I'm wondering if anyone here has experience with the Mackie Onyx Blackjack (spec sheet here) interface for measurement purposes.
I'll probably use an ECM8000 as the measurement mic for speakers, for both calibration of my current systems using REW and possibly for later if I choose to build my own speakers. Also, I want to use the Mackie as an RMAA or ARTA interface for measuring the performance of DACs, amps, etc. that I've designed.
Specwise, this seems to be quite solid, with 0.002% distortion and 110db of dynamic range. It only goes up to 48khz, but I don't think its necessary to measure up to 192khz frequencies. There obviously are more specific pieces of equipment for better performance (like I could get a QA400 just for DAC measurement), but the advantage of an interface is that I can use it both with mics and line level sources.
What do you guys think?
I'll probably use an ECM8000 as the measurement mic for speakers, for both calibration of my current systems using REW and possibly for later if I choose to build my own speakers. Also, I want to use the Mackie as an RMAA or ARTA interface for measuring the performance of DACs, amps, etc. that I've designed.
Specwise, this seems to be quite solid, with 0.002% distortion and 110db of dynamic range. It only goes up to 48khz, but I don't think its necessary to measure up to 192khz frequencies. There obviously are more specific pieces of equipment for better performance (like I could get a QA400 just for DAC measurement), but the advantage of an interface is that I can use it both with mics and line level sources.
What do you guys think?
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How about for measuring line sources? After looking at all the graphs of high-end AD converters on this thread, it seems that the Mackie appears to not be very strong.
I can't find any technical tests for it.
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/geekslutz-forum/542009-audio-interfaces-their-ad-da-chips-listed.html
Said to be based on the
CS5364 which is a -114 dB A-wt noise, -105 dB THD chip.
CS5364/66/68 : 114 dB, 192 kHz 4-, 6- and 8-Channel A/D Converters
Could have more promise than the Scarlett 2i2.
Know of any good tests?
The only tests are those done by the manufacturer, shown here. It's a gamble, as I'm unsure as to exactly how the interface will perform in ARTA and RMAA. That's why I posted this thread, in hopes that someone here would have this and able to provide their input.
I agree that the chip looks solid, but it is rare that a device can reach the published specs. From those specs, the Mackie appears to slightly better than the Focusrite 2i2, and it's also cheaper too ($100 vs $150). The 2i2 has the advantage of 24/96 recording, but that's not necessary for my purposes.
I agree that the chip looks solid, but it is rare that a device can reach the published specs. From those specs, the Mackie appears to slightly better than the Focusrite 2i2, and it's also cheaper too ($100 vs $150). The 2i2 has the advantage of 24/96 recording, but that's not necessary for my purposes.
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