The Mackie Onyx16 is a premium 16-channel analog mixer that combines high-fidelity analog sound with modern digital connectivity for project studios, live recording, and sophisticated live sound applications. It is built around Mackie's renowned Onyx microphone preamplifiers, which are discrete, high-headroom designs known for their ultra-low noise and transparent sonic character, making them suitable for capturing detailed recordings of vocals, acoustic instruments, and drum kits. The mixer provides a versatile input section with a combination of combo XLR/TRS jacks for microphones and line-level sources, dedicated stereo line inputs, and tape inputs, offering ample connectivity for complex setups. Its intuitive layout includes 3-band semi-parametric EQ with sweepable mid-frequency on each mono channel, allowing for precise tonal shaping critical during both tracking and mixing.

A defining feature of the Onyx16 is its integrated multi-channel USB audio interface capability. Unlike basic stereo USB mixers, it can stream all 16 input channels simultaneously to a connected computer at up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution, enabling true multi-track recording where each source is captured to its own discrete track within a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). This allows for extensive post-production flexibility, as each instrument and vocal can be processed, edited, and mixed independently after the initial recording session. The USB connection also facilitates the return of stereo audio from the computer for monitoring through the mixer's main outputs or control room/headphone feeds, creating a complete hybrid analog-digital workstation.

The mixer is constructed with a robust steel chassis, features 60mm long-throw faders for precise level adjustment, and includes comprehensive routing options such as direct outputs for each mono channel and four subgroup outputs for bus processing. It also includes aux sends for monitor mixes or effects, a dedicated talkback section, and robust headphone amplification. With its blend of pristine analog preamps, flexible routing, and high-resolution multi-track USB recording, the Mackie Onyx16 serves as an ideal centerpiece for project studios and mobile recording rigs, offering the tactile workflow of an analog console alongside the seamless integration required for modern computer-based music production.