Mackie Onyx 800R - anyone heard the pre-amps yet??

[coryc]

Hello,

Just trying to decide on what route i should take for getting the extra 8 channels (adat) into my 002, i was pretty set on getting the Octopre, but just seen an ad for the new Mackie Onyx 800R and it looks pretty promising???... plus you don't need to install the extra digital card so it's actually a few hundred bucks cheaper.

Has anyone heard these new Onyx pre-amps??... any advice or insight on a lightpipe option that won't require me to re-mortgage my house much appreciated.

Thanks,
Cory

[coryc]

anyone?

[Mariner]

I don't know about the Mackie stuff, but I have the Digimax-Lt and it works awesome!

Mariner

[Matt Whritenour]

just be-aware that the octopre has no inserts
that's what kept me from buying the octopre and going with the digimax
and i love the digimax it works and sounds great

[albee1952]

Ditto-the Digimax LT at under $600 is the best deal going. I agree the Onyx looks promising(have not heard it) but it still requires a converter to lightpipe or patching in analog. Clocking an 002 to ADAT with the Digimax is just better all around IMHO. And for the record, I don't own any of the above so I have no ax to grind.

[jeffwuollet]

I wish Mackie gave more in-depth specs on the Onyx preamp circutry.

It's IC based(My favorite), but I have no info regarding the manufacturer or type of IC. I put out alot of posts regarding IC's and op-amps simply because they're the most overlooked feature in most mixers/preamps. SSL 4048 consoles all use IC op-amps to drive their signals and the quality of the components, capacitors, PS voltages and brand of wiring are all key to a pristine sound.

I really want to hear these preamps in action just so I have another release under my belt. I'm also a little interested in the mixer EQ's. Supposedly a British design, but I've seen too many claims and too little sounds to lead me to believe every advertisement of a "Vintage British Sound".

I would suggest going with what is already available and in use around the world. The digimax seems to be the popular choice and until the Onyx proves itself in the audio market, I wouldn't spend money on such a new product.

[Carl Fuehrer]

I'm waiting on responses also. I am not a fan of Mackie but the M-S decoder, 192kHz and switchable impedence sound great. Apparently it's not going to cost much more than a Digimax LT.

[coryc]

Yeah, hopefully i can get some solid reviews on the Mackie before i make my final decision. I was set on the Octopre but it seems like alot of people favour the Digimax as well plus it's cheaper... man this gear buying can get confusing, when your looking at spending a $1000 USD (like $1300 CDN) you really wanna make sure your getting something you'll be happy with.

thanks for all the response's...

Cory

[Chris Cavell]

Most who've blind a/b'ed the digimax-LT and the octopre prefer the digimax-LT.

[coryc]

I guess i should take a serious look at the Digimax and save myself a few hundred bucks.