Mackie Onyx12 12-Channel Analog USB Mixer

The Mackie Onyx12 is a premium analog mixer designed for musicians, creators, small venues, and project studios that need hands-on mixing with modern recording capability. It combines microphone inputs, stereo line inputs, monitor routing, onboard effects, USB audio, SD-card recording, and Bluetooth streaming in one console. This makes it well suited to live performance, rehearsal capture, podcasting, streaming, and multitrack production workflows.

Its eight Onyx microphone preamps provide up to 60 dB of gain for microphones and other low-level sources. The analog channel strips provide direct control of gain, equalization, aux sends, pan, mute, solo, and level, helping users build mixes without relying entirely on a computer screen. Switchable Hi-Z inputs on channels 1 and 2 allow direct connection of compatible guitars, basses, and instruments.

For tone shaping, the Onyx12 uses a three-band Perkins EQ design with a sweepable midrange on mono channels. The EQ section includes a hard bypass switch, while 100 Hz low-cut filters help reduce unwanted low-frequency buildup on mic channels. This layout supports practical corrective EQ for live sound as well as creative shaping during recording.

The integrated USB 2.0 interface supports 14x4 audio at up to 24-bit/96 kHz with compatible Mac and PC systems. It can send individual input channels to recording software while returning two independent stereo USB playback streams to the mixer. A built-in SD-card section also records and plays back stereo audio without requiring a computer.

Onboard digital effects include adjustable processing such as reverbs, delays, chorus, and more, with control through the Studio Command full-color display and single-knob interface. Bluetooth connectivity streams audio from a compatible device to a dedicated stereo channel for reference tracks, walk-in music, or playback. With its steel chassis, monitor sends, control-room outputs, and optional rackmount hardware, the Onyx12 can serve as the center of a compact recording or live-sound system.

Key Features

• 14x4 USB Audio: Records up to 14 channels and returns four USB playback channels.
• Eight Onyx Preamps: Provides up to 60 dB of microphone gain.
• Perkins Three-Band EQ: Adds musical tone shaping with sweepable mono-channel mids.
• Stereo SD Recording: Captures and plays back stereo audio without a computer.
• Customizable Digital FX: Supplies 12 onboard effect presets with adjustable parameters.
• Bluetooth Streaming: Sends wireless playback to a dedicated stereo input channel.

Design & Installation

The Onyx12 uses a rugged steel chassis with QuickGrip side handles, sealed rotary encoders, high-contrast controls, and backlit mute and solo buttons. Its full-color Studio Command display provides access to effects, presets, SD-card functions, and settings. The console measures 14.8 inches wide by 14.0 inches deep by 5.4 inches high and weighs 5.9 kg.

Connect microphones to the eight XLR mic inputs, instruments or line-level equipment to the 1/4-inch inputs, and powered speakers or an amplifier to the main outputs. Use the USB connection for multitrack computer recording, or install a Class 10 or faster SD card for onboard stereo recording and playback. An optional Mackie rack ear kit supports installation in a standard 19-inch rack, while the two monitor sends can feed separate stage-monitor or headphone-amplifier mixes.