4
ONYX 80 SERIES
ONYX 80 SERIES
Introduction
Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 80 Series
professional live mixing console. The Onyx 80 Series of
mixers feature all-new analog circuitry and the latest
technologies for live sound reinforcement in a durable,
road-worthy package.
The Onyx 80 Series mixing consoles come in four
sizes: the 24-channel Onyx 2480, 32-channel Onyx 3280,
40-channel Onyx 4080, and the flagship 48-channel Onyx
4880. The master section and channel strip configura-
tion are the same for all four models, the only difference
being number of channels.
The Onyx 80 Series consoles are equipped with 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 expen-
sive stand-alone mic preamplifiers.
Each mono channel strip features an individual phan-
tom power switch, low-cut filter, polarity switch, pre-EQ
channel insert, and an all new four-band EQ design with
sweepable mids and EQ bypass switch.
All mono channels have eight Aux sends with a stereo-
link function (can provide up to four IEM mixes), Pan,
Mute and Mute Group assign, PFL Solo, 100 mm Fader,
Group and Main Mix assign, and four signal-level indica-
tors. In addition, balanced direct outputs are provided
on DB-25 connectors (eight channels per connector) for
multitrack recording.
The master section features eight stereo Aux inputs,
eight Master Aux sends, eight Group Masters, an Aux/
Group Flip function, a 10x2 Matrix, a Phones/Monitor
section, and a Talkback section with routing switches
that allow you to communicate through the Aux Sends,
Group outputs, or the L/R mix.
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL
We know that many of you can’t wait to get your new
mixing console hooked up, and you’re probably not going
to read the manual first (sigh!). So the next section 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 con-
nection point on the Onyx 80 Series, roughly following
the signal flow through the mixer.
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 illustra-
tion, 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 80 Series. 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 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 floor,” 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, fixed 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:
