User manual MACKIE ONYX 800R

PREMIUM EIGHT CHANNEL MICROPHONE PREAMP w/192 kHz DIGITAL OUTPUT OWNER'S MANUAL ONYX 800R Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instuctions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near water. 6. Clean only with dry cloth. 7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. 10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus. 11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer. 12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over. PORTABLE CART WARNING Carts and stands - The Component should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. A Component and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the Component and cart combination to overturn. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as powersupply 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. 15. This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing connection (the third grounding prong). 16. This apparatus has been equipped with a single-pole, rocker-style AC mains power switch. This switch is located on the front panel and should remain readily accessible to the user. 17. 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. 18. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart. According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth here. Duration Per Day In Hours 8 6 4 3 2 1.5 1 0.5 0.25 or less Sound Level dBA, Slow Response 90 92 95 97 100 102 105 110 115 Typical Example Duo in small club Subway Train Very loud classical music Tami screaming at Adrian about deadlines Loudest parts at a rock concert CAUTION AVIS RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK) NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE. AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER. CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE. AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Le symbole clair avec point de fl che l'int rieur d'un triangle quilat ral est utilis pour alerter l'utilisateur de la pr sence l'int rieur du coffret de "voltage dangereux" non isol d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque d' l ctrocution. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance. Le point d'exclamation l'int rieur d'un triangle quilat ral est employ pour alerter les utilisateurs de la pr sence d'instructions importantes pour le fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction accompagnant l'appareil. WARNING -- To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture. 2 ONYX 800R Table of Contents Introduction................................................................................................................4 Getting Started..........................................................................................................5 Zero the Controls .......................................................................................................................................5 Connections.................................................................................................................................................5 Set the Levels ..............................................................................................................................................5 Start Recording...........................................................................................................................................5 Owner's Manual Hookup Diagrams......................................................................................................6 Onyx 800R Features ...............................................................................................10 Front Panel.................................................................................................................................................10 Rear Panel...................................................................................................................................................12 Appendix A: Service Information........................................................................16 Warranty Service......................................................................................................................................16 Troubleshooting.......................................................................................................................................16 Repair ..........................................................................................................................................................17 Appendix B: Connections ......................................................................................18 Appendix C: Technical Info ..................................................................................20 Onyx 800R Specifications ....................................................................................................................20 Onyx 800R Block Diagram....................................................................................................................22 Onyx 800R Limited Warranty .............................................................................23 Please write your serial number here for future reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support, return authorization, etc.) Purchased at: Date of purchase: Don't forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for more information about this and other Mackie products. Part No. 0008666 Rev. A 4/04 ©2004 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved. Owner's Manual 3 ONYX 800R Introduction Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 800R eightchannel professional microphone preamplifier. The Onyx Series of mixers and microphone preamps are designed for the digital era and offer the newest features and latest technologies for live sound reinforcement and analog or digital studio recording in a durable, road-worthy package. The Onyx 800R is equipped with eight of our new premium precision-engineered studio-grade Onyx mic preamps. Mackie is renowned for the high-quality mic preamps used in our mixers, and the Onyx mic pre's are better than ever, with specifications rivaling other stand-alone mic preamplifiers at twice the price. The Onyx 800R is designed to be a transparent audio interface for direct tracking to MDM, HDR, or DAW recording applications. Its selection of analog and digital output options provides the flexibility to connect in almost any application. Channels 1 and 2 feature an impedance select switch, which lets you fine tune the mic pre for vintage tube and ribbon microphones. Channels 1 and 2 also provide the option of engaging a Mid/Side Decoder for M-S stereo mic'ing. Adjusting the balance between channels 1 and 2 with their gain controls provides an effective way to vary the width of the stereo image. Channels 7 and 8 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 has a mic/line switch, a polarity reverse switch, individual phantom power switch, low-cut filter switch, and a gain control. A sample rate selector allows you to choose 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192 kHz sample rates, or to use an external clock connected to the external word clock input connector on the rear panel. You can also select between 24-bit or 16-bit dithered word lengths at the digital outputs. The rear panel provides individual XLR balanced mic input connectors for each channel, and balanced line inputs on a DB25 connector. Analog balanced line outputs are also provided on a DB25 connector. 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. HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL We know that many of you can't wait to get your new microphone preamplifier hooked up, and you're probably not going to read the manual first (sigh!). So the first section after this introduction is a Quick-Start Guide called "Getting Started" to help you get the Onyx 800R set up fast so you can start using it right away. Right after that are the ever popular hook-up diagrams that show typical setups for live sound and recording. Then, when you have time, read the Features Description section. This describes every knob, button, and connection point on the Onyx 800R. Throughout this section you'll find illustrations with each feature numbered. If you want to know more about a feature, simply locate it on the appropriate illustration, notice the number attached to it, and find that number in the nearby paragraphs. This icon marks information that is critically important or unique to the Onyx 800R. For your own good, read them and remember them. They will be on the final test. This icon leads you to in-depth explanations of features and practical tips. While not mandatory, they usually have some valuable nugget of information. A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION Appendix B is a section on connectors: XLR connectors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and the two types of DB25 connectors used on the Onyx 800R. More resources on our website at www.mackie.com. THE GLOSSARY: A Haven of Non-Techiness for the Neophyte The "Glossary of Terms" is a fairly comprehensive dictionary of pro-audio terms. If terms like "clipping," "noise floor," or "unbalanced" leave you blank, refer to this glossary for a quick explanation. ARCANE MYSTERIES ILLUMINATED "Arcane Mysteries" discusses some of the down `n' dirty practical realities of microphones, fixed installations, grounding, and balanced versus unbalanced lines. It's a goldmine for the neophyte, and even the seasoned pro might learn a thing or two. 4 ONYX 800R Getting Started READ THIS PAGE!! Even if you're one of those people who never reads manuals, all we ask is that you read this page now before you begin using the Onyx 800R. You'll be glad you did! Owner's Manual Set the Levels To set the channel GAIN controls, it's not even necessary to hear what you're doing at the outputs of the preamplifier. The following steps must be performed one channel at a time. 1. Play something into the selected input. This could be an instrument, a singing or speaking voice, or a line input such as a CD player or tape recorder output. Be sure that the volume of the input source is the same as it would be during normal use. If it isn't, you might have to readjust these levels later. Adjust the channel's GAIN control so that the "­20" and "0" LEDs light frequently or continuously, and the "OL" LED doesn't light at all (or only flashes occasionally). Repeat for each channel. Zero the Controls 1. 2. 3. Turn down the channel GAIN controls. Set all push button switches to their "out" positions. Turn the POWER switch off. 2. Connections If you already know how you want to connect the Onyx 800R, go ahead and connect the inputs and outputs the way you want them. If you just want to get sound through the preamp, follow these steps: 1. 2. Plug a microphone into channel 1's MIC input. Connect the analog line outputs to your MDM, HDR, or audio interface for your DAW. This requires either a DB25-to-DB25 audio cable or a DB25 breakout cable to either eight male XLR plugs or eight 1/4" TRS plugs. You can connect the Toslink OPTICAL OUT connectors to your recording equipment if they are equipped with Toslink ADAT optical connectors. All eight channels are always present at the LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS and the OPTICAL OUTs up to 96 kHz sampling (four channels at the OPTICAL OUTs at 176.4/192 kHz). You can connect the DB25 AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT connector to your recording equipment if they are so equipped, but we recommend that you first read the section on pages 14-15 that describes this output and its associated buttons. Note: When using the OPTICAL OUTs or the AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT, make sure your MDM, HDR, or other audio interface is configured to clock off the incoming digital source. If you try to use their internal clocks, it's simply not going to work right. 5. 6. Plug in the detachable linecord, connect it to an AC outlet, and turn on the Onyx 800R's POWER switch. If the microphone is a dynamic microphone, set the impedance switch on channel 1 to the "D" position (2400 ). If it's a condenser microphone, set the impedance switch to the "D" position (or to the manufacturers recommended impedance setting) and push in the 48V phantom power button to turn on the phantom power for channel 1. 3. Start Recording 1. You should now see the signals from the Onyx 800R appearing on the meters in your MDM, HDR, or DAW. Start recording and hear the Onyx 800R in stunning crystal clarity. Other Nuggets of Wisdom · You can connect the analog outputs from any linelevel source to the LINE LEVEL INPUTS on the Onyx 800R and use its high-quality analog-to-digital converters to get your analog signals to your digital recorder(s). Always turn the Onyx 800R off before making or changing connections. When you shut down your equipment, turn off the amplifiers first. When powering up, turn on the amplifiers last. Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods. Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for information on hearing protection. Save the shipping box! You may need it someday, and you don't want to have to pay for another one. 3. · · 4. · · That's it for the "Getting Started" section. Next comes the "Hookup" section that shows you some typical ways that you might use the Onyx 800R in real applications. After that, you can take the grand tour of the Onyx 800R, with descriptions of every knob, button, input, and output. We encourage you to take the time to read all of the feature descriptions, but at least you know it's there if you have any questions. Owner's Manual 5 ONYX 800R Hookup Diagrams Electric Guitar Keyboard or other line-level input Stereo Guitar Effects Mics Input 8 Drum Machine Stereo Synth Module Input 1 ANALOG MICROPHONE PREAMP WITH 192kHz DIGITAL OUTPUT ONY X MIC PR E 8 ONY X MIC PR E 7 ONY X MIC PR E 6 ONY X MIC PR E 5 ONY X MIC PR E 4 ONY X MIC PR E 3 SIDE ONY X MIC PR E 2 MID ONY X MIC PR E 1 OPTICAL OUT MID/SIDE DECODE NORMAL MID/SIDE 44.1/48kHz EXTERNAL WORD CLOCK IN TERMINATION 1-8 OFF ON ( 75 ) 110 75 PRO CONS DUAL WIRE SINGLE WIRE ~100-240 VAC AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT 50-60Hz 105W BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUT 88.2/ 96kHz 1-8 1-4 5-8 BALANCED LINE LEVEL 1-2 OUTPUT 176.4/ 192kHz 3-4 AES/EBU = 110 / PRO SPDIF = 75 / CONSUMER OPTICAL or AES/EBU OR S/PDIF Digital I/O for Workstation To Desktop or Laptop Computer The OPTICAL OUTs or AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUTs on the Onyx 800R can be connected directly to a digital audio interface for a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). In this example, use the MIC/LINE switch for each channel to select between the microphones and the line-level input instruments. Onyx 800R Multitrack Recording with a DAW (Tracking) 6 ONYX 800R Owner's Manual Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Drum Machine Mics Keyboard or other line-level input HI-Z INPUTS (on front panel) ANALOG MICROPHONE PREAMP WITH 192kHz DIGITAL OUTPUT ONY Input 5 Input 6 X MIC PR E 8 ONY X MIC PR E 7 ONY X MIC PR E 6 ONY X MIC PR E 5 ONY X MIC PR E 4 ONY X MIC PR E 3 SIDE ONY X MIC PR E 2 MID ONY X MIC PR E 1 OPTICAL OUT MID/SIDE DECODE NORMAL MID/SIDE 44.1/48kHz EXTERNAL WORD CLOCK IN TERMINATION 1-8 OFF ON ( 75 ) 110 75 PRO CONS DUAL WIRE SINGLE WIRE ~100-240 VAC AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT 50-60Hz 105W BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUT 88.2/ 96kHz 1-8 1-4 5-8 BALANCED LINE LEVEL 1-2 OUTPUT 176.4/ 192kHz 3-4 AES/EBU = 110 / PRO SPDIF = 75 / CONSUMER Portastudio with ADAT Optical Inputs The OPTICAL OUT on the Onyx 800R can be connected directly to a portastudio with ADAT optical inputs. Onyx 800R Multitrack Recording with a Portastudio (Tracking) Owner's Manual 7 ONYX 800R 24-Channels from On-Stage Mic Splitter Push In Termination Button on Last Onyx 800R ANALOG MICROPHONE PREAMP WITH 192kHz DIGITAL OUTPUT ON YX MIC PR E 8 ON YX MIC PR E 7 ON YX MIC PR E 6 ON YX MIC PR E 5 ON YX MIC PR E 4 ON YX MIC PR E 3 SIDE ON YX MIC PR E 2 MID ON YX MIC PR E 1 OPTICAL OUT MID/SIDE DECODE NORMAL MID/SIDE 44.1/48kHz EXTERNAL WORD CLOCK IN TERMINATION 1-8 OFF ON ( 75 ) 110 75 PRO CONS DUAL WIRE SINGLE WIRE ~100-240 VAC AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT 50-60Hz 105W BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUT 88.2/ 96kHz 1-8 1-4 5-8 BALANCED LINE LEVEL 1-2 OUTPUT 176.4/ 192kHz 3-4 AES/EBU = 110 / PRO SPDIF = 75 / CONSUMER ANALOG MICROPHONE PREAMP WITH 192kHz DIGITAL OUTPUT ON YX MIC PR E 8 ON YX MIC PR E 7 ON YX MIC PR E 6 ON YX MIC PR E 5 ON YX MIC PR E 4 ON YX MIC PR E 3 SIDE ON YX MIC PR E 2 MID ON YX MIC PR E 1 OPTICAL OUT MID/SIDE DECODE NORMAL MID/SIDE 44.1/48kHz EXTERNAL WORD CLOCK IN TERMINATION 1-8 OFF ON ( 75 ) 110 75 PRO CONS DUAL WIRE SINGLE WIRE ~100-240 VAC AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT 50-60Hz 105W BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUT 88.2/ 96kHz 1-8 1-4 5-8 BALANCED LINE LEVEL 1-2 OUTPUT 176.4/ 192kHz 3-4 AES/EBU = 110 / PRO SPDIF = 75 / CONSUMER ANALOG MICROPHONE PREAMP WITH 192kHz DIGITAL OUTPUT ON YX MIC PR E 8 ON YX MIC PR E 7 ON YX MIC PR E 6 ON YX MIC PR E 5 ON YX MIC PR E 4 ON YX MIC PR E 3 SIDE ON YX MIC PR E 2 MID ON YX MIC PR E 1 OPTICAL OUT MID/SIDE DECODE NORMAL MID/SIDE 44.1/48kHz EXTERNAL WORD CLOCK IN TERMINATION 1-8 OFF ON ( 75 ) 110 75 PRO CONS DUAL WIRE SINGLE WIRE ~100-240 VAC AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT 50-60Hz 105W BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUT 88.2/ 96kHz 1-8 1-4 5-8 BALANCED LINE LEVEL 1-2 OUTPUT 176.4/ 192kHz 3-4 AES/EBU = 110 / PRO SPDIF = 75 / CONSUMER Word Clock Out You can use mic splitters to route the signals from the stage to three Onyx 800Rs in a rack, for 24-track live recording to a Mackie HDR. Onyx 800R Live Multitrack Recording with an HDR 8 ONYX 800R Owner's Manual Bass Guitar Electric Guitar Vocal Mics HI-Z INPUTS (on front panel) ANALOG MICROPHONE PREAMP WITH 192kHz DIGITAL OUTPUT ON Onyx 800R With Remarkable Mic Pre's YX MIC PR E 8 ON YX MIC PR E 7 ON YX MIC PR E 6 ON YX MIC PR E 5 ON YX MIC PR E 4 ON YX MIC PR E 3 SIDE ON YX MIC PR E 2 MID ON YX MIC PR E 1 OPTICAL OUT MID/SIDE DECODE NORMAL MID/SIDE 44.1/48kHz EXTERNAL WORD CLOCK IN TERMINATION 1-8 OFF ON ( 75 ) 110 75 PRO CONS DUAL WIRE SINGLE WIRE ~100-240 VAC AES/EBU OR S/PDIF OUT 50-60Hz 105W BALANCED LINE LEVEL INPUT 88.2/ 96kHz 1-8 1-4 5-8 Electric Guitar BALANCED LINE LEVEL BALANCED LINE LEVEL 1-2 OUTPUT OUTPUT 176.4/ 192kHz 3-4 AES/EBU = 110 / PRO SPDIF = 75 / CONSUMER Stereo Guitar Effects Mixer With Unremarkable Mic Pre's Stereo EQ Stereo Power Amplifier Left PA Speaker Right PA Speaker This hookup diagram demonstrates how you can use the balanced linelevel outputs on the Onyx 800R in a live mixing application. Onyx 800R Live Mixing Owner's Manual 9 ONYX 800R Onyx 800R Features Front Panel There are eight channels in the Onyx 800R. They all share the same features with the exceptions that channels 1 and 2 have an impedance select switch and a mid/side decode switch, and channels 7 and 8 have a high-impedance 1/4" input jack for connecting electric instruments directly to the preamp without a direct box. ANCE switch allows you to change the input impedance of the microphone inputs on channels 1 and 2. This allows you to change the characteristics of the sound of the microphone. There are four selections to choose from: A: 300 ohms, B: 500 ohms, C: 1300 ohms, and D: 2400 ohms. Select the impedance that is closest to the recommended impedance for your microphone. Or you can experiment with different settings and decide which one sounds best for your particular application. Note: The 2400 ohm position (D) matches the nominal input impedances of channels 3-8. 1. GAIN Control The GAIN control adjusts the input sensitivity of the mic and line inputs. This allows the signal from the outside world to be adjusted to optimal internal operating levels. If the signal is plugged into the XLR jack, there is 0 dB of gain (unity gain) with the knob turned all the way down, ramping up to 60 dB of gain fully up. When connected to the balanced line input (DB25 connector), there is 20 dB of attenuation all the way down, and 40 dB of gain fully up, with a "U" (unity gain) mark at about 10:00. 4. Phase Switch Pushing in this switch simply reverses the polarity of the signal. This provides an easy way to correct a microphone whose polarity is opposite from the other microphones, either from a miswired cable or from not following the AES standard for Pin 2/Pin 3. 2. MIC/LINE Switch This button selects the input source from either the XLR MIC inputs or the DB25 LINE inputs. When the button is out, the XLR MIC input is used and the line input is disconnected. When the button is pushed in, the DB25 LINE input is used and the XLR MIC input is disconnected. This way, you can leave signals connected to both inputs without having to disconnect one or the other, and the 800R acts as a patchbay for your input sources. 5. Low-Cut Switch The Low-Cut switch, often referred to as a high-pass filter, cuts bass frequencies below 75 Hz at a rate of 18 dB per octave. +15 +10 +5 0 ­5 3. MIC IMPEDANCE Switch (Channels 1 and 2) Many classic, vintage, and ribbon microphones are very sensitive to the input impedance of the mic preamp, and operate best at specific impedances. The MIC IMPEDChannel 1 ­10 ­15 20Hz 100Hz 1kHz 10kHz 20kHz