A+H Zed 428 vs Mackie Onyx 24

Re: A+H Zed 428 vs Mackie Onyx 24

I have the Onyx 24.4. I like it. I wish it had the firewire interface like the newer Onyx consoles but other than that I like the layout and features of it. I had it in for service once (channel went out) but other than that running solid. The built in compressor isn't the greatest but it works in a pinch. All AUXES can be pre/post on the Onyx so if that is important to you...(I believe the Zed is 2 pre, 2 switchable, and 2 post).

I have not used the Zed.
 
Re: A+H Zed 428 vs Mackie Onyx 24

I have used both. Neither left me overwhelmed, or even normally whelmed. The Onyx did feel less "toylike" to me.

"whelmed" is a very underused word. I agree with this, though. Onyx ends up being my choice. I also prefer the master section all the way to the right of a console this size, not to mention that from my experience the sound quality is comparable. On the other hand, I've always preferred the sound of A&H's EQ as well as the marking on the EQ. I've also had the Onyx peed on (drunk people), and it still worked. Onyx is the winner here.
 
Re: A+H Zed 428 vs Mackie Onyx 24

I have an Onyx 1640 and I absolutely love it. For what it is, and the gigs it fills, It is what it is. It sounds fine to me, the EQ is usable, its been rock solid and reliable for over 3 years. Far more reliable than the old 1604s. I actually wouldnt mind a second one floating around. Havent used the ZED but in the store I felt like the onyx had a few more features like (I believe) 2 more auxes, pre/post switch on all auxes, Phantom on each individual channel and an EQ in/out switch. The Perkins EQ also has sweep-able high mids and lown mids on the onyx.
 
Re: A+H Zed 428 vs Mackie Onyx 24

I have an Onyx 1640 and I absolutely love it. For what it is, and the gigs it fills, It is what it is. It sounds fine to me, the EQ is usable, its been rock solid and reliable for over 3 years. Far more reliable than the old 1604s. I actually wouldnt mind a second one floating around. Havent used the ZED but in the store I felt like the onyx had a few more features like (I believe) 2 more auxes, pre/post switch on all auxes, Phantom on each individual channel and an EQ in/out switch. The Perkins EQ also has sweep-able high mids and lown mids on the onyx.

The reason why it has more features is that the 1640 is a 4-bus console, the other ZEDs besides the 4xx ones are not 4-bus and therefore are lacking these features because they are sorta like the VLZ or ProFX form factor line.
 
Re: A+H Zed 428 vs Mackie Onyx 24

The reason why it has more features is that the 1640 is a 4-bus console, the other ZEDs besides the 4xx ones are not 4-bus and therefore are lacking these features because they are sorta like the VLZ or ProFX form factor line.

Ah I see that now, Been a long time since Ive seen a Zed in person. I was thinking of their smaller ZED boards not their 4 buss ones. Regardless the onyx has been solid for me.