Mackie

Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 USB Audio Recording Interface

4.3 (631 reviews)
2 in48vPhantom Powercondenser

A rugged, bus-powered USB audio interface with a studio-grade Onyx preamp for recording anywhere.

$59.95*$89.99Save 33%
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 is a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface built around Mackie's acclaimed Onyx mic preamp, delivering the kind of clean gain and wide dynamic range typically found in higher-priced units. The single combo input accepts both XLR microphones — with switchable 48V phantom power for condensers — and quarter-inch TRS instruments via a Hi-Z switch optimized for guitar and bass. Recording resolution reaches up to 24-bit/192kHz, capturing fine detail across the full audible spectrum.

Designed with portability in mind, the Onyx Artist 1-2 runs entirely on USB bus power, eliminating the need to carry a power adapter. The metal chassis is built to withstand the rigors of mobile recording and daily studio use. Zero-latency direct monitoring routes your input signal straight to the dedicated monitor outputs or the onboard headphone amp, so you can perform without the distraction of software-induced delay. Mackie also bundles The Musician Collection — 23 plugins and virtual instruments — giving new users a complete starter toolkit for recording, mixing, and producing right out of the box.

Key Features

High-resolution 2 in x 2 out 24-Bit/192kHz recording with The Musician Collection of 23 plugins and instruments

Boutique-quality Onyx mic preamp with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range and 48v Phantom Power for use with studio condenser mics

¼” TRS input with Hi-Z switch for connecting guitar, bass, and more

Zero-latency direct monitoring of analog inputs with dedicated outputs for connecting studio monitors and a powerful headphone output

Great for easy mobile recording with USB 2. 0 connectivity for fast transfer speed and low latency, bus-power requiring no power adapter, and built-Like-A-Tank design to survive day-to-day abuse

Specifications

Brand
Mackie
Model
Onyx Artist 1-2
Type
USB Audio Interface
Channels
2-in / 2-out
Mic Preamps
1x Onyx
Phantom Power
48V
Resolution
24-bit / 192kHz
Connectivity
USB 2.0 (bus-powered)
Instrument Input
1x ¼" TRS with Hi-Z switch
Monitoring
Zero-latency direct monitoring
Included Software
The Musician Collection (23 plugins and instruments)

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Onyx mic preamp delivers clean, low-noise recordings with wide dynamic range
  • Bus-powered design eliminates the need for a power adapter, making it truly portable
  • Zero-latency direct monitoring lets you hear inputs in real time without software delay
  • Includes 23 plugins and virtual instruments so new users can start producing immediately
  • Durable metal construction handles daily transport and studio wear

👎 Cons

  • Only one mic/instrument input limits simultaneous multi-source recording
  • USB 2.0 connection rather than USB-C, which may require an adapter on newer laptops
  • 2-in/2-out channel count is restrictive for users who need to record drums or full bands
  • No MIDI input or output for connecting keyboard controllers or external synths

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is fully bus-powered over USB 2.0, so it draws all necessary power from your computer without needing a separate adapter.
Yes, the Onyx mic preamp provides 48V phantom power, which is required to operate studio condenser microphones.
Direct monitoring routes the analog input signal straight to your headphones or monitors with zero latency, so you hear yourself in real time without the delay that can occur when monitoring through software.
The interface comes with The Musician Collection, a bundle of 23 plugins and virtual instruments to get you started with recording and mixing right out of the box.
Yes, the quarter-inch TRS input includes a Hi-Z switch that matches the impedance for guitars, basses, and other high-impedance instruments.