Table Of Contents Introduction...5 Welcome!... 5 About the Multimix USB ...6 Multimix USB Key Features... 6 Aditional Features of the Multimix 12 USB and Multimix 16 USB ... 7 How to Use This Manual ...8 A Few Words for Beginners...9 Chapter 1: Getting Started ...11 Hooking up the Multimix USB ...11 Using Proper Cables ...11...
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Connection instructions for Windows (XP, 2000, ME, and 98 Second Edition) ... 24 Connection instructions for Macintosh (OS X only)... 25 Chapter Five: Troubleshooting ...27 Chapter Six: Specifications ...31 Chapter Seven: Block Diagram ...33 Glossary ...35 Warranty/Contact Alesis...39 Alesis Limited Warranty... 39...
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Table Of Contents Alesis Contact Information... 40...
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Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Multimix USB 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 USB 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.
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. Stereo USB input and output – routes the main output and the 2-track return through the USB port in crystal- clean, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz stereo digital audio.
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 USB 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.
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Getting Started Hooking up the Multimix USB This diagram will help you get the Multimix USB 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 Use a USB cable to connect the USB port to a computer. Do not use a USB hub, as hubs can introduce timing glitches in USB communication. For the S/PDIF Digital out, we suggest that you use a coaxial cable that is specifically designed for S/PDIF applications.
A Tour of the MultiMix USB 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.
Digital Output Jack 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.
A Tour of the MultiMix USB 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 USB 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 USB 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.
A Tour of the MultiMix USB 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 USB 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.
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.
(12-channel and 16-channel models only) Using the Multimix USB with a Computer Your Alesis Multimix mixer comes with a Full Speed USB port which you can connect to a computer. This USB connection allows you to send CD-quality (stereo, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz) audio between the computer and your Multimix mixer.
Applications 98 Second Edition may require you to insert your Windows disc, after which the drivers should load correctly. After the Multimix has been recognized and its drivers have been installed, open the Control Panel. Select Sounds and Audio Devices (or Multimedia), go to the Audio tab, and select the “USB audio codec”...
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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. Cause Mixer is not plugged in or turned on. Faders are too low. Control room level is turned down The appropriate signal hasn’t been assigned to the control...
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Troubleshooting 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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IRQ assignment restrictions that must be resolved before audio can work correctly on them. See your USB chipset documentation for further information if required. Replace with correct power supply (only use Alesis- recommended AC output power supply).
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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 12 USB: Multimix 16 USB: (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...
Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your Multimix USB. 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 fader gain level master section mic preamp mixer mono (monaural) phantom power post-fader pre-fader return send stereo unity gain A device that allows you to control the level of an audio signal by sliding the fader up and down a straight path. Each input channel of the Multimix has its own fader, and so do the MAIN MIX and ALT 3/4.
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 USB Reference Manual Revision 2.0 by Edwin Erdmann, Brooks Bruner, and Fred Morgenstern Copyright 2004, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “Multimix” and “Multimix USB” are trademarks of Alesis, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.
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