 7
Pin 8
Pin 9
Pin 10
Pin 11
Pin 12
Pin 13

Signal
Description

The RECORDING OUTS on the back of the Onyx 1620
provide balanced direct outputs for channels 1-12 on
two female DB25 connectors. These connectors are
pin-for-pin compatible with the analog (not TDIF) DB25
connectors found on TASCAM DTRS recorders, which has
become an industry standard for many professional audio
manufacturers. They are also the same pinout as the analog cards for the Mackie D8B and hard disk recorders.

Ch 8
Ch 7
Ch 7
Ch 6
Ch 5
Ch 5
Ch 4
Ch 3
Ch 3
Ch 2
Ch 1
Ch 1

Ch16
Ch15
Ch15
Ch14
Ch 13
Ch 13
Ch 12
Ch 11
Ch 11
Ch 10
Ch 9
Ch 9

GROUND
COLD
HOT

GROUND
COLD
HOT
GROUND
COLD
HOT
GROUND
COLD
HOT
GROUND
COLD
HOT

GROUND
COLD
HOT
GROUND
COLD
HOT

COLD
HOT

GROUND

CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6 CH 7 CH 8
CH 9 CH 10 CH 11 CH 12 CH 13 CH 14 CH 15 CH 16

N/C

13 12 11 10 9

7 6

25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14

Several companies make DB25-to-DB25 cables specifically for audio, with proper shielding to reduce crosstalk
and noise.
DB25 cables that break out to XLR, 1/4" TRS, or TT
connectors for connecting to other mixers or audio gear
are also readily available. See your Mackie dealer for
details.

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Appendix C: Technical Info
Onyx 1620 Specifications
Frequency Response

Maximum Input Levels

Mic Input to Main Output (Gain @ Unity)
+0, –1 dB, 20 Hz to 50 kHz
+0, –3 dB, <10 Hz to >100 kHz

Mic Input to Main Output (@ +4 dBu)
THD: < 0.01%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
SMPTE IMD: < 0.005% (7 kHz/60 Hz, 4:1)

Mic Input:
+21 dBu, Gain @ unity
Inst Input:
+21 dBu, Gain @ –20 dB
Mono Channel Line Input:
+30 dBu, Gain @ –20 dB
Stereo Channel Line Input:
+21 dBu, Gain @ –20 dB
Tape Input:
+15 dBu
Aux Return:
+21 dBu

Dynamic Range

Maximum Voltage Gain

Distortion (THD & IMD)

>110 dB (Mic In to Main Out)

Noise Floor
(20 Hz to 20 kHz Bandwidth, 150Ω source impedance)
Equivalent Input Noise (E.I.N.)
–129.5 dBu @ +60 dB gain
Mic Output Noise:
Recording Output: –100 dBu (minimum gain)
Residual Output Noise:
Main Out: –102 dBu (Channel and Main Mix levels off)
Main Out: –88 dBu (Channel and Main Mix levels at
unity)

Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)
Mic In:

>60 dB @ 1 kHz, Gain @ maximum

Crosstalk
Adjacent Inputs:
Input to Output:

< –105 dB @ 1 kHz
< –75 dB @ 1 kHz

Input Gain Control Range
Mic In: 0 dB to +60 dB
Line In: –20 dB to + 40 dB, mono channels
Line In: –20 dB to +20 dB, stereo channels

Phantom Power
+48 VDC

Equalization
Mono Channel EQ:
High:
High Mid:
Low Mid:
Low:

±15 dB @ 12 kHz
±15 dB, sweepable from 400 Hz to 8 kHz
±15 dB, sweepable from 100 Hz to 2 kHz
±15 dB @ 80 Hz

Stereo Channel EQ:
High:
±15 dB @ 12 kHz
Mid:
±15 dB @ 2.5 kHz
Low:
±15 dB @ 80 Hz

Mixer Rated Output
Main:
+4 dBu
Aux Send:
+4 dBu
Control Room:
+4 dBu
Alt 3/4:
+4 dBu
Maximum Rated Output:
+27 dBu @ Main XLR and TRS outputs

ONYX 1620

Mic Input to:
Main Output:
Tape Output:
Aux Sends:
Control Rm Output:
Alt 3/4 Output:
Phones Output:

80 dB
80 dB
86 dB
90 dB
64 dB
90 dB

Inst Input to:
Main Output:
Tape Output:
Aux Sends:
Control Rm Output:
Alt 3/4 Output:
Phones Output:

60 dB
60 dB
66 dB
70 dB
44 dB
70 dB

Stereo Line Input to:
Main Output:
Tape Output:
Aux Sends:
Control Rm Output:
Alt 3/4 Output:
Phones Output:

40 dB
40 dB
46 dB
50 dB
24 dB
50 dB

Tape Input to:
Main Output:
Tape Output:
Control Rm Output:
Phones Output:

26 dB
26 dB
16 dB
16 dB

Aux Return to:
Main Output:
Tape Output:
Aux Send:
Control Rm Output:
Phones Output:

20 dB
20 dB
32 dB
30 dB
30 dB

Input Impedance
Mic Input:
Inst Input:
Mono Channel Line Input:

2.4 kΩ, balanced
1 MΩ
30 kΩ balanced;
15 kΩ unbalanced
Stereo Channel Line Input: 20 kΩ balanced;
10 kΩ unbalanced
Stereo Aux Returns:
20 kΩ balanced;
10 kΩ unbalanced
Tape In:
20 kΩ, unbalanced

Physical Dimensions and Weight

150 Ω balanced, XLR outputs;
300 Ω TRS outputs
Recording Outputs: 300 Ω
Control Room:
300 Ω
Alt 3/4:
300 Ω
Aux Sends:
300 Ω
Tape Output:
2.2 kΩ
Phones Output:
25 Ω

Height:
Width:
Depth:
Weight:

Main:

20.3 in/516 mm
17.3 in/440 mm
6.6 in/167 mm
22.0 lb/10.0 kg

Options
Onyx FireWire Interface Card
Rack Mount Kit

Channel Level Set LED (Sensitivity)
0 dBu (normal operating level)

VU Meters
Main Left and Right, 12 segments:
Clip (+20), +10, +7, +4, +2, 0, –2, –4, –7, –10, –20, –30
0 LED = 0 dBu

LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our products by incorporating new and improved materials, components,
and manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve the right to
change these specifications at any time without notice.

AC Power Requirements

“Mackie.”, “Onyx,” and the “Running Man” are registered
trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc. All other brand names
mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.

Power Consumption: < 55 watts

Owner’s Manual

Output Impedance

6.6 in/
16.7 cm

Universal AC Power Supply:
100 VAC – 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz

20.3 in/51.6 cm
12 rack spaces

17.3 in/44.0 cm

WEIGHT
22.0 lb/
10.0 kg

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Mic

MACKIE
ONYX 1620
BLOCK DIAGRAM
(#021704_DB/DF)

Internal
Talkback Mic
External

Aux Return 2

Aux Return 1

–20 to +20 dB

Gain

Int TB Mic
Ext TB Mic

Mic
Hi-Z

Mic: 0 to +60 dB
Line: –20 to +40 dB

Gain

2.5K

12K

MID

MID
HI

EQ Out
In

Talkback

PK
+10
0
-20

4-Band EQ

80 100-2K 400-8K 12K

Insert

Level

To Firewire Out
(optional)

MID

2.5K

MID

3-Band EQ

To Firewire Out
(optional)

HPF

Bypass
Low Cut

NOTE: Switches are shown in the default (out) position.

Ext TB

Recording Outs

Ch 9-16

Stereo Channels

Ch 1-8

Hi-Z

Ch 1-2

48V

Line

Mic

Mono Channels

48V

Fader
Level

Level

Solo

Main L/R
Alt 3/4

to Aux 1-2

to CR/Phones

to Main L/R
to Aux1

Main L/R
Alt 3/4

Solo

Aux
Sends

Pan

Talkback Assign

Pan

PK
+10
0
-20

CD/Tape In
L

Alt R/4 Sum

Alt L/3 Sum

R Sum

L Sum

Pre
Post

Aux 4

Pre
Post

Aux 3

Pre
Post

Aux 2

Pre
Post

Aux 1

R AFL

PFL

Solo Sum
L AFL

L
R Main
L/3 Alt
R/4
Aux 1 (pre)
Aux 1 (post)
Aux 2 (pre)
Aux 2 (post)
Aux 3 (pre)
Aux 3 (post)
Aux 4 (pre)
Aux 4 (post)
Solo L (afl)
Solo R (afl)
Solo (pfl)
Solo Logic
Main L
R
Alt L/3
R/4
Aux 1 (pre)
Aux 1 (post)
Aux 2 (pre)
Aux 2 (post)
Aux 3 (pre)
Aux 3 (post)
Aux 4 (pre)
Aux 4 (post)
Solo L (afl)
Solo R (afl)
Solo (pfl)
Solo Logic

28
Off
C/R to Main

PFL
AFL

Main

Aux 4 Sum

Aux 3 Sum

Aux 2 Sum

Aux 1 Sum

(Switch Normally
Open)

(Switch Normally
Closed)

C/R Source

CD/Tape

Alt3/4

Main Mix
Fader

From Channel
Recording Outs

C/R
DIM

Meter

Off
Firewire to C/R

Solo Logic

C/R
R

C/R
L

RUDE
SOLO
LED

Firewire
Outputs

Aux 4 Level

Aux 3 Level

Aux 2 Level

Aux 1 Level

Phones
Level

Control
Room
Level

+
–

+4 dBu
Mic Level

Bal

Left

Bal

Right

(option)

Aux 4 Out

Aux 3 Out

Aux 2 Out

Aux 1 Out

Firewire I/O

Control Room
Out
Right

Left

Phones

Right/4

Left/3
Alt Out

Tape

Line

Main Out

Line

Tape

ONYX 1620

Onyx 1620 Block Diagram

YX MIC PR
ON
E

8
YX MIC PR
ON
E

YX MIC PR
ON
E

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE OPTION

Session:
Date:
HI-Z
1

HI-Z
2

MIC
HI-Z

LINE
3

LINE
4

LINE
5

LINE
6

LINE
7

LINE
8

BAL/
UNBAL

75Hz
18dB/OCT

48V
30
20

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

48V

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

48V

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

75Hz
18dB/OCT

48V

75Hz
18dB/OCT

48V

75Hz
18dB/OCT

48V

75Hz
18dB/OCT

48V

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

30
40

40
60

-20dB

+40dB

GAIN

Owner’s Manual

Onyx 1620 Track Sheet (Channels 1-8)

+40dB

GAIN

NOTES:
OUT
IN

OUT
IN

FREQ

FREQ
400

400

100

AUX

1
OO

MAX

L R

MAX

1
OO

MAX

PAN
L R

AUX

1
OO

PAN

80Hz

+15

AUX

PAN
L R

LOW
-15

+15

1
MAX

U
80Hz

AUX

+15

LOW
-15

+15

PAN
L R

MAX

PAN

LOW
MID
-15

+15
U

1
MAX

LOW
MID
-15

80Hz

AUX

FREQ
100

LOW
-15

1
MAX

AUX

100

+15

80Hz

+15

400

LOW
MID
-15

+15

FREQ

LOW
-15

+15

1
MAX

U
80Hz

AUX

100

+15

HIGH
MID
-15

+15
400

LOW
-15

1
OO

L R

+15

-15

+15

LOW
MID
-15

+15

80Hz

-15

FREQ

LOW

80Hz

+15

100

HIGH
MID

400

LOW
MID
-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

-15

LOW
MID
-15

+15

LOW
+15

100

FREQ
400

FREQ

LOW
MID
-15

+15
U

-15

+15

FREQ

LOW
MID
-15

100

HIGH
MID

400

FREQ

-15

+15

FREQ
400

HIGH
MID

400

FREQ

+15
2k

FREQ
400

HIGH
MID
-15

+15

12kHz

-15

+15
2k

FREQ
400

HIGH
MID
-15

+15

HIGH

12kHz

-15

+15
2k

FREQ
400

FREQ
100

HIGH
MID
-15

+15

FREQ
400

HIGH
MID
-15

HIGH

12kHz

-15

+15

HIGH

12kHz

-15

+15

OUT
IN

HIGH

12kHz

-15

+15

OUT
IN

HIGH

12kHz

-15

+15

OUT
IN

HIGH

12kHz

-15

OUT
IN

HIGH

12kHz

+15

OUT
IN

HIGH
-15

OUT
IN

PAN
L R

NOTES:
MUTE

MUTE

ALT 3/4

dB
10

5
U
5
10
20

dB
10

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10
5

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

40
50
60

SOLO

8
OL
+10

0
-20

SOLO

Owner’s Manual

ONYX 1620

Onyx 1620 Track Sheet (Channels 9-16 and Master Section)
BAL/UNBAL

BAL/UNBAL

LEFT

LEFT/3

RIGHT

CONTROL RM OUT
LINE IN 9-10

ALT 3-4 OUT

LINE IN 11-12
(MONO)

(MONO)

BAL
OR
UNBAL

-20dB

+20dB

GAIN

OUT
IN

PHONES

-20dB

+20dB

GAIN

OUT
IN

LAMP

(MONO)

-20dB

+20dB

TAPE

LINE IN 15-16

GAIN

+20dB

GAIN

OUT
IN

w/ PERKINS EQ & FIREWIRE OPTION

12V
0.5A

MAIN OUT

LINE IN 13-14

RIGHT

(MONO)

-20dB

LEFT

RIGHT/4

PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER

OUT

CONTROL
ROOM/
PHONES
SOURCE

OUT
IN

LEFT
20
10

MAIN MIX

HIGH
12kHz

-15

(OPTION)

12kHz

-15

+15

FIREWIRE

HIGH

12kHz

-15

+15

HIGH

12kHz

-15

+15

HIGH

RIGHT

0dB=0dBu
CLIP

+15

LEVEL
SET

4
ALT 3-4

7
10

MID

2.5kHz
-15

-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz
-15

+15

MID

2.5kHz

2.5kHz
-15

+15

TAPE

RUDE
SOLO

+15

ASSIGN TO
MAIN MIX

LOW
-15

MAX

1
OO

MAX

PAN
L R

AUX

PAN

PAN
L R

PAN

MUTE

ALT 3/4

9
10

5
U
5
10
20

dB
10

11
12

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10

13
14

OL
+10

0
-20

U
5
10
20

dB
10

PFL
AFL

MAX

AUX MASTERS

SOLO
MODE

AUX RETURNS

PRE
POST

+15

PRE
POST

+15

PRE
POST

+15

PRE
POST

+15

1
OO

+10

2
3

FX
TO
MON

TALK
BACK

MIC
POWER

+10

0
-20

5
10
20

40
50
60

SOLO

15
16

SOLO

PHONES

TALKBACK

MAX

LEVEL

+10

0
-20

MAIN
MIX

dB
10
OO

SOLO
ONYX 1620

MAX

L R

MUTE

dB
10

L R

MAX

CONTROL
ROOM

1
OO

+15

AUX

1
OO

80Hz

-15

+15

AUX

1
MAX

LOW

80Hz

-15

+15

AUX

LOW

80Hz

-15

+15

LOW

80Hz

EXTERNAL
MIC
DESTINATION

CR/
PHONES

AUX
1-2

SOLO
TALKBACK

20
30
40
50
60
OO

Session:
Date:

Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.
A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials, workmanship
and proper operation of this product for a period of three years
from the original date of purchase. If any defects are found
in the materials or workmanship or if the product fails to
function properly during the applicable warranty period, LOUD
Technologies, at its option, will repair or replace the product.
This warranty applies only to equipment sold and delivered
within the U.S. by LOUD Technologies Inc. or its authorized
dealers.
B. Failure to register online or return the product registration
card will not void the three-year warranty.
C. Service and repairs of Mackie products are to be performed
only at the factory (see D below) OR at an Authorized Mackie
Service Center (see E below). Unauthorized service, repairs,
or modification will void this warranty. To obtain repairs under
warranty, you must have a copy of your sales receipt from the
store where you bought the product. It is necessary to establish
purchase date and thus determine whether or not your Mackie
product is still under warranty.
D. To obtain factory service:
1. Call Mackie Service at 800/898-3211, 7 AM to 5 PM
Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) to get a Return
Authorization (RA). Products returned without an RA number
will be refused.
2. Pack the product in its original shipping carton. If you do
not have the carton, just ask for one when you get your RA
number, and we’ll send a shipping carton out promptly. More
information on packing can be found in the Service section of
this manual. Please seal the Mackie product in a plastic bag.
3. Also include a note explaining exactly how to duplicate
the problem, a copy of the sales receipt with price and date
showing, and your return street address (no P.O. boxes or
route numbers, please!). If we cannot duplicate the problem
or establish the starting date of your Limited Warranty, we
may, at our option, charge for service time.
4. Ship the product in its original shipping carton, freight
prepaid to:
MACKIE SERVICE DEPARTMENT
16220 Wood-Red Road NE
Woodinville, WA, 98072, USA
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the RA number is plainly
written on the shipping carton.
E. To obtain service from an Authorized Mackie Service Center:
1. Call Mackie Service at 800/898-3211, 7 AM to 5 PM
Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) to get: 1) The name and
address of your nearest Authorized Mackie Service Center
and 2) A return authorization (RA). You must have an RA
number before taking your unit to a service center.
2. Make sure that you have a copy of your sales receipt from
the store where you bought the product. If you can’t find it,
the Authorized Service Center may charge you for repairs
even if your Mackie product is still covered by the Three-Year
Limited Warranty.
3. Make sure that the problem can be duplicated. If you bring
your Mackie product to an Authorized Service Center and
they can’t find anything wrong with it, you may be charged a
service fee.

Owner’s Manual

Onyx 1620 Limited Warranty

4. If the Authorized Mackie Service Center is located in
another city, pack the mixer in its original shipping carton.
More information on packing can be found in the Service
section of this manual.
5. Contact the Authorized Mackie Service Center to arrange
service or bring the Mackie product to them.
F. LOUD Technologies and Authorized Mackie Service Centers
reserve the right to inspect any products that may be the subject
of any warranty claims before repair or replacement is carried
out. LOUD Technologies and Authorized Mackie Service Centers
may, at their option, require proof of the original date of purchase
in the form of a dated copy of the original dealer’s invoice or
sales receipt. Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely
with LOUD Technologies or its Authorized Service Centers.
G. Mackie products returned to LOUD Technologies and
deemed eligible for repair or replacement under the terms of
this warranty will be repaired or replaced within thirty days
of receipt by LOUD Technologies. LOUD Technologies may
use refurbished parts for repair or replacement of any product.
Products returned to LOUD Technologies that do not meet the
terms of this Warranty will be repaired and returned C.O.D.
with billing for labor, materials, return freight, and insurance.
Products repaired under warranty at the factory will be returned
freight prepaid by LOUD Technologies to any location within the
boundaries of the USA.
H. LOUD Technologies warrants all repairs performed for 90
days or for the remainder of the warranty period. This warranty
does not extend to damage resulting from improper installation,
misuse, neglect or abuse, or to exterior appearance. This
warranty is recognized only if the inspection seals and serial
number on the unit have not been defaced or removed.
I. LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the quality
or timeliness of repairs performed by Authorized Mackie Service
Centers.
J. This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and to
anyone who may subsequently purchase this product within the
applicable warranty period. A copy of the original sales receipt is
required to obtain warranty repairs.
K. This is your sole warranty. LOUD Technologies does
not authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales
representative, to assume any liability on behalf of LOUD
Technologies or to make any warranty for LOUD Technologies Inc.
L. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS THE SOLE
WARRANTY GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. AND IS IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS AND IMPLIED,
INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THE WARRANTY
GIVEN ON THIS PAGE SHALL BE STRICTLY LIMITED IN
DURATION TO THREE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ORIGINAL
PURCHASE FROM AN AUTHORIZED MACKIE DEALER. UPON
EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE WARRANTY PERIOD, LOUD
TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY
OBLIGATION OF ANY KIND. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY
DEFECT IN THE MACKIE PRODUCT OR ANY WARRANTY
CLAIM. Some states do not allow exclusion or limitation of
incidental, special, or consequential damages or a limitation on
how long warranties last, so some of the above limitations and
exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty provides specific
legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from state
to state.

Owner’s Manual

16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA
United States and Canada: 800.898.3211
Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333
Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000
Fax: 425.487.4337 • www.mackie.com
E-mail: sales@mackie.com

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.3
Linearized                      : Yes
Encryption                      : Standard V1.2 (40-bit)
User Access                     : Print, Fill forms, Extract, Assemble, Print high-res
Create Date                     : 2004:02:24 16:15:31
Producer                        : Acrobat Distiller 4.05 for Macintosh
Modify Date                     : 2004:04:28 16:23:07-07:00
Title                           : Onyx 1620 Premium Analog Mixer Owner's Manual
Subject                         : Mackie Onyx 1620
Author                          : Mackoid
Keywords                        : Onyx 1620, Analog, Mixer, Perkins EQ, FireWire, Mixing Console, Audio, Digital, Recording, Sound Reinforcement, Mackie, LOUD Technologies
Page Count                      : 32
Page Mode                       : UseOutlines

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Onyx 1620 Premium Analog Mixer Owner's Manual Maconyx1620

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