Mackie Music Mixer ONYX 820i User Manual
Premium 8-Channel Analog Mixer  
with Perkins EQ and FireWire  
O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L  
1
2
3-4  
AUX SEND  
AUX RETURN  
MAIN OUT  
TAPE  
OUT  
BAL/UNBAL  
BAL/UNBAL  
BAL/UNBAL  
1
2
IN  
L
L
L
1
2
(MONO)  
R
R
R
INSERT  
INSERT  
L
(MONO)  
LINE IN 5-6  
LINE IN 7-8  
L
BAL/UNBAL  
1
BAL/UNBAL  
2
BAL/UNBAL  
R
L
LINE  
LINE  
(MONO)  
(MONO)  
BAL/UNBAL  
BAL/UNBAL  
LINE  
HI Z  
LINE  
HI Z  
+
-10dB  
4dB  
LINE  
-
-
R
R
48V  
48V  
48V  
PREMIUM ANALOG MIXER w/ PERKINS EQ  
&
FIREWIRE  
CTRL ROOM/PHONES  
30  
30  
30  
U
U
U
U
0dB=0dBu  
SOURCE  
20  
U
40  
60  
20  
U
40  
60  
40  
60  
20  
U
MIC  
GAIN  
GAIN  
GAIN  
GAIN  
L
R
GAIN  
CLIP  
20  
15  
10  
6
-20dB +40dB  
-20dB +40dB  
-20dB +20dB  
-20dB +20dB  
MAIN MIX  
SEND  
SEND  
SEND  
SEND  
SEND  
INPUT  
PRE  
POST  
PRE  
POST  
PRE  
POST  
PRE  
POST  
LINE  
FW 1-2  
TAPE  
3
U
U
U
U
U
EQ  
EQ  
EQ  
EQ  
0
HIGH  
12kHz  
HIGH  
12kHz  
HIGH  
12kHz  
HIGH  
12kHz  
HIGH  
12kHz  
-
FW 1-2  
ALT 3 4  
2
LEVEL  
SET  
-15  
+15  
-15  
+15  
-15  
+15  
-15  
+15  
-15  
+15  
4
1k  
1k  
U
7
HIGH  
MID  
FREQ  
FREQ  
U
U
U
U
10  
20  
30  
ASSIGN TO  
MAIN MIX  
2.5KHz  
100  
8k  
100  
8k  
-15  
+15  
+15  
+15  
MID  
MID  
U
U
U
2.5kHz  
2.5kHz  
-15  
+15  
-15  
+15  
LOW  
MID  
MID  
MID  
400Hz  
O O  
O O  
MAX  
MAX  
-15  
-15  
+15  
+15  
-15  
-15  
+15  
+15  
-15  
RUDE  
SOLO  
CONTROL  
ROOM  
PHONES  
U
U
U
LOW  
80Hz  
LOW  
80Hz  
LOW  
80Hz  
LOW  
80Hz  
LOW  
80Hz  
AUX MASTER  
-15  
-15  
+15  
-15  
+15  
SEND  
RETURN  
AUX  
AUX  
AUX  
AUX  
AUX  
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
2
PRE  
O O  
O O  
O O  
O O  
O O  
O O  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
MAX  
O O  
O O  
O O  
O O  
+15  
+10  
+10  
POST  
RTN TO  
AUX1  
2
2
2
2
2
PRE  
POST  
O O  
O O  
O O  
O O  
+15  
PAN  
PAN  
PAN  
PAN  
PAN  
AUX SEND 1-2  
TO FW 5-6  
POWER  
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
MUTE  
MUTE  
MUTE  
MUTE  
MUTE  
OL  
OL  
OL  
OL  
OL  
ASSIGN TO  
FW 7-8  
ALT 3-4  
ALT 3-4  
ALT 3-4  
ALT 3-4  
ALT 3-4  
O O MAX  
LEVEL  
-
-
-
-
- 20  
20  
20  
20  
20  
MIC  
U
U
U
U
U
U
DESTINATION  
O O +10dB  
O O +10dB  
O O +10dB  
LEVEL  
O O +10dB  
LEVEL  
O O +10dB  
LEVEL  
O O +10dB  
AUX 1-2  
PHONES  
LEVEL  
LEVEL  
SOLO  
SOLO  
SOLO  
SOLO  
SOLO  
1
2
TALKBACK  
MAIN MIX  
3-4  
5-6  
7-8  
 
Set the levels  
Quick Start  
It’s not even necessary to hear what you’re doing to  
set optimal levels. But if you’d like to: Plug headphones  
into the phones output jack, then turn up the phones  
knob just a little.  
We realize that you must be really keen  
to try out your new mixer. Please read  
the safety instructions on page 2 and this  
page, and then have a look through some  
of the features and details in this manual.  
1. Turn on the mixer by pressing the top edge of  
the power switch.  
2. For one channel, press the solo switch in, and  
the rude solo light will turn on.  
Setup  
Use the mixer in a nice clean and dry environment,  
free from dryer lint and dust bunnies.  
3. Play something into that input at real-world  
levels.  
4. Adjust that channel's gain control until the  
right main meter stays around the 0 dB LED  
(marked "level set").  
Zero the controls  
1. Fully turn down all the knobs to minimum,  
except for the channel EQ and pan controls,  
which should be centered.  
5. Disengage the channel's solo switch.  
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for the remaining channels.  
7. Turn up the channel level to the "U" mark.  
2. Make sure all buttons are in the out position.  
8. Slowly turn up the main mix level until you  
hear the signals in your speakers.  
Connections  
9. If needed, apply some channel EQ wisely.  
1. Make sure the AC power switch is off before  
making any connections.  
10. Adjust the channel levels to get the best mix.  
Keep the gain controls and levels fully down on  
unused channels.  
2. Push the linecord securely into the IEC  
connector on the rear panel, and plug it into a  
3-prong AC outlet. The mixer can accept any  
AC voltage ranging from 100 VAC to 240 VAC.  
11. During the performance, if you notice a channel  
OL LED turning on during peaks, carefully turn  
down that channel's gain control until OL does  
not turn on.  
3. Plug a balanced microphone into one of the mic  
XLR (3-pin) connectors. Or connect any line-  
level signal (keyboard, or guitar preamp) to a  
line input jack using a TS or a TRS 1/4" plug.  
FireWire  
4. If your microphone requires phantom power,  
press in the 48V phantom power button.  
• See page 35 for details of getting started with  
FireWire.  
5. You can connect a guitar directly to line inputs  
1 or 2 without needing a DI box, if you first  
engage the hi-z switch on these channels.  
• PC drivers are on the supplied CD-ROM.  
Mac OS X contains built-in drivers, so no  
software installation is required.  
6. The insert jacks of channels 1 and 2 can be  
used to connect an external effects or dynamics  
processor into the signal chain.  
Other Notes  
• When shutting down, turn off any power  
amplifiers or powered speakers first. When  
owering up, turn them on last. This will reduce  
the chance of turn-on or turn-off thumps.  
7. Connect the main outputs of the mixer (either  
XLR or TRS 1/4") to the line level inputs of your  
amplifier (with speakers already attached) or  
to the line level inputs of powered speakers.  
• Always turn down the phones level when  
making connections, pressing solo, or doing  
anything that may cause loudness in the  
headphones. This will help protect your  
hearing.  
• Always turn down the main mix level and  
control room level when making connections to  
the mixer. Better yet, turn off the power.  
Part No. SW0718 Rev. D 02/2010  
©2010 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.  
Loosely based on a dream sequence in which the technical writer is given keys to a  
sports car of his choice, unlimited gas, and closed roads. The dream suddenly ends and  
reality kicks in. A mixer manual to write, a mixer manual to write!  
• Save the shipping box!  
Owner's Manual 3  
 
Introduction  
Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 820i  
professional compact mixer. The Onyx i series of mixers  
offer built-in FireWire, along with the newest features  
and latest technologies for live sound reinforcement  
and analog or digital studio recording, all in a durable,  
road-worthy package.  
Features  
• Premium 8-channel super-compact analog  
mixer with integrated Fire wire I/O  
• 2 mono channels (mono mic and mono line  
inputs)  
The Onyx 820i is equipped with three of our 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 expensive  
stand-alone mic preamplifiers.  
• 1 hybrid channel (mono mic and stereo line  
inputs)  
• 2 stereo channels (stereo line inputs)  
• 3 Onyx mic preamps with sound comparable to  
boutique preamps  
• 3-band Perkins EQ with sweepable mids on  
mono channels  
Channels 1 and 2 feature high-impedance  
instrument/line-level inputs so you can connect an  
acoustic, electric, or bass guitar directly into the mixer,  
eliminating the need for an external direct box.  
• 4-band Perkins EQ on hybrid channels  
• 3-band Perkins EQ on stereo line channels  
• Flexible FireWire routing with up to 8 channels  
pre/post EQ, aux sends and master L/R routable  
to computer  
Extremely adaptable DAW integration  
Recording and Mixing  
• 2 channels of FireWire monitoring routable to  
either the control room or channels 7 and 8  
Channels, aux sends or the master L/R can be sent  
straight to your computer via FireWire for recording.  
Pre/post EQ taps on every channel allow you to integrate  
our renowned Perkins EQ into the record path. Plus, a  
stereo return from your DAW, or iTunes® is assignable to  
the control room section or straight back into channels  
7 and 8 for mix integration.  
• 2 independent aux sends with separate pre/post  
switches  
• Selectable instrument inputs on first two  
channels – no DI box is needed  
• Individual 48v phantom power switches on all  
mic inputs  
Powerful Effects Engine  
• Talkback section with built in mic and flexible  
routing  
With both aux sends routable to your DAW, the 820i  
allows you to use your favorite plug-in as a realtime  
effect. Just route an aux send to your DAW, apply the  
plug-in and assign your DAW outputs to the control  
room or to a channel strip for instant integration into  
the mix.  
• "Planet-Earth" switching power supply for  
worldwide use  
• Optional rack kit available  
Live Recording  
Live sound recording could not be simpler with the  
820i. The ability to record individual channels either  
wet or dry allows for studio quality multi-track  
recordings for later editing and mixdown. Or simply  
record the main mix, allowing for immediate creation of  
CDs right at the gig.  
4 Onyx 820i  
 
How To Use This Manual  
The first pages after the table of contents are the  
hookup diagrams. These show typical setups for fun  
times with your mixer.  
Next is a detailed tour of the entire mixer. The  
descriptions are divided into sections, just as your mixer  
is organized into distinct zones:  
• Back panel  
• Connection section  
• Channel controls  
• Master controls  
Throughout these sections you’ll find illustrations  
with each feature numbered and described in nearby  
paragraphs.  
This icon marks information that is critically  
important or unique to the mixer. For your own  
good, read them and remember them.  
This icon will lead you to some explanations of  
features and practical tips. Go ahead and skip  
these if you need to leave the room in a hurry.  
Appendix A: Service information.  
Appendix B: Connectors.  
Appendix C: Technical information.  
Appendix D: Rack ear installation.  
Appendix E: FireWire.  
Appendix F: Modifications.  
Need help with your new mixer?  
• Visit www.mackie.com and click  
Support to find: FAQs, manuals,  
addendums, and other useful  
information.  
• Email us at: [email protected].  
• Telephone 1-800-898-3211 to speak with  
one of our splendid technical support  
chaps (Monday through Friday, normal  
business hours, PST).  
Owner's Manual 5  
 
Contents  
CONTROL ROOM/PHONES AND METERS ............ 23  
38. MAIN MIX .............................................. 23  
39. TAPE, FW 1-2, ALT 3-4 ............................ 23  
40. ASSIGN TO MAIN MIX............................. 23  
41. CONTROL ROOM KNOB ........................... 23  
42. PHONES KNOB........................................ 24  
43. LEFT/RIGHT LEVEL METERS...................... 24  
44. RUDE SOLO LIGHT ................................... 24  
AUX MASTER..................................................... 25  
45. MASTER AUX SEND 1 AND 2.................... 25  
46. PRE/POST .............................................. 25  
47. MASTER AUX RETURN 1 AND 2 ............... 25  
48. RTN TO AUX 1 ........................................ 25  
49. AUX SEND 1-2 TO FW 5-6 ....................... 25  
50. POWER LED............................................. 26  
TALKBACK ......................................................... 26  
51. TALKBACK MIC........................................ 26  
52. TALKBACK LEVEL ..................................... 26  
53. DESTINATION: PHONES, AUX 1-2............. 26  
54. TALKBACK SWITCH.................................. 27  
MAIN MIX......................................................... 27  
55. MAIN MIX ............................................. 27  
56. ASSIGN TO FW 7–8 ............................... 27  
APPENDIX A: SERVICE INFORMATION.................... 28  
APPENDIX B: CONNECTIONS.................................. 29  
APPENDIX C: TECHNICAL INFORMATION................ 31  
APPENDIX D: RACK EAR INSTALLATION ................. 34  
APPENDIX E: FIREWIRE......................................... 35  
APPENDIX F: MODIFICATIONS ............................... 39  
LIMITED WARRANTY............................................. 41  
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................ 2  
QUICK START.......................................................... 3  
INTRODUCTION ...................................................... 4  
YOU ARE HERE ....................................................... 6  
HOOKUP DIAGRAMS............................................... 7  
FEATURES............................................................. 12  
REAR PANEL...................................................... 12  
1. POWER CONNECTION............................. 12  
2. POWER SWITCH..................................... 12  
3. FIREWIRE CONNECTIONS........................ 12  
4. LEFT/RIGHT XLR MAIN OUTPUTS ........... 13  
5. MAIN OUTPUT LEVEL.............................. 13  
6. CTRL-RM OUT........................................ 13  
7. ALT 3–4 OUT ......................................... 13  
CONNECTION SECTION....................................... 14  
8. MIC INPUTS........................................... 14  
9. INSERT (CH. 1 AND 2)............................ 14  
10. MONO LINE INPUTS (CH. 1 AND 2)......... 15  
11. STEREO LINE INPUTS (CH. 3-8) ............... 15  
12. AUX SEND 1 AND 2................................ 15  
13. AUX RETURN 1 AND 2 ........................... 15  
14. LEFT/RIGHT 1/4" MAIN OUTPUTS ......... 15  
15. TAPE INPUTS ......................................... 16  
16. TAPE OUTPUTS ...................................... 16  
17. HEADPHONE OUTPUT ............................ 16  
CHANNEL CONTROLS ......................................... 17  
18. HI-Z SWITCH (CH. 1 AND 2 ONLY).......... 18  
19. LOW CUT (CH.1–4 ONLY) ....................... 18  
20. 48V PHANTOM POWER (CH. 1-4 ONLY).. 18  
21. LINE +4 DB/-10 DB (CH. 3 AND 4 ONLY) 19  
22. INPUT (LINE OR FW 1-2)........................ 19  
23. GAIN CONTROL...................................... 19  
24. SEND FIREWIRE PRE/POST..................... 19  
25. HIGH EQ................................................ 20  
26. MID EQ FREQUENCY (CH. 1 AND 2)......... 20  
27. MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 1 AND 2).................. 20  
28. HIGH MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 3 AND 4)......... 20  
29. LOW MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 3 AND 4).......... 20  
30. MID EQ LEVEL (CH. 5/6 AND 7/8) ......... 20  
31. LOW EQ................................................. 20  
32. AUX SEND 1 AND 2................................ 21  
33. PAN....................................................... 21  
34. MUTE SWITCH AND ALT 3–4................... 21  
35. –20 AND OL LEDS .................................. 22  
36. LEVEL .................................................... 22  
37. SOLO..................................................... 22  
6 Onyx 820i