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Troubleshooting
Related Manuals for Alesis MULTIMIX 16
Summary of Contents for Alesis MULTIMIX 16
- Page 1 Reference Manual...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface ... 6 MultiMix USB2.0 Key Features ... 6 Additional Features of the MultiMix 16 USB2.0 ... 7 How to Use This Manual ...8 A Few Words for Beginners...9 Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0 ...11 Using Proper Cables ...12... - Page 4 Connections and settings for USB2.0 recording and monitoring ...31 Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Cubase and other ASIO applications...31 Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device ... 32 Creating a new audio file ... 35 Working with the Alesis USB2.0 control panel ...39...
- Page 5 Audio playback or recording stutters or drops out...49 Audio echoes during recording...49 Chapter Eight: Specifications...51 Computer Requirements:...52 Chapter Nine: Block Diagrams...53 Glossary ...55 Contact ...58 Alesis Contact Information... 58 Trademarks ... 58 This page intentionally left blank Table Of Contents...
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Page 7: Introduction
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix USB2.0 a part of your studio. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them. -
Page 8: About The Multimix Usb2.0
About the MultiMix USB2.0 The MultiMix USB2.0 mixers are the latest in the large family of Alesis audio mixers and the fourth series that includes computer interfacing (following on the launch of the MultiMix USB mixers in 2004, the MultiMix FireWire mixers in 2005, and the iMultiMix8 USB-with-iPod mixer in 2007). -
Page 9: Additional Features Of The Multimix 16 Usb2.0
2-track send and return – lets you mix your audio to tape or other media and to add a tape deck or CD player to the mix. Additional Features of the MultiMix 16 USB2.0 PFL/Solo in place functionality per channel – isolates a channel with a single push of a button. -
Page 10: How To Use This Manual
Introduction How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications of the MultiMix consoles. While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once carefully, those having general knowledge about mixing should use the table of contents to look up specific functions. -
Page 11: A Few Words For Beginners
A Few Words for Beginners We realize that some of you who have purchased the MultiMix USB2.0 are fairly new to the art of mixing and computer recording. We’ve written this manual with that in mind. We designed the MultiMix to be both powerful and easy enough to use that even a beginner can quickly pick up the basics. - Page 12 Introduction This page intentionally left blank.
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Page 13: Hooking Up The Multimix Usb2.0
Getting Started Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a folder on your desktop or insert the software CD into your computer’s BEFORE CD drive See page 25 for details. Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0 This diagram will help you get the MultiMix USB2.0 hooked up and ready to go. -
Page 14: Using Proper Cables
Getting Started Using Proper Cables When connecting instruments and other equipment to the MultiMix, it’s important that you use the appropriate types of cables. Here are some simple but important guidelines: For the mic inputs, use XLR cables. For the line inputs and all other 1/4” connections, use 1/4” mono TRS cables. -
Page 15: Chapter Two: A Tour Of The Multimix
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the MultiMix’s components (except for the digital effects processor, which is explained in the next chapter). Please refer to the diagrams as you read each section to see which components we’re talking about. Patchbay At the rear portion of the top of the MultiMix, you’ll find the patchbay. -
Page 16: Line Inputs (Channels 9 - 16)
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 Line Inputs (Channels 9 – 16) Unlike channels 1 – 8, the line inputs on channels 9 – 16 are stereo inputs that have left and right inputs. If you’re using one of these channels as a mono input, plug your instrument into the left input. -
Page 17: Ctrl Rm Out
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 CTRL RM OUT You can use these 1/4" jacks to send the control room signal to the input of the amplifier driving your monitors or headphones. This output can carry several different signals, depending on which source you have selected in the master section of the mixer. -
Page 18: Aux
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 the relative balance of the left and right channel signals being sent to the left and right main mix buses. Here you’ll find knobs that control the levels of aux sends A and B. AUX A is either pre-fader or post-fader, depending on the position of the PRE / POST switch. -
Page 19: Alt 3/4 Fader
MAIN MIX OUT and the 2-TRACK OUT. In its lowest position the signal is cut off completely, and in the uppermost position you get an additional 10dB of gain. In the 0 position the fader is at unity gain. Alt 3/4 Fader This fader controls the output of the Alt 3/4 bus. -
Page 20: Hdph / Ctrl Rm
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 HDPH / CTRL RM The HDPH / CTRL RM knob controls the level of the signal being sent to the CTRL RM OUT and the PHONES output. The level of this signal is represented by the LED meters. The switches to the right of the HDPH / CTRL RM knob determine the source of the control room mix as explained below. -
Page 21: Led Meters
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 LED Meters These are the two rows of yellow, green and red lights you see in the master section of the mixer. They are very versatile, allowing you to view the signal level of the main mix, individual channels (both pre- and post-fader) and aux returns depending on which signal you have routed to the control room mix. -
Page 22: Rear Of The Mixer
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 Rear of the Mixer Here’s what you’ll find at the rear of the mixer. Power Input Here’s where you plug in your mixer’s external power supply. You should always connect your power supply to the mixer before you plug the power supply into an electrical outlet. -
Page 23: Processor
Digital Effects Processor Onboard your MultiMix USB2.0 is a powerful effects unit that has 100 preset programs. We offer a few tips on where to use these, but don’t limit yourself to our suggestions. We recommend that you experiment with these effects to get a good feel for how they can improve your mixes Effects Section Components Program Selection Knob... -
Page 24: Chorus
Digital Effects Processor CHORUS These create the effect of multiple voices (or instruments) sounding at once from a single input. FLANGE These create a sweeping, swooshing sound effect that you will probably recognize. DELAY These effects are based on a discreet repetition or echo of the input. -
Page 25: Chapter Four: Traditional Mixing
CTRL RM OUT to a headphone amplifier. You could also connect a digital equalizer (like the Alesis DEQ-230D) between the DIGITAL OUTPUT and a PA system for extra tone control. By muting channels and pressing the ALT 3/4-to-HDPH/CTRL... -
Page 26: Simple Two-Channel Recording Setup (Without Using A Computer)
Traditional Mixing Simple Two-Channel Recording Setup (without using a computer) Again, connect your instruments and microphones to the mono and stereo channels and set the levels appropriately. To record directly from the mixer to a tape deck or other device, connect the MultiMix’s 2-TRACK OUT jacks to the IN jacks of the recorder. -
Page 27: Chapter Five: Firewire Recording
Mac until after the Mac has fully booted. If you do not do so, your computer may not recognize the device. You must select the “Alesis USB Audio Device” via your Mac’s “Audio MIDI Setup” utility in order for your computer to route the MultiMix USB2.0’s signals into and out of your computer... -
Page 28: Installing The Optional Applications
USB2.0 Recording Installing the optional applications The software DVD that comes with the MultiMix USB2.0 contains not only the drivers (the small computer programs that work behind the scenes so that your MultiMix works properly with your computer) but also some powerful music applications. If you don’t already have a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) program, definitely install one from the DVD. -
Page 29: Usb2.0 Inputs And Outputs
The USB2.0 port sends every individual mixer channel as well as the MultiMix’s MAIN OUT/2-TRACK OUT left and right signals to the computer. This means that, for the MultiMix 16 USB2.0, 16 individual channels are sent to the computer along with the MAIN stereo pair (18 channels in total.) -
Page 30: Sound Setup Under Windows
Depending on your Windows preferences, it will appear similar to one of the two pictures below: Choose “Sounds and Audio Devices”. Click the “Audio” tab. Change the default devices for both sound playback and sound recording to “Alesis USB Audio.”... - Page 31 Click the “Voice” tab. Change the voice playback and voice recording settings to “Alesis USB Audio.” Click “Apply” to apply these changes. USB2.0 Recording...
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Page 32: Disabling Windows System Sounds
USB2.0 Recording Disabling Windows System Sounds Windows System Sounds—the sounds that Windows plays to signal starting up, shutting down, alerts and so forth—can interfere with your audio recording. We strongly suggest that you disable these sounds. Click the “Sounds” tab of “Sounds and Audio Devices.” Under “Sound Scheme,”... -
Page 33: Connections And Settings For Usb2.0
Connections and settings for USB2.0 recording and monitoring The best way to begin using the MultiMix for USB2.0 recording is to set up your system this way: Hook up your monitoring system to the MultiMix’s CTRL RM OUT jacks. Apply the MASTER section’s buttons as follows: 2 TK TO MIX: Leave UP. -
Page 34: Choosing The Multimix As Your Audio Device
USB2.0 Recording Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Choose the menu option “Devices” | “Device Setup….” Click the “VST Multitrack” option. This discussion uses Steinberg’s Cubase software, but the principles provided here apply to all ASIO recording software. - Page 35 From within the ASIO Driver drop-down box, choose the Alesis USB Audio device. Press “OK” to accept this setting. USB2.0 Recording Different versions of Cubase function similarly, but not exactly, to the examples shown here.
- Page 36 USB2.0 Recording Now that the MultiMix is selected as the audio device, individual channels must be activated for use. Again, return to the “Devices” menu, and select “VST inputs.” Click the activation buttons for channel pairs that you want to use.
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Page 37: Creating A New Audio File
Creating a new audio file Now, you’re ready to create an audio project. Choose “File” | “New Project…” You can begin with a template or an empty file. For now, begin with an empty file. USB2.0 Recording... - Page 38 USB2.0 Recording Cubase needs to know where to place audio. Choose a directory here. Now, you have a blank project. Add an audio track for recording by choosing “Project” | “Add Track” | “Audio.” An excellent scheme for storing your projects is to create a directory called “audio projects.”...
- Page 39 Be sure that the “inspector”—a strip on the left-hand side of Cubase that shows all sorts of information about the selected track—is active. If your view is similar to that shown below, the Inspector is active. If you do not see all of the information on the left- hand side, the Inspector is not active.
- Page 40 USB2.0 Recording You will do most of your monitoring through the mixer. However, if you want to monitor with Cubase’s effects, or if you just want to hear what the computer is hearing, press the direct monitoring button next to the Record Enable button. Note that using direct monitoring causes a small delay as the digital audio is being processed.
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Page 41: Working With The Alesis Usb2.0 Control Panel
Working with the Alesis USB2.0 control panel Accessing the control panel In Windows, open the Alesis USB2.0 control panel from either the All Programs menu or within your audio application. On the Mac, access this panel from the “configure device” button of Audio/MIDI Setup. -
Page 42: Using The Multimix Usb2.0 With Sonar And Other Wdm Applications
WDM applications Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Choose the menu “Options” | “Audio….” On the “General” tab, select any available Alesis USB Audio channels as the Playback and Record timing masters. Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device... - Page 43 Click the “Advanced” tab. For WDM operation, be sure that the “Driver Mode” is set to “WDM/KS.” (If you change this setting, you will need to exit and then restart Sonar.) USB2.0 Recording For applications like Sonar that support both WDM and ASIO modes, you may want to experiment with each to see if either mode offers...
- Page 44 USB2.0 Recording Move to the “Drivers” tab. Click on each input pair and also on the output pair to make them available to Sonar.
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Page 45: Assigning Inputs To Audio Tracks
Assigning inputs to audio tracks Now, you’re ready to assign the MultiMix’s inputs to various channels. For each audio track that you want to record, click on the input section of the track and select the MultiMix channel that you want. Record-enable the tracks to be recorded (first arrow). -
Page 46: Using The Multimix Usb2.0 With Coreaudio On The Macintosh
CoreAudio on the Macintosh To configure the MultiMix for use with CoreAudio: Open the Mac’s “Audio MIDI Setup” utility. Choose the “Alesis USB Audio Device” as both input and output device. To verify that the MultiMix USB 2.0 is connected to your Mac, select the “Alesis USB Audio Device”... -
Page 47: Chapter Six: Troubleshooting: Non-Firewire
Troubleshooting: non-USB2.0 If you’re having problems operating the MultiMix, this troubleshooting index will help you correct them. Symptoms No sound from the mixer. Audio signal is distorted. Cause Mixer is not plugged in or turned on. Faders are too low. Control room level is too low. - Page 48 Troubleshooting: non-USB2.0 Audio signal carries an unwanted hum. Microphone level is too low. No or low sound from a channel. Internal effects aren’t working. Too much low-level noise in the mix. Interference from appliances such as air conditioners. Not using TRS cables. Phantom power is not turned on.
- Page 49 In the computer’s Control Panel, go to the Sounds/Multimedia area. In the Audio section, set the default sound recording and playback devices to MultiMix USB2.0. Replace with correct power supply (only use Alesis- recommended AC output power supply).
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Page 51: Chapter Seven: Troubleshooting: Software
MultiMix USB2.0 Basic troubleshooting First, check that the MultiMix is seen by the computer: Open the Alesis control panel and check that Windows sees the device as attached. No connection If “MultiMix Audio” does not appear, Windows does not see the mixer as being connected to the computer. - Page 52 Troubleshooting: USB2.0 This page intentionally left blank.
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Page 53: Chapter Eight: Specifications
Specifications For the more technical-minded, here are some detailed specifications for the MultiMix’s operating levels. Input Channels Mic In Sensitivity Range: Line In Sensitivity Range: Mic/Line Gain Range: Equalization High-Pass Filter: High Shelving: Mid Bandpass/Band Reject: Low Shelving: Aux Sends Aux Send A &... -
Page 54: Computer Requirements
Specifications Mechanicals MultiMix 12 USB2.0: MultiMix 16 USB2.0: Computer Requirements: Minimum PC Requirements: • Pentium 4, 2.4GHz Processor (or equivalent, such as any Intel Centrino notebook computer) • 512 MB RAM • Available USB2.0 Port • Windows XP (with Service Pack 2 or higher installed) •... -
Page 55: Chapter Nine: Block Diagrams
Block Diagrams... - Page 56 Block Diagrams...
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Page 57: Glossary
Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix USB2.0. Term ASIO Audio Stream Input/Output. An audio protocol developed by Steinberg and used by multiple audio software manufacturers. aux (auxiliary) An additional set of outputs and inputs found on many mixers. These allow the addition of external effects and other audio sources. - Page 58 EQ (equalizer) fader USB2.0 gain latency level master section mic preamp mixer mono (monaural) phantom power post-fader pre-fader return rectangular rackmount units. The part of your mixer (or other device) that manipulates an audio signal by lowering the level of some frequencies and increasing the levels of others.
- Page 59 effects. sample rate Digital audio is chopped up into tiny time slices. The sample rate is the number of time slices captured in one second. 44.1kHz—44,100 samples per second—is the standard used for Compact Disk audio. 48kHz—48,000 samples per second, is commonly used for film and video.
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Page 60: Contact
MultiMix USB2.0 Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann, Brooks Bruner, and Fred Morgenstern. Copyright 2005-2007, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “MultiMix” and “MultiMix USB2.0” are trademarks of Alesis, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.