The Onyx 80 Series consoles will be offered in four sizes: the 24-channel Onyx 2480, 32-channel Onyx 3280, 40-channel Onyx 4080, and 48-channel Onyx 4880. All four models incorporate features that any hardcore live engineer will appreciate including eight aux sends with stereo link function for up to four IEM mixes; an aux/group flip function; an 10x2 matrix; four mute groups; eight stereo aux inputs; and an optional rack-mountable redundant power supply. The master section and channel strip configuration are the same across the line, the mixers differ only by channel count and footprint.
In addition to the features set, Mackie invested significant resources to ensure that the 80 Series consoles are durable enough to handle pretty much anything that regular road use can dish out. Extreme chassis rigidity is achieved through a modular bucket design and the addition of several heavy-duty aluminum I-beam extrusions that run the entire length of the chassis. "Basically, a block of Onyx stone is going to flex before these mixers do," commented John Boudreau, product manager for the Onyx 80 Series line. The Onyx 80 Series will begin shipping in mid 2005.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
