Reference Manual
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Table Of Contents Introduction.....................................................................3 Welcome!...................................................................................................... 3 About the MultiMix-8FX ................................................................4 MultiMix-8FX Key Features ..................................................................... 4 How to Use This Manual.................................................................
Table Of Contents HDPH / CTRL RM................................................................................... 20 2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch ............................................................... 21 AUX RETURN A LEVEL....................................................................... 21 EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL ......................................................... 21 LED Meters.................................................................................................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix-8FX 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. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality studio equipment available to everyone, and this Reference Manual is an important part of that.
Introduction About the MultiMix-8FX The MultiMix-8FX is the latest in the large family of Alesis audio mixers. We’ve come a long way since the 1622 mixer we first built in 1989. Since that time audio technology has grown in leaps and bounds, pushing up quality and driving down prices. Only a few years ago, you wouldn’t have been able to buy a mixer this powerful for such an affordable price.
Introduction How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the MultiMix-8FX. 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. Chapter 1: Getting Started shows you how to include the MultiMix8FX in your audio setup for recording and live applications.
Introduction A Few Words for Beginners We realize that some of you who have purchased the MultiMix8FX are fairly new to the art of mixing, and we’ve written this manual with that in mind. We also designed the MultiMix-8FX 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. This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock.
Important Safety Instructions 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. 13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time. 14.
Important Safety Instructions 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.
Important Safety Instructions 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 pendant longtemps. 14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié.
Important Safety Instructions 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.
Important Safety Instructions 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. 13.
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.
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1 Getting Started Hooking up the MultiMix-8FX This diagram will help you get the MultiMix-8FX 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.
1 Getting Started Setting Levels Before you can begin mixing different audio sources with your MultiMix, you must set the level for each channel you’re using. This helps to prevent distortion and clipping. The idea is to get the strongest signal possible without clipping. Here’s how: 1. Turn the channel level control to the 12:00 position. 2. Turn the AUX SEND and GAIN controls all the way down, and turn the EQ knobs to the center detent (you’ll feel a click). 3.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the MulitMix-8FX’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-8FX, you’ll find the patchbay. This is where you plug in instruments, signal processors, multitrack recorders and other devices.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix 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. Channels 5 – 8 don’t have the extra gain found on channels 1 – 4 because most line-level instruments don’t require the extra boost. MIDI and other electronic instruments will work especially well on these channels.
A Tour of the MultiMix 2 Channel Strips The eight channel strips are virtually identical to each other, with the only difference being that channels 1 – 4 are mono and channels 5 – 8 are stereo. Each channel strip contains the following components. Level Control The level control knob controls how much of the signal from the mic or line inputs is sent to the channel. To adjust the level, simply turn the knob to the desired level.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix EQ 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. The MID control has a peaking response fixed at 2.5 kHz. “Shelving” means that the mixer boosts or cuts all frequencies past the specified frequency.
A Tour of the MultiMix 2 2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch When you engage this switch, the signal coming in from the 2TRACK jacks is routed to the headphones and to the control room output. This level is controlled by the HDPH / CTRL ROOM level control and cancels out any signal from the main mix. AUX RETURN A LEVEL This is the level control for the signal returning to the mixer via AUX RETURN A.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix Power Supply Unit This unit provides 18.5 VAC at 700 mA, more than enough to keep your MultiMix-8FX running smoothly. As with nearly all power supply units, this one tends to get warm when left on for a while. This is perfectly normal. Power On Another easy one. Switch this one on and your mixer has power. Switch it off and it doesn’t. Make sure that all master output knobs are turned all the way down when powering your mixer up or down.
3 Digital Effects Processor Onboard your MultiMix-8FX™ 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 You can use this knob to assign one of 100 effect programs to your mix.
3 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. PITCH These effects transpose the pitch of the input signal and blend the effect signal with the original to create harmonies. MULTI & MULTI II These are combinations of two or more of the above effects.
4 Applications Your MultiMix-8FX 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. To give you some ideas for different mixing scenarios, here are descriptions of a few common applications for the MultiMix8FX.
4 Applications compatible with your computer, and you’ll need proper recording software. You can find these in many computer or music stores.
5 Troubleshooting If you’re having problems operating the MultiMix-8FX, 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 Solution Mixer is not plugged in or turned on. Plug in mixer and turn it on. Channel levels are too low. Turn up channel levels. Control room level is turned down Turn up control room level. The appropriate signal hasn’t been assigned to the control room out.
5 Troubleshooting Microphone level is too low. No or low sound from a channel. Internal effects aren’t working. External effects aren’t working. LED meters not working. 28 Not using TRS cables. Make sure you are using 1/4” TRS cables. Phantom power is not turned on. Turn on phantom power using the switch on the rear panel of the mixer. Microphone is damaged. Test the microphone on other audio devices. If you detect damage, contact the manufacturer or dealer. Channel level is too low.
Troubleshooting No power. Incorrect or defective power supply. 5 Replace with correct power supply (only use Alesisrecommended AC output power supply).
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6 Specifications For the more technical-minded, here are some detailed specifications for the MultiMix’s operating levels. Input Channels Mic In Sensitivity Range: Mic/Line Gain Range: -60dBu to –10dBu nominal, +5dBu maximum -40dBu to -+10dBu nominal, +25dBu maximum +10 to +60dB Equalization High-Pass Filter: High Shelving: Mid Bandpass/Band Reject: Low Shelving: 75Hz, 18dB/octave 12kHz, +/- 15dB 2.
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7 Block Diagram 33
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Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix-8FX. Term Definition 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.
Glossary boosting mic and line signals. 36 level The amount of power driving an audio signal. The most common names given to levels of varying voltage are, from lowest to highest, microphone level, instrument level and line level. master section The section of a mixer where the main mix is controlled. mic preamp An amplifier that boosts a microphone-level signal up to line level.
Warranty / Contact Alesis Limited Warranty ALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS") warrants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period of one (1) year for labor from the date of original retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser and cannot be transferred or assigned. For the most effective service, the purchaser should register the purchase on the ALESIS website at http://www.alesis.
Warranty/Contact Alesis Contact Information Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: Web site: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com MultiMix-8FX Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann Copyright 2002, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “MultiMix-8FX” is a trademark of Alesis Distribution, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.
