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Table Of Contents Table Of Contents Introduction..........................................................3 Chapter Three: Digital Effects Processor ...............................................................15 Welcome!...................................................................................................... 3 About the MultiMix 8 USB................................................4 MultiMix 8 USB Key Features ..................................................................
Table Of Contents Table Of Contents Introduction..........................................................3 Chapter Three: Digital Effects Processor ...............................................................15 Welcome!...................................................................................................... 3 About the MultiMix 8 USB................................................4 MultiMix 8 USB Key Features ..................................................................
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix 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 MultiMix 8 USB The MultiMix USB mixers are 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 Introduction How to Use This Manual A Few Words for Beginners This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for the MultiMix 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.
Introduction A Few Words for Beginners We realize that some of you who have purchased the MultiMix 8 USB are fairly new to the art of mixing, and we’ve written this manual with that in mind. We also designed the MultiMix 8 USB to be both powerful and easy enough to use that even a beginner can quickly pick up the basics.
1 Getting Started 1 Getting Started y Hooking up the MultiMix 8 USB This diagram will help you get the MultiMix 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 1 Getting Started y Hooking up the MultiMix 8 USB This diagram will help you get the MultiMix 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.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB 2 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. A Tour of the MultiMix 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.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB 2 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. A Tour of the MultiMix 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.
A Tour of the MultiMix USB 2 2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB EQ Channel Strips 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.
A Tour of the MultiMix USB 2 2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB EQ Channel Strips 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.
A Tour of the MultiMix USB 2 2 2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch A Tour of the MultiMix USB Rear of the Mixer 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. Here’s what you’ll find at the rear of the mixer. AUX RETURN A LEVEL This is the level control for the signal returning to the mixer via AUX RETURN A.
A Tour of the MultiMix USB 2 2 2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch A Tour of the MultiMix USB Rear of the Mixer 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. Here’s what you’ll find at the rear of the mixer. AUX RETURN A LEVEL This is the level control for the signal returning to the mixer via AUX RETURN A.
3 Digital Effects Processor Onboard your MultiMix 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 II These are combinations of two or more of the above effects.
4 Applications 4 Applications Using the Multimix USB with a Computer Your MultiMix 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.
4 Applications 4 Applications Using the Multimix USB with a Computer Your MultiMix 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.
Applications 3 4 Applications This page intentionally left blank. Connection instructions for Macintosh (OS X only) After plugging in the Multimix, select “USB Audio CODEC” in the Sound area of System Preferences. No other action is required. The Multimix USB is not designed for use with Mac OS9 and below.
Applications 3 4 Applications This page intentionally left blank. Connection instructions for Macintosh (OS X only) After plugging in the Multimix, select “USB Audio CODEC” in the Sound area of System Preferences. No other action is required. The Multimix USB is not designed for use with Mac OS9 and below.
5 Troubleshooting 5 Troubleshooting If you’re having problems operating the MultiMix 8 USB, 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. 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. Microphone level is too low. No or low sound from a channel. Internal effects aren’t working. 22 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 5 5 Troubleshooting This page intentionally left blank 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.
Troubleshooting 5 5 Troubleshooting This page intentionally left blank 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.
6 Specifications 6 This page intentionally left blank 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.
6 Specifications 6 This page intentionally left blank 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.
7 Block Diagram 7 Block Diagram This page intentionally left blank 27 28
7 Block Diagram 7 Block Diagram This page intentionally left blank 27 28
Glossary Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix 8 USB. gain The measure of extra amplification applied to an audio signal. Channels 1 – 4 on your MultiMix 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.
Glossary Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix 8 USB. gain The measure of extra amplification applied to an audio signal. Channels 1 – 4 on your MultiMix 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.
Warranty/Contact 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 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.
