Reference Manual
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Table Of Contents Introduction..........................................................3 Welcome!...................................................................................................... 3 About the iMultiMix 8 USB...............................................4 iMultiMix 8 USB Key Features ................................................................. 4 How to Use This Manual ...................................................5 A Few Words for Beginners.....................................
Table Of Contents Rear of the Mixer................................................................15 Power Input ................................................................................................. 15 Power Supply Unit...................................................................................... 15 Power On ..................................................................................................... 15 Phantom On..................................................................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis iMultiMix 8 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. 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 iMultiMix 8 USB The iMultiMix 8 USB mixer 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 iMultiMix 8 USB. 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 iMultiMix 8 USB 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 iMultiMix 8 USB are fairly new to the art of mixing, and we’ve written this manual with that in mind. We also designed the iMultiMix 8 USB to be both powerful and easy enough to use that even a beginner can quickly pick up the basics.
1 Getting Started Hooking up the iMultiMix 8 USB This diagram will help you get the iMultiMix 8 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.
1 Getting Started Using Proper Cables When connecting instruments and other equipment to the iMultiMix, 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. Use stereo RCA cables for the 2-track in and out. Use a USB cable to connect the USB port to a computer.
2 A Tour of the iMultiMix USB In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the iMultiMix’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 iMultiMix 8 USB, you’ll find the patchbay. This is where you plug in instruments, signal processors, multitrack recorders and other devices.
2 A Tour of the iMultiMix USB 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 iMultiMix USB 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 iMultiMix USB EQ The iMultiMix 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 iMultiMix USB 2 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” in the name of this knob refers to the fact that it controls the signal that typically is sent to the control room monitors of a studio, where someone—usually an engineer—is working the mixer.
2 A Tour of the iMultiMix USB iPod Section The iPod section contains the controls for your iPod. With the iMultiMix you can not only play content from your iPod, but you can also record your mix directly to it. Please note that not all iPod models are compatible for playback and recording from the iMultiMix – check the compatibility chart on page 20 for more information. iPod Playback Level This knob controls the audio playback level of your iPod.
A Tour of the iMultiMix USB 2 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. The POWER INPUT is built to accept only the power supply unit provided with your iMultiMix 8 USB, or an AC power supply that has the same specs. Others probably will not work. Power Supply Unit This unit provides 18.
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3 Digital Effects Processor Onboard your iMultiMix 8 USB™ 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 2 These are combinations of two or more of the above effects.
4 Applications Your iMultiMix 8 USB 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 iMultiMix 8 USB.
4 Applications It is also important to understand that not all iPods are created equal and different models have different capabilities. Please refer to the following compatibility table to check whether your iPod is recording-compatible. iPod Model iPod 5th generation 3rd and 4th generation* 1st and 2nd generation iPod nano 2nd generation 1st generation iPod shuffle iPod mini Playback Record * Transport control only Simple Live Setup This is similar to the recording setup.
Applications 3 recorder—or use dedicated Digital Audio Workstation software— to record and play back CD-quality audio within your computer. A 2-meter USB cable is included. If you need to connect the Multimix across a longer distance, we recommend that you purchase a longer USB cable, as using hubs and other extenders with USB audio often causes glitches and other problems. Sending and Receiving Audio Data The USB port sends the Multimix’s MAIN OUT/TAPE OUT left and right signals to the computer.
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5 Troubleshooting If you’re having problems operating the iMultiMix 8 USB, this troubleshooting index will help you correct them. Symptoms No sound from the mixer. Audio signal is distorted. My iPod recording is distorted. 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 Audio signal carries an unwanted hum. 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. Turn on phantom power using the switch on the rear panel of the mixer. Microphone is damaged.
Troubleshooting 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. 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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6 Specifications For the more technical-minded, here are some detailed specifications for the iMultiMix’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 29
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Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your iMultiMix 8 USB. 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 32 gain The measure of extra amplification applied to an audio signal. Channels 1 – 4 on your iMultiMix 8 USB have gain controls, which are useful for boosting mic and line signals. 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.
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, LLC Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: Web site: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com iMultiMix 8 USB Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann, Fred Morgenstern, Stephan Vankov Copyright 2007, Alesis, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “iMultiMix 8 USB” is a trademark of Alesis, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.
