They have a lot of the similar if not exact the same features so the main difference I see are: From what I've read they both have pretty good AD/DA for their price point so it's tough to choose based on that research so far (without actually hearing them both). For me the converters will be more important since I'll need them to do semi decent mix downs while on the road. They both have good solid reviews and look like they can do the job.įrom what I've read the Preamps seem to be pretty even but I don't do too much recording and if I did I would do it on my G5 with the MOTU 24io. My original choice was the Mackie when I happen to come across the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The angled bracket is removable if it doesn't suit you.ĭue to its Onyx preamps, converters, circuitry, it actually IS better than the competition at that price range. It's also built like a tank (typical Mackie) and the angled interface is much more useful than you might realsie until you've used one. Your research has doubtless already informed you that it doesn't have any MIDI ports but if that doesn't matter to you I'm gonna say it's truly a great bit of kit.Īgain, as you probably already know, the Onyx and other components inside are exactly the same as in other high end Onyx gear, so the quality is beyond question. The other thing I was wondering was that almost all of these are USB 1.1 (except the Scarlett which is USB2.0) should I be worried about using 1.1 and go for USB 2.0 instead?
Since I'm leaning toward the Mackie and the Saffire is the obvious competitor.I guess I'm looking for any possible reason to go with the Saffire instead (does it sound better or more transparent than the Mackie). I also want something that has a quick and easy volume control.ġ) Mackie Onyx Blackjack (I'm leaning toward this one)Īny feedback, opinions or suggestions would be appreciated. I don't do much recording (the occasional vocal hook once in a blue) and so would need it for mostly monitoring on my headphones or Mackie HR824 monitors. My first choice would have been an Apogee Duet 2 (great sound quality) but they are a bit pricey for my budget and I'm not crazy about their breakout cable setup.
Regardless, thank you Mackie.My normal set up is a G5 (PowerPC) with a MOTU 24io but I'm getting a Mac Book Pro (with Intel finally) and I'm researching my options for a USB Audio Interface under about $200 or so.
This is paramount and it is unfortunate that Mackie did not properly field test the Blackjack on the Windows platform before releasing it to market. That being said, I’m also a consumer and at the end of the day if I am spending the money on a product, I expect it to work as it is advertised. As an extremely long Mackie user (since the late 90?s), it has restored some of my faith in the company to follow through and not just leave users hanging. My personal opinion is I’m just happy to be able to use this little audio interface as it was intended and expected to work. Considering those who still own a Blackjack and have struggled as much as up to two years to get it to run as it should on the Windows platform, it may be a little too late to restore faith in the Mackie name, which at one point was synonymous with high-end quality.
As I stated in my article, Mackie definitely delivered on their promise of putting out a stable driver for the Blackjack which I believe will be most welcome for all Windows users.