The good: Mackie built a great little 2x2 box that's compact, built like a Brinks truck, and featuring their killer-for-the-dollars Onyx preamps. USB bus powered, so no need for an external power source, intelligently laid out, with phantom power and Hi-Z available on both channels.
SIMPLICITY
FOR ANY HOME STUDIO
Inspired by the proven hardware design of our flagship Onyx-i Series mixers, the Onyx Blackjack Premium USB Audio Interface brings you studio quality sound and features via our flagship Onyx Mic Pres, Cirrus Logic®AD/DA converters, built-in DIs, phantom power and true analog hardware monitoring of inputs for hassle-free zero-latency tracking.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, the cheaper option, tends to get more favorable reviews than Mackie Onyx Blackjack 4.6 vs 3.7. In our awesomeness score Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ranks #13 out of 101 and Mackie Onyx Blackjack ranks #71 out of 101. Go to awesomeness ranking Go to consumer score ranking Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is more popular. Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2016 style: Recording Interface Verified Purchase Based on low cost and surprisingly good performance I feel Mackie's Onyx Blackjack deserves a five star rating. I was lucky enough to discover this item very recently, long after the years when there was no suitable software driver. Onyx Blackjack features a sleek, powder-coated all-metal chassis that is truly “Built-Like-A-Tank” and sits with a 25-degree inclination, allowing for full view of all controls at all times, meaning more recording time and less hassle.
Features
Raising the standard for compact recording interfaces.
fidelity
Boutique-Quality Onyx Preamps
Found on our most expensive studio consoles, Onyx pres are designed to meet or surpass expensive, esoteric standalone mic pres in terms of fidelity, headroom and transparency –as well as improved radio frequency (RFI) rejection and ultra-wide dynamic range. And with a full 60dB of available gain, would-be competitors are left in the dust.
dynamic
High-Quality AD/DA Conversion
The Onyx Blackjack uses Cirrus Logic®converters offering 114dB dynamic range (A-weighted) –a specification other companies sometimes charge thousands of dollars to achieve. Our preamp circuitry is aligned precisely with the onboard analog-to-digital conversion to always provide you with the most headroom and the lowest noise and distortion possible.
smart
Zero Latency Recording
Featuring a true analog monitoring path directly from the preamps to your studio monitors and headphones means you can track while listening in either mono or stereo to the direct analog source with zero routing. Not only that, it also means you can adjust your buffer settings to maximize your computer’s processing ability.
handy
Professional Tools
Both channels deliver 48V phantom power, so you can use studio-quality condenser mics with no problem. The studio monitor and headphone outputs have independent level controls for maximum flexibility. Plus, the Onyx Blackjack is bus-powered via USB, so there’s no power supply to lose or another cable cluttering your workspace. It also comes with Mackie’s Tracktion Music Production software, so you can get started recording right away.
flexible
No Direct Box Needed
Both channels double as built-in Dis which is perfect for direct connection of guitars, basses, keyboards, drum machines, etc. Having a built-in DI is great when you just want to plug in to record a quick riff or synth sound without the fuss of dealing with a traditional DI, and not having to carry a DI or two can make a big difference if you need to pack light.
easy
Ergonomic
Onyx Blackjack features a sleek, powder-coated all-metal chassis that is truly “Built-Like-A-Tank”and sits with a 25-degree inclination, allowing for full view of all controls at all times, meaning more recording time and less hassle.
Applications
from studio to on-location recording
Even at such a small size, the Onyx Blackjack doesn’t compromise when it comes to sound quality, making it perfect for home studios or mobile recording applications that require a small interface with big studio sound. Being bus powered means you can take it anywhere your laptop can go for the freedom to capture beautiful recordings anywhere with the clarity and low-noise performance of the proven Onyx mic pres and the fidelity of high end Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters.
Manuals
Owners Manual
Quick Start Guide
SPECS
SUPPORT DOCS
SOFTWARE/FIRMWARE
DRIVERS
PC: Windows XP SP2 to to Windows 7
Mac: Mac OS X 10.5 to OS X 10.8
Reviews
PRODUCT PHOTOS
Blackjack
Blackjack
Suggestions
The Onyx Blackjack is begging you to connect it to something. Here's some ideas for you.