Reference Manual
Table Of Contents Introduction.....................................................................5 Welcome!...................................................................................................... 5 About the Multimix .........................................................................6 Multimix Key Features............................................................................... 6 How to Use This Manual.................................................................
Table Of Contents Master Section .................................................................................25 Main Mix Fader........................................................................................... 25 Alt 3/4 Fader............................................................................................... 25 2TK To Mix................................................................................................. 25 Alt 3/4 To Mix ................................................
Glossary ...........................................................................41 Warranty/Contact Alesis ................................................43 Alesis Limited Warranty............................................................................. 43 Alesis Contact Information.......................................................................
Table Of Contents 4
Introduction Welcome! Thank you for making the Alesis Multimix 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 The Multimix consoles are a versatile series of mixers designed to perform well in the live and home studio realm. They are the latest in the large family of Alesis audio mixers. 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. Only a few years ago, you wouldn’t have been able to buy a mixer this powerful for such an affordable price.
Introduction y y y 44.1 kHz Digital out – Allows you to send a crystal clean digital stereo signal directly to a DAT, DVD or other recording devise that can accept an S/PDIF signal.
Introduction How to Use This Manual This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications for 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 and live applications.
Introduction A Few Words for Beginners We realize that some of you who have purchased the Multimix are fairly new to the art of mixing, and 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.
Introduction 10
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.
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. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
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.
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.
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. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher aus der Steckdose. 14.
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.
18
1 Getting Started Hooking up the Multimix This diagram will help you get the Multimix 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 y For the S/PDIF Digital out, we suggest that you use a coaxial cable that is specifically designed for S/PDIF applications. These cables are better suited for high frequency (digital) signals and are unbalanced, shielded coaxial cables with shielded RCA connectors on each end. Better to get the high quality S/PDIF cables and save yourself some unnecessary grief.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the MulitMix’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 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.
2-TRACK The 2-TRACK IN and OUT jacks are standard RCA jacks. You’ll use the OUTs for mixing to a tape deck or other recorder. With the INs you can bring in a signal, which can be monitored and even added to the main mix via the 2TK TO MIX switch in the master section of the mixer. 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 troubleshooting. PFL stands for “pre-fade listen.” In other words 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.
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. This fader affects the levels of the signals sent to the MAIN MIX OUT, the DIGITAL OUT (12FXD and16FXD models only) and the 2-TRACK OUT.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix 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 none is selected, you’ll hear silence in the control room mix and the LED meters won’t light up.
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 Phantom On This switch activates and deactivates the phantom power described in “Mic Inputs (Channels 1 – 4),” page 21. This switch controls phantom power for all four mic inputs. 28 As we said earlier, it’s very important that you plug in your microphones and mute your system before you turn on phantom power.
3 Digital Effects Processor Onboard your Multimix™ 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 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 Multimix.
Importing Music Into Your Computer If you would like to import your earlier recordings—or audio from any other source—into your computer, you can use the Multimix to ensure the resulting audio file is mixed properly. Just connect your 4-track, tape deck or other device to the mixer using the 2TRACK IN or the mixer’s channel inputs. The MultiMix’s main output should be connected to an input device that is compatible with your computer, and you’ll need proper recording software.
5 Troubleshooting 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. Audio signal carries an unwanted hum. 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 turned down Turn up control room level. The appropriate signal hasn’t been assigned to the control room out.
Microphone level is too low. No or low sound from a channel. Internal effects aren’t working. External effects aren’t working. 34 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. Test the microphone on other audio devices.
Mixer’s effects return signal is too low. Turn up the output of the effects processor or turn up the mixer’s AUX RET A RETURN or EFFECTS / AUX RET B RETURN in the master section. LED meters not working. Nothing is routed to the HDPH/CTRL RM output. Press the desired MIX, ALT ¾ or 2 TK button. No power. Incorrect or defective power supply. Replace with correct power supply (only use Alesisrecommended AC output power supply).
36
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.
6 38 Specifications Mechanicals (W x L x H) Multimix-12FX: 13.0” x 13.4” x 3.2” / 331mm x 340mm x 80mm, 7.0lbs / 3.2kg Multimix-12FXD: 13.0” x 13.4” x 3.2” / 331mm x 340mm x 80mm, 7.0lbs / 3.2kg Multimix-16FXD: 13.0” x 15.2” x 3.2” / 331mm x 386mm x 80mm, 9.7lbs / 4.
7 Block Diagrams 39
7 40 Block Diagrams
Glossary Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your Multimix. 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 Multimix has its own fader, and so do the MAIN MIX and ALT 3/4. 42 gain The measure of extra amplification applied to an audio signal. Channels 1 – 4 on your Multimix 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 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 Reference Manual Revision 1.0 by Edwin Erdmann and Brooks Bruner Copyright 2002, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. “Multimix” is a trademark of Alesis, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.
7-51-0155-A 45
