Reference Manual
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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 ........................................
Table Of Contents +48V Indicator ........................................................................................... 19 Rear of the Mixer................................................................20 Power Input ................................................................................................. 20 Power Supply Unit...................................................................................... 20 Power On .......................................................................
Table Of Contents Creating a new audio file ........................................................................... 36 Working with the ASIO control panel............................40 Accessing the ASIO control panel........................................................... 40 Setting the mixer nickname ....................................................................... 40 Setting the master device ...........................................................................
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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. 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 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. Since that time audio technology has grown in leaps and bounds, pushing up quality and driving down prices.
Introduction y y y y y y y y y 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. Clean and powerful preamps – up to 50dB of preamp gain for capturing quiet sources.
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. Chapter 1: Getting Started shows you how to include the MultiMix in your audio setup for recording, computer interfacing, and live applications.
Introduction 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.
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1 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 CD drive BEFORE you plug your MultiMix into your computer for the first time. 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. The equipment you use depends on personal preference and on whether you’re performing live or recording.
1 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: y y y y y For the mic inputs, use XLR cables. For the line inputs and all other 1/4” connections, use 1/4” mono TRS cables. Use stereo RCA cables for the 2-track in and out. Use a Firewire (IEEE 1394a) cable to connect one of the Firewire ports to a computer.
2 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. This is where you plug in instruments, signal processors, multitrack recorders and other devices.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 12) Unlike channels 1 – 4, the line inputs on channels 5 – 12 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 – 12 don’t have the extra gain found on channels 1 – 4 because most line-level instruments don’t require the extra boost. Synthesizers and other electronic instruments will work especially well on these channels.
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire 2 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” jacks are where the signal on the main mix bus leaves the mixer. From there you can send it to a recorder or a PA system. The level of this signal is controlled by the MAIN MIX fader.
2 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. If you turn this knob to the left, you can hear the signal move to the left, and if you turn it to the right…you get the picture.
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire 2 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. The MAIN MIX fader is the one you’ll use to control the overall level of those combined signals.
2 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. You can use these switches in any combination. If no switches are selected, you’ll hear silence in the control room mix and the LED meters won’t light up.
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire 2 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. POWER Indicator When this LED is lit up, that means the POWER ON switch on the rear of the mixer has been activated.
2 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. Power Supply Unit This unit provides 18.5 VAC at 700 mA of power, more than enough to keep your MultiMix running smoothly. As with nearly all power supply units, this one tends to get warm when left on for a while.
3 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 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 Traditional Mixing Simple Live Setup Connect your instruments and microphones to the mono and stereo channels, making sure to properly set the level of each channel. You can select one on-board effect and control its level with the AUX B knob for each channel. You can also use an external effects processor by sending a signal to the external unit via the AUX SEND A and returning it via AUX RETURN A (you’ll probably want to set AUX SEND A to POST, for “post-fader.”).
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5 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. If your computer has access to the Internet, point your browser to the Support > Downloads section of http://www.
5 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. Mac OS X 10.3 or higher is required by the MultiMix drivers.
Firewire Recording 5 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.
5 Firewire Recording Sound setup under Windows To use your MultiMix FireWire as your default Windows sound device, follow these steps: 28 1. From the Windows Start menu, choose “Control Panel.” Depending on your Windows preferences, it will appear similar to one of the two pictures below: 2. Choose “Sounds and Audio Devices”. 3. Click the “Audio” tab. Change the default devices for both sound playback and sound recording to the MultiMix. (For sound recording, choose the “MultiMix Main” option.
Firewire Recording 4. 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. 5. Click “Apply” to apply these changes.
5 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. 30 1. Click the “Sounds” tab of “Sounds and Audio Devices.” 2. Under “Sound Scheme,” choose “No sounds.” 3. Click “OK” to accept this entry and close the dialog box.
Firewire Recording 5 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: 1. Hook up your monitoring system to the MultiMix’s CTRL RM OUT jacks. 2. Apply the MASTER section’s buttons as follows: a. 2 TK TO MIX: Leave UP. Pressing this button down can cause nasty feedback loops. b. MIX TO CONTROL ROOM: Press DOWN. This will allow you to hear the music being recorded in real time. c.
5 Firewire Recording Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device 1. 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. 2. 32 Click the “VST Multitrack” option.
Firewire Recording 3. From within the ASIO Driver drop-down box, choose the MultiMix. 4. Press “OK” to accept this setting. 5 Different versions of Cubase function similarly, but not exactly, to the examples shown here.
5 34 Firewire Recording 5. 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.” 6. Click the activation buttons for channel pairs that you want to use. Some versions of Cubase do not allow all inputs to be used simultaneously.
Firewire Recording 7. 5 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.
5 Firewire Recording Creating a new audio file Now, you’re ready to create an audio project. 36 1. Choose “File” | “New Project…” 2. You can begin with a template or an empty file. For now, begin with an empty file.
Firewire Recording 3. 4. Cubase needs to know where to place audio. Choose a directory here. 5 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. Cubase will store your song file and all associated audio files in that same folder. Now, you have a blank project. Add an audio track for recording by choosing “Project” | “Add Track” | “Audio.
5 Firewire Recording 5. 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 lefthand side, the Inspector is not active. To activate it, press the “show Inspector” button towards the upper left of the screen (just below the “Edit” menu in the following picture). 6.
Firewire Recording 7. 5 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.
5 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.
Firewire Recording 5 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. However, computers have limited processing power, and they can “choke”—cutting off recording or crashing programs—if they are asked to handle too much data all at once.
5 Firewire Recording Using the MultiMix FireWire with Sonar and other WDM applications Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device 1. Choose the menu “Options” | “Audio….” Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Unlike ASIO, WDM allows multiple audio devices to be used at the same time. However, doing so can cause all sorts of synchronization problems. Therefore, we suggest that you use the MultiMix as your sole audio input/output device. 2.
Firewire Recording 3. 5 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 greater stability.
5 Firewire Recording 4. 44 Move to the “Drivers” tab. Click on each input pair and also on the output pair to make them available to Sonar.
Firewire Recording 5 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). You will do most of your monitoring through the mixer.
5 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: 46 1. Open the Mac’s “Audio MIDI Setup” utility. 2. Choose the MultiMix FireWire as both input and output device. 3. Choose the MultiMix as the default input and output. 4. Under System Preferences, choose “MultiMix FireWire.” Adjust the device nickname, buffers, clock source, sample rate, etc. as needed.
6 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 Solution Mixer is not plugged in or turned on. Plug in mixer and turn it on. Faders are too low. Raise appropriate faders. Control room level is too low. Turn up control room level. The appropriate signal hasn’t been assigned to the control room out.
6 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. 48 Too much low-level noise in the mix. Engage the channel’s high-pass filter by pressing the HPF switch. Interference from appliances such as air conditioners. Engage the channel’s high-pass filter by pressing the HPF switch. Not using TRS cables. Make sure you are using 1/4” TRS cables. Phantom power is not turned on.
Troubleshooting: non-Firewire External effects aren’t working. Effects processor is not plugged in or turned on. Make sure unit is plugged in and turned on. Aux outputs of mixer aren’t connected to inputs of processor or processor’s outputs aren’t connected to mixer’s inputs (or aux return). Make sure the mixer’s aux outputs are connected to the processor’s inputs and that the processor’s outputs are connected to the mixer’s aux inputs. Mixer’s effects return signal is too low.
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7 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. If the MultiMix FireWire is not seen, check that the Firewire cable is properly connected. Power the MultiMix FireWire off, wait a few seconds, and then power it on again.
7 52 Troubleshooting: Firewire 3. The active tab at the top of this window is now the “General” tab. Click the “Hardware” tab. Then, click the “Device Manager” button. 4. Finally, expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section. “MultiMix Audio” should appear.
Troubleshooting: Firewire 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. As a last resort power your computer off and on.
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8 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.
8 56 Specifications Mechanicals (W x L x H) MultiMix 12 FireWire: 13.0” x 13.4” x 3.2” / 331mm x 340mm x 80mm, 7.0lbs / 3.2kg MultiMix 16 FireWire: 13.0” x 15.2” x 3.2” / 331mm x 386mm x 80mm, 9.7lbs / 4.
9 Block Diagrams 57
9 58 Block Diagrams
Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix FireWire. 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.
Contact Information rectangular rackmount units. 60 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. Each input channel of the MultiMix has its own fader, and so do the MAIN MIX and ALT 3/4.
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. 44.1kHz—44,100 samples per second—is the standard used for Compact Disk audio. 48kHz—48,000 samples per second, is commonly used for film and video.
Contact Information Alesis Contact Information Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: Web site: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com 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.
