Table Of Contents Introduction...5 Welcome!... 5 About the Multimix ...6 Multimix Key Features... 6 How to Use This Manual...8 A Few Words for Beginners ...9 Important Safety Instructions...11 Important Safety Instructions (English)...11 Safety symbols used in this product... 11 Please follow these precautions when using this product:... 11 Instructions de Sécurité...
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Table Of Contents Master Section ...25 Main Mix Fader... 25 Alt 3/4 Fader... 25 2TK To Mix... 25 Alt 3/4 To Mix ... 25 Solo Mode... 25 HDPH / CTRL RM... 26 MIX Switch... 26 ALT 3/4 Switch ... 26 2TK Switch...
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Multimix 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.
The Multimix consoles are a versatile series of mixers designed to perform well in the live and home studio realm. They are the latest in the large family of Alesis audio mixers. We’ve come a long way since introducing our first mixing console in 1989. Since that time audio technology has grown in leaps and bounds, pushing up quality and driving down prices.
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Introduction 44.1 kHz Digital out – Allows you to send a crystal clean digital stereo signal directly to a DAT, DVD or other recording devise that can accept an S/PDIF signal. (Multimix-12FXD and Multimix-16FXD only) Control room output level – provides control over the separate control room output 2-track send and return –...
Introduction How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for 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.
A Few Words for Beginners We realize that some of you who have purchased the Multimix are fairly new to the art of mixing, and 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.
Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product This symbol alerts the user that there are important operating and maintenance instructions in the literature accompanying this unit. This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
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12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use with professional audio or music equipment. In any installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des chocs électriques.
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12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support. 13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas utilisé...
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische Schläge verursachen kann.
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12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen auszuschließen.
Important Safety Instructions CE Declaration Of Conformity See our Web site at: http://www.alesis.com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Getting Started Hooking up the Multimix This diagram will help you get the Multimix hooked up and ready to go. The equipment you use depends on personal preference and on whether you’re performing live or recording. For example, you’ll see below that the MAIN MIX OUT can be routed to a recording device for recording, or to a PA system for live performance.
Getting Started For the S/PDIF Digital out, we suggest that you use a coaxial cable that is specifically designed for S/PDIF applications. These cables are better suited for high frequency (digital) signals and are unbalanced, shielded coaxial cables with shielded RCA connectors on each end. Better to get the high quality S/PDIF cables and save yourself some unnecessary grief.
A Tour of the MultiMix In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the MulitMix’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.
(Multimix-12FXD and Multimix-16FXD only) The digital output jack is used to send the 44.1 kHz 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.
2-TRACK The 2-TRACK IN and OUT jacks are standard RCA jacks. You’ll use the OUTs for mixing to a tape deck or other recorder. With the INs you can bring in a signal, which can be monitored and even added to the main mix via the 2TK TO MIX switch in the master section of the mixer.
A Tour of the MultiMix troubleshooting. PFL stands for “pre-fade listen.” In other words 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.
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.
A Tour of the MultiMix 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.
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.
A Tour of the MultiMix Phantom On This switch activates and deactivates the phantom power described in “Mic Inputs (Channels 1 – 4),” page 21. This switch controls phantom power for all four mic inputs. As we said earlier, it’s very important that you plug in your microphones and mute your system before you turn...
Digital Effects Processor Onboard your Multimix™ 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...
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.
MAIN MIX OUT to a PA system amplifier and the CTRL RM OUT to a headphone amplifier for monitoring purposes. You could also connect a digital equalizer (like the Alesis DEQ-230D) between the DIGITAL OUTPUT and a PA system for extra tone control.
Importing Music Into Your Computer If you would like to import your earlier recordings—or audio from any other source—into your computer, you can use the Multimix to ensure the resulting audio file is mixed properly. Just connect your 4-track, tape deck or other device to the mixer using the 2- TRACK IN or the mixer’s channel inputs.
Troubleshooting 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. Audio signal carries an unwanted hum. Cause Mixer is not plugged in or turned on. Faders are too low.
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Microphone level is too low. No or low sound from a channel. Internal effects aren’t working. External effects aren’t working. Interference from appliances such as air conditioners. Not using TRS cables. Phantom power is not turned on. Microphone is damaged. Fader is too low.
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AUX RET A RETURN or EFFECTS / AUX RET B RETURN in the master section. Press the desired MIX, ALT ¾ or 2 TK button. Replace with correct power supply (only use Alesis- recommended AC output power supply).
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 &...
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Specifications Mechanicals Multimix-12FX: Multimix-12FXD: Multimix-16FXD: (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 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...
Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your Multimix. Term aux (auxiliary) An additional set of outputs and inputs found on many mixers. These allow the addition of external effects and other audio sources. balance A control that lets you control the position of sound in a stereo signal by altering the relative levels of the left and right channels.
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Glossary gain level master section mic preamp mixer mono (monaural) phantom power post-fader pre-fader return send stereo unity gain Multimix has its own fader, and so do the MAIN MIX and ALT 3/4. The measure of extra amplification applied to an audio signal. Channels 1 –...
For the most effective service, the purchaser should register the purchase on the ALESIS website at http://www.alesis.com/support/warranty.htm. During the warranty period ALESIS shall, at its sole and absolute option, either repair or replace free of charge any product that proves to be defective on inspection by ALESIS or its authorized service representative.
Multimix Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann and Brooks Bruner Copyright 2002, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “Multimix” is a trademark of Alesis, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice. 7-51-0155-A 7/21/2003...
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