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Mackie Onyx Satellite FireWire Interface The Mackie Onyx Satellite FireWire Recording System is the world’s first modular recording system featuring a sleek, portable FireWire recording pod and dedicated Base Station.
The FireWire bus-powered recording pod features two premium Onyx preamps and top-notch 24-bit/96kHz capable A/D and D/A converters. The Pod snaps right into place on the Base Station providing A/C power and additional I/O, turning the system into a two-input, six-output FireWire audio interface with an advanced input-patching matrix, Talkback, Monitoring, and Surround Speaker control. Together, this innovative system gives you superior sound quality and flexibility—all without having to disconnect your studio gear when you hit the road.
Mackie Onyx Satellite Features
- Innovative two-piece FireWire Recording System for professional audio production on Mac or PC
- Portable Satellite Pod docks into Satellite Base Station, allowing users to record on location without disconnecting and reconnecting cables
- Dual Onyx mic preamps for superior clarity, detail and dynamic range versus competing interfaces
- Satellite Base Station features 8 inputs (2 active at any time) for connection of microphones, line sources, and instruments; plus 6-line level outputs
- Built-in Control Room functions include Talkback, with onboard mic, and A/B monitoring switching
- 6-channel volume control allows for Surround Sound mixing
- Satellite Pod can be bus powered for field use, or externally powered via included power supply
- Professional-grade AKM 24-bit/96kHz A/D and D/A converters
- FireWire protocol for low-latency real time recording
- Works with all WDM, GSF and ASIO on the PC and Core Audio compatible software on the Mac
- Bundled with Tracktion 2 software and Mackie Mixing and Mastering Tools for complete recording solution
- Indestructo Mackie all-metal construction holds up in the field
Onyx Satellite represents a breakthrough for computer-based audio and music production. As the world's first two-piece FireWire recording system, Satellite consists of a portable recording Pod with premium Onyx mic preamps, and a desktop Base Station with additional inputs and outputs. You simply undock the Pod when you want to record on location - leaving the Base Station connected to all your desktop studio gear (microphones, instruments, headphones, studio monitors, etc.). Then, once you've returned to your studio, simply dock the Satellite Pod back into the Base Station with a reassuring click.
The Base Station provides additional I/O, monitor control and Talkback with a built-in mic. And the system comes with a full-featured copy of Tracktion 2 music production software with Mackie Mixing and Mastering tools, so you can go from initial idea to final CD. (Of course, with WDM, GSIF, ASIO and Core Audio drivers, Onyx Satellite can also be used with most major audio software on Mac or PC.)
UNSURPASSED SOUND QUALITY
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When developing a FireWire audio/recording interface, it pays to know your stuff. So it's worth noting that Mackie started as a professional audio company, not a software or computer peripheral company. As such, Mackie engineered Satellite with a focus on crucial components like mic preamps, superior analog circuitry, and A/D and D/A converters. Instead of me-too, off-the-shelf mic preamps, Satellite offers Mackie’s premium Onyx mic preamps - giving you dynamic range and noise specifications rivaling much more expensive standalone mic pres. All the analog circuitry was designed by the veteran Mackie engineering team in Woodinville, WA with higher headroom and lower noise specs than anything in its class… by far. And Mackie specified professional AKM-brand, phase-accurate 24-bit/96kHz Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog converters, to ensure that what comes in, is what goes out, and back in, and back out. |
THE GO-ANYWHERE SATELLITE POD
In addition to the aforementioned Onyx mic preamps, the robust aluminum-and-steel Satellite Pod features Neutrik™ Combo input connectors on Channels 1 and 2, which allow you to use either a quarter-inch TRS connector or an XLR connector. A global 48V switch applies phantom power to both XLR input connectors, so you can power your studio condenser mics. Channels 1 and 2 also feature an Instrument Select switch, which lets you connect an acoustic, electric, or bass guitar directly to the quarter-inch input, eliminating the need for an external direct box. The Pod also has a stereo Control Room output and two stereo Headphone jacks, each with separate level controls (the Control Room and Phones 1 outputs share a level control). And of course, there's a FireWire connector for jacking into your desktop or laptop. Because the Satellite Pod is bus-powered via FireWire, there's no need for a separate power supply.
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| THE SATELLITE BASE STATION
When the Pod is docked to the Base Station, it gains additional features and expanded I/O capabilities. Namely, a separate XLR connector, two quarter-inch TRS line-input connectors, and a quarter-inch TS instrument connector for each channel, with Select switches for each input source. Plus Insert jacks for Channels 1 and 2, letting you send and return the signal to an external processor (like, say, a killer vintage outboard compressor/limiter you bought from some dude on eBay for like $100 bucks because he didn't know what it was). |
The Base Station also gives you six channels of analog balanced line outputs, provided on quarter-inch TRS connectors. Two of these can be used as stereo Control Room outputs, with an A/B Switch to route the signal to two separate pairs of monitors for comparison. For communicating with studio talent, the Base Station also serves up a built-in Talkback microphone, which can be routed to the Phones/Control Room output or to the DAW for slating.
And like the Satellite Pod, the Base Station can be powered directly from the FireWire bus (when using a six-pin FireWire connector), or from the 12V DC power supply included in the box.
MONITORING AND SURROUND CONTROL
As mentioned, the Base Station's Control Room section allows you to select between one of two monitor outs for multiple monitor speaker setups. Additionally, you can switch monitoring between your DAW outputs and the connected inputs—so you can plug in to jam or listen to your iPod without having to boot your DAW software. Lastly, the Satellite/Base Station combo allows you to control the volume of six outputs for Surround sound with a single volume knob—a feature that would cost a bundle if you had to buy it separately. And it’s worth mentioning that all these things stay connected on your desktop, so you never have to repatch cables when you go to record on location.
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| TRACKTION 2 SOFTWARE AND MACKIE MASTERING TOOLS
The Satellite system comes with Mackie's popular Tracktion 2 Music Production Software. Tracktion 2's hallmark single-screen interface and intuitive workflow make it the perfect audio and MIDI production solution for both novice and seasoned DAW users alike. And T2's feature set is immense: unlimited track count, VST and ReWire support, a high-definition 64-bit mix engine, QuickTime video import, external synchronization, MIDI controller mapping, Mac and PC compatibility, and integrated Mackie Control Universal and C4 support, just to name a few. But more importantly, Tracktion 2 does it all in a way that never gets in the way of your creativity. |
Features
- Clean, single-screen interface for easy recording, mixing and mastering
- Full suite of name-brand plug-ins from IK Multimedia, Lin Plug, reFX, Bismark, Acuma Labs, Raw Materials and more
- Unlimited track count (depending on your computer’s CPU)
- Support for sample rates up to 192Hz
- Importing and exporting of all major file types
- Simple drag-and-drop audio editing
- Track freezing for conserving CPU power
- VST instrument and plug-in support
- ReWire support for use with Reason software
- Powerful MIDI programming and editing with step recording
- Built-in Quicktime support
- 64-bit mix engine for superb sound quality
- Built-in sampler
- MIDI mapping for external controllers
- MTC input/output, MIDI Clock output, and MMC send/receive
- Powerful project management features
Computer Requirements
These are the minimum computer requirements for using the Onyx Satellite and Tracktion 2:
Mackie Onyx Saetllite Specifications
Frequency Response
Mic Input to Line Output (Gain @ unity):
- @48 kHz: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, ±1 dB
- @96 kHz: 20 Hz to 40 kHz, ±1 dB
Distortion (THD & IMD)
Mic Input to Line Output (@ +4 dBu output):
- THD+N: < 0.02%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz BW, 1 kHz input @ +4 dBu, preamp at unity gain
Dynamic Range (A-weighted, typical)
- 103 dB (Mic In to Line Out)
Noise
- Signal-to-Noise (A-weighted, typical): >103 dB (ref. +0 dBu, Mic In to Line Out, Gain @ unity)
- Equivalent Input Noise (E.I.N.), 20 Hz to 20 kHz Bandwidth, 150 Ohms source impedance, typical: –110 dBu @ +60 dB gain
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)
- Mic In: >40 dB @ 1 kHz, Gain @ maximum, typical
Crosstalk
- Mic Input to Line Output:
< –80 dB @ 1 kHz, +10 dBu signal on adjacent input, 150 Ohms source impedance
Input Gain Control Range
- Mic In: 0 dB to +60 dB, ±1 dB
- Line In: –20 dB to + 40 dB, ±1 dB
Phantom Power
- +48 VDC (±20%)
Rated Output
- Line: +4 dBu nominal
- Maximum Rated Output: +18 dBu @ Balanced Line-Level Outputs
Input Impedance
- Mic Input: 2.4 kOhms balanced
- Inst Input: 1 M Ohms
- Line: 20 kOhms balanced, 10 kOhms unbalanced
Output Impedance
- Line: 100 Ohms balanced
Signal Level LEDs
- –40 dB, –20 dB, –10 dB (normal operating level), OL = 0 dB FS
Sample Frequency Selections
- 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz
Analog Input Connectors
- Pod: Two balanced XLR/TRS combination mic/line inputs
- Base Station:
- Two balanced XLR mic inputs
- Four balanced quarter-inch TRS line inputs
- Two quarter-inch TS high-impedance instrument inputs
Analog Output Connectors
- Pod: Two balanced quarter-inch TRS line-level outputs
- Base Station: Eight balanced quarter-inch TRS line-level outputs
Analog Insert Connectors
- Base Station: Two unbalanced quarter-inch TRS line-level inputs/outputs
Digital Input/Output Connectors
- Pod: One 6-pin FireWire input/output
- Base Station: One 6-pin FireWire input/output
Power Requirements
Both units can be powered by the 6-pin FireWire connection or by the DC Power Supply included.
- In the U.S.: 120 VAC/60 Hz In
12V DC Out
Physical Dimensions and Weight
- Pod:
- Height: 2.1 in (53 mm)
- Width: 8.0 in (203 mm)
- Depth: 4.1 in (104 mm; including front knobs and rear jacks)
- Weight: 1.8 lb (0.8 kg)
- Base Station:
- Height: 4.4 in (112 mm); 4.6 in/117 mm with feet
- Width: 10.8 in (274 mm)
- Depth: 7.1 in (180 mm)
- Weight: 6.1 lb (2.8 kg)
LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our products
by incorporating new and improved materials, components, and manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve the right to change these specifications at any time without notice.
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Rate and Review this Product:
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| | 4 people wrote reviews | |
| | AMS Customer from USA | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Satellite - a great buy. | | Overall:
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QUALITY:
As advertised - built like a tank. Worst quality feature - definitely the wall wart. I hate those.
FEATURES:
Portability and sound quality are top notch.
EASE OF USE:
Smooth installation. Works immediately in Logic. Also tried Tracktion 2 (came with it). Real simple to install, authorize and record/mix.
VALUE:
Definitely worth spending a little bit extra to get great sounding preamps (Onyx), and a very cool design. Software package is simple to use and complete. You can even master for CD or iTunes.
SOUND:
Onyx preamps are clean and open. Unit is very transparent. My whole studio is connected via the base station and so far everything I've tracked and mixed sounds fantastic. | |
| | Shawnwon from Detroit MI USA | | shawnwon313@comcast.net | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | BAD PHANTOM POWER | | Quality:
| I like this unit because of the mic pres and its built strong but the only set back is when using phantom power, that the unit is supplied with, it makes a bad hum sound in the tracks you record. The work around for this is buy your own phantom power box and DON'T use the phantom power on this unit. That's the only problem | | Features:
| Love the features, a lot of inputs and it has talk back | | Ease of Use:
| Very ease to use | | Value:
| The value its ok if they fix the phantom power problem then I would give it a 10 | | Appearance:
| very good | | Skill Level:
| Semi-Pro | |
| | wes from maryland | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | A versatile home studio solution | | Quality:
| Rugged design- actually fit for mobile use | | Features:
| This unit has a good selection of input options and includes effects sends but not overdone with lots of knobs and buttons. I find it to be flexible in various recording environments. | | Ease of Use:
| Compared to other external capture devices I find this to be straight forward. It routes itself through an ASIO driver so its flexible with numerous editors. I used it with Cubase. I run this on a PC and a Mac, and of course it is very easy to use on a mac-don't even need drivers. | | Value:
| For anyone starting a home studio or just looking for a good mobile capture device this is a good solution for the price. | | Appearance:
| for anyone who actually cares about appearance this unit may clash with your powerbook and ipod. | | Skill Level:
| Intermediate | |
| | Tmaster from Durango, CO | | Overall Ranking: | | Ease of Use:
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| | | Subject: | If using on a PC double check the 4 pin converter | | Overall:
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QUALITY:
I rated this a 4 due to the problem I had with the 6pin to 4pin firewire converter received with the product. After 2 weeks of troubleshooting the problem, it turned out that the converter was pinned out wrong. 1 Data line was straight thru, the 2nd was crossed. Once I purchased a cable, no problems were encountered. Otherwise, built like a tank.
FEATURES:
Basic set of features. Nice to have the portable satellite with the base station setup. Makes moving around easy. Tracktion software is easy to use and understand but has minimal features compared with other software I've used. Although I may not have found the way to do certain things yet.
EASE OF USE:
Very easy to use and setup once the firewire interface works right.
VALUE:
Great value for the reduced price. Actually lower then other 2 input firewire devices.
SOUND:
Preamps sound great. |
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