that sounds like a question for mackie. other then that how do you like the onyx, im really interested in the 1640 for live recordings.

I believe the Firewire connection on the ONYX mixers only moves audio from the mixer to the DAW. Once it's in there you have to mix in the box. The ONYX is not a control surface.

The ONYX has one stereo return on the firewire only. You can monitor your DAW via the board, but that's it. No mixing or anything.

thanks guys....hey frob the onyx is a cool toy...its great in the studio........i hear alot of different views about its live capabilities but mackie's are great.....

another question guys.......

i run the audio technica 4050 mic and the fantom keyboard and mpc200 all into the onyx and record right into the pc into cubase....my sound quality should be top notch correct???

Also, is there anyway i could by a control surface for cubase to control my mix manually instead of using the mouse on the computer???

smoove wrote:

i run the audio technica 4050 mic and the fantom keyboard and mpc200 all into the onyx and record right into the pc into cubase....my sound quality should be top notch correct???

It depends on what your definition of "top notch" is .... :roll:

Some would say it's a U47 into a Neve 1073 or a 1081 .... others would say it's a Josephson mic into a GML or Hardy pre or an ADK or MXL mic into a SP VTB-1. That kind of evaluation is very subjective. Too much so, to answer.

Without offering my opinion I would say if you are happy, that's what matters most. if these tools do for you what you want them to then fine. Of course if you want to impress everyone else, then get ready to break the piggy bank and spend some serious cash .... and still, some will disagree with your selections, no matter what they wind up being. 8-)

thanks alot.........any advice on a control surface for cubase......mixing with the mouse is a pain in the but....

Get a better mouse. I just spent $20 on a laser mouse with a wheel ... best $20 I have spent in a long time.

With Cubase you have automation available unless you are using a "lean" version that was thrown in with an interface package. The best way to mix IMO, is to set your basic levels and then to make a few passes, making the moves needed.

Most people focus on one element at a time when they mix. If that's how you work, a mouse is fine. If you want to "play the faders" then a control surface is the ticket. I personally think that it's silly ... a hangover from the days before console automation.

If your software version doesn't offer automation I think it's a better dollar spent on upgrading the recording software rather than buying a control surface. Once you've used automation to mix, I don't think you will want to live without it.

Control Surfaces for Cubase:
Since you like mackie, check out the Mackie Control Universal.

There is also the Tascam 1082 or 1884, but they also include audio interfaces, which you don't need.

If you have very small fingers check out the JL Cooper CS32.

Behringer makes a couple different control surfaces. I don't see anyway how they could mess that up, so they may be good.

The MotoMix be the best in my opinion. It's small, motorized and expandable.

As far as mice go, try a trackball. It does take some getting used to and has a slight learning curve, but it doesn't need any space to work, like a mouse. You'll never go back to the mouse...that is unless you play video games. Trackballs stink for that.

smoove wrote: Also, is there anyway i could by a control surface for cubase to control my mix manually instead of using the mouse on the computer???

well
, its true...cubase dont com with a control surface bu the gentleman gave you plenty of options regarding standalone control surfaces...
BTW, im planning on going in for a 1620 onyx fwithfirewire I/O mself..
pls tell me whthr the firewire is good enuff for running 16 channels of audio at 24 bit 96 khz smoothly enuff..or does it start coughing..? I have an option of hooking up my onyx with an RME 8 I/O but that s just 8 I/O whereas here im gtting 16 right?
im planning on 2 gb of RAM.
Also, is it possible to ring bitrate down to 16 bit 44.1 khz from the onyx interface or d i have to do that when im burning to dick..and then..isnt it a waste of time nd effort to record on 24 bit 96 when yu eventually come down...?
peace..
Tightropewalker

Also, is it possible to ring bitrate down to 16 bit 44.1 khz from the onyx interface or d i have to do that when im burning to dick..

This sounds rather painful. :shock:

A new, masochistic recording technique perhaps?

roguescout wrote:

Also, is it possible to ring bitrate down to 16 bit 44.1 khz from the onyx interface or d i have to do that when im burning to dick..

This sounds rather painful. :shock:

A new, masochistic recording technique perhaps?

Sometimes it hurts to create ..... art can be a painful thing.

:lol:

Gucci the onyx serves its purpose for me and does well in the studio. it does run smoothly but everyone has there own preferences....try it out and if it doesnt work well for u find something that serves your purpose......i believe it was kirk foster that was telling me that everyone has their own preferences when it comes down to equipment but either way ur gonna come outta ya pocket$$$$.....