Mackie Onyx12 12-Channel Premium Analog USB Mixer vs PreSonus StudioLive AR8c 8-Channel USB Mixer
Buy the Mackie Onyx12 if you need more mic inputs, SD-card recording, or multitrack capture at 96kHz. Buy the PreSonus StudioLive AR8c if you want a lighter, simpler 8-channel mixer with a Studio One Pro license and a proven track record. The AR8c has the stronger rating (4.9 from 27 ratings versus 4.6 from 5), but the Onyx12 gives you more channels and features for the money.
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Mackie Onyx12 12-Channel Premium Analog USB Mixer
4.6Choose the Mackie Onyx12 if you record bands, podcasts with several guests, or live sets and want 8 Onyx preamps, 14x4 USB multitracking, and SD-card recording in one box.
Pros
- 8 Onyx preamps with up to 60dB of gain
- 14x4 multitrack USB at 24-bit/96kHz
- SD-card recording and playback without a computer
- Sweepable-mid Perkins EQ with hard bypass
- Bluetooth streaming and full-color display
Cons
- Bigger and heavier than the AR8c
- Fewer shopper ratings to judge reliability
What separates them
| Mackie Onyx12 12-Channel Premium Analog USB Mixer | PreSonus StudioLive AR8c 8-Channel USB Mixer | |
|---|---|---|
| Channel count | 12 channels with 8 Onyx mic preamps | 8 channels with 4 mic preamps |
| Multitrack recording | 14x4 over USB at 24-bit/96kHz | Stereo USB recording plus Capture software |
| Standalone recording | Records and plays back the main mix to an SD card | No SD card; needs a computer |
| EQ | 3-band Perkins EQ with sweepable mids and hard bypass | 3-band EQ, fixed |
| Weight | Heavier desktop unit | 7.1 lbs (3.2 kg), portable |
| Bundled software | Recording software license with 16-plug-in bundle | Studio One Pro license plus Capture |
| Effects | Built-in DSP FX with full-color display |
Price history
- Mackie Onyx12 12-Channel Premium Analog USB Mixer: lowest $599.99 on Nov 1 at Sweetwater.
- PreSonus StudioLive AR8c 8-Channel USB Mixer: lowest $399.99 on Nov 1 at Vintage King Audio.
Prices at every store
Mackie Onyx12 12-Channel Premium Analog USB Mixer
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PreSonus StudioLive AR8c 8-Channel USB Mixer
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- Vintage King AudioCheck price at Vintage King Audio
Specs compared
| Spec | Mackie Onyx12 12-Channel Premium Analog USB Mixer | PreSonus StudioLive AR8c 8-Channel USB Mixer |
|---|---|---|
| Equalizer | Parametric EQ, Graphic EQ | Yes |
| Number Of Channels | 12 channel | 8 |
| With Onboard Effects | Yes | — |
| Phantom Powered | Yes | — |
| With USB | Yes | — |
| Control | Gain Control | — |
| Type | Mixer | — |
| color | Black | — |
| Software | — | Capture live-recording software, Studio One Pro… |
| Operating System | — | Mac, Windows |
| Connection Types |
Questions and answers
- Which is better for podcasting with several guests?
- The Mackie Onyx12. Its 8 mic preamps cover a host plus several guests, and it records to an SD card if your computer fails.
- Is the AR8c enough for a small band?
- Only for a small setup. Four mic preamps limit you to four mics; the Onyx12 gives you eight.
- Which records better quality multitracks?
- The Onyx12 records 14x4 multitrack at 24-bit/96kHz over USB. The AR8c records stereo over USB, with multitrack handled through Capture software.
- Is the Onyx12 worth the extra size and weight?
- Yes if you need more inputs, SD recording, or 96kHz multitracking. If you record solo or in a duo, the lighter AR8c is easier to carry.
- Do both include recording software?
- Yes. The Onyx12 ships with a recording software license and a 16-plug-in bundle. The AR8c includes Studio One Pro and Capture.
- Which has the better shopper rating?
- The AR8c, at 4.9 out of 5 from 27 ratings. The Onyx12 sits at 4.6 out of 5 from 5 ratings, a much smaller sample.
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