Alesis MULTIMIX8 USB2.0 Reference Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Alesis Manuals
  4. Recording Equipment
  5. MULTIMIX8 USB2.0
  6. Reference manual

Alesis MULTIMIX8 USB2.0 Reference Manual

Multichannel mixer/audio interface
Hide thumbs
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

Download this manual
Reference Manual

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the MULTIMIX8 USB2.0 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Alesis MULTIMIX8 USB2.0

Summary of Contents for Alesis MULTIMIX8 USB2.0

  • Page 1 Reference Manual...
  • Page 2 This page intentionally left blank 100%...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents Introduction............5 Welcome!...................... 5 About the MultiMix USB2.0..........6 All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface ....................... 6 MultiMix USB2.0 Key Features ..............6 How to Use This Manual ...........8 A Few Words for Beginners..........9 Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0 ........11 Using Proper Cables ............12 Setting Levels ..............12 Chapter Two: A Tour of the MultiMix.....13...
  • Page 4 Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Cubase and other ASIO applications............29 Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device ......... 30 Creating a new audio file ................33 Working with the Alesis USB2.0 control panel ..................37 Accessing the control panel............... 37 Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Sonar and other WDM applications ...........38...
  • Page 5 Audio playback or recording is at the wrong speed..................47 Audio playback or recording stutters or drops out................47 Audio echoes during recording........47 Chapter Eight: Specifications......49 Computer Requirements ..........50 Chapter Nine: Block Diagrams......51 Glossary ..............53 Contact ..............56 Alesis Contact Information............... 56 Trademarks ....................56...
  • Page 6 Table Of Contents This page intentionally left blank...

  • 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 For more effective service tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, and product update notices,...

  • 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 second 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 Introduction from the computer, all in 24-bit, 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz digital audio. ASIO and WDM computer drivers – lets you use the MultiMix USB2.0 with the vast majority of digital audio workstation programs. Clean and powerful preamps – up to 50dB of preamp gain for capturing quiet sources.

  • 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 Helpful tips and advice are the table of contents to look up specific functions.

  • Page 11: A Few Words For Beginners

    Introduction 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.

  • 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 you plug your MultiMix into your computer for the first time. See page 23 for details.

  • 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 5 - 8)

    A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 8) Unlike channels 1 – 4, the line inputs on channels 5 – 8 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: Channel Strips

    A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 This output can carry several different signals, depending on which source you have selected in the master section of the mixer. Channel Strips The eight channel strips are virtually identical to each other, with the only difference being that channels 1 –...

  • Page 18: Master Section

    A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 The MultiMix gives you three bands of EQ per channel. Using these knobs, you can tailor the channel’s signal by boosting some frequencies and cutting others. The LO and HI controls are shelving controls with fixed frequencies of 75 Hz and 12 kHz respectively.

  • Page 19: 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 “CTRL RM”...

  • Page 20: 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 The POWER INPUT is built plug the power supply into an electrical outlet.

  • Page 21: 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 22: 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 23: Chapter Four: Traditional Mixing

    Traditional Mixing Your MultiMix 8 USB2.0 can be used in a wide variety of ways in both live and recording applications. You have several options for bringing sound into and out of the board. And when it’s brought in, you can route it to various parts of the mixer for certain desired effects, or even send it to an external processor or tape deck and back.

  • Page 24: 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 8 USB2.0’s 2-TRACK OUT jacks to the IN jacks of the recorder.

  • Page 25: 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 All digital audio carried over the MultiMix USB2.0’s signals into and out of your computer...

  • Page 26: 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 27: Usb2.0 Inputs And Outputs

    USB2.0 Recording USB2.0 inputs and outputs Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computer 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 understand why the AUX to the computer. This means that, for the MultiMix 8 USB2.0, 8 signals are not blended into individual channels are sent to the computer along with the MAIN the individual channel feeds...

  • Page 28: 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 29 USB2.0 Recording Click the “Voice” tab. Change the voice playback and voice recording settings to “Alesis USB Audio.” Click “Apply” to apply these changes.

  • Page 30: 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 31: Connections And Settings For Usb2.0

    USB2.0 Recording 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 32: Choosing The Multimix As Your Audio Device

    USB2.0 Recording Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Choose the menu option “Devices” | “Device Setup….” This discussion uses Steinberg’s Cubase software, but the principles provided here apply to all ASIO recording software. Click the “VST Multitrack” option.
  • Page 33 USB2.0 Recording From within the ASIO Driver drop-down box, choose the Alesis USB Audio device. Press “OK” to accept this setting. Different versions of Cubase function similarly, but not exactly, to the examples shown here.
  • Page 34 USB2.0 Recording Now that the MultiMix is selected as the audio device, Some versions of Cubase do not allow all inputs to be used individual channels must be activated for use. Again, return simultaneously. to the “Devices” menu, and select “VST inputs.” Click the activation buttons for channel pairs that you want to use.

  • Page 35: Creating A New Audio File

    USB2.0 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 36 USB2.0 Recording Cubase needs to know where to place audio. Choose a directory here. An excellent scheme for storing your projects is to create a directory called “audio projects.” Then, within that folder, create a new folder for each song you work on.
  • Page 37 USB2.0 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 38 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.

  • Page 39: 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. To open the control panel On the Mac, access this panel from the “configure device” button from within Cubase in of Audio/MIDI Setup.

  • Page 40: Using The Multimix Usb2.0 With Sonar And Other Wdm Applications

    Therefore, we suggest that you use the MultiMix as your sole audio input/output device. On the “General” tab, select any available Alesis USB Audio channels as the Playback and Record timing masters. This discussion uses Cakewalk’s Sonar software, but the principles provided here apply to all WDM-based recording software.
  • Page 41 USB2.0 Recording 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.) 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 42 USB2.0 Recording Move to the “Drivers” tab. Select each input pair and also on the output pair to make them available to Sonar.

  • Page 43: Assigning Inputs To Audio Tracks

    USB2.0 Recording 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 44: Using The Multimix Usb2.0 With Coreaudio On The Macintosh

    Open the Mac’s “Audio MIDI Setup” utility. required by the MultiMix drivers. 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” under “Properties...

  • Page 45: Hardware

    Troubleshooting: Hardware If you’re having problems operating the MultiMix, this troubleshooting index will help you correct them. Symptoms Cause Solution No sound from the mixer. Mixer is not plugged in or Plug in mixer and turn it on. turned on. Faders are too low.
  • Page 46 Troubleshooting: Hardware Audio signal carries an Too much low-level noise in Engage the channel’s high-pass unwanted hum. the mix. filter by pressing the HPF switch. Interference from appliances Engage the channel’s high-pass such as air conditioners. filter by pressing the HPF switch.
  • Page 47 Sounds/Multimedia received and/or transmitted. area. In the Audio section, set the default sound recording and playback devices to MultiMix USB2.0. No power. Incorrect or defective power Replace with correct power supply. supply (only use Alesis- recommended AC output power supply).
  • Page 48 Troubleshooting: Hardware This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 49: 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 50 Troubleshooting: Software This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 51: 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: -60dBu to –10dBu nominal, +5dBu maximum All measurements done over Line In Sensitivity Range: -40dBu to -+10dBu nominal, a 22Hz – 22kHz range with a +25dBu maximum 1kHz sine wave at +18dBu Mic/Line Gain Range:...

  • Page 52: Computer Requirements

    Specifications Computer Requirements Minimum PC Requirements: • Pentium 4, 2.4GHz Processor (or equivalent) • 512 MB RAM • Available USB2.0 Port • Windows XP (with Service Pack 2 or higher installed) Minimum Macintosh Requirements: • G4 with native USB2.0 support •...

  • Page 53: Chapter Nine: Block Diagrams

    Block Diagrams...
  • Page 54 Block Diagrams This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 55: Glossary

    Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix USB2.0. Term Definition 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 56 Glossary rectangular rackmount units. EQ (equalizer) 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. EQ is used to fine-tune a signal’s highs and lows. fader A device that allows you to control the level of an audio signal by sliding the fader up and down a straight path.
  • Page 57 Glossary 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.

  • Page 58: Contact

    MultiMix USB2.0 Reference Manual Revision B 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.

Table of Contents