Mackie onyx 800r |
"Boutique" Studio Preamp Performance, without the Price.
If you're looking to add eight stellar-sounding mic preamps to your computer
audio setup, hard disk recorder or analog rig, look no further. The Onyx
800R is a high-performance, eight-channel rackmount mic preamp with
simultaneous analog and 192kHz multi-format digital outputs. Built upon
Mackie's flagship Onyx mic preamp circuitry, the 800R delivers boutique
studio preamp performance with features such as variable mic input impedance
controls for "tuning" each preamp to its connected mic.
This, along with superior analog components
and premium A/D converters, gives the Onyx 800R unrivaled fidelity and
dynamic range - making it a top choice for a range of professional studio
and live applications.
Eight Channels of Fantastic-Sounding Preamps
The Onyx 800R is equipped with eight of Mackie's new flagship Onyx mic
preamps - which meet or surpass the fidelity and dynamic range of
ultra-expensive one- or two-channel models - but at a much more reasonable
cost.
And how does it sound? Onyx preamps are clear and extremely detailed,
with a full-spectrum sound that's absolutely faithful to whatever microphone
you're using. In fact, several of our big-name 800R beta testers called the
800R the most flexible mic preamp they've ever owned. (Probably because they
were finally hearing the full character of all the mics they'd been using
for years.)
Specifically, the Onyx 800R delivers a whopping 123dB of dynamic range
and an amazingly low 0.0007% THD. With this degree of sonic transparency and
multiple analog and digital output formats, the Onyx 800R makes an ideal
audio interface for direct tracking to MDM, HDR, or software recording
applications.
Read more.
24-Bit/192kHz Digital Output
The 800R's sample rate selector allows you to choose 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96,
176.4, or 192kHz sample rates, or an external clock from the rear panel. You
can also select between 24-bit or 16-bit dithered word lengths at the
digital outputs. Digital outputs are provided on two optical TOSlink
connectors using the ADAT lightpipe digital audio format. AES/EBU or S/PDIF
formats are available on a DB25 connector, with selection buttons for
impedance, pro or consumer status bits, and single-wire (two-channel) or
dual-wire (single-channel) operation.
Variable Mic Impedance
Channels one and two feature an Impedance Select switch, which lets you
fine-tune the mic preamp for a wide variety of microphone types. Variable
Impedance presents an adjustable electrical impedance load to the
microphone, giving you the ability to dial in various "sweet spots." The
result is multiple "sound" choices from the same microphone. It also helps
you achieve optimum performance from certain types of microphones that may
have non-standard impedance values - such as ribbon microphones or older
tube microphones.
Mid/Side Decoder Unlocks Stereo Mysteries
Channels one and two also provide the option of engaging a Decoder for
Mid-Side stereo miking. For the uninitiated, Mid-Side (or M-S) stereo miking
technique not only provides a stereo image of the source, but also allows
you to adjust the width of the image by varying the balance between the Mid
(or mono) and Side signals. Mid-Side requires the use of two microphones,
one with a cardioid pickup and one with a figure-8 (bidirectional) pattern.
The cardioid microphone (mid) faces forward toward the center of the sound
source, while the figure-8 (side) microphone's two elements face sideways,
perpendicular to the mid microphone. For more on Mid/Side,
click here.
And for Your Additional Convenience...
Because our engineers can never leave well-enough alone, channels seven and
eight feature high-impedance instrument inputs so you can connect an
acoustic, electric, or bass guitar directly to the mic preamp, eliminating
the need for an external direct box. Each channel also has a mic/line
switch, a polarity reverse switch, individual 48v phantom power switch,
low-cut filter switch, and a gain control. As for the rear panel, it
provides individual XLR balanced mic input connectors for each channel, and
balanced line inputs on a DB25 connector. Finally, analog balanced line
outputs are also provided on a DB25 connector.
For more detailed specifications,
click here. http://mackie.com/products/800r/index.html |