Description
Combining high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz converters with premium Mackie analog circuitry and Built-Like-A-Tank hardware design, The bus-powered Onyx Series USB Audio interfaces give you the power to capture your best performance and experience media with pristine fidelity at home or on the go. Both models offer zero-latency direct monitoring plus a headphone output, L/R line-output and +48V phantom power. The Onyx producer 2×2 expands the versatility with dual Onyx mic press and MIDI I/O for controllers, synthesizers and more.
From the manufacturer
Mackie ONYX USB Interfaces
Go forth and be creative!
Whether you’re tracking your latest song idea or doing a live stream, the Onyx Series USB Interfaces deliver true studio-quality sound with maximum headroom and ultra-low noise.
Mackie Onyx Artist 1•2 USB Audio Interface
Combining high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz converters with Mackie analog circuitry and Built-Like-A-Tank hardware design, the bus-powered Onyx Artist 12 is perfect for singer-songwriters, content creators, and mobile recording. The Artist 12 features an Onyx mic pre with phantom power and a ¼” line input with Hi-Z instrument switch for quick and easy recording. Plus, with zero-latency direct analog monitoring ensures you can always hear yourself in real time. With the Onyx Artist 12, you have the power to capture your performance and experience media with pristine fidelity at home or on the go. Your Creativity Without Limits – Onyx Series USB Audio Interfaces.
Perfect for…
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Singer Songwriter |
Content Creator |
Mobile Recording |
Mackie Onyx Artist 1•2 USB Audio Interface with MIDI
Combining high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz converters with Mackie analog circuit and Built-Like-A-Tank hardware design, the bus-powered Onyx Producer 22 is perfect for home studios, mobile recording, and dual mic applications. Featuring two XLR/TRS combo inputs with Onyx mic pres, each is equipped with phantom power and Hi-Z instrument switches for maximum versatility. Plus, with zero-latency direct analog monitoring ensures you can always hear yourself in real time. It also has built-in MIDI I/O for controllers, synths, and more. With the Onyx Producer 22, you have the power to capture your performance and experience media with pristine fidelity at home or on the go. Your Creativity Without Limits – Onyx Series USB Audio Interfaces.
Wire Range of Applications
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Home Studio |
Mobile Recording |
Dual Mic Applications |
Bryan D. –
Just plug-n-play!I hooked this up to my 2013 iMac and it instantly showed up in LogicProX. Super easy to use with preamps that don’t sound half bad for a unit this size and for this price. I then hooked it up to my HP Laptop with the included software. Again, it works fine. I only record 2-track on the included software. I prefer Logic for multitracking.
Dominick M Corbo –
Best bang for the buck.Best bang for the buck, especially for less than $100. Great specs, build quality, and features for the price.The only downside is that ProTools First is no longer included as of Jan 2022.
Jesse –
Solid, will meet all your needs, but check the voltage on that phantom powerI’ve been using this audio interface for two years, and it meets my needs. I’ve always wondered, though, why I have to set the gain to nearly max to get anything out of my AT2020. From AudioTechnica’s support site, “Please note that the AT2020 is very particular about getting a full 48V of phantom power.” I followed their guidance, and while the cable is very well balanced, the power coming from the Onyx is only 47.3 volts. Now I know (and so do you!).
Brian Doyle –
Typical Mackie quality. Awesome!You’re reading this review so I’m gonna go out on a limb and suggest this might be the first piece of Mackie gear you’ve ever considered? No? Well then for those of you who have other Mackie gear I’ll say this little gizmo is up to their usual standards. Nuff said, right?So now that I really *am* talking to a first-time Mackie purchaser I’ll tell you that you simply can’t go wrong buying their gear (and no, I don’t work for Mackie). At some point, someone high up in this company issued an edict that said, “We shall not build crap.” The regular Joes and Janes unquestionably got the message. I’ve been buying Mackie products off and on for over twenty years and not one single piece of equipment (of theirs) has ever let me down.This little Onyx Artist 1-2 is no exception. The knobs are super heavy and feel great. They’re sturdy and responsive. I haven’t tested this theory, but I suspect I could drop it from quite a height and it would keep on working. It’s built like a tank.I bought this to drive my Mackie studio monitors from my Macbook Pro. All I had to do was purchase a USB-C to USB-B cable and plug it in. No drivers, no fuss, it just worked right out of the box. I’m not even plugging any inputs into it but it’s nice to know I have a few ports when I’ll want them.If you’re just looking for a nice preamp so you can go from your computer to some studio monitors look no further. The only reason not to buy this particular model is if you need more inputs. In that case, look first at Mackie’s other USB interfaces and if you can’t find something that fits your workflow take a look at Focusrite’s products (Saffire, etc.). They make a decent gear too, but nobody in the audio industry comes close to Mackie.Enjoy!
R. Franklin. –
Does what it says & works great, going on 2 years.Purchased this unit in October 2018 (Producer 2-2) To replace my previous M-Audio interface that was some 16 years old, which I use for home recording (vocals/guitars/amps) I was interested in purchasing one sooner but frequently found I was having a hard time deciding which unit would be best, based on professional reviews as well as customer reviews (and weeding through those to make sure the lower-starred reviews are from people who know what they’re talking about).I was drawn to this unit because at the time it was fairly new, and actually didn’t have a lot of reviews, but one reviewer who was sent one to test out left a very favorable, comprehensive review. I was also drawn to the rugged aspect of it as sometimes I travel with it.Installation was straightforward, drivers were easy to get. I can’t speak to the included software as I already have software I prefer to use (Reaper), but I had no issues getting the unit configured and working with my setup and getting right to work. I use Windows 10 64 bit and have never had issues with recognition or connection to either of my computers. Great low latency, and between the driver setttings and the DAW it’s easy to tweak it if you feel the need to refine it. I have and would recommend this unit.
Ned –
Well built audio interfaceLooking to upgrade from the Mackie Blackjack to newer higher bitrate Mackie Producer 2×2. Both very similar features. Producer 2×2 has all inputs on front, with clear indicators. The momentary buttons for HI-z and 48v have to be reset each time it is used. (Older Blackjack has physical latching push buttons that stay set between uses, which I prefer.) Input gain has not changed, that I could tell; could be more sensitive, had to set the gain very high to get a good signal from passive guitar into my computer. Mac required no driver download. Windows 10 required a driver download from Mackie to perform correctly (using Audacity on both Mac and Windows 10). Overall for the price, I am satisfied with the product.
andrew –
Great what it doesPros:Great sound qualityGood compatibility with programs and windows.Cheap.Attractive.Cons:No power off or input mute.Limited inputs and outputs.I use this on a desktop PC for now, but I will be replacing it with a mixer for obvious reasons. I just needed to get my Microphone set up. I will be using this with my laptop for portable podcasting, streaming, and journalism. It will fit right into a backpack with a laptop and battery pack. I had to fiddle with source selections and software for a few hours before this thing showed what it is capable of. I highly recommend ditching the ASIO drivers they call for and using ASIO4all instead. For PC use it would be VERY nice to have power and mute switches on the box. The monitor is clear and strong, but will not be used very often as it is mainly for setup.To really improve on this design would be simple for Mackie, it’s worth every penny if you just want a MIC on your PC and that’s it. For in depth creative use I recommend a full USB mixer.
Johnny Q –
4 months- deadAfter two weeks it became a regular routine to reboot it in order to use it. Although it would appear to be working visually, it would not send a signal into the PC. Then 4 months later rebooting it no longer worked. It looks like it’s working, but it’s not. I bought this one to replace a Focusrite Solo, I needed the second mic input. I should have stuck with Focusrite and went with their next step up instead. Lesson learned. UPDATE: Mackie had me install an updated driver, it’s working perfectly now!
FJK1138 –
Sounds great and dead simple to useAfter my Presonus Firepod was finally no longer supported by the company, I was forced to buy a new recording interface. I only record two inputs at a time so I didn’t need some massive interface either. After researching several units, and having used Mackie mixing boards in the past with great success, I decided on this unit. It sounds great and is very simple to use. There is only one minor driver that needs to be installed for Windows and otherwise has absolute minimal programming to go with it. In fact, it sounds so good that I am now using it as my main input/output for all my computer audio. iTunes music and games that I play thru it all sound cleaner and clearer. The knobs are solid and very smooth in their movement. I also like the knob that lets you balance between the inputs and the DAW volume. If they made a 4 or 8 track version I would buy that in a heartbeat. Highly recommended.
Sebastian B –
My first audio interfaceThe onyx mackie audio interface is the first and only interface I have ever used. Setting it up was supper easy, it’s basically “plug and play” and adjust the volume knob. I didn’t mess with the settings too much because I don’t see a reason to do so. No problems installing the drivers on my end; some people’s amazon reviews say that they had driver issues but none on my end. I run a windows 10 64 bit personally built computer, I do my best to keep everything up to date with drivers for those that may question.The mic I use with the Mackie is the Lewitt LCT 240 PRO. I communicate with friends on discord, random people in online video games, and occasionally broadcasting the games I play. Nobody has complained about how I sound so thumbs up from them and thumbs up from me.