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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Alesis 12, 16
Summary of Contents for Alesis 12, 16
- Page 1 Reference Manual...
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Page 3: Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents Introduction...5 Welcome!... 5 About the MultiMix FireWire...6 All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface ... 6 MultiMix FireWire Key Features ... 6 Additional Features of the MultiMix 12 FireWire and MultiMix 16 FireWire... 7 How to Use This Manual ...8 A Few Words for Beginners...9 Hooking up the MultiMix FireWire ...11 Using Proper Cables ...12... - Page 4 Table Of Contents +48V Indicator ... 19 Rear of the Mixer...20 Power Input ... 20 Power Supply Unit... 20 Power On ... 20 Phantom On... 20 Firewire ports ... 20 Chapter Three: Digital Effects Processor ...21 Effects Section Components ...21 Program Selection Knob ...
- Page 5 Audio playback or recording is at the wrong speed...53 Audio playback or recording stutters or drops out...53 Audio echoes during recording...53 Chapter Eight: Specifications...55 Chapter Nine: Block Diagram...57 Glossary ...59 Contact ...62 Alesis Contact Information... 62 Trademarks ... 62 Table Of Contents...
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Page 7: Introduction
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix FireWire 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 Firewire
Introduction About the MultiMix FireWire The MultiMix FireWire mixers are the latest in the large family of Alesis audio mixers and the second series that includes computer interfacing (following on the launch of the MultiMix USB mixers in 2004). We’ve come a long way since introducing our first mixing console in 1989. -
Page 9: Multimix 16 Firewire
Multichannel Firewire (IEEE 1394a) input and output – routes each individual channel’s output, plus the MAIN outputs, through the FIREWIRE port, and receives two channels back from the computer, all in 24-bit, 44.1/48 kHz digital audio. ASIO and WDM computer drivers – lets you use the MultiMix FireWire with the vast majority of digital audio workstation programs. -
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 FireWire 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 Firewire
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 FireWire This diagram will help you get the MultiMix FireWire 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 FireWire 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 5 - 12)
S/PDIF Digital Output Jack The digital output jack is used to send the stereo audio signal to an Alesis Masterlink or any other recording device such as a DAT recorder or a PC with an S/PDIF enabled sound card installed. -
Page 17: Main Mix Out
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire even added to the main mix via the 2TK TO MIX switch in the master section of the mixer. The 2-TRACK INPUT is blended with any signal coming back from a computer over the Firewire connection. MAIN MIX OUT These 1/4”... -
Page 18: Pan Or Bal
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire this switch lets you hear the signal before it is affected by the fader. This switch is post-EQ. PAN or BAL This control—labeled PAN on the mono channels and BAL on the stereo channels—lets you assign the channel to a particular spot within the stereo spectrum. -
Page 19: Master Section
Master Section The Master Section is the heart of the mixer, where the channel inputs and aux returns all are mixed together and routed in various ways. Main Mix Fader The signals from all channels and aux sends—excluding those that are muted—are sent to the main mix. -
Page 20: Hdph / Ctrl Rm
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire 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 FireWire 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 FireWire 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 FireWire 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 Traditional Mixing This page intentionally left blank.
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Page 27: Chapter Five: Firewire Recording
Firewire Recording Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a folder on your desktop or insert the software CD into your computer’s CD drive BEFORE you plug your MultiMix into your computer for the first time. First-time connection instructions and driver installation Important: Follow these steps BEFORE you plug in your MultiMix FireWire mixer for the first time. -
Page 28: Installing The Optional Applications
Firewire Recording new hardware is installed and ready to use.” Do not cancel any of the installations, as they are all required for proper operation. Macintosh Mac driver installation is more straightforward, as only CoreAudio drivers are installed. Simply double-click the installer program to install the drivers. -
Page 29: Firewire Inputs And Outputs
Firewire inputs and outputs Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computer The Firewire 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 12 FireWire, 12 individual channels are sent to the computer along with the MAIN stereo pair (14 channels in total.) For the MultiMix 16 FireWire, 16 individual channels are sent to the computer along... -
Page 30: Sound Setup Under Windows
Firewire Recording Sound setup under Windows To use your MultiMix FireWire as your default Windows sound device, follow these steps: From the Windows Start menu, choose “Control Panel.” Depending on your Windows preferences, it will appear similar to one of the two pictures below: Choose “Sounds and Audio Devices”. - Page 31 Click the “Voice” tab. Change the voice playback and voice recording settings to the MultiMix. For voice recording, you may choose either the “MultiMix Main” or the “MultiMix Channels” option. Click “Apply” to apply these changes. Firewire Recording...
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Page 32: Disabling Windows System Sounds
Firewire 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 Firewire Recording And Monitoring
Connections and settings for Firewire recording and monitoring The best way to begin using the MultiMix for Firewire 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
Firewire 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 MultiMix. Press “OK” to accept this setting. Firewire Recording Different versions of Cubase function similarly, but not exactly, to the examples shown here.
- Page 36 Firewire 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.
- Page 37 Firewire Recording In Cubase, you can rename channels by clicking in the “Label” area. This is useful if, for instance, your lead vocals are always on channel 1, your bass drum is always on channel 2, etc.
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Page 38: Creating A New Audio File
Firewire Recording 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. - Page 39 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.” Firewire Recording An excellent scheme for storing your projects is to create a directory called “audio projects.”...
- Page 40 Firewire Recording 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 41 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 42: Working With The Asio Control Panel
Firewire Recording Working with the ASIO control panel Accessing the ASIO control panel From within Cubase, select “Devices” | “Device Setup….” | “VST MultiTrack.” Then, click the “Control Panel” button to access the MultiMix’s ASIO control panel. Setting the mixer nickname You can change the name of the mixer as it’s seen by the recording program. -
Page 43: Adjusting Latency By Changing The Buffer Size
Adjusting latency by changing the buffer size “Latency” refers to the amount of time it takes for audio to get into and out of the computer. In the best of all possible worlds, there would be no such thing as latency—we would hear audio the moment it was created. -
Page 44: Using The Multimix Firewire With Sonar And Other Wdm Applications
Firewire Recording Using the MultiMix FireWire with Sonar and other WDM applications Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Choose the menu “Options” | “Audio….” On the “General” tab, select any available MultiMix channels as the Playback and Record timing masters. Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Unlike ASIO, WDM allows... - Page 45 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.) Firewire 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 46 Firewire 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 47: 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 48: Using The Multimix Firewire With Coreaudio On The Macintosh
Firewire Recording Using the MultiMix FireWire with CoreAudio on the Macintosh Mac users can impress their friends with the following instructions for using the MultiMix with CoreAudio: Open the Mac’s “Audio MIDI Setup” utility. Choose the MultiMix FireWire as both input and output device. - Page 49 Troubleshooting: non-Firewire 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 50 Troubleshooting: non-Firewire 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.
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Page 51: Firewire
IRQ assignment restrictions that must be resolved before audio can work correctly on them. See your Firewire chipset documentation for further information if required. Replace with correct power supply (only use Alesis- recommended AC output power supply). - Page 52 Troubleshooting: non-Firewire This page intentionally left blank.
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Page 53: Chapter Seven: Troubleshooting: Firewire
Troubleshooting: Firewire Computer or audio application does not see the MultiMix FireWire Basic troubleshooting First, check that the MultiMix is seen by the computer: Under “Sounds and Audio Devices” (Windows) or “Audio MIDI Setup” (Mac), look for the MultiMix FireWire to be listed as an available device. - Page 54 Troubleshooting: Firewire The active tab at the top of this window is now the “General” tab. Click the “Hardware” tab. Then, click the “Device Manager” button. Finally, expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section. “MultiMix Audio” should appear.
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Page 55: Audio Playback Or Recording Is At The Wrong Speed
No connection If “MultiMix Audio” does not appear, Windows does not see the mixer as being connected to the computer. Check your Firewire cable and try powering the mixer off and on again. Expand the “IEEE 1394 Bus host controllers” section. Check that your Firewire card is listed as properly working. - Page 56 Troubleshooting: Firewire This page intentionally left blank.
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Page 57: 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 58 Specifications Mechanicals MultiMix 12 FireWire: MultiMix 16 FireWire: (W x L x H) 13.0” x 13.4” x 3.2” / 331mm x 340mm x 80mm, 7.0lbs / 3.2kg 13.0” x 15.2” x 3.2” / 331mm x 386mm x 80mm, 9.7lbs / 4.4kg...
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Page 59: Chapter Nine: Block Diagram
Block Diagrams... - Page 60 Block Diagrams...
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Page 61: Glossary
Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix FireWire. 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 62: Contact Information
Contact Information EQ (equalizer) fader Firewire gain IEEE 1394a latency level master section mic preamp mixer mono (monaural) phantom power post-fader pre-fader 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 63 return A line input whose function is to carry back to the mixer an audio signal that has been sent from the mixer. Usually used in the application of 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.
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Page 64: Contact
MultiMix FireWire Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann, Brooks Bruner, and Fred Morgenstern. Copyright 2005, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “MultiMix” and “MultiMix FireWire” are trademarks of Alesis, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.