MACKIE INTRODUCES ONYX 800R, AN AFFORDABLE 8-CHANNEL PREMIUM MIC PREAMP WITH ESOTERIC AUDIO QUALITY

January 15, 2004 - Anaheim, NAMM Convention - Mackie today followed the premiere of their new Onyx family of FireWire-capable analog mixers with the introduction of a rackmount mic preamp, the Onyx 800R. Benefiting from the same premium mic pre developed for the new small-format Onyx mixers, the 8-channel 800R is ideal for professional and project studios seeking a premium mic preamp with 192kHz digital output as well as any band and sound engineer needing additional, high-quality mic inputs for analog or digital mixing consoles.

The Onyx 800R benefits from the next generation in low-noise circuitry based on the legendary XDR mic pre found in Mackie's award-winning compact mixers. Dan Steinberg, Product Manager for the Onyx 800R explains, "The quality of the XDR mic pre is not only a Mackie hallmark, but one of the best kept secrets in pro audio. As we began updating this circuit for use in the new Onyx mixers, it made perfect sense to design a rack-mount system that would rival the performance of more esoteric units, while offering some unique, real-world features."

Steinberg continues, " For example, the Onyx 800R incorporates a Variable Microphone Impedance control on the first two channels that allows the user to adjusts input impedance to achieve the different types of sounds from your microphone collection."

The 1U rackmount Onyx 800R features simultaneous analog and 24-bit/192kHz digital connectivity via ADAT Lightpipe, AES/EBU and S/PDIF to work seamlessly with both analog and digital systems. The front panel provides easy access to useful features such as selectable mic/line inputs per channel, and two instrument input jacks, replacing the need for an outboard DI box.

The Mackie Onyx 800R will begin shipping in Q2, 2004 and has a manufacturers suggested retail price of $1279.99 USD. The Onyx 800R and the complete family of Mackie Onyx mixers is currently on display at the NAMM show in Anaheim, booth number 6690.

Key Features of Mackie Onyx 800R Premium Mic Preamp:

• 8-channel 1U rackmount mic preamp featuring Mackie's flagship Onyx preamps
• Variable Microphone Input Impedence control allows for precise preamp "tuning" to each mic
• Simultaneous analog and 24-bit/192kHz digital connectivity via AES/EBU, ADAT Lightpipe and S/PDIF
• Front panel Mic/Line switches on every channel
• 2 front-panel Instrument input jacks-no DI needed
• Individual Low Cut, Phase and Phantom Power control on every channel
• Premium audiophile-grade components and rugged professional build quality

About Mackie
Mackie, a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand, is known worldwide as a leading developer and marketer of high-quality, affordable professional audio systems. Mackie products can be found in professional and project recording studios, video and broadcast suites, post production facilities, sound reinforcement applications including churches and nightclubs, retail locations and on major musical tours. For more information visit: www.mackie.com.

Mackie is a registered trademark of LOUD Technologies Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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