Mackie Firewire OPtion Card fot Onyx Mixer User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
FIREWIRE OPTION CARD
for ONYX MIXERS

2
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
7. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the ap-
paratus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has
been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
8. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for
a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
• Reorientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
• Increasetheseparationbetweentheequipmentandthereceiver.
• Connecttheequipmentintoanoutletonacircuitdifferentfromthattowhichthe
receiver is connected.
• Consultthedealeroranexperiencedradio/TVtechnicianforhelp.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by LOUD
Technologies Inc. could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment under FCC
rules.
9. ThisapparatusdoesnotexceedtheClassA/ClassB(whicheverisapplicable) limits
for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
set out in the radio interference
regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le
cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des
communications du Canada.
Important Safety Instructions
WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

3
Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for
more information about this and other Mackie products.
Table of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................4
System Requirements ................................................................................................................5
A Note about Hard Drive Speed: ............................................................................................5
Installing the Onyx FireWire Card ....................................................6
Getting Started ......................................................................................8
For the PC: Installing the Drivers and Control Panel ........................................................ 8
For the Mac .................................................................................................................................16
Channel Assignments ...............................................................................................................18
Hookup Diagrams ................................................................................19
Tutorials .................................................................................................23
Live Sound Tutorial ...................................................................................................................23
Studio Recording Tutorial ..................................................................................................... 28
Appendix A: Service Information ....................................................34
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................................................34
Repair ...........................................................................................................................................35
Appendix B: Technical Info ................................................................36
Onyx FireWire Card Specifications ..................................................................................... 36
Onyx FireWire Card Limited Warranty .........................................38
Part No. SW0133 Rev. B 03/12
©2004-2012 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.

4
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
Introduction
Thank you for choosing to upgrade your Onyx mixing console with the Onyx
FireWire card. The FireWire interface allows you to stream up to 16 channels of
digital audio to your PC or Macintosh computer, where it shows up as 16 audio
input choices in your audio software application. The left and right mix is also sent
from the mixer to the computer, and appears as two additional input choices. You
can also send two channels of audio back to the Onyx mixer, which you can select
in the Control Room Source matrix for routing to the Phones, Control Room, or
Main Mix outputs.
You select the sample rate for the analog-to-digital converters in either the Onyx
Control Panel (for the PC) or directly from your DAW (for the Mac). The options
include 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 96 kHz at 24-bits.
The FireWire card has multiple 6-pin FireWire connectors. Each connector can
supply all 16 channels and the L/R mix, and having multiple connectors allows
you to connect the Onyx FireWire interface anywhere within a chain of FireWire
equipped devices.
It also has a small rotary knob that provides boost and cut for the L/R mix signal
being sent to your computer. Since the L/R mix signal that is sent to the FireWire
card is tapped prior to the Main Mix fader, this rotary knob gives you control over
the signal level going to your audio software application without affecting your
main mix level.
A CD-ROM is included with your FireWire card that contains the software to
install the necessary drivers. It also contains the full version of Tracktion, our easy-
to-use multitrack recording and sequencing software for the PC and Mac. Refer to
the installation instructions on the CD to install Tracktion on your computer.
Please write your purchase information here
for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech
support, return authorization, etc.)
Purchased at:
Date of purchase:

5
Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
System Requirements
These are the minimum requirements for your computer system to use the Onyx
FireWire interface.
For the PC:
 •WindowsXP(noearlieroperatingsystemsaresupported)
 •Pentium4orAthlonXPprocessor
 •256MBRAM
For the Mac:
 •OSX*
 •G4processor
 •256MBRAM
*Seewww.mackie.com/OnyxFW_UpdateforinformationoncompatibleMacOSX
operating systems.
A Note about Hard Drive Speed:
Mosttower-styledesktopcomputershaveharddrivesthatspinat5400
rpm or faster, which is generally fast enough to record 18 channels
without a problem. If you are experiencing difficulty recording all 18
channels at once, especially at 96 kHz, you may need to install a faster
hard drive (i.e., 7200 rpm).
Most laptops come with 4200 rpm drives. This will work fine if you are recording
fewer tracks at lower sample rates. However, if you are buying a laptop to use for
recording the maximum number of tracks, specify a faster drive. It may be possible
to replace a 4200 rpm drive with a faster one (preferably a 7200 rpm drive with an 8
MB cache), but you should check with the manufacturer to make sure.
Another option for either a desktop or laptop computer is to purchase an
external FireWire-equipped hard drive, again preferably a 7200 rpm drive with an
8 MB cache. This can be connected to one of the FireWire connections on the Onyx
FireWire card or directly to your computer and appears as an available drive to your
computer. Fast SCSI drives can be used as well.

6
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
Installing the Onyx FireWire Card
Important: Although the Onyx FireWire Card
has a protective cover on both sides of the
card, it does contain static-sensitive compo-
nents. Anti-static precautions are highly rec-
ommended before opening the anti-static bag
and handling the Onyx FireWire card. Use an anti-static wrist
strap when performing this installation. These are available
at most computer supply stores.
1. Turn off the Onyx mixer and remove the AC linecord from the socket on the
rear panel.
2. Remove the OPTION CARD blank plate on the rear panel by removing the
two screws using a #2 Phillips screwdriver. Save the screws for attaching the
FireWire card.
TALKBACK
MIC
RECORDING OUTS
POST GAIN PRE INSERT
(BALANCED) (BALANCED)
9-161-8
~100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz 80W
OO
+6
SUB OUTC-R OUT
MAIN
INSERT
(TIP=SEND
RING=RETURN)
TAPE
INPUT TAPE OUTPUT
MAIN OUT AUX SENDAUX RETURN
3
R
L
MONO
RRR
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
LLL
1
4 2
5
1234
31
6 4 2
(MONO)(MONO)(MONO)
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA , USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE • COPYRIGHT ©2004 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.: "MACKIE", "ONYX", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • US PATENT NUMBER 29/049,129
MAIN
OUTPUT
LEVEL
RIGHT LEFT
MAIN OUTS
MIC
+4dB
16
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
BAL
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HI-Z
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HI-Z
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15 14 13 12 11 10 98765432 1
POWER
ON
BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBALANCED
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURINGDATE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING:
TOREDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSETHIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NOUSER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
+48V
OPTION CARD
3. A 34-pin ribbon cable is attached to the back of the OPTION CARD plate with
a cable clamp. Carefully pull the plate away from the opening and slide the
ribbon cable out of the cable clamp.
TALKBACK
MIC
RECORDING OUTS
POST GAIN PRE INSERT
(BALANCED) (BALANCED)
9-161-8
~100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz 80W
OO
+6
SUB OUTC-R OUT
MAIN
INSERT
(TIP=SEND
RING=RETURN)
TAPE
INPUT TAPE OUTPUT
MAIN OUT AUX SENDAUX RETURN
3
R
L
MONO
RRR
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
LLL
1
4 2
5
1234
31
6 4 2
(MONO)(MONO)(MONO)
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA , USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE • COPYRIGHT ©2004 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.: "MACKIE", "ONYX", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • US PATENT NUMBER 29/049,129
MAIN
OUTPUT
LEVEL
RIGHT LEFT
MAIN OUTS
MIC
+4dB
16
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
BAL
O
N
Y
X
M
I
C
P
R
E
MIC
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
BAL
O
N
Y
X
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MIC
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
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P
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INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT
LINE
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LINE
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HI-Z
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INSERT
HI-Z
BAL
UN-
BAL
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X
M
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P
R
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MIC
15 14 13 12 11 10 98765432 1
POWER
ON
BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBALANCED
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURINGDATE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TOREDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSETHIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NOUSER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
+48V

7
Owner’s Manual
Owner’s Manual
Set the blank plate aside. You won’t need it again, unless you want to remove
the Onyx FireWire card sometime in the future. Then you’ll want to reinstall
the blank plate.
4. Remove the FireWire card from the anti-static bag. CAREFULLY line up the
connector on the ribbon cable with the connector on the back edge of the
FireWire card and slide the connectors together, taking care not to bend any
of the pins. Note that there is an alignment tab on the top of the ribbon cable
connector that must align with the top of the connector on the FireWire card.
TALKBACK
MIC
RECORDING OUTS
POST GAIN PRE INSERT
(BALANCED) (BALANCED)
9-161-8
~100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz 80W
OO
+6
SUB OUTC-R OUT
MAIN
INSERT
(TIP=SEND
RING=RETURN)
TAPE
INPUT TAPE OUTPUT
MAIN OUT AUX SENDAUX RETURN
3
R
L
MONO
RRR
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
LLL
1
4 2
5
1234
31
6 4 2
(MONO)(MONO)(MONO)
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA , USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE • COPYRIGHT ©2004 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.: "MACKIE", "ONYX", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • US PATENT NUMBER 29/049,129
MAIN
OUTPUT
LEVEL
RIGHT LEFT
MAIN OUTS
MIC
+4dB
16
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
BAL
O
N
Y
X
M
I
C
P
R
E
MIC
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
BAL
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Y
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MIC
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
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INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT
LINE
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HI-Z
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INSERT
HI-Z
BAL
UN-
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Y
X
M
I
C
P
R
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MIC
15 14 13 12 11 10 98765432 1
POWER
ON
BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBALANCED
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURINGDATE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TOREDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSETHIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NOUSER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
+48V
To p of Onyx FireWire Card
5. SlidetheFireWirecardintotheslot.Therearetwosupporting“legs”onthe
back of the card. Angle the back edge of the card upward so the legs clear the
edge of the slot in the back of the Onyx mixer. Line up the two holes in the
plate with the screw holes in the back panel.
TALKBACK
MIC
RECORDING OUTS
POST GAIN PRE INSERT
(BALANCED) (BALANCED)
9-161-8
~100-240 VAC
50/60 Hz 80W
OO
+6
SUB OUTC-R OUT
MAIN
INSERT
(TIP=SEND
RING=RETURN)
TAPE
INPUT TAPE OUTPUT
MAIN OUT AUX SENDAUX RETURN
3
R
L
MONO
RRR
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
LLL
1
4 2
5
1234
31
6 4 2
(MONO)(MONO)(MONO)
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA , USA • MANUFACTURED IN CHINA • FABRIQUE EN CHINE • COPYRIGHT ©2004 • THE FOLLOWING ARE TRADEMARKS OR REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.: "MACKIE", "ONYX", AND THE "RUNNING MAN" FIGURE • US PATENT NUMBER 29/049,129
MAIN
OUTPUT
LEVEL
RIGHT LEFT
MAIN OUTS
MIC
+4dB
16
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
BAL
O
N
Y
X
M
I
C
P
R
E
MIC
INSERT
LINE
BAL
UN-
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INSERT
LINE
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INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT
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HI-Z
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INSERT
HI-Z
BAL
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MIC
15 14 13 12 11 10 987654321
POWER
ON
BAL/UNBAL BAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBAL/UNBALBALANCED
SERIAL NUMBER MANUFACTURINGDATE
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: TOREDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSETHIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT REMOVE COVER.
NOUSER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
CAUTION
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE — NE PAS OUVRIR
+48V
Into
Bottom
Panel
Into
Bottom
Panel
OO
MAX
DESIGNED BY MACKOIDS IN WOODINVILLE, WA, USA
COPYRIGHT ©2004 LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.
MAIN MIX TRIM
24-BIT/96kHz MULTI-CHANNEL
FIREWIRE I/O OPTION CARD
AB
LISTEDACCESSORY FOR USE
WITHONYX MIXERS 65HJ
6. Secure the FireWire card in place with the two screws that previously held
the blank plate in place. Two more screws are provided with your FireWire
card. These go into the bottom of the Onyx mixer and secure the two support-
ing legs on the back of the card to the chassis.
7. That’s it! Now go enjoy a nice cold one before proceeding to the next section.

8
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
Getting Started
For the PC:
When connecting the Onyx FireWire card to a PC, it is necessary to first install
the drivers and the control panel. The control panel allows you to set the sample
rate and adjust the latency (delay) of the audio passing through the FireWire card.
Do not connect the FireWire card to your computer yet! We’ll tell
you when it’s time to do that.
Installing the Drivers and Control Panel
Note:Checkourwebsite(http://www.mackie.com/OnyxFW_Update)toseeifthere
are newer Drivers available for the Onyx FireWire card.
1. Insert the CD provided with the Onyx FireWire card into your CD drive.
2. Click "Start > Run > Browse" and navigate to the CD drive. Open the "Control
Panel"folderanddouble-click“Setup.exe.”
3. Click "OK" in the Run window. The Mackie Onyx FireWire Driver Setup win-
dow opens. Click "Next" to continue or "Cancel" to close the setup program.

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4. The next window displays the Software License Agreement. Click "Yes" to ac-
cept the terms of the agreement.
5. NextistheDestinationLocationwindow.Werecommendthatyouinstallthe
drivers in the default location, but you can click the Browse button to select a
different location. Click "Next" to continue.

10
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
6. The next window explains that the device drivers are ready to be installed.
Click "Next."
7. This next window may open to warn that the software being installed has not
passed Windows Logo testing. Click "Continue Anyway."

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Owner’s Manual
8. The next window tells you to connect the FireWire card to your computer.
NOTE: DO NOT CLICK EITHER BUTTON in this window yet!
9. Turn on the Onyx mixer with the FireWire card installed, and the FireWire
cable (included) connected to the FireWire card and your computer.
Note: If you have two Onyx mixers with FireWire cards, just connect the first
one to your computer at this point. We’ll have to repeat this procedure again
for the second one. No more than two Onyx mixers can be used on the
FireWire bus.
10. Waitafewsecondsandthe“FoundNewHardwareWizard”opens.Select
“Installthesoftwareautomatically”option(default)andclick“Next.”

12
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
11. Whenthewizardindicatesthattheinstallationisnished,click“Finish.”
12. The“FoundNewHardwareWizard”opensagaintoinstalltheOnyx
FireWireSubCdriver.Select“Installthesoftwareautomatically”option,
andclick“Next.”

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Owner’s Manual
13. Whenthewizardindicatestheinstallationisnished,click“Finish.”
Now, if you have a second Onyx mixer with a FireWire card installed, it is time to
connect it to your computer and turn it on. If your computer only has one FireWire
connection, you can connect the second FireWire card to one of the unused
FireWire connectors on the first FireWire card.
14. Repeat steps 10 through 13 for the second mixer. This is necessary because
each FireWire card is assigned a unique device ID.
15. Aftercompletingstep13forthesecondmixer(ortherstmixer,ifyouonly
have one), click "I Completed the Above Steps" in the Mackie Onyx FireWire
Driver Setup window.

14
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
16. The“FoundNewHardwareWizard”opensonceagainfortheOnyxFireWire
WDMAudioinstallation.Select“Installthesoftwareautomatically”option,
andclick“Next.”
17. This next window may open to warn that the software being installed has not
passed Windows Logo testing. Click "Continue Anyway."

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Owner’s Manual
18. Whenthewizardindicatestheinstallationisnished,click“Finish.”
YournewsoftwareisnowinstalledandreadytousewithanyWindowsXPASIO
or WDM host application (i.e., Tracktion, Cubase, Sonar, Nuendo, Live, etc.).
19. To open the Onyx FireWire Control Panel, click "Start > Programs > Mackie
Onyx > Onyx Control Panel." The Onyx Control Panel indicates that a connec-
tion is established with the Onyx FireWire Card(s), and allows you to adjust
the sample rate and the latency setting.
If using one Onyx mixer with a FireWire card:
The FireWire card should now appear as an 18x2 audio device available for any
DAW application that you have installed on your computer. If you are using an Onyx
1220, the FireWire card still appears as an 18x2 audio device, even though it only
has 12 channels plus L/R mix. Inputs 13 through 16 are not used.

16
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
If using two Onyx mixers with FireWire cards:
It is necessary to turn on one mixer first, followed by the second mixer. They
appear sequentially as 36 inputs x 4 outputs. If you have one Onyx mixer that will
spend most of its time in the studio, always turn that one on first. Then it will al-
ways occupy the first 18 inputs, and the second mixer can occupy the last 18 inputs
only if you need it.
Important: When you are recording a session over a period of time,
it is important that you always power up the Onyx mixers in the
same order, so you retain the correct order of your inputs in the DAW
application.
For the Mac:
Although you do not need any special drivers from Mackie to use the FireWire
cardonaMac,youmusthavecertainspeciclatestversionsofOSXandFireWire
components. Go to www.mackie.com/OnyxFW_Update for details of what system
version and FireWire components are necessary. Once you have the latest system
software, simply connect the Onyx FireWire card to the FireWire connection on the
Macandyou’rereadytogowithanyMacOSXCoreAudiohostapplication(i.e.,
Tracktion, Logic, Cubase, Nuendo, Live, Digital Performer, etc.)
Note: DuetothewaythecurrentOSXsystemdriversaredesigned,ifyouhave
two Onyx mixers with FireWire cards installed, they cannot both be used within the
same application at the same time.
To verify that the Onyx FireWire card is recognized by the system:
1. GototheApplicationsfolderandopentheUtilitiesfolder.
2. Double-click“AudioMIDISetup.”

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3. ClicktheAudioDevicestab,andselectOnyxFireWireinthe“PropertiesFor”
drop-down box.
4. Here you can change the sample rate used by your OS and applications.
5. YoucanalsochoosetousetheOnyxmixerasyourdefaultinputoroutput,as
well as designate it to be used for system sound output.

18
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
Channel Assignments
The following chart shows the order of the channels for each of the three Onyx
mixers as they appear in a DAW application.
Input 1 Ch 1 (Mic/Line) Ch 1 (Mic/Line) Ch 1 (Mic/Line)
Input 2 Ch 2 (Mic/Line) Ch 2 (Mic/Line) Ch 2 (Mic/Line)
Input 3 Ch 3 (Mic/Line) Ch 3 (Mic/Line) Ch 3 (Mic/Line)
Input 4 Ch 4 (Mic/Line) Ch 4 (Mic/Line) Ch 4 (Mic/Line)
Input 5 Ch 5 (Stereo L) Ch 5 (Mic/Line) Ch 5 (Mic/Line)
Input 6 Ch 6 (Stereo R) Ch 6 (Mic/Line) Ch 6 (Mic/Line)
Input 7 Ch 7 (Stereo L) Ch 7 (Mic/Line) Ch 7 (Mic/Line)
Input 8 Ch 8 (Stereo R) Ch 8 (Mic/Line) Ch 8 (Mic/Line)
Input 9 Ch 9 (Stereo L) Ch 9 (Stereo L) Ch 9 (Mic/Line)
Input 10 Ch 10 (Stereo R) Ch 10 (Stereo R) Ch 10 (Mic/Line)
Input 11 Ch 11 (Stereo L) Ch 11 (Stereo L) Ch 11 (Mic/Line)
Input 12 Ch 12 (Stereo R) Ch 12 (Stereo R) Ch 12 (Mic/Line)
Input 13 Not used Ch 13 (Stereo L) Ch 13 (Mic/Line)
Input 14 Not used Ch 14 (Stereo R) Ch 14 (Mic/Line)
Input 15 Not used Ch 15 (Stereo L) Ch 15 (Mic/Line)
Input 16 Not used Ch 16 (Stereo R) Ch 16 (Mic/Line)
Input 17 L Mix L Mix L Mix
Input 18 R Mix R Mix R Mix
Onyx 1220 Onyx 1620 Onyx 1640

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Owner’s Manual
Onyx 1640 Live Mix and Multitrack Recording to a
Laptop via FireWire
This hookup diagram demonstrates how you can do a live multitrack re-
cording to a laptop using the FireWire card. The FireWire card provides a
digital direct output for each channel, and the L/R Mix. The channel outputs
are just after the GAIN control and are not affected by the channel inserts,
EQ controls, or fader moves.
Two channels are returned to the Onyx mixer for monitoring through the
headphones.
Hookup Diagrams
Stereo Power
Amplifier
Out
(play)
In
(record)
Stereo Compressor
Mono Compressor
Multi Effect
Processor
Mono Power
Amplifier Stage Monitor
s
Left PA
Speaker Right PA
Speaker
Stereo
EQ
Mono
EQ
Headphones
Keyboard or other
line-level input
Stereo Guitar Effects
Drum
Machine
Bass Guitar Electric Guitar
Electric Guitar
Vocal Mics
Laptop Computer
16 Channels + L/R Mix
2 Channels
Mono Power
Amplifier Stage Monitors
Mono
EQ
Out
In
Out
In
Out
In
Stereo Compressor
Out
In
Out
In
Onyx 1640
7
8
6
88
7
6
7
5
6
5
3
4
2
1
15
16
14
13
11
12
10
9
5
44
3
2
3
1
2
1
16 16
15
14
15
13
14
13
12 12
11
10
11
9
10
91
2
L
R
L
R
3
4
L
R
L
R
CHANNEL INSERTS
CHANNEL INPUTS
AUX RETURNS
MONO
OUT
PHONES
OUT
AUX
SEND
L
3
4
5
1
2
6
R
LR
IN-TAPE-OUT
MAIN
OUT
CNTRL ROOM
OUTPUTS
MAIN
OUT
RECORDING OUT
9-16
RECORDING OUT
1-8
L
R
MAIN
INSERTS
L
R
SUB OUT
3
4
1
2
FIREWIRE
(OPTION)

20
ONYX FireWire Card
ONYX FireWire Card
Onyx 1640 Multitrack Recording and Mixdown
Monitoring
Sixteen channels are recorded to the laptop, and two mixdown channels
are returned to the Onyx mixer for post-take monitoring through the Control
Room speakers. The PHONES output is connected to a headphone distribu-
tion amp, providing several headphones for musicians and the recording
engineer to monitor the mixdown as well.
Stereo Compressor
Mono Compressor
Multi Effect
Processor
Keyboard or other
line-level input
Stereo Guitar Effects
Drum
Machine
Bass Guitar Electric Guitar
Electric Guitar
Vocal Mics
Guitar Amp
Mics
Digital Delay
Powered
Studio Monitors
for Control Room
Headphone Distribution
Amp
Headphones
for Studio
Out
In
Out
In
Out
In
Laptop Computer
16 Channels
2 Channels
Onyx 1640
7
8
6
88
7
6
7
5
6
5
3
4
2
1
15
16
14
13
11
12
10
9
5
44
3
2
3
1
2
1
16 16
15
14
15
13
14
13
12 12
11
10
11
9
10
91
2
L
R
L
R
3
4
L
R
L
R
CHANNEL INSERTS
CHANNEL INPUTS
AUX RETURNS
MONO
OUT
PHONES
OUT
AUX
SEND
L
3
4
5
1
2
6
R
LR
IN-TAPE-OUT
MAIN
OUT
CNTRL ROOM
OUTPUTS
MAIN
OUT
RECORDING OUT
9-16
RECORDING OUT
1-8
L
R
MAIN
INSERTS
L
R
SUB OUT
3
4
1
2
FIREWIRE
(OPTION)