Mackie Onyx 1620 with Firewire

[Sonika]

Greetings all :D

I'm looking at buying either a Digidesign 002Rack or Mackie Onyx 1620 Mixer with the firewire card option.

From what I can gather the 1620 is a lot more versatile as it can operate as a mixer and you can still record multiple tracks at once.

It even has more Mic pre's than the 002R and they should be pretty good quality. I know it doesn't have midi but thats no real drama as I can just get a usb midi interface and plug synthesizers and other midi devices up to that.

Has anyone used/owned the 1620... Any pro's cons between the two?

Any comments about them much appreciated.

Thanks :)

[Joe Hannigan]

I own a Mackie 1640 ONYX mixer with firewire and it's fantastic. I would imagine the 1620 is every bit as good but with less inputs and a few other changes.

I'm a PC person, however, and I don't know anything about the 002Rack. (isn't that a pro tools interface, and doesnt PT's require only THEIR hardware? Don't mean to be passing on any misinformation, but you may want to make sure the software you're using will support the firewire interface with the Mackie.)

The Mackie ONYX series is everything they claim, but be sure you're aware of the fact that the Firewire send is post-preamp, but pre-EQ, and pre Fader and you CANNOT change it. (The idea of course, is that you use the analog side for "live" mixing, and the inputs can be sent - without any EQ/coloration or level changing - directly to your digital multitrack recorder.)

[howie15]

Sonika,

I guess it depends on your needs. Do you need a lot of inputs??? Since Joe put in a vote for the Onyx mixers (which I think look pretty cool, just haven't got the chance to play with one) I will put in my info on the 002R. Joe, you are correct on both facts that the 002R is a ProTools interface, and yes you can't run PT without their hardware. I use the 002R with both my G4 powerbook and G4 tower. I am obviously a PT fan and user. I love my 002. I have recorded numerous live recitals, concerts, and location sessions with it. I think the pre's are very clean. They are definately not "warm" or have any certain coloration, just unbiased and clear. The unit has taken a decent amount of use in the last year being hauled around and has been a tough piece of gear.
I guess the deciding options would be whether you want to use ProTools, and how many inputs do you need?? and do you need EQ and a mixer. Besides the 8 analog inputs (only 4 focusrite pre's) the 002 does have ADAT optical for another 8 digital ins for a unit such as the Presonus Digimax LT (which I'm saving for) Anyway, I'll get off my PT soapbox, and let you decide. I'm not going to say you should use PT or not. If you love it: cool, if you think Digi can go to hell: cool, whatever makes life easier for you is what you should choose. Hope it helps a bit.

Howie J

[Sonika]

Thanks Guys,

I had noticed that the send is configured that way which is good and bad in ways. Overall it's better but it might be handy to be able to configure it too.

The 002 Rack that I was looking at does come wiht Pro Tools and if I did buy one then I'd probably end up using that software.

At the moment I'm using Nuendo and Cubase ( I prefer the midi side of things than in PT) and the main use will be recording synthesizers and guitars. I need a quite a few line inputs for these so I don't have to keep unplugging things.

One thing I liked about the 1620 is the fact that it's got 8 Mic Pre's as opposed to the 002Racks 4 which would be good for miking up a drum kit which I would like to be able to do in the future.

I agree with you Howie about the Pre's on the 002 and I've heard the Mackie ones are good too..

The other consideration is for mastering a LOT of studios use PT so compatibility is probably better.

They both seem really good and both have pros and cons so I guess what I'm looking for is anything that is annoying or a let down about the two to make it easier to decide....

Once again cheers.

[howie15]

Well, I'm glad it helped a bit. One thing about the MIDI functions is that with the release of PT version 6.7, MIDI features are greatly imporved. It was pretty much all MIDI improvments. You can finally step record with PT!!! I haven't got it....YET...but I need to make sure I can get it for all three systems that I use, and if I'm really desperate to step record, I use Sonar on PC. As far as compatability goes, there have been numerous battles on here that PT isn't "the Standard". If it is or isn't, the fact remains that a majority of studios have at least one PT computer in the place if not their main system. That is one reason I chose PT is because the big studios around my area all use PT and it is such an easy transition. I just plug my hard drive from one computer to another. I'm not diminishing Nuendo or cubase, but if you don't mind taking the time and learning PT also, it won't hurt your options, that's for sure.

Howie J

[Sonika]

lol... i know all about the great PT debates Howie and theres definately merrit to both sides...

these days I don't think it's as crucial to have PT for compatibility as it used to be, but on the other hand I don't think it would hurt either.

I think in ways I'm still tending toward the Mackie option for versatility and value but no-one really seems to have used them so I haven't been able to get much feedback.

anymore people out there own the 1620?

[Joe Hannigan]

Again, I'll state I've been using the 1640 since late Fall, with the firewire card, and I'm very VERY happy with it, but rather than bore everyone else here, I'll just suggest you email me privately for any more info. (Aside from channel #'s, they are essentially the same things between models - the firewire card is identical for all, btw.)

I would also suggest you really take some time to decide which path you want to take when it comes to software applications. It's not like picking out a sweather for the day..... PT's and MACs are a different world than PCs and all the other programs.

MIDI may be a factor as well, so do your homework wisely. Ask around, try out everything you can get your hands on. Decide if you want to work (and play?) in the MAC world or the PC world. It's a steep learing curve no matter which way you go. You can't really go wrong with PTs, but it will become your lifestyle. Ditto for PCs; you'll have a lot of choices there as well, probably more.

One thing that gives the Mackie an edge is that you can use it with MACs, PCs, and any software. They also give you free software that also runs on either: Traction.

On the other hand, you've got only one path you can follow if it's the PT's rig.

Good luck choosing! ;-)