TWO YEARS IN THE MAKING...

The goal for Mackie's flagship Onyx series of small-format mixers was to bring premium analog sound, expanded features, and streaming FireWire connectivity to both recording and live sound environments. To pull all this off, we started with a team of veteran audio product engineers from the great Pacific Northwest (aka Woodinville, Washington). The Onyx team quickly set out by specifying the highest-quality analog components--from premium op-amps to IC chips costing exponentially more than previous designs. In many cases, we developed components completely from scratch. With Greg Mackie himself steering Onyx mixer layout and design, we took a "real world" approach to the entire process.

ONYX MIC PREAMPS

Because a great mixer starts with great mic preamps, we invested significant R&D efforts into developing our new flagship Onyx mic preamps. These preamps build upon our already-impressive XDR design 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 wider dynamic range. Read more.

PERKINS EQ CIRCUITRY

When it was time for the Onyx EQ section, we turned to veteran audio engineer Cal Perkins to develop our new Perkins EQ circuitry—a "neo classic" 3- and 4-band design based on classic "British EQ" circuitry from mixing desks of the '60s and '70s. Cal devised a way to give Perkins EQ that sweet "British console" sound, but with greater filter control and minimum phase shift. Read more.

LISTENING TO OUR CUSTOMERS

We rounded out the Onyx 1640 feature set by answering some common requests from our compact mixer customers: adding individual 48v phantom power and balanced direct outputs on every channel; a full Auxiliary section with Pre/Post control; and a new Talkback section with a convenient built-in mic. We even developed a "Planet Earth" switching power supply for worldwide use. Read more.

FIREWIRE I/O OPTION CARD

In the category of "Why didn't someone think of this sooner?", we gave the Onyx 1640 an optional FireWire I/O card, which bridges the analog-to-digital gap by providing up to 18 independent channels of high-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio that you can plug right into your FireWire-equipped Mac or PC. And bring a stereo mix back from your computer for monitoring purposes.

Onyx 1640 Features

• Premium 16-channel/4-bus small-format analog mixer 
• 16 new ONYX mic preamps comparable to boutique preamps 
•  New 4-band Perkins EQ with dual sweepable midrange controls provides warm, musical sound 
• 96kHz FireWire option for streaming 18 independent channels of audio to computer with near-zero latency 
• 2 channels of monitoring from computer via FireWire option card 
• 6 Aux Sends w/ Pre/Post & Solo switches 
• 4 stereo line-level Aux Returns 
•  4-bus architecture for flexible sub-grouping of channels 
• Built-in Talkback section for use w/ internal or external mic 
•  True hardware EQ Bypass 
•  "Planet-Earth" switching power supply for worldwide use 
• Linear taper 60mm faders with ultra-smooth response on all channels 
• Balanced direct outs for every channel via DB-25 connections 
• Selectable Instrument inputs on first two channels-no DI box needed 
• Rotating I/O pod for desktop or rackmount operation   

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CASCADE FAT HEAD- RIBBON

 

 

The Cascade FAT HEAD offers the natural and open sound associated with the finest ribbon microphones. You will find that when recording acoustic guitars, guitar cabinets, vocals, drum over-heads, and countless other types of instruments, the ribbon microphone will produce the warmth that is vital to today's digital recording environment. We firmly believe you will also agree that this microphone will make a great addition to your collection.

We inspect and check the audio quality of each and every Cascade microphone before it leaves our shop, once you try one...you'll be a believer. 

Specifications:

• Type: Ribbon (velocity) Microphone
• Ribbon type & Dimensions: 99% Pure aluminum, 2.5 micron, 1 3/4" (L) X 3/16" (W)
• Polar pattern: Figure 8 Symmetrical design
• Sensitivity: -56 db +/- 2 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa)
• Frequency response: 30 to -18,000 Hz (+/- 3dB)
• Output Impedance: <=200 Ohms
• Recommended load impedance: >1000 Ohms
• Max.SPL (1% THD @1000 Hz): 165 dB
• Connector: 3-Pin male XLR
• Size: Diameter: 3” (O.D. grill), overall length 6 1/2”, 7/8" (O.D. body)

Includes:

• FAT HEAD Ribbon Microphone
• Premium suspension shockmount
• Wood box with heavy-duty latch and hinges
• Aluminum case
• Micro-fiber cleaning cloth

Frequency Response and Polar Pattern

Frequency Response and Polar Pattern w/ Stock Transformer

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The Cascade M20u offers a new body style & grill along with improved specifications and performance. The new 1.07" gold vapor-diaphragm makes the M20u a great studio microphone capable of excelling in many applications of recording tasks and environments. The M20u is great for recording vocals, acoustic guitars, drums, guitar cabinets, horns and percussion instruments.

 

The M20u employs a -10 dB pad and lo-cut filter switch. With it's smooth frequency response, transparency, and dynamic range, it's easy to see why the M20u is a valuable addition to a wide range of users.

Specifications:

• Capsule: New 1.07”/28 mm 5µ edge connected, gold vapor-diaphragm
• Construction: heavy duty machined brass with anodized finish
• Polar Pattern: cardioid
• Operating voltage: +48V Phantom Power 
• Electronics: New low-noise class A discrete Fet+Bi-Polar, transformer-coupled
• Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
• Sensitivity: -38.5 dB (0 dB=1V/Pa)
• Equivalent noise level: (A-Weighted per IEC 286-4) <15 dB
• Maximum SPL for THD: <0.5% (1 kHz) 140 dB w/Pad
• Switchable low frequency cut-off: -6 dB @ 100 Hz
• Switchable pad: -10 dB
• New improved suspension shockmount
• Connector: 3-Pin male XLR
• Weight: 525 grams/1.16 lbs.
• Dimensions: 47x215 mm / 2x8.6”

Includes:

• CASCADE M20u 1.07" LDC 
• Suspension shockmount
• Vinyl zipper pouch
• Micro-fiber cleaning cloth

  PDF with Frequency Response

 

Quote from Eben Grace
"The Cascade M20 is an amazingly well built and great sounding microphone. It gets used all the time in my studio and makes a great match with the Grace Model 101." - Eben Grace of Grace Design.