4
ONYX 1640
ONYX 1640
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 1640 profes-
sional compact mixing console. The Onyx Series of mix-
ers are designed for the digital era and offer the newest
features and latest technologies for live sound reinforce-
ment and analog or digital studio recording in a durable,
road-worthy package.
The Onyx 1640 is equipped with sixteen 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 specifi cations rivaling expensive
stand-alone mic preamplifi ers.
Channels 1 and 2 feature high-impedance instrument/
line-level inputs so you can connect an acoustic, elec-
tric, or bass guitar directly into the mixer, eliminating
the need for an external direct box.
Each of the sixteen mono channels has individual
phantom power switches, low-cut fi lters, pre-EQ chan-
nel inserts, and an all new four-band EQ design with
sweepable mids and EQ bypass switch.
All sixteen channels have six Aux sends, Pan, Mute, Sub
Assign, Solo, 60 mm faders, and four signal level indicators.
A built-in Talkback mic with routing switches allows
you to communicate through the Aux Sends 1-4, Aux
Sends 5-6, Sub 1-4, or the Phones output.
All sixteen channels have balanced recording 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 stream-
ing digital audio to a laptop for multitrack recording in a
live situation, or connecting to a DAW in a home studio.
Like our popular 1604-VLZ PRO, the Onyx 1640 has a
“rotopod” connector section. This allows the connector
panel to rotate so it faces up (all the connectors are on
the same surface as the knobs and faders), to the rear
(default mixer confi guration), or toward the back (for
rack mounting, using the included rack ears).
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 fi rst (sigh!). So the fi rst section after this
Introduction 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 Descrip-
tion section. This describes every knob, button, and
connection point on the Onyx 1640, roughly following
the signal fl ow through the mixer from top to bottom
and left to right.
Throughout this section you’ll fi nd illustrations with
each feature numbered. If you want to know more about
a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate illustra-
tion, notice the number attached to it, and fi nd that
number in the nearby paragraphs.
This icon marks information that is
critically important or unique to the
Onyx 1640. For your own good, read
them and remember them. They will
be on the fi nal test.
This icon leads you to in-depth
explanations of features and practi-
cal tips. While not mandatory, they
usually have some valuable nugget of
information.
A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION
Appendix B is a section on connectors: XLR connec-
tors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and
special hybrid connectors.
More resources on our website at www.mackie.com.
THE GLOSSARY: A Haven of Non-Techiness for
the Neophyte
The “Glossary of Terms” is a fairly comprehensive
dictionary of pro-audio terms. If terms like “clipping,”
“noise fl oor,” or “unbalanced” leave you blank, refer to
this glossary for a quick explanation.
ARCANE MYSTERIES ILLUMINATED
“Arcane Mysteries” discusses some of the down ‘n’
dirty practical realities of microphones, fi xed installa-
tions, grounding, and balanced versus unbalanced lines.
It’s a goldmine for the neophyte, and even the seasoned
pro might learn a thing or two.
Please write your serial number here for future
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,
return authorization, etc.)
Purchased at:
Date of purchase:
Summary of Contents for 1640
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