Owner's Manual
15
Onyx Blackbird Features - Software
Blackbird Control
The Blackbird Control application is a powerful tool
that allows for independent zero-latency mix creation
and flexible routing when connected to a computer via
FireWire. At the same time, it also establishes the clock
source and sample rate for the Onyx Blackbird when the
unit is used in standalone mode (e.g. as a preamp with
digital outputs for more elaborate setups).
Understanding how the GUI (graphic user interface)
works will allow you to customize the experience and
improve workflow.
Installing the Software
Blackbird Control is both PC and Mac compatible,
and may be installed on machines running Microsoft
Windows or Mac OS X. For the latest compatibility
information, and for driver, firmware, and software
downloads, visit:
http://www.mackie.com/products/onyxblackbird/.
Using Blackbird Control
Blackbird Control has two primary uses:
(1) it brings flexible routing and zero-latency mix
creation to the fore. Up to four unique analog stereo
mixes may be routed to the analog outputs. Similarly,
up to four unique digital stereo mixes may be routed
to ADAT. This is achieved through an intuitive 18x16
matrix mixer.
(2) it allows the master settings for the device (such
as clock source, sample rate, buffer size and more) to be
adjusted.
The Out-of-the-Box Experience
The factory default FireWire configuration of the
Onyx Blackbird is that the analog (mic/line) inputs 1-8,
digital (ADAT) inputs 1-8, and DAW returns 1-2 are all
routed into the internal 18x16 matrix mixer (in that
order, as inputs 1-18). See the graphic on the following
page for this setup.
In the analog domain, the available outputs are main
mix (intended for engineer/performer monitoring), alt
mix (intended for headphone or "mix minus" mixes)
and phones 1 and 2.
Phones 1 and 2 may have their own custom
mixes as created in the matrix mixer OR they
may share the main mix with the engineer at
the touch of a source button located on the front panel
of the device. This improves workflow in scenarios
where one mix is acceptable for all involved.
In the digital domain, analog inputs 1-8 are routed to
ADAT outputs 1-8 one-to-one, allowing the inputs to be
reduntantly sent out of the Onyx Blackbird to another
device downstream while recording that same signal
over FireWire into a computer, if so desired. Full control
over what inputs are routed to what outputs (and at
what level and pan position) is easily established on an
output tab basis using the Blackbird Control
application.
The mixer section describes all of the routing
and mix control options available. See page 21
for details.
The factory default for standalone mode is that the
device is set to receive word clock and analog inputs
are routed to ADAT outputs 1-8, one-to-one. Because it
is set to word clock, Blackbird's sample rate will alter
according to the incoming word clock signal. This allows
the Onyx Blackbird to be utilized as an 8-channel
preamp with up to 96 kHz digital output in a larger
digital system.
To learn how to change the device's sync
source and other settings, please visit the
settings section, starting on page 17.
On first use (after connecting the device to a
computer with a FireWire connection and installing the
Blackbird Control application), make sure to click on
the settings tab and verify that the Onyx Blackbird is set
up exactly as you would like, whether that is always in
standalone mode, always connected to a computer, or a
mixture of both.
Blackbird: a brief history
The Blackbird team initially had a really tough time
coming up with a name. That is, until the meek nerd in
the back of the room spoke up. His suggestion? Roll a
twenty-sided die with ideas listed on each side. Ha, why
didn't any of us think of that?!
Anyway, as the roll came to a halt – everyone waiting
with bated breath – the name appeared. We shall call
this new product the Blackhawk Interface.
There was a problem with the name, though:
equal opportunity. Calling it the Blackhawk Interface
denied all the other black birds a voice.
That was an easy change to make, hence the current
name: the Blackbird Interface. And there's the history
of the Blackbird.
