Buy Mackie Onyx Blackjack Premium 2x2 USB Recording Interface with Tracktion 3 Music Production SoftwareMackie Onyx Blackjack Premium 2x2 USB Recording Interface with Tracktion 3 Music Production Software Product Description:
- Two boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range
- High-headroom design with ultra-low noise and distortion
- Includes Tracktion 3(TM) Music Production Software
- 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
Product Description
Let'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 PreAmps
Great 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 Conversion
Quality 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 Recording
Latency 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 Tools
No 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 Inclined
Most 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
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
24 of 24 people found the following review helpful.
For Mac and SM57 it's Perfect
By dbl_skorpo
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 10.6.6I 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 noiseand 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.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful.Absolutely Wonderful for the home recorder.
By Jake
Don't let all of these bad reviews deter you. They are all about drivers. Most of those people probably don't know what a driver is. Mine has absolutely no problem and it came with detailed instruction on driver updates.The acual pre-amp itself is gorgeous. Amazing sound quality, I barely had to make any adujtments to the sound to make it studio quality. (this is with tracktion 3) VERY good quality pre-amp. I probably won't have too buy another one for a very long time. Extremely durable. You pretty much can't go wrong with this wonderful piece of equipment.So far I haven't found anything wrong with it.It also comes with Tracktion 3 Basic Bundle. I happen to like it a lot, but you don't have to use it.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful.Excellent!!!!!
By bewarnd
I bought this after getting the tascam us-144. The drivers for that unit did not work on my windows 7 64bit pc! I tried this as a last resort and it was magic!!! The directions get you to load drivers from the internet ( flawless loading ). once i rebooted all my music programs took the default commmands that this loaded and i didnt have to change a thing!!! Highly recommend buying this!!!
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