Mackie Onyx12 is a 12-channel analog studio and recording mixer with a built-in 14x4 USB multitrack interface recording at 24-bit/96 kHz – the compact model in the Onyx series for musicians, engineers, and content creators who need simultaneous per-channel recording into a DAW alongside a premium analog signal path with the Perkins British-style EQ.
Eight Onyx mic preamps with up to 60 dB of gain and ultra-low noise cover channels 1–8: channels 1–2 carry XLR/TRS combo inputs with Hi-Z switching; channels 3–8 accept XLR or 1/4" mic/line signals. Channels 9/10, 11/12, and 13/14 are stereo line pairs via 1/4" L/R jacks, with channel 13/14 also supporting Bluetooth input. All mono channels carry the 3-band Perkins EQ with sweepable mid frequency (±15 dB, Wien Bridge topology) and a hard bypass switch. Stereo channels use a 3-band shelving/peak EQ. A 100 Hz low-cut filter and globally switched +48V phantom power are present on all mic channels. Backlit Mute and Solo/PFL buttons sit on every channel strip. TRS insert points are available on channels 5–8.
14-track simultaneous recording and SD without a computer
The 14x4 USB interface captures every channel individually pre-fader at up to 24-bit/96 kHz directly to a DAW – plug in a USB cable and all analog inputs appear as discrete tracks in the session. Four USB returns (two stereo pairs) route DAW playback back into the mixer for backing tracks and playback during rehearsals and tracking sessions. A stereo main mix can also be recorded directly to an SD card without a computer, useful as a backup during live performances or for quickly archiving analog synthesizer sessions without launching a DAW.
Perkins EQ, Studio Command, and Bluetooth
The Perkins EQ, developed by Mackie engineer Cal Perkins using a Wien Bridge circuit topology, delivers a wider, more musical Q filter than typical budget EQ designs. The ±15 dB range doesn't excessively narrow the filter bandwidth – vocals and acoustic instruments hold their natural character even under significant correction. The Studio Command section combines a full-colour LCD display with a navigation encoder and dedicated transport buttons (Previous, Next, Record, Play/Pause) for managing DSP effect presets, browsing the SD card, and controlling recording. Six user-editable effect presets with a dedicated FX EQ are available. Bluetooth streams audio from a phone or tablet to the aux sends or the main mix. Two pre-fader MON sends and one post-fader FX send, plus a Control Room TRS output, complete the routing. Included software: Waveform OEM, Pro Tools First, and the 16-plugin DAW Essentials Collection.
KEY FEATURES
- 12 input channels (14 analog inputs), 8 Onyx mic preamps (up to 60 dB gain)
- 3-band Perkins EQ (Wien Bridge, ±15 dB) with sweepable mid and hard bypass on mono channels
- 3-band shelving/peak EQ on stereo channels
- Hi-Z switches on channels 1–2 for direct guitar/bass connection
- 100 Hz low-cut filter and +48V phantom power (global) on mic channels
- TRS insert points on channels 5–8
- Backlit Mute and Solo/PFL buttons on every channel
- USB 14x4, 24-bit/96 kHz – simultaneous per-channel recording (pre-fader)
- 4 USB returns (2 stereo pairs) for DAW playback routing back into the mixer
- Direct stereo main mix recording to SD card (no computer required)
- 2x pre-fader MON sends + 1x post-fader FX send
- Bluetooth – audio streaming to aux sends or main mix
- Studio Command: colour LCD + navigation encoder + 6 user FX presets with FX EQ
- Control Room TRS output with independent level control
- 9x 60 mm faders (channels, FX, subgroups, master)
- Heavy-duty steel chassis, sealed rotary knobs, QuickGrip side handles; optional rack ear kit
- Includes: Waveform OEM + Pro Tools First + 16-plugin DAW Essentials Collection
- Weight: 5.5 kg | Dimensions: 376 x 356 x 136 mm
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 12 (8x mono mic/line, 3x stereo line 1/4", 1x stereo Bluetooth/1/8")
- Analog inputs: 14 (8x mono + 6x stereo line)
- Preamps: 8x Onyx, up to 60 dB gain, ultra-low noise
- EQ mono: 3-band Perkins ±15 dB (Wien Bridge), sweepable mid + LC 100 Hz
- EQ stereo: 3-band shelving/peak
- Inserts: channels 5–8 (TRS)
- Phantom power: +48V DC, global switch
- USB: 14x4, 24-bit/96 kHz (pre-fader, 4x stereo DAW return)
- SD recording: stereo main mix (WAV)
- Sends: 2x pre-fader MON (1/4" mono) + 1x post-fader FX (1/4" mono)
- Bluetooth: audio streaming to aux/main
- Faders: 9x 60 mm
- Outputs: XLR Main L/R, 1/4" Main L/R, 1/4" Control Room L/R, 1/4" headphone
- Power: internal supply, 100–240V AC, 40W
- Dimensions: 376 x 356 x 136 mm | Weight: 5.5 kg
