Mackie Stereo Amplifier 400F User Manual
STUDIO RECORDING PREAMP  
with 192kHz FIREWIRE I/O  
O W N E R ’ S M A N U A L  
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Table of Contents  
Introduction................................................................................................................................. 5  
Getting Started ...........................................................................................................................6  
Zero the Controls................................................................................................................................................................... 6  
Connections............................................................................................................................................................................. 6  
Set the Levels .......................................................................................................................................................................... 6  
Set the Console Control Panel ........................................................................................................................................... 6  
Start Recording to DAT .........................................................................................................................................................7  
Start Recording to DAW........................................................................................................................................................7  
Hookup Diagrams.......................................................................................................................8  
Onyx 400F Features ..................................................................................................................12  
Front Panel..............................................................................................................................................................................12  
1. Power Switch...................................................................................................................................................................12  
2. CLOCK SOURCE Indicators .........................................................................................................................................12  
3. FireWire Indicator .........................................................................................................................................................12  
4. MIDI Indicators..............................................................................................................................................................12  
5. CONTROL ROOM Level...............................................................................................................................................12  
6. PHONES 1 and 2 Level ..................................................................................................................................................12  
7. PHONES 1 and 2 Outputs.............................................................................................................................................12  
8. 48V Phantom Power Switch ..................................................................................................................................... 13  
9. Channel GAIN ................................................................................................................................................................ 13  
10. Signal Level Indicators............................................................................................................................................... 13  
11. Instrument Switch ....................................................................................................................................................... 13  
12. Instrument Input ......................................................................................................................................................... 13  
Rear Panel ...............................................................................................................................................................................14  
13. MIC/Line Inputs...........................................................................................................................................................14  
14. INSERTS ..........................................................................................................................................................................14  
15. LINE IN (Channels 5-8)................................................................................................................................................ 15  
16. LINE OUT........................................................................................................................................................................ 15  
17. CR OUT............................................................................................................................................................................ 15  
18. WORD CLOCK IN/OUT.............................................................................................................................................. 15  
19. FIREWIRE.......................................................................................................................................................................16  
20. MIDI IN/OUT...............................................................................................................................................................16  
21. S/PDIF IN/OUT............................................................................................................................................................17  
22. Power Receptacle .......................................................................................................................................................17  
Don’t forget to visit our website at www.mackie.com for more  
information about this and other Mackie products.  
Part No. SW0204 Rev. A 5/05  
©2005 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.  
3
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Onyx 400F Console.................................................................................................................. 18  
Installing the Software........................................................................................................................................................18  
Computer Requirements.................................................................................................................................................18  
A Note about Hard Drive Speed:...................................................................................................................................18  
Installing the Drivers and Onyx 400F Console .........................................................................................................18  
Macintosh OS X Audio MIDI Setup .............................................................................................................................20  
Installing Tracktion 2........................................................................................................................................................21  
Using the Onyx 400F Console...........................................................................................................................................23  
Settings.................................................................................................................................................................................23  
Outputs............................................................................................................................................................................... 26  
Appendix A: Service Information.........................................................................................27  
Warranty Service ................................................................................................................................................................. 27  
Troubleshooting................................................................................................................................................................... 27  
Repair...................................................................................................................................................................................... 28  
Appendix B: Connections .......................................................................................................29  
Appendix C: Technical Info .....................................................................................................31  
Onyx 400F Specifications................................................................................................................................................... 31  
Onyx 400F Block Diagram..................................................................................................................................................33  
Onyx 400F Limited Warranty............................................................................................... 35  
Please write your serial number here for future  
reference (i.e., insurance claims, tech support,  
return authorization, etc.)  
Purchased at:  
Date of purchase:  
4
ONYX 400F  
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Introduction  
the headphone and control room outputs mirror the  
ASIO/Core Audio Outputs 1 and 2 or the ASIO/Core Audio  
Outputs 7 and 8. You can also select whether the S/PDIF  
I/O is formatted for consumer or professional status.  
Thank you for choosing a Mackie Onyx 400F ten-  
channel professional audio interface for studio digital  
audio recording. The Onyx Series microphone preamps  
are designed for the digital era and offer the newest fea-  
tures and latest technologies for digital studio recording  
in a durable, road-worthy package.  
HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL  
We know that many of you can’t wait to get your  
new preamp/FireWire interface 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  
400F 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 recording.  
The Onyx 400F is equipped with four 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 400F is designed to be a transparent audio  
interface for direct tracking and mixdown. It works with  
virtually any ASIO/Core Audio compliant DAW software  
application on a PC or Mac as a 10x10 audio interface  
and 1x1 MIDI interface.  
Then, when you have time, read the Features Descrip-  
tion section. This describes every knob, button, and con-  
nection point on the Onyx 400F, as well as the software  
settings and controls.  
Channels 1 and 2 feature an instrument select switch,  
which lets you connect an acoustic, electric, or bass  
guitar directly to the preamp, eliminating the need for  
an external direct box.  
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 illustra-  
tion, notice the number attached to it, and find that  
number in the nearby paragraphs.  
Channels 1-4 have a Neutrik™ Combo input connector,  
which allows you to use either a 1/4" TRS connector or  
an XLR connector. A global 48V switch applies phantom  
power to all four XLR input connectors. Insert jacks are  
provided for channels 1-4 to send and return the signal  
to an external processor. These are pre-A/D so they work  
great for compressors and other dynamic processors.  
This icon marks information that is  
critically important or unique to the  
Onyx 400F. For your own good, read  
them and remember them. They will  
be on the final test.  
This icon leads you to in-depth expla-  
nations of features and practical tips.  
While not mandatory, they usually have  
some valuable nugget of information.  
Channels 5-8 each have a 1/4" TRS input connector and  
accept line-level signals. Eight channels of analog bal-  
anced line outputs are provided on 1/4" TRS connectors.  
Two channels of digital inputs and outputs are provided  
on two S/PDIF RCA-type connectors. A FireWire connec-  
tor provides a simple connection to a laptop or desktop  
computer and allows all 10 channels (eight analog and  
two S/PDIF) to be streamed to and from your software of  
choice. There are two FireWire connectors so the Onyx  
400F can be placed in a daisy-chain FireWire connection.  
A PLUG FOR THE CONNECTOR SECTION  
Appendix B is a section on connectors: XLR connec-  
tors, balanced connectors, unbalanced connectors, and  
the insert connectors used on the Onyx 400F.  
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.  
The Onyx 400F uses the Texas Instruments  
TMS320C6713 DSP, which is capable of 1800 million  
instructions per second (MIPS) and can operate with  
32-bit or 64-bit word instructions. This reflects the same  
64-bit quality found in the latest generation of DAWs, in-  
cluding Tracktion 2, and is why the Onyx 400F is capable  
of zero-latency recording (and why it sounds so good!).  
The Onyx 400F Console software is a control panel that  
allows you to choose the sample rate (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96,  
176.4, or 192 kHz) for the internal A/D and D/A convert-  
ers, and the clock source (from an external clock con-  
nected to the external word clock input connector on the  
rear panel, from the S/PDIF input, or from the internal  
clock). You can turn the DSP Mixer on and off, which  
is a matrix mixer that allows you to provide a separate  
mix for each pair of outputs. You can choose whether  
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.  
5
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Getting Started  
READ THIS PAGE!!  
Set the Levels  
To set the channel GAIN controls (on channels 1-4),  
Even if you’re one of those people  
who never reads manuals, all we ask it’s not even necessary to hear what you’re doing at the  
is that you read this page now before outputs of the preamplifier. The following steps must be  
you begin using the Onyx 400F. You’ll performed one channel at a time.  
be glad you did!  
1. Play something into the selected input. This could  
The Onyx 400F can be used in standalone mode, or  
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.  
connected to a computer with the FireWire connection.  
Either way, you will want to install the Windows drivers  
(PC only) and the Onyx 400F Console software on your  
computer first to get the internal routing setup. Refer to  
page 18 for instructions on installing the software.  
2. Adjust the channel’s GAIN control so that the  
“–20” and “–10” LEDs light frequently or continu-  
ously, and the “OL” LED doesn’t light at all (or only  
fl ashes occasionally).  
Once you’ve installed the software, proceed as follows:  
Zero the Controls  
3. Repeat for each channel.  
1. Turn down the channel GAIN controls, and the  
Control Room and Phones level controls.  
4. Since channels 5-8 and the S/PDIF inputs (chan-  
nels 9-10) don’t have an input GAIN control, their  
input levels must be adjusted at the source. You can  
monitor the input level either with the Onyx 400F  
Console (with the DSP Mixer turned on in the Set-  
tings tab), or with the input metering of your DAW  
software application.  
2. Set all push button switches to their “out” positions.  
3. Turn the POWER switch off.  
Connections  
This tutorial demonstrates how to route four input  
channels to your DAW and mix them down to a 2-track  
5. Adjust the source level control so the meter  
indicates between –20 and –10. You want to avoid  
having the OL (Overload) LED light.  
S/PDIF output to a DAT  
:
1. Plug a microphone into channel 1’s MIC input. You  
can plug additional microphones or instruments  
into channels 2-4.  
Set the Console Control Panel  
1. Select the “Settings” tab in the Console control  
panel. Select 44.1 kHz sample rate, DSP Mixer On,  
and Headphones Mirror Outputs 1/2.  
2. Connect the FireWire connector from the Onyx 400F  
to the FireWire connector on your computer.  
Note: The Onyx 400F is equipped with two 6-pin  
FireWire connectors and comes with a 6-pin to  
6-pin FireWire cable. If your computer has a 4-pin  
FireWire connector, you can purchase a 6-pin to  
4-pin FireWire adapter cable at many computer  
supply stores or online.  
2. Select the “Outputs 1/2” tab. Make sure the MUTE  
buttons for Inputs 1-4 and the Master fader are  
deselected and the faders are all the way up (0 dB).  
Set the Pan for Input 1 full left, for Input 2 full right,  
Input 3 full left, and Input 4 full right (or adjust the  
Pan controls to your preference).  
3. Plug in the detachable linecord, connect it to an AC  
outlet, and turn on the Onyx 400F’s POWER switch.  
3. Select the “Outputs 9/10” tab (this is for the S/PDIF  
outputs). Set it the same way you did for Outputs  
1/2 in step 2 above.  
4. If the microphone is a dynamic microphone, leave  
the 48V switch out. If it’s a condenser microphone,  
push in the 48V phantom power button to turn on  
the phantom power for channels 1-4.  
4. Connect a pair of headphones to one of the Phones  
outputs. Slowly turn up the Phones Level control  
while music is playing. You will be monitoring Out-  
puts 1/2. This should be the same mix as Outputs  
9/10 if you set them up the same way, which goes to  
the DAT recorder.  
5. Open the Onyx 400F FireWire Conole software  
application.  
6. Connect the S/PDIF output to the S/PDIF input on  
a DAT or other S/PDIF-compatible recorder.  
6
ONYX 400F  
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Other Nuggets of Wisdom  
Start Recording to DAT  
•
You can connect the analog outputs from any  
line-level source to the LINE INPUTS on the Onyx  
400F and use its high-quality analog-to-digital  
converters to get your analog signals to your digital  
recorder(s).  
1. Now you can use the Onyx 400F in Standalone mode  
by closing the 400F Console and disconnecting the  
FireWire connection from your computer. It retains  
the settings you made with the Console Control  
Panel and you can make a stereo recording with  
your DAT or other recording device connected to  
the S/PDIF output.  
•
•
Always turn the Onyx 400F 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.  
You can set up the Onyx 400F as a  
10x2 standalone rackmount mixer by  
adjusting the faders and pan controls  
for all the inputs in the “Outputs 1/2”  
tab in the Console Control Panel and  
using the Control Room outputs as  
•
•
Never listen to loud music for prolonged periods.  
Please see the Safety Instructions on page 2 for  
information on hearing protection.  
the stereo output (make sure “Mirror Outputs 1/2”  
is selected in the Settings tab). When you discon-  
nect the FireWire connection between the 400F and  
the computer, the settings are retained. When you  
turn off the 400F, the settings are saved to the flash  
memory in the 400F and recalled when you next  
turn it on.  
Save the shipping box! You may need it someday,  
and you don’t want to have to pay for another one.  
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 400F in real applications.  
After that, you can take the grand tour of the Onyx  
400F, 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.  
Start Recording to DAW  
1. Select the Onyx 400F as the sound device in your  
DAW application. Each DAW application has its own  
method of doing this, so refer to your DAW applica-  
tion’s manual if you are not sure. In Tracktion 2, this  
is done in “Audio Devices” under the “Settings” tab.  
2. You should now see the signals from the Onyx 400F  
appearing on the meters in your DAW. Start recording  
and hear the Onyx 400F in stunning crystal clarity.  
Note: The signals appearing at the inputs to the  
DAW are not affected by the settings in the 400F  
Console Output tabs. Each input on the Onyx 400F  
appears at its corresponding input in the DAW.  
7
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Hookup Diagrams  
Headphones  
for Talent  
Electric Guitar  
Headphone Distribution  
Amp  
Bass Guitar  
(to Instrument Input  
on Front Panel  
Mics  
Powered  
Studio Monitors  
Stereo Guitar  
Effects  
Mics  
2-Channel Mic Pre  
(with S/PDIF Output)  
Headphones  
For Engineer  
(From Front Panel)  
INSERTS  
1
LINE IN  
E OU
3
CR  
MIC/LINE  
7
8
5
6
1
2
L
R
3
4
7
8
5
S/
4
3
2
1
IN  
~100-240 VAC  
50-60Hz 20W  
MIDI  
IN  
OUT  
WORD CLOCK  
IN OUT  
FIREWIRE  
4
2
6
OUT  
Stereo DAT Recorder  
(with S/PDIF Input)  
External FireWire  
Hard Drive  
Mackie Control Universal  
HOURS  
MINUTES  
SECONDS  
FRAMES  
Out In Out In  
RUDE  
SOLO  
SMPTE  
BEATS  
MACKIE FADER PACK VERSION 1.0  
ASSIGNMENT  
BARS  
BEATS  
SUB DIVISION  
TICKS  
Stereo Compressor  
DISPLA  
Y
ASSIGNMENT  
TRACK  
SEND  
NAME  
VALUE  
SMPTE  
BEATS  
F1  
F2  
F3  
F4  
F5  
F6  
F7  
F8  
PAN/SURROUND PLUG-IN  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
EQ  
INSTRUMENT  
To Desktop  
or  
Laptop Computer  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
FADER BANKS  
GLOBAL VIEW  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
BANK  
MIDI  
TRACKS  
INPUTS  
AUDIO  
TRACKS  
AUDIO  
AUX  
BUSSES  
OUTPUTS  
USER  
INSTRUMENT  
HANNEL  
MODIFIERS  
AUTOMATION  
UTILITIES  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
FLIP  
GLOBAL  
VIEW  
SHIFT  
OPTION  
READ/OFF  
WRITE  
LATCH  
TRIM  
SAVE  
UNDO  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
MASTER  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
10  
CONTROL  
/ALT  
TOUCH  
GROUP  
CANCEL  
ENTER  
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
MARKER  
NUDGE  
CYCLE  
DROP  
REPLACE  
CLICK  
SOLO  
Keyboard or other  
line-level input  
REWIND  
FAST FWD  
STOP  
PLAY  
RECORD  
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
1
0
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
SCRUB  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
ZOOM  
The FireWire connector on the Onyx 400F ca n be connected directly to a FireWire equipped  
computer running a DAW a pplica tion (Digita l Audio Worksta tion). In this exa mple, a n electric ba ss  
guita r is plugged into the Instrument input on cha nnel 1, microphones a re plugged into cha nnels 2-4,  
a nd cha nnels 5-8 a re used for stereo inputs from a guita r a nd keyboa rd. The a na log LINE OUTs 1-6  
a re sent to a hea dphone distribution a mp to provide individua l hea dphone mixes for the ta lent. A  
Ma ckie Control Universa l is connected via the MIDI IN/OUTs, which controls the Tra cktion 2 soft-  
wa re insta lled on the computer. An externa l FireWire ha rd drive is connected to the second FireWire  
connection on the Onyx 400F to serve a s a dedica ted memory stora ge device for the a udio files.  
Onyx 400F Multitrack Recording with a DAW (Tracking)  
8
ONYX 400F  
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Mics  
Backup Recorder  
(Analog Inputs)  
INSERTS  
1
LINE IN  
5
INE OUT  
3
CR  
MIC/LINE  
MIC/LINE  
7
8
6
1
2
L
R
3
4
7
8
S/PDIF  
4
3
2
1
IN  
~100-240 VAC  
50-60Hz 20W  
MIDI  
IN  
OUT  
WORD CLOCK  
IN OUT  
FIREWIRE  
4
2
6
OUT  
Headphones  
For Engineer  
(To Monitor Recording)  
Stereo DAT Recorder  
(with S/PDIF Input)  
This illustra tes a simple direct to 2-tra ck recording setup. You ca n  
configure the Onyx 400F beforeha nd with the desired sa mpling ra te a nd  
Inputs 1 a nd 2 routed to the S/PDIF output. Ana log LINE OUTPUTS 1  
a nd 2 on the Onyx 400F a re connected to the a na log inputs on a second  
stereo recorder for ba ckup  
.
Onyx 400F 2-Track Recording  
9
Owner’s Manual  
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Electric Guitar  
(to Instrument Input  
on Front Panel)  
Bass Guitar  
(to Instrument Input  
on Front Panel)  
Powered  
Studio Monitors  
Mics  
INSERTS  
LINE IN  
5
LINE OUT  
3
CR  
/
MIC/LINE  
MIC/LINE  
7
8
5
6
1
2
L
R
3
4
1
7
8
S/PDIF  
4
3
2
1
IN  
~100-240 VAC  
50-60Hz 20W  
MIDI  
IN  
OUT  
WORD CLOCK  
IN OUT  
FIREWIRE  
4
2
6
OUT  
External FireWire  
Hard Drive  
Mackie Control Universal  
HOURS  
MINUTES  
SECONDS  
FRAMES  
Out In Out In  
Stereo Compressor  
RUDE  
SOLO  
SMPTE  
BEATS  
MACKIE FADER PACK VERSION 1.0  
ASSIGNMENT  
BARS  
BEATS  
SUB DIVISION  
TICKS  
To Desktop  
Computer  
DISPL  
A
Y
ASSIGNMENT  
TRACK  
SEND  
NAME  
VALUE  
SMPTE  
BEATS  
F1  
F2  
F3  
F4  
F5  
F6  
F7  
F8  
PAN/SURROUND PLUG-IN  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
REC  
EQ  
INSTRUMENT  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
SIGNAL  
FADER BANKS  
GLOBAL VIEW  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
SOLO  
MUTE  
BANK  
MIDI  
TRACKS  
INPUTS  
AUDIO  
TRACKS  
AUDIO  
AUX  
BUSSES  
OUTPUTS  
USER  
INSTRUMENT  
CHANNEL  
MODIFIERS  
AUTOMATION  
UTILITIES  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
SELECT  
FLIP  
GLOBAL  
VIEW  
SHIFT  
OPTION  
READ/OFF  
WRITE  
LATCH  
TRIM  
SAVE  
UNDO  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
MASTER  
USB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
dB  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
+
10  
10  
CONTROL  
/ALT  
TOUCH  
GROUP  
CANCEL  
ENTER  
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
U
5
MARKER  
NUDGE  
CYCLE  
DROP  
REPLACE  
CLICK  
SOLO  
REWIND  
FAST FWD  
STOP  
PLAY  
RECORD  
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
10  
10  
10  
10  
10  
10  
10  
10  
10  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
20  
30  
MIDI Keyboard Controller  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
40  
50  
60  
SCRUB  
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
ZOOM  
MIDI  
MIDI  
USB MIDI Interface  
MIDI Drum Controller  
This illustra tes the potentia l of the Onyx 400F to do entire ba nd recordings  
with a minimum of physica l gea r or la rge recording spa ces. Everything  
except the singers a re “virtua l!” A USB MIDI interfa ce is used to connect  
a n externa l MIDI keyboa rd controller a nd MIDI drum controller to the  
computer running the DAW softwa re, a nd a Ma ckie Control Universa l  
connected to the MIDI I/O on the Onyx 400F to control the DAW. The  
DAW is running a n a mp emula tion plugin for the guita rs a nd virtua l in-  
strument plugins for the keyboa rd a nd drum controllers.  
Onyx 400F with DAW and External Controllers  
10  
ONYX 400F  
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Master  
Video Deck  
Video Deck  
Video Deck  
Video Deck  
AES/EBU  
Out  
AES/EBU  
to S/PDIF  
Converter  
Headphones  
(From Front Panel)  
INSERTS  
1
LINE IN  
INE OUT  
3
CR  
MICNE  
MICNE  
MIC/LINE  
MIC/LI
7
8
5
6
1
2
L
R
3
7
8
5
S/PDIF  
4
3
2
IN  
~100-240 VAC  
50-60Hz 20W  
MIDI  
IN  
OUT  
WORD CLOCK  
IN OUT  
FIREWIRE  
4
2
6
OUT  
External FireWire  
Hard Drive  
To Desktop  
or  
Laptop Computer  
This illustra tes a n a udio/video a pplica tion where severa l video decks a re  
connected to the inputs on the Onyx 400F, a nd use the Console control  
pa nel to route the a udio to the Ma ster Video deck. The AES/EBU digita l  
a udio output from the Ma ster Video deck is converted to S/PDIF forma t  
a nd connected to the S/PDIF input on the Onyx 400F (select Professiona l  
S/PDIF forma t in the 400F Console). This is routed to the DAW softwa re  
a pplica tion on a la ptop or desktop computer via the FireWire connection.  
Onyx 400F Audio/Video Application  
11  
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Onyx 400F Features  
Front Panel  
There are ten channels in the Onyx 400F. Channels 1-4  
share the same features with the exception that channels  
1 and 2 have a high-impedance 1/4" input jack on the  
3. FireWire Indicator  
This LED illuminates when a valid FireWire connec-  
front panel for connecting electric instruments directly tion is made between the Onyx 400F and a computer.  
to the preamp without a direct box. Channels 5-8 are  
line-level inputs and have no front panel controls.  
Channels 9-10 are the stereo digital S/PDIF inputs.  
4. MIDI Indicators  
These two LEDs flash whenever MIDI data appears at  
the MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connections.  
1. Power Switch  
This is self-explanatory. When the POWER switch is  
turned ON (up), power is supplied to the Onyx 400F.  
5. CONTROL ROOM Level  
Use this knob to adjust the signal level at the CR Out  
jacks on the rear panel. It adjusts the signal for both the  
left and right Control Room outputs, ranging from off  
2. CLOCK SOURCE Indicators  
These three LEDs indicate the clock source currently (∞) to maximum gain (MAX).  
selected for the Onyx 400F. The selection is made in the  
Connect the CR outputs directly to the inputs of a pair  
Onyx 400F Console (on the PC or Mac).  
of powered studio monitors. No mixer required!  
Note: Since one of the clock source indicators is always  
lit when the power is on, it serves as a “power on” indi-  
cator as well.  
6. PHONES 1 and 2 Level  
These two knobs adjust the signal level at the  
The three options are:  
PHONES Out jacks [7] on the front panel. They range  
from off (∞) to maximum gain (MAX).  
INT: This is the default selection. The Onyx 400F  
runs on its own internal, extremely accurate, low-  
jitter clock. Select INT when using the 400F as the  
master clock in a system of digital devices, or if no  
other clock source is available.  
Having independent level control for each headphone  
output means that in an overdub situation, for example,  
the musician and the engineer can each adjust their  
own headphone volume to taste.  
WORD: The Onyx 400F uses the clock signal that  
appears at the WORD CLOCK IN [18] connection  
on the rear panel. Select WORD when you want the  
400F to be a slave in a system of digital devices.  
7. PHONES 1 and 2 Outputs  
This is where you plug in your stereo headphones.  
These are 1/4" TRS stereo jacks. The same signal ap-  
pears at both PHONE jacks, but each has its own indi-  
vidual level control [6]. The same signal is also routed  
to the CONTROL ROOM outputs [17].  
S/PDIF: The Onyx 400F uses the clock signal em-  
bedded in the S/PDIF digital input [21] signal.  
Tip: It’s always best to use the highest quality clock as  
the master. Experimenting with different clock  
sources, and using your ears, is the best way to  
determine which clock source to use.  
STUDIO RECORDING PREAMP WITH FIREWIRE I/O  
ON  
CNTRL RM  
PHONES  
1
2
CLOCK SOURCE  
MIDI  
INT  
WORD S/PDIF  
IN  
OUT  
O O MAX  
O O  
MAX  
O O  
MAX  
12  
ONYX 400F  
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WARNING: The headphone amps are  
designed to drive any standard head-  
10. Signal Level Indicators  
phones to a very loud level. We’re not  
kidding! They can cause permanent  
hearing damage. Even intermediate  
These LEDs indicate the channel’s signal level after  
the GAIN control and the INSERT jack.  
If you’ve followed the “Set the Levels” procedure on  
page 6, the –20 and –10 LEDs should light frequently,  
and the OL (Overload) LED should not light at all. If  
the OL LED is blinking frequently, the signal is probably  
distorted from overdriving the input. Either turn down  
the GAIN control or turn down the signal at its source.  
levels may be painfully loud with some headphones.  
BE CAREFUL! Always start with the PHONES level  
turned all the way down before connecting headphones  
to the PHONES jack. Keep it down until you’ve put on  
the headphones. Then turn it up slowly. Why? Always  
remember: “Engineers who fry their ears, find them-  
selves with short careers.”  
11. Instrument Switch  
8. 48V Phantom Power Switch  
Channels 1 and 2 have an extra button for switching  
between the MIC/LINE and Instrument inputs. When  
the button is out (MIC/LINE), the XLR MIC input or the  
1/4" LINE input is used, and the Instrument input [12]  
on the front panel is disconnected. When the button is  
pushed in (Instrument), the 1/4" Instrument input is  
used and the XLR MIC and 1/4" LINE inputs are discon-  
nected. The input stage of the Instrument inputs is  
specially designed for the high-impedance pickups on  
electric guitars, basses, acoustic guitar pickups, etc.  
Most professional condenser microphones require  
phantom power, which is a low-current DC voltage  
delivered to the microphone on pins 2 and 3 of the XLR  
microphone connector. Push in the 48V button if your  
microphone needs phantom power. An LED lights next  
to the button to indicate that phantom power is active.  
This is a global phantom power switch and applies  
48V to the XLR input connectors on channels 1-4.  
Dynamic microphones, like Shure’s SM57 and SM58,  
do not require phantom power. However, phantom  
power will not harm most dynamic microphones should  
you accidentally plug one in while the phantom power  
is turned on. Be careful with older ribbon microphones.  
Check the manual for your microphone to find out for  
sure whether or not phantom power can damage it.  
Plugging a guitar straight into a typical  
line input can result in the loss of high  
frequencies, causing an unnatural and  
dull sound. Normally, you must use  
a direct box between a guitar and a  
mixer’s or preamplifier’s input, which serves to convert  
the impedance of the guitar from high to low. The In-  
strument inputs on channels 1 and 2 make the need for  
a direct box unnecessary.  
HOWEVER: The Instrument inputs are unbalanced, so if  
you are running a long cord between the instrument and  
the Onyx 400F (say over 25 or 30 feet), it is best to use  
a direct box with a balanced output to avoid picking up  
noise over the length of the cord.  
9. Channel GAIN  
The GAIN controls adjust the input sensitivity of the  
mic and line inputs on channels 1-4. This allows the  
signal from the outside world to be adjusted to optimal  
internal operating levels.  
If a mic-level signal is plugged into the XLR combo  
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.  
12. Instrument Input  
This is a 1/4" TS connector that accepts an unbalanced  
instrument-level input signal from a high-impedance  
instrument like a guitar.  
When using the balanced line input of the combo jack  
(1/4 TRS 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.  
ONYX MIC PRE  
1
ONYX MIC PRE  
2
ONYX MIC PRE  
3
ONYX MIC PRE  
4
30  
30  
30  
30  
OL  
OL  
OL  
OL  
U
U
U
U
20  
40  
20  
40  
20  
40  
20  
40  
-10  
-10  
-10  
-10  
-20  
-20  
-20  
-20  
48V  
U
60  
U
60  
U
60  
U
60  
-20dB  
+40dB  
-20dB  
+40dB  
-20dB  
+40dB  
-20dB  
+40dB  
-
40  
-
40  
-
40  
-
40  
GAIN  
GAIN  
GAIN  
GAIN  
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Special insert cables are available, specially designed  
for this kind of insert jack. They are wired as follows:  
Rear Panel  
The rear panel is where you make all your analog and  
digital audio connections to the Onyx 400F (except for  
the headphones and the high-impedance instrument  
jacks on the front).  
SEND to processor  
ring  
“from ti  
(TRS plug)  
tip  
sleeve  
this plug connects to one of the  
mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.  
“to ring”  
RETURN from processor  
13. MIC/Line Inputs  
Tip = Send (output to effects device)  
These are Neutrik combo connectors, which accept  
balanced microphone inputs from an XLR connector or  
balanced line-level inputs from a 1/4" TRS connector.  
The microphone preamps feature our new Onyx design,  
with higher fidelity and headroom rivaling any stand-  
alone mic preamp on the market today.  
Ring = Return ( input from effects device)  
Sleeve = Common ground (connect shield to all  
three sleeves)  
Besides being used for inserting external devices,  
these jacks can also be used as channel direct outputs  
(post-GAIN). This is an unbalanced direct out.  
The XLR inputs are wired as follows:  
Pin 1 = Shield or ground  
Here are three ways you use the INSERT jacks:  
Pin 2 = Positive (+ or hot)  
Pin 3 = Negative (– or cold)  
MONO PLUG  
The 1/4" inputs are wired as follows:  
Sleeve = Shield or ground  
Tip = Positive (+ or hot)  
Channel Insert jack  
Direct out with no signal interruption to master.  
Insert only to first “click.”  
Ring = Negative (– or cold)  
14. INSERTS  
MONO PLUG  
Channel Insert jack  
These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a send and return point  
for channels 1-4. Use the CHANNEL INSERT jacks to  
connect serial effects devices such as compressors,  
equalizers, de-essers, or filters to each individual channel.  
Direct out with signal interruption to master.  
Insert all the way in to the second “click.”  
The INSERT points are after the GAIN controls, and  
just before the analog-to-digital converters. The send  
(tip) is low-impedance, capable of driving any device.  
The return (ring) is high-impedance and can be driven  
by almost any device.  
STEREO  
PLUG  
Channel Insert jack  
For use as an effects loop.  
(TIP= SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect)  
Tip: Since the inserts are before the  
A/D converters, it’s a good place to  
strap a compressor on an unruly sing-  
er to avoid overloading the A/D con-  
verter without having to turn down  
the GAIN control a whole bunch.  
INSERTS  
1
LINE IN  
5
LINE OUT  
3
CR  
MIC/LINE  
MIC/LINE  
MIC/LINE  
MIC/LINE  
7
8
5
6
1
2
L
R
3
4
7
8
4
3
2
1
4
2
6
14  
ONYX 400F  
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The signal at the CR OUTs (and the PHONES Out) is  
determined in the Onyx 400F Console, either mirroring  
LINE OUTs 1 and 2 or LINE OUTs 7 and 8.  
15. LINE IN (Channels 5-8)  
These are 1/4" TRS connectors, which accept a bal-  
anced or unbalanced line-level input signal from almost  
any source.  
18. WORD CLOCK IN/OUT  
When connecting a balanced signal to the LINE inputs,  
wire them as follows:  
These BNC connectors send and receive word clock  
signals.  
Tip = Positive (+ or hot)  
Ring = Negative (– or cold)  
Sleeve = Shield or ground  
This WORD CLOCK IN connector receives word clock  
from another device when the CLOCK SOURCE selec-  
tor in the Console Settings Panel is set to WORD. Use  
this connector when you want to slave the 400F to an  
external master word clock.  
When connecting an unbalanced signal, wire them as  
follows:  
Tip = Positive (+ or hot)  
Sleeve = Shield or ground  
Use 75 Ω coaxial cable when connecting a word clock  
to the WORD CLOCK IN jack. If there is more than one  
device to connect to the word clock, either use a master  
word clock distribution box, which distributes the  
master word clock to multiple devices, or use the WORD  
CLOCK OUT to feed the signal on to the next device in  
the chain (see illustrations below).  
16. LINE OUT  
These 1/4" TRS output connectors provide balanced or  
unbalanced line-level analog signals. The signal at the  
LINE OUTs depends on the settings in the 400F Console.  
Note: The WORD CLOCK IN connector has a built-in 75 Ω  
termination.  
The Onyx 400F must be connected to a PC or Mac  
with a FireWire cable in order to make changes to the  
mix at the analog line-outputs with the 400F Console.  
Word Clock  
When the DSP Mixer is turned on in the Onyx 400F  
Console (in the Settings tab), you can create a separate  
mix for each pair of LINE OUTs using the Matrix Mixer  
in the Console. These could be connected to a head-  
phone distribution amp to provide individual headphone  
mixes for the talent.  
Distribution Amplifier  
1
2
3
4
Onyx 400F  
When the Console is closed and the 400F is discon-  
nected from the PC or Mac, the 400F retains its settings  
and saves them in flash memory. Even if you turn the  
400F off, it will turn back on with the settings that are  
saved in its memory (autosave).  
Word Clock to Other Slaves  
(The last device must be terminated)  
17. CR OUT  
WORD CLOCK  
These 1/4" TRS jacks provide a balanced line-level  
signal that can be used to provide a monitor mix to a  
pair of powered studio monitors, or an additional head-  
phone mix to a headphone amplifier.  
IN  
OUT  
Word Clock  
From Master  
Word Clock  
To Next  
Device  
LINE OUT  
3
CR  
7
8
5
6
1
2
L
R
S/PDIF  
IN  
~100-240 VAC  
50-60Hz 20W  
MIDI  
IN  
OUT  
WORD CLOCK  
IN OUT  
FIREWIRE  
4
OUT  
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19. FIREWIRE  
20. MIDI IN/OUT  
FireWire (a.k.a. IEEE 1394) is a high-speed serial  
I/O interface for connecting digital devices, with more  
than 30 times the bandwidth of USB 1.1. There are two  
FireWire connections, so you can install the Onyx 400F  
in a daisy-chain fashion consisting of, for example, the  
host computer, the Onyx 400F, an external FireWire  
hard drive, etc.  
These are standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connectors for  
sending and receiving MIDI commands. When a MIDI  
controller is connected to the 400F, it appears as a MIDI  
device in the DAW software application.  
The screenshot below shows how the Onyx 400F ap-  
pears in the Settings/Audio Devices tab in Tracktion 2  
as a MIDI device.  
The FireWire interface provides ten inputs to your  
DAW software application (analog inputs 1-8 and the  
stereo S/PDIF input). These ten inputs are not affected  
by the DSP Mixer in the Onyx 400F Console, but are  
direct from the inputs and A/D converters in the 400F to  
the software application via the FireWire connection.  
The FireWire interface also provides a return for ten  
channels from the DAW, which can be routed back to  
their respective line outputs. You can use channels 1 and  
2 (or 7 and 8) to monitor the computer audio through  
your control room speakers or headphones.  
Note: You must turn off the DSP Mix-  
er in the Onyx 400F Console Settings  
panel to monitor the signals from the  
DAW at the Onyx 400F line outputs.  
On a Mac, it appears in the Audio MIDI Setup utility,  
found in the Applications/Utilities folder.  
The FireWire interface works with both PC and Mac.  
As an added bonus, we include a free copy of Tracktion 2,  
our multitrack recording and sequencing software ap-  
plication for PC and Mac.  
If your laptop or desktop computer  
does not have a FireWire connection,  
you can purchase a PCI or PCMCIA  
FireWire card and install it in your  
computer easily and inexpensively.  
LINE OUT  
3
CR  
7
8
5
6
1
2
L
R
S/PDIF  
IN  
~100-240 VAC  
MIDI  
50-60Hz 20W  
IN  
OUT  
WORD CLOCK  
IN OUT  
FIREWIRE  
4
OUT  
16  
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21. S/PDIF IN/OUT  
22. Power Receptacle  
These are RCA connectors that send and receive two  
channels of digital audio in the S/PDIF (Sony/Philips  
Digital Interface) format.  
This is a standard 3-prong IEC power connector.  
Connect the detachable linecord (included in the box  
with your Onyx 400F) to the power receptacle, and plug  
the other end of the linecord into an AC outlet. The  
Onyx 400F has a universal power supply that can accept  
any AC voltage ranging from 100 VAC to 240 VAC. No  
need for voltage select switches. It will work virtually  
anywhere in the world. That’s why we call it a “Planet-  
Earth” power supply! This also means that it is less  
susceptible to voltage sags or spikes, providing greater  
electromagnetic isolation and better protection against  
AC line noise.  
S/PDIF OUT transmits two-channels of digital audio,  
which appear as outputs 9 and 10 in the Onyx 400F  
Console and in the DAW software application.  
S/PDIF IN receives two-channels of digital audio, and  
appears as inputs 9 and 10 in the Onyx 400F Console  
and in the DAW software application.  
The S/PDIF I/O on the Onyx 400F sup-  
ports sample rates up to 192 kHz. This  
means that all ten channels can be  
used, even at the highest sample rate  
supported by the Onyx 400F!  
Note: Transferring digital audio over a cable generates  
EMI (electromagnetic interference) around the cable.  
Use high-quality 75-ohm coaxial cable for the S/PDIF  
connections to minimize the EMI noise radiated around  
the cable.  
Tip: A 75-ohm composite video cable can be used for a  
S/PDIF connection.  
In general, the shorter the cable length, the less  
effect it has on the quality of the signal. The maximum  
recommended length for a S/PDIF cable is limited to  
10 meters (about 32 feet).  
Note: Strictly speaking, S/PDIF is limited to 20-bits  
because four bits are reserved for “user bits.” However,  
in the Onyx 400F, the four user bits are used for digital  
audio and 24-bits are transmitted (this is an accepted  
optional implementation of S/PDIF).  
17  
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Onyx 400F Console  
The Onyx 400F Console lets you make a number of  
software changes in the operation of the Onyx 400F via  
the FireWire connection to your computer, as well as  
providing access to a Matrix Mixer that allows you to  
create four separate stereo mixes to send to a head-  
phone amplifier via the ten line outputs.  
Another option for either a desktop or laptop com-  
puter 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 400F, or directly to  
your computer, and appears as an available drive to your  
computer.  
Installing the Software  
The Onyx 400F Console can be installed on a PC run-  
ning Window XP or a Macintosh running OS X.  
Installing the Drivers and Onyx 400F Console  
When connecting the Onyx 400F to a PC, it is neces-  
sary to first install the Onyx FireWire Windows drivers  
and the Onyx 400F Console. The Macintosh OS X 10.3.9  
has FireWire drivers built-in, so it is not necessary to  
install drivers on a Mac. However, you do need to install  
the Onyx 400F Console on a Mac.  
Computer Requirements  
These are the minimum computer requirements for  
running the Onyx 400F Console.  
For the PC:  
For the PC:  
•
•
•
Microsoft Windows XP SP1 or later  
Pentium 4, Celeron, or Athlon XP processor  
256 MB RAM  
1. Insert the CD provided with the Onyx 400F into  
your CD drive.  
2. Click “Start > Run > Browse” and navigate to the  
CD drive. Double-click the file named:  
“DoubleClickToInstall.exe.”  
For the Mac:  
•
•
•
OS X 10.3.9  
G4 processor  
256 MB RAM  
3. Click “OK” in the Run window.  
It is important to note that the processor speed,  
4. You may get a “Security Warning” about running the  
installer. It’s okay. Click “Run.”  
amount of RAM installed, and the size and speed of your  
hard drive all contribute to the overall performance of  
your recording system.  
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 10 channels without  
a problem. If you are experiencing  
difficulty recording all 10 channels at once, especially at  
96 kHz or higher, 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 manu-  
facturer to make sure.  
18  
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5. The Onyx F Series Windows XP Installer window  
opens. Click “Install” to continue.  
9. After a few seconds, the “Found New Hardware  
Wizard” opens. Select “No, not this time” where it  
asks to connect to Windows Update. Click "Next"  
to continue.  
6. When the installation is completed, the Onyx F  
Series Windows Drivers Setup window indicates  
that the “Setup was completed successfully.” Click  
“Next” to continue.  
10. In the next window, select “Install the software  
automatically (Recommended)” and click “Next” to  
continue.  
7. The “Install Complete” window opens. Click “Finish”  
to complete the installation.  
11. As the installation continues, you may see a warn-  
ing that the software has not passed Windows Logo  
testing. It’s okay. Click “Continue Anyway.”  
8. Connect the Onyx 400F to your computer with the  
FireWire cable that was included in the box and  
turn it on.  
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12. When the installation has completed, the “Com-  
pleting the Found New Hardware Wizard” window  
opens. Click “Finish” to complete the process.  
Macintosh OS X Audio MIDI Setup  
OS X has a dedicated setup utility for audio and  
MIDI. You can use the Audio Setup utility to change the  
default audio input and output and general system set-  
tings on your Macintosh.  
1. Go to the Applications folder and open the Utilities  
folder.  
2. Double-click “Audio MIDI Setup.”  
13. Open the Console and verify that the Console  
control panel appears. This confirms that commu-  
nication has been established between the console  
software and the 400F.  
Note: You can open the Console from Windows by  
clicking “Start > Programs > Mackie Onyx F Series  
> Onyx F Series Console.”  
3. Click the Audio Devices tab, and select Onyx 400F  
in the “Properties For” drop-down box.  
For the Mac:  
1. Insert the CD provided with the Onyx 400F into  
your CD drive.  
2. Double-click the CD icon on your desktop and  
locate the file named “Onyx Console.zip.”  
3. Click-and-drag the file to your hard drive, to  
whatever location you prefer (i.e., the Applications  
folder).  
4. Double-click the “Onyx Console.zip” file that you  
just copied to your hard drive, and OS X automati-  
cally unzips the “Onyx Console” file and places it  
in the same folder with the .zip file. (You can move  
the .zip file to the Trash once the Onyx Console is  
extracted from the .zip file.)  
4. Here you can see the settings for the Onyx 400F.  
You can also choose to use the Onyx 400F as your  
default input or output, as well as designate it to be  
used for system sound output.  
5. Connect the Onyx 400F to your Macintosh with the  
FireWire cable that was included in the box and  
turn it on.  
6. Open the Console and verify that the Console  
control panel appears. This confirms that commu-  
nication has been established between the console  
software and the 400F.  
Note: The Onyx Console works with a Mac’s built-  
in audio, so there are no drivers to install. All you  
need to install in the Onyx Console. However, you  
must use OS X version 10.3.9 or higher for the Onyx  
Console to work properly.  
20  
ONYX 400F  
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5. You’re ready to go with any Mac OS X Core Audio  
host application (i.e., Tracktion, Logic, Cubase,  
Nuendo, Live, Digital Performer, etc.).  
6. The next window lets you choose the Destination  
folder for installing the software files. We recommend  
you use the default location used by the installer, but  
you can choose a different location if you want by  
clicking the Browse button. Then click “Install.”  
The Onyx 400F should now appear as an 10x10 audio  
interface available for any DAW application that you  
have installed on your computer.  
Note: It is still necessary to select the Onyx 400F as  
the audio device in the DAW software application’s  
“Settings” window.  
Installing Tracktion 2  
The CD-ROM that came with your Onyx 400F also has  
the full version of Tracktion 2, our easy-to-use multitrack  
recording and sequencing software for the PC and Mac.  
To install Tracktion 2 on a PC running Windows XP:  
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.  
2. Browse to the CD directory and open the “Tracktion 2” 7. When the installer has completed copying the files  
folder. You can copy the folder called “Tracktion 2  
Documentation” to your hard drive if you like, to  
make it easier to access.  
into the destination folder, the All Installed dialog  
box opens. Click OK to finish the installation.  
3. Double-click the file “T2Install_allexamples.exe”.  
4. You may get a “Security Warning” about running the  
installer. It’s okay. Click “Run.”  
8. Double-click the Tracktion.exe file in the destina-  
tion folder to open Tracktion.  
To install Tracktion 2 on a Mac running OS X  
(version 10.3.9 or later):  
1. Insert the CD-ROM into the CD-ROM drive.  
2. Double-click the CD icon on the desktop  
and double-click the file named “T2Install_  
allexamples.dmg”.  
3. A Tracktion window opens. Drag the Tracktion icon  
from the Tracktion window into the Applications folder.  
5. Next you will see the Tracktion License Agreement.  
Read through the text and click “Accept.”  
4. Double-click the Tracktion file in the Applications  
folder to open Tracktion.  
21  
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Authorizing Tracktion 2  
There is an authorization code on the sleeve of the  
CD-ROM that came with your Onyx 400F. You can autho-  
rize the software from within Tracktion or by going to  
http://my.mackie.com.  
From Tracktion 2:  
1. Open Tracktion 2.  
2. Tracktion detects that the software is unregistered  
and notifies you that it is running in Demo Mode.  
You can choose to continue or click the “Unlock”  
button to authorize the software.  
3. Follow the instructions for unlocking Tracktion.  
From my.mackie.com:  
1. Go to http://my.mackie.com  
2. If you haven’t done so already, set up an account  
by entering your email address and clicking “No, I  
want to create an account.” Then click “Continue.”  
3. Enter the information to setup your profile. Then  
proceed to register Tracktion by clicking “Mackie  
Product Registration.”  
4. Select “Software” and “Tracktion v2 Music Produc-  
tion Software.”  
5. Click “Click here to register Tracktion v2 online.”  
6. Enter the authorization code from the sleeve on  
your CD-ROM in the License Number box. Then  
click “Authorize.”  
22  
ONYX 400F  
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Using the Onyx 400F Console  
The Onyx 400F Console does two things:  
1) It lets you adjust master settings for the 400F like  
sample rate, etc., and 2) It lets you use the DSP Mixer to  
create five pairs of zero latency mixes at the line outputs,  
independent of what is being sent to the DAW software  
application.  
Settings  
Click the Settings tab to access and change the  
sample rate, clock source, DSP Mixer, Headphone  
source, Consumer or Professional mode for S/PDIF, and  
Buffer size.  
There are six tabs along the top of the Onyx 400F  
Console. The first five are used to mix the ten inputs to  
the ten outputs from the 400F (eight line outs and two  
S/PDIF outs). The last tab contains global settings for the  
Onyx 400F.  
Sample Rate  
The Onyx 400F can operate at the following sample  
rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, and  
192 kHz. Click the desired sample rate or click and drag  
the rotary dial to select the sample rate.  
Note: The Onyx 400F uses 24-bit converters and 24-bit  
word lengths. This is fixed and cannot be changed. If  
you want to use 16-bit word lengths for burning a CD,  
most DAW applications will convert 24-bit words to  
16-bit words by simply truncating (removing) the eight  
least-significant bits (LSBs). However, it is best to keep  
the bit depth at 24-bits until you are ready to burn the  
audio to a CD to retain the highest quality digital audio.  
You can also select the sample rate  
in the DAW application, which means  
there are two places where you can  
select the sample rate, and it is im-  
portant that they match.  
23  
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Another scenario is for overdubbing, where you are  
adding another track to some tracks already re-  
corded, which are routed from the DAW to the 400F  
via the DAW Outputs.  
Clock Source  
There are three choices for selecting a clock source.  
•
•
•
INT (Internal): This is the default selection. The  
Onyx 400F operates using its own internal ex-  
tremely accurate, low-jitter clock. Select INT when  
you want the 400F to serve as the master clock in a  
system of digital devices.  
Headphones  
This lets you select which outputs are routed to the  
headphone outputs. This selection applies to both  
headphone outputs 1 and 2 (and to the Control Room  
outputs).  
W.C. (Word Clock): The Onyx 400F operates using  
the clock from the device that is connected to the  
WORD CLOCK IN (18) jack on the 400F rear panel.  
Select W.C. when you want the 400F to be a slave in  
a system of digital devices.  
•
Mirror Outputs 1/2: Outputs 1 and 2 are routed to  
the left and right headphone outputs. The talent  
is hearing the same mix in the headphones as the  
engineer is in the Control Room outputs.  
S/PDIF: The Onyx 400F syncs to the S/PDIF digital  
input (21) signal.  
•
Mirror Outputs 7/8: Outputs 7 and 8 are routed to  
the left and right headphone outputs. This allows  
you to create a separate mix for the talent, different  
from a control room mix you might have streaming  
out of outputs 1 and 2.  
Note: If there is no clock present at the WORD  
CLOCK IN jack or no signal at the S/PDIF IN, you  
cannot select W.C. or S/PDIF and the clock source  
defaults to INT.  
DSP Mixer  
This turns the DSP Matrix Mixer on and off.  
S/PDIF Format  
There are two standard digital audio formats in com-  
mon use: AES/EBU (Professional) and S/PDIF (Con-  
sumer). The audio data is the same for either format,  
just the non-audio data bits (subcode) are different.  
•
Off: When the DSP Mixer is turned off, the 400F  
retains the last settings it had when the DSP Mixer  
was on. All the Output tabs are “greyed” out and the  
controls cannot be adjusted.  
In almost all cases, using the Consumer setting will  
work just fine. Occasionally, a S/PDIF device may want  
to see the Professional subcode and cause problems  
when using the Consumer setting. If you find that the  
digital audio is not being tranmitted or received cor-  
rectly, try using the Professional setting.  
You might leave the DSP Mixer off if your computer  
has a lot of processing power and you are not con-  
cerned about the low-latency contributed by rout-  
ing the audio through the DAW software application  
and back to the Onyx 400F for monitoring. Another  
scenario is if you are just mixing and using the 400F  
as a 10x10 audio interface without using any extra  
routing (i.e., headphone monitoring).  
Note: If connecting a device equipped with an AES/EBU  
digital output to the S/PDIF input on the 400F using an  
AES/EBU-to-S/PDIF converter, set the S/PDIF format to  
professional  
.
• On: When the DSP Mixer is turned on, the Matrix  
Mixer is enabled and the five Output tabs are active  
and selectable. Each output tab controls the mix for  
a pair of outputs (i.e., 1/2, 3/4, etc.). These mixes  
are routed to the ten line outputs on the rear panel  
of the Onyx 400F. Each mix is comprised of the ten  
inputs (4 mic/line, 4 line, 2 S/PDIF) and two chan-  
nels returned from the DAW.  
Buffer Size  
The buffer size is related to latency, which describes  
the amount of time it takes for audio to get in and out of  
your software application. The lower the buffer size, the  
lower the latency, and the faster audio can get into and  
out of the software application. However, a low buffer  
size requires more resources from your computer, so you  
need to find a happy balance between finding the lowest  
latency you can attain before the computer begins to  
have trouble routing and recording audio (e.g., drop-  
outs, pops, distorted audio).  
The inputs to the Onyx 400F are split off into two  
directions after the A/D converters: one path goes  
to the DSP Mixer and the physical outputs on the  
400F, and the other path goes to the ASIO/Core Au-  
dio inputs 1-10 of the DAW over the FireWire con-  
nection. These are not affected by the DSP Mixer.  
Many DAW software applications have an ASIO con-  
trol panel. In Tracktion 2, it is in the “Audio Devices”  
window in the “Settings” tab. Click the “Show ASIO  
control panel” button to open the ASIO control panel  
for the Onyx 400F . The buffer size in the ASIO control  
This lets you use the DSP Mixer for tracking a band  
and creating zero-latency headphone mixes for  
the talent using the line outputs routed through a  
headphone distribution amplifier, while sending the  
tracks to the DAW for recording.  
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panel should be the same as the buffer size selected in  
the Onyx 400F Console.  
Save/Load  
The Save button allows you to save the current state  
of the Onyx 400F Console as a preset file that can be  
recalled at a later time. When you click the Save button,  
a dialog box opens that allows you to name the file and  
select the destination.  
Note: If you change the buffer size in the ASIO con-  
trol panel, you may need to close and reopen the Onyx  
400F Console to update the buffer setting.  
About  
The Load button allows you to recall a preset file.  
When you click the Load button, a dialog box opens that  
allows you to select from a list of presets.  
This opens a box that tells you about the Onyx 400F  
Console Control Panel.  
The name of the current preset appears in the “Pro-  
gram” box next to the Save/Load buttons.  
Version Information  
Standalone Mode: When the Console  
software application is closed, the  
Onyx 400F continues to operate with  
whatever settings were present when  
the Console was closed. When the  
These let you know the version of the Console soft-  
ware, the version of the firmware currently installed  
in the Onyx 400F, the 1394 (FireWire) driver version  
and the ASIO driver version currently installed on the  
computer.  
Onyx 400F is turned off, the current  
Software and firmware updates are installed using an  
installer that you can download from our website. Check  
our website (www.mackie.com/updates/400F) to see if  
newer versions of the software and firmware are avail-  
able to download. Better yet, make sure you register  
your 400F either online or with the enclosed Product  
Registration Card, and we will notify you by email when  
updates become available.  
settings are saved to its internal flash memory, and re-  
called when the 400F is turned back on (program name:  
Flash Settings).  
This allows you to setup the Onyx 400F for a particu-  
lar application, such as a 2-channel mic pre or a 10x2  
mixer, and use it in that application without having it  
connected to a computer (standalone mode).  
25  
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headroom for peaks. If the signal has lots of sharp peaks,  
you may need to reduce the average level a bit to allow  
the peaks through without triggering the OL indicator.  
Outputs  
Click the output tabs to create individual mixes for  
each pair of outputs. Each pair of outputs has its own  
tab, so make sure you have the correct one selected  
before making any changes.  
A pan control allows you to pan the signal left  
and right between the pair of outputs (Left=odd;  
Right=even).  
Note: The mixes you create in the Console matrix  
mixing section apply to the physical outputs on the  
Onyx 400F (line outputs 1-8 and the S/PDIF output).  
The DAW application receives inputs 1-10 independent  
of the matrix mixer via the FireWire connection.  
Each input has a SOLO button and a MUTE button.  
When a SOLO button is clicked, the Rude Solo LED  
blinks to remind you that a channel is soloed. Soloing a  
channel allows you to hear just that channel in the out-  
puts. Muting a channel allows you to remove a channel  
from the overall mix.  
Channel Strips  
There is a Master Level control for the two outputs  
and a left and right meter to indicate the signal level at  
the outputs. Overload (OL) indicators let you know if  
you need to reduce the Main Mix level control.  
Each output control panel has a channel strip for  
each of the ten inputs for creating an individual stereo  
headphone monitor mix at the selected pair of outputs.  
In addition, a pair of outputs from the DAW software  
application can be included in the mix. This is useful  
for overdubbing, when you want to add another track to  
some tracks that have already been recorded.  
Along the bottom of the panel are boxes for labeling  
each channel strip. Simply click on the box to open a  
dialog box for renaming the channel strip. These names  
are saved with the preset file when using the Save button.  
Each input has its own fader control, meter, and  
overload (OL) indicator. Typically, you want the meters  
to average around the –10 mark. This allows 10 dB of  
26  
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Appendix A: Service Information  
Bad Output  
Warranty Service  
Details concerning Warranty Service are spelled out in  
the Warranty section on page 35.  
•
If the DSP Mixer is turned on in the Console, make  
sure the output level control for the suspect output  
is turned up and the meters are indicating that a  
signal is present.  
If you think your Onyx preamp has a problem, please  
do everything you can to confirm it before calling for  
service. Doing so might save you from the deprivation of  
your Onyx preamp and the associated suffering.  
•
If another output is working correctly, try switching  
the output connections between the working output  
and the suspect output. If the working output stops  
working, it could be a bad cable or the device to  
which it is connected.  
These may sound obvious to you, but here are some  
things you can check. Read on.  
•
If it’s the S/PDIF OUT [21], make sure the S/PDIF  
Format is set to Consumer in the Console Settings  
window. If it is set to Consumer and is not working,  
try using the Professional setting.  
Troubleshooting  
No Power  
Bad Sound  
•
•
Our favorite question: Is it plugged in?  
•
Is the input connector plugged completely into the  
Make sure the power cord is securely seated in the  
IEC socket [22] and plugged all the way into the  
AC outlet.  
jack?  
•
Is it loud and distorted? Make sure the input GAIN  
control for the channel is set correctly. Reduce the  
signal level on the input source if possible.  
•
•
Make sure the AC outlet is live (check with a tester  
or lamp).  
•
Are the Onyx 400F and the device to which it is con-  
nected locked to the same clock? If the Onyx 400F  
is operating on its own internal sample rate, make  
sure the device to which it is connected is set to ex-  
ternal clock and is locking to the clock signal either  
through the WORD CLOCK OUT or the S/PDIF con-  
nections. If the Onyx 400F is set to external Word  
Clock, make sure it is locked to the external clock.  
Is the POWER [1] switch on? Make sure the  
POWER switch on the front panel is in the ON posi-  
tion (up).  
•
Are any LEDs on the front panel illuminated? At  
least one of the clock LEDs should be lit. If not,  
make sure the AC outlet is live.  
•
•
Are all the lights out in your building? If so, contact  
your local power company to get power restored.  
•
If possible, listen to the signal with headphones  
plugged into the input source device. If it sounds  
bad there, it’s not the Onyx causing the problem.  
If there are no LEDs illuminated on the front panel,  
and you are certain that the AC outlet is live, it will  
be necessary to have your Onyx 400F serviced. There  
are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer to “Repair”  
at the end of this section to find out how to proceed.  
Noise/Hum  
•
Turn down each channel, one by one. If the noise  
disappears, it’s coming from whatever is plugged  
into that channel.  
Bad Channel  
•
Is the input GAIN control [9] for the channel  
turned up (channels 1-4)?  
•
Check the signal cables between the input sources  
and the Onyx. Disconnect them one by one. When  
the noise goes away, you’ll know which input source  
is causing the problem.  
•
Is the signal source turned up? Make sure the signal  
level from the selected input source is high enough  
to light up some of the INPUT meter [10] LEDs for  
that channel (channels 1-4).  
•
Sometimes it helps to plug all the audio equipment  
into the same AC circuit so they share a common  
ground.  
•
•
If it is channel 1 or 2, make sure the Instrument  
switch [11] is in the right position.  
Try the same source signal in another channel, set  
up exactly like the suspect channel.  
27  
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No Audio into your Computer  
3. Keep this owner’s manual and the detachable line-  
cord. We don’t need them to repair the preamp.  
•
•
•
Confirm that the Onyx 400F is receiving mic or  
line-level input signals (the meters should indicate 4. Pack the preamplifier in its original package,  
signal is present in the Onyx 400F Console).  
including endcaps and box. This is VERY IM-  
PORTANT. When you call for the Service Request  
Number, please let Tech Support know if you need  
new packaging. Mackie is not responsible for any  
damage that occurs due to non-factory packaging.  
Make sure the correct driver is selected in the DAW.  
In Tracktion, this is selected in the Settings tab  
under Audio Devices.  
If the Onyx 400F seems to be working fine and you  
are using Tracktion, click Restart Device in the Set-  
tings tab under Audio Devices. Other DAW applica-  
tions may have a similar button.  
5. Include a legible note stating your name, shipping  
address (no P.O. boxes), daytime phone number,  
Service Request Number, and a detailed description  
of the problem, including how we can duplicate it.  
•
In Tracktion, be sure the correct inputs are selected  
and the tracks are armed.  
6. Write the Service Request Number in BIG PRINT on  
top of the box. Units sent to us without the Service  
Request Number will be refused.  
•
•
Restart your Onyx 400F and computer.  
Reinstall the drivers from the CD.  
7. Tech Support will tell you where to ship the pream-  
plifier for repair. We suggest insurance for all forms  
of cartage.  
Glitchy/Distorted Audio into your Computer  
•
Increase the buffer size. This can be done in the  
Onyx 400F Console (under the Settings tab) or in  
your DAW application.  
8. We’ll try to fix the preamplifier within three to five  
business days. Ask Tech Support for the latest  
turn-around times when you call for your Service  
Request Number. The preamp must be packaged in  
its original packing box, and must have the Service  
Request Number on the box. Once it’s repaired, we’ll  
ship it back the same way in which it was received.  
This paragraph does not necessarily apply to non-  
warranty repair.  
Repair  
Service for Mackie products is available at a factory-  
authorized service center. Service for Mackie products  
living outside the United States can be obtained through  
local dealers or distributors.  
Note: You must have a sales receipt from an Autho-  
rized Mackie Dealer to qualify for a warranty repair.  
If your Onyx 400F needs service, follow these instructions:  
1. Review the preceding troubleshooting suggestions.  
Please.  
2. Call Tech Support at 1-800-898-3211, 7 am to 5 pm  
PST, to explain the problem and obtain a Service  
Request Number. Have your Onyx 400F’s serial  
number ready.  
You must have a Service Request Number before  
you can obtain factory-authorized service.  
Need Help?  
You can reach a technical support representative  
Monday through Friday  
from 7 AM to 5 PM PST at:  
1-800-898-3211  
After hours, visit www.mackie.com and click Support,  
or email us at: [email protected]  
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Appendix B: Connections  
XLR Connectors  
Channels 1-4 accept 3-pin male XLR connectors on  
the Neutrik combo inputs. They are wired as follows,  
according to standards specified by the AES (Audio  
Engineering Society).  
1/ 4" TS Phone Plugs and Jacks  
“TS” stands for Tip-Sleeve, the two connection points  
available on a mono 1/4" phone jack or plug. They are  
used for unbalanced signals like the high-impedance  
instrument inputs on the Onyx 400F.  
2
SHIELD  
HOT  
SLEEVE  
SLEEVE  
TIP  
TIP  
1
3
COLD  
TIP  
SHIELD  
1
SLEEVE  
3
HOT  
COLD  
2
1/4" TS Unbalanced Wiring:  
Sleeve = Shield  
Tip = Hot (+)  
SHIELD  
COLD  
HOT  
1
3
2
XLR Balanced Wiring:  
Pin 1 = Shield  
Pin 2 = Hot (+)  
Pin 3 = Cold (–)  
RCA Plugs and Jacks  
RCA-type plugs (also known as phono plugs) and jacks  
are often used in home stereo and video equipment, and  
to make S/PDIF connections on consumer digital audio  
devices. They are unbalanced and electrically equiva-  
lent to a 1/4" TS phone plug.  
1/ 4" TRS Phone Plugs and Jacks  
“TRS” stands for Tip-Ring-Sleeve, the three connection  
points available on a stereo 1/4" or balanced phone  
jack or plug. TRS jacks and plugs are used for balanced  
signals and stereo headphones.  
TIP  
SLEEVE TIP SLEEVE  
RCA Unbalanced Wiring:  
Sleeve = Shield  
Tip = Hot (+)  
Balanced Mono  
RING SLEEVE  
TIP  
SLEEVE RING TIP  
RING  
TIP  
Unbalancing a Line  
SLEEVE  
In most studio, stage, and sound reinforcement situ-  
ations, there is a combination of balanced and unbal-  
anced inputs and outputs on the various pieces of  
equipment. This usually will not be a problem in making  
connections.  
1/4" TRS Balanced Mono Wiring:  
Sleeve = Shield  
Tip = Hot (+)  
Ring = Cold (–)  
•
When connecting a balanced output to an unbal-  
anced input, be sure the signal high (hot) connec-  
tions are wired to each other, and that the balanced  
signal low (cold) goes to the ground (earth)  
Stereo Headphones  
RING SLEEVE  
TIP  
SLEEVE RING TIP  
connection at the unbalanced input. In most cases,  
the balanced ground (earth) will also be connected  
to the ground (earth) at the unbalanced input. If  
there are ground-loop problems, this connection  
may be left disconnected at the balanced end.  
RING  
TIP  
SLEEVE  
1/4" TRS Stereo Unbalanced Wiring:  
Sleeve = Shield  
Tip = Left  
Ring = Right  
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•
When connecting an unbalanced output to a bal-  
anced input, be sure that the signal high (hot)  
connections are wired to each other. The unbal-  
anced ground (earth) connection should be wired  
to the low (cold) and the ground (earth) connec-  
tions of the balanced input. If there are ground-loop  
problems, try disconnecting the unbalanced ground  
(earth) connection from the balanced input ground  
(earth) connection, leaving the unbalanced ground  
connected to the balanced input low (cold) con-  
nection only.  
This allows you to tap out the channel’s signal at that  
point in the circuit without interrupting normal operation.  
Note: Do not overload or short-circuit  
the signal you are tapping from the  
preamp. That will affect the internal  
signal.  
If you push the 1/4 TS plug in to the second click,  
"
you will open the jack switch and create a direct out,  
which does interrupt the signal in that channel.  
In some cases, you may have to make up special  
adapters to interconnect your equipment. For example,  
you may need a balanced XLR female connected to an  
unbalanced 1/4" TS phone plug. Many common adapters  
can be found at your local electronics supply store.  
MONO PLUG  
Channel Insert jack  
Direct out with no signal interruption to master.  
Insert only to first “click.”  
TRS Send/ Receive Insert Jacks  
MONO PLUG  
Mackie’s single-jack inserts are three-conductor 1/4  
"
Channel Insert jack  
TRS phone jacks. They are unbalanced, but have both  
the preamp output (send) and input (return) signals in  
one connector.  
Direct out with signal interruption to master.  
Insert all the way in to the second “click.”  
The sleeve is the common ground (earth) for both  
signals. The send from the preamp to the external unit  
is carried on the tip, and the return from the unit to the  
preamp is on the ring.  
STEREO  
PLUG  
Channel Insert jack  
For use as an effects loop.  
(TIP= SEND to effect, RING = RETURN from effect)  
SEND to processor  
ring  
“from ti  
(TRS plug)  
tip  
sleeve  
this plug connects to one of the  
mixer’s Channel Insert jacks.  
“to ring”  
Mults and “Y”s  
RETURN from processor  
A mult or “Y” connector allows you to route one output  
to two or more inputs by simply providing parallel wir-  
ing connections. You can make “Y”s and mults for the  
outputs of both unbalanced and balanced circuits.  
Using the Send Only on an Insert Jack  
If you insert a 1/4 TS (mono) plug only partially (to  
"
the first click) into a Mackie insert jack, the plug will  
not activate the jack switch and will not open the insert  
loop in the circuit (thereby allowing the channel signal  
to continue on its merry way through the preamp).  
Remember: Only mult or “Y” an  
output into several inputs. If you need  
to combine several outputs into one  
input, you must use a mixer, not a  
mult or a “Y.”  
Y-Cord Splitter  
30  
ONYX 400F  
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FireWire Connection  
The Onyx 400F is equipped with two 6-pin FireWire  
connectors and comes with a 6-pin to 6-pin FireWire  
cable. This works with Macintosh laptops and desktops,  
and most PC desktops with a built-in FireWire connec-  
tor or with a PCI or PCMCIA FireWire card added.  
Many laptop PCs have a 4-pin FireWire connector. If  
this is the case, you will need to purchase a 6-pin to 4-  
pin FireWire adapter cable. These are readily available  
at computer stores or online.  
2
4
6
1
2
3
4
1
3
5
6-pin Male FireWire  
4-pin Male FireWire  
6-pin FireWire Wiring:  
Pin 1 = Power  
Pin 2 = Ground  
Pin 3 = TPB–  
4-pin FireWire Wiring:  
Pin 1 = TPB–  
Pin 2 = TPB+  
Pin 3 = TPA–  
Pin 4 = TPB+  
Pin 4 = TPA+  
Pin 5 = TPA–  
Pin 6 = TPA+  
Appendix C: Technical Info  
Onyx 400F Specifications  
Frequency Response  
Dynamic Range  
Mic Input to Line Output (Gain @ unity):  
>107 dB (Mic In to Line Out)  
@48 kHz  
+0, –3 dB, 10 Hz to 24 kHz  
Noise  
Signal-to-Noise:  
>87 dB (ref. +4 dBu, Mic In to Line Out, Gain @ unity)  
@96 kHz  
+0, –3 dB, 10 Hz to 48 kHz  
Equivalent Input Noise (E.I.N.), 20 Hz to 20 kHz Bandwidth,  
150Ω source impedance:  
@192 kHz  
+0, –3 dB, 10 Hz to 96 kHz  
–129 dBu @ +60 dB gain  
Mic Input to Digital Output (S/PDIF, 192 kHz sample rate):  
+0, –3 dB, 10 Hz to 96 kHz  
Common Mode Rejection Ratio (CMRR)  
Mic In: >60 dB @ 1 kHz, Gain @ maximum  
Distortion (THD & IMD)  
Crosstalk  
Mic Input to Line Output:  
Mic Input to Line Output (@ +4 dBu output):  
THD+N: < 0.003%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz BW,  
1 kHz input @ +4 dBu, preamp at unity gain  
< –100 dB @ 1 kHz, +10 dBu signal on adjacent  
input, 150Ω source impedance  
Mic Input to Digital Output (S/PDIF, 48 kHz sample rate):  
THD+N: < 0.001%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz BW,  
Input Gain Control Range  
10mV rms input, gain at –1 dB FS output  
Mic In: 0 dB to +60 dB  
Line In: –20 dB to + 40 dB  
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Phantom Power  
Digital Output Connectors  
+48 VDC  
One BNC connector for external word clock output  
One RCA connector for S/PDIF output  
One 5-pin DIN for MIDI output  
Rated Output  
Line:  
+4 dBu  
DSP  
Maximum Rated Output:  
+24 dBu @ Balanced Line-Level Outputs  
TMS320C6713 Floating-Point Digital Signal Processor  
operating at 225 MHz, delivering up to 1350 million  
floating-point operations per second (MFLOPS),  
1800 million instructions per second (MIPS), and  
450 million multiply-accumulate operations per  
second (MMACS)  
Input Impedance  
Mic Input:  
Inst Input:  
Line:  
2.4 kΩ balanced  
1 MΩ  
20 kΩ balanced, 10 kΩ unbalanced  
AC Power Requirements  
Output Impedance  
Power Consumption: 20 watts  
Line:  
100 Ω balanced  
Universal AC Power Supply:  
100 VAC – 240 VAC, 50-60 Hz  
Signal Level LEDs  
–40 dB, –20 dB, –10 dB (normal operating level),  
OL = 22 dBu  
Physical Dimensions and Weight  
Height:  
Width:  
1.75 in/44 mm  
Sample Frequency Selections  
17.50 in/445 mm (main body of unit)  
19.00 in/483 mm (with rack ears)  
7.63 in/194 mm (including front knobs and  
rear BNC jack)  
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz,  
176.4 kHz, 192 kHz  
Depth:  
Analog Input Connectors  
Weight:  
5.6 lb/2.5 kg  
Four balanced XLR/TRS mic/line inputs  
Four balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs  
Two 1/4" TS high-impedance instrument inputs  
LOUD Technologies Inc. is always striving to improve our prod-  
ucts by incorporating new and improved materials, components,  
and manufacturing methods. Therefore, we reserve the right to  
change these specifications at any time without notice.  
Analog Output Connectors  
Eight balanced 1/4" TRS line-level outputs  
“Mackie.”, “Onyx,” and the “Running Man” are registered  
trademarks of LOUD Technologies Inc. All other brand names  
mentioned are trademarks or registered trademarks of their  
respective holders, and are hereby acknowledged.  
Digital Input Connectors  
One BNC connector for external word clock input  
One RCA connector for S/PDIF input  
One 5-pin DIN for MIDI input  
©2005 LOUD Technologies Inc. All Rights Reserved.  
Two 6-pin FireWire input/output  
17.5 in/445 mm  
WEIGHT  
5.6 lb/  
2.5 kg  
19.0 in/483 mm  
1
2
3
4
32  
ONYX 400F  
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Onyx 400F Block Diagram  
48V  
Phantom  
Insert  
Phantom  
Mic/Line  
Instrument  
Channel 1-2  
Gain  
2
3
Mic: 0 to +60 dB  
1
Line: –20 to +40 dB  
Mic  
+
-
+
-
Line  
Instrument  
Insert  
Phantom  
Gain  
A/D  
Conversion  
Channel 3-4  
Mic: 0 to +60 dB  
Line: –20 to +40 dB  
2
3
+
1
Mic  
-
+
-
Line  
Ch 1-4  
Ch 5-8  
Firewire  
I/O  
Channel 5-8  
Line  
S/PDIF  
I/O  
+
A/D  
Conversion  
-
Word Clock  
I/O  
METERS  
MIDI  
I/O  
OL  
-10  
CHANNEL 1  
CHANNEL 2  
CHANNEL 3  
-20  
-30  
OL  
-10  
-20  
-30  
Control Room  
Level  
Left  
OL  
-10  
-20  
-30  
D/A  
Conversion  
Control Room Out  
Right  
Decoder  
DSP  
(a.k.a.  
BRAIN)  
OL  
-10  
-20  
-30  
CHANNEL 4  
Phones 1  
Level  
INT  
WORD  
S/DIF  
CLOCK  
SOURCE  
MIDI IN  
Phones 1  
Phones 2  
MIDI OUT  
FIREWIRE IN  
Phones 2  
Level  
Line Out 1  
Line Out 8  
D/A  
Conversion  
Out 1-8  
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34  
ONYX 400F  
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Onyx 400F Limited Warranty  
Please keep your sales receipt in a safe place.  
F. Any products returned to one of the LOUD Technologies  
A. LOUD Technologies Inc. warrants all materials,  
factory-authorized service centers and deemed eligible for  
repair or replacement under the terms of this warranty will  
be repaired or replaced within thirty days of receipt. LOUD  
Technologies and its authorized service centers may use  
refurbished parts for repair or replacement of any product.  
Products returned to LOUD Technologies that do not meet the  
terms of this Warranty will be not be repaired unless payment  
is received for labor, materials, return freight, and insurance.  
Products repaired under warranty will be returned freight  
prepaid by LOUD Technologies to any location within the  
boundaries of the USA.  
workmanship and proper operation of this product for a period  
of one year from the original date of purchase. If any defects  
are found in the materials or workmanship or if the product  
fails to function properly during the applicable warranty  
period, LOUD Technologies, at its option, will repair or replace  
theproduct.Thiswarrantyappliesonlytoequipmentsold  
anddeliveredwithintheU.S.byLOUDTechnologiesInc.or  
its authorized dealers.  
B. Failure to register online or return the product registration  
card will not void the one-year warranty.  
C. Service and repairs of Mackie products are to be  
performed only at a factory-authorized facility (see D below).  
Unauthorized service, repairs, or modification will void this  
warranty. To obtain repairs under warranty, you must have a  
copy of your sales receipt from the authorized Mackie dealer  
where you purchased the product. It is necessary to establish  
purchase date and determine whether your Mackie product is  
within the warranty period.  
G. LOUD Technologies warrants all repairs performed  
for 90 days or for the remainder of the warranty period.  
This warranty does not extend to damage resulting from  
improper installation, misuse, neglect or abuse, or to exterior  
appearance. This warranty is recognized only if the inspection  
seals and serial number on the unit have not been defaced or  
removed.  
H. LOUD Technologies assumes no responsibility for the  
quality or timeliness of repairs performed by an authorized  
service center.  
D. To obtain factory-authorized service:  
1. Call Mackie Technical Support at 800/ 898-3211, 7  
AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday (Pacific Time) to get  
a Service Request Number. Products returned without a  
Service Request Number will be refused.  
I. This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and to  
anyone who may subsequently purchase this product within  
the applicable warranty period. A copy of the original sales  
receipt is required to obtain warranty repairs.  
2. Pack the product in its original shipping carton. Also  
include a note explaining exactly how to duplicate the  
problem, a copy of the sales receipt with price and date  
showing, and your return street address (no P.O. boxes or  
route numbers, please!). If we cannot duplicate the problem  
or establish the starting date of your Limited Warranty, we  
may, at our option, charge for service time.  
J. This is your sole warranty. LOUD Technologies does not  
authorize any third party, including any dealer or sales  
representative, to assume any liability on behalf of LOUD  
Technologies or to make any warranty for LOUD Technologies  
Inc.  
K. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE IS THE SOLE  
WARRANTY GIVEN BY LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC.  
AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS  
AND IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF  
3. Ship the product in its original shipping carton, freight  
prepaid to the authorized service center. The address of  
your closest authorized service center will be given to you  
by Technical Support.  
MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR  
PURPOSE. THE WARRANTY GIVEN ON THIS PAGE SHALL BE  
STRICTLY LIMITED IN DURATION TO ONE YEAR FROM THE  
DATE OF ORIGINAL PURCHASE FROM AN AUTHORIZED  
MACKIE DEALER. UPON EXPIRATION OF THE APPLICABLE  
WARRANTY PERIOD, LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL  
HAVE NO FURTHER WARRANTY OBLIGATION OF ANY  
KIND. LOUD TECHNOLOGIES INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE  
FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL  
IMPORTANT: Make sure that the Service Request  
Number is plainly written on the shipping carton.  
E. LOUD Technologies reserves the right to inspect any  
products that may be the subject of any warranty claims before  
repair or replacement is carried out. LOUD Technologies may,  
at our option, require proof of the original date of purchase in  
the form of a dated copy of the original dealer’s invoice or sales DAMAGES THAT MAY RESULT FROM ANY DEFECT IN THE  
receipt. Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely  
with LOUD Technologies.  
MACKIE PRODUCT OR ANY WARRANTY CLAIM. Some states  
do not allow exclusion or limitation of incidental, special, or  
consequential damages or a limitation on how long warranties  
last, so some of the above limitations and exclusions may not  
apply to you. This warranty provides specific legal rights and  
you may have other rights which vary from state to state.  
35  
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16220 Wood-Red Road NE • Woodinville, WA 98072 • USA  
United States and Canada: 800.898.3211  
Europe, Asia, Central and South America: 425.487.4333  
Middle East and Africa: 31.20.654.4000  
Fax: 425.487.4337 • www.mackie.com  
E-mail: [email protected]  
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