If you own a Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 interface, you know it punches well above its weight class. The Onyx preamps are legendary for their warmth, and the "Built-Like-A-Tank" chassis means this little box can survive gig bags, backpacks, and the occasional coffee spill.

But there is a common frustration that unites every owner:

However, Mackie needs to hear this:

If you are a Windows user, you need patience. The biggest community complaint is that Mackie abandoned the driver for a while between 2020 and 2022. Fortunately, recent updates have stabilized the unit, but you still cannot use the "Loopback" feature (for recording computer audio into your stream) without the proprietary driver installed. Should you return the interface because of driver headaches? No.

Once you wrestle the correct driver into submission, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 is arguably the best sounding bus-powered interface under $200. The Onyx preamp is noticeably richer than a Focusrite Scarlett.