Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I was worried from reading the other reviews that I would have problems. (including reviews outside of Amazon)
After doing a lot of research I realized that it was probably the right fit for what I want.
I have a MAC Power Book - OS 10.6.6
I had been using only the 1/8th inch jack on the side for input and that, obviously, wasn't cutting it.
I wanted to use an electric guitar and a near field mic for vocals - specifically a Sure SM57
- because I'm recording in a place where I can't control the outside sounds and if I want to get a clean sound without a lot of background noise
and a low noise floor, I knew I would need the less sensitive and more directional mic.
The Sure SM57 needs a pre-amp that generates at least 54db to 60db, because it's a dynamic mic.
The Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2x2 USB was the only USB box I found who's pre-amp was that strong.
Since I have a MAC there was no "driver" problems talked about in other reviews.
I plugged the box in, went to the System Preferences >Sound > switched the "Audio In" to Onyx Blackjack, started up "Logic" and it worked instantly.
No issues at all. Good quality sound. No Clicks, No Latency. Simple and Perfect for what I want it for.
I tested it on Electric Guitar and then vocals with the SM57, and with some larger diaphragm mics.
It does the job I want it to do, and I give it 5 stars.
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Mackie Onyx Blackjack Premium 2x2 USB Recording Interface with Tracktion 3 Music Production SoftwareLet's face it. If you could fit one of our flagship Onyx 1640i consoles into your workspace and budget, you probably would do it. But that shouldn't mean you have to settle for the cheapest, plastic 2x2 interface available. We've spent serious time and research creating the Onyx Blackjack Premium USB Recording Interface. It delivers the same proven Onyx preamps as our other flagship Onyx products in an ultra-compact, ergonomic desktop design perfect for your home studio. Other professional features include high-end AD/DA converters, built-in DIs, phantom power and true analog hardware monitoring of inputs for hassle-free zero-latency tracking, in either mono or stereo. The USB connection provides bus-power to the Blackjack, eliminating the need for another cable run. Plus, it's Mac/PC friendly and ready for most major DAWs right out of the box. So, don't settle. Be smart and check out the Onyx Blackjack - the utmost in sonic quality and simplicity.
Boutique-Quality Onyx PreAmpsGreat recordings start with high-quality preamps and you will simply not find preamps at this price range better than Blackjack\'s Onyx preamps. We invested significant R&D efforts into developing our flagship Onyx mic preamps. Found on our most expensive studio consoles, Onyx pres are designed to meet or surpass expensive, esoteric standalone mic pres in terms of fidelity, headroom and transparency – as well as improved radio frequency (RFI) rejection and ultra-wide dynamic range. And with a full 60dB of available gain, would-be competitors are left in the dust.
High-Quality AD/DA ConversionQuality doesn\'t stop at the boutique Onyx preamps. The Onyx Blackjack uses Cirrus Logic converters offering 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted) – a specification other companies sometimes charge thousands of dollars to achieve. Our preamp circuitry is aligned precisely with the onboard analog-to-digital conversion to always provide you with the most headroom and the lowest noise and distortion possible, a real sonic benefit that is often ignored on smaller interfaces.
Zero-Latency RecordingLatency is evil and must be punished. If you have recorded with digital gear, chances are you feel the same way. It\'s a pesky computer-induced delay that can quickly kill the vibe of any recording session. Blackjack puts this issue to rest once and for all, featuring a true analog monitoring path directly from the preamps to your studio monitors and headphones. This means you can track while listening to the direct analog source with zero routing. Not only that, it also means you can adjust your buffer settings to maximize your computers processing ability. Oh yeah, Blackjack also allows you to track with zero latency in either mono or stereo, so you can get the right vibe when recording stereo signals like acoustic guitars and keyboards.
Professional ToolsNo other ultra-compact desktop interface delivers as many professional features as the Onyx Blackjack. Both channels double as built-in DIs for direct connection of guitars, basses, keyboards, drum machines, etc. Both channels also deliver 48V phantom power, so you can use studio-quality condenser mics with no problem. The studio monitor and headphone outputs have independent level controls for maximum flexibility. Plus, the Onyx Blackjack is bus-powered via USB, so there\'s no power supply to lose or another cable cluttering your workspace. It also comes with Mackie\'s Tracktion 3 Music Production software, so you can get started recording right away.
Ergonimacally InclinedMost desktop interfaces have a serious flaw: their construction. First off, most are made of cheap, breakable plastic. Onyx Blackjack features a sleek, powder-coated all-metal chassis that is truly \'Built-Like-A-Tank". You could literally use it as a hammer to smash the competition (not recommended at your local store). Second, when they are sitting on your desk, the competition lies flat, with no way to read the markings on the front panel. Have you ever accidently turned the wrong knob during your session? Not fun. The Onyx Blackjack sits with a 25-degree inclination, allowing for full view of all controls at all times, meaning more recording time and less hassle. A good idea – right?
So there you have it. An extremely simple, but very powerful desktop interface that delivers all the features you want in a design that could fit in your man purse. Small studio. Big solution. Onyx Blackjack.
Features
Two boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
High-headroom design with ultra-low noise and distortion
Professional 24-bit recording/playback via 2x2 USB
High-end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters with 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted)
True analog hardware monitoring of inputs, in mono or stereo, for easy zero-latency recording
Compatible with most major DAWs
Logic
SONAR\'
Cubase
Ableton Live
Final Cut Pro
...and more
Built-in DI on each input for direct connection of guitars, basses, etc.
48V phantom power for use with studio-quality condenser microphones
USB bus-powered, eliminating need for separate power cable
Separate studio monitor and headphone outs with independent level control
Sleek, ergonomic \'Built-Like-A-Tank" desktop design
Includes Tracktion 3\' Music Production Software for Mac or PC
Software Requirements
For PC
Microsoft Windows 7 32 / 64, Vista 32 / 64 RTM or XP SP 2
Pentium 4, Celeron or Athlon XP processor
512 MB RAM
For Mac
Mac OS X 10.4.11 – 10.6.4
G4 processor
512 MB RAM
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