The Alesis 1622 Monolithic/Integrated Surface™ Audio Console is a 16 channel, two buss
audio mixing console which features the new Integrated Monolithic Surface™ technology. This
technology makes available a number of features at low cost which previously could only be
found in much more expensive consoles .
The 1622MIXER provides excellent sonic qualities, with extremely low noise and crosstalk, flat
wideband frequency response, and the superb sweet sound normally associated with consoles
costing many times more. Thus the 1622MIXER can be used as an additional "Musical Tool" .
Because of the built-in flexibility of the 1622MIXER, the unit is at home in any application, be it
recording, sound reinforcement, post-production, or as a dedicated keyboard mixer.
WHAT IS A MIXING CONSOLE?
As the name implies, a mixing console "mixes" audio signals together from various sources
(microphones, keyboards, tape machines, reverbs, etc.). But unlike a simple "mixer", a mixing console
is really the "brain" or center of the entire sound system, regardless of the application, since it not only
mixes the signals together, but also provides routing of these signals to tape recorders, effects devices,
and other audio systems. The console also allows for adjustment of monitoring levels independent of
recording levels.
FEATURES
•16 INPUT CHANNELS WITH EQ - Plenty of inputs for keyboards, microphones, or
effects
•6 AUXILIARY SENDS - Sends signal to up to 6 outboard effects devices, or 4
outboard effects devices and 2 mono or 1 stereo headphone cue mixes
•8 AUXILIARY RETURNS - Special dedicated inputs designed to blend the returns
of any combination of 8 mono or 4 stereo outboard effects devices
•SOLO FUNCTION ON INPUT CHANNELS - Enables any overloads or unwanted
background noise to be easily detected
•2 SUB MASTERS - Makes it easy to control several input channels with just one
fader (or two for stereo), or control record levels during multitrack recording
•CONTROL ROOM MONITOR SECTION - Sets a level for the control room monitor
speakers that is independent of the main mix
•ELECTRONICALLY BALANCED MIC INPUTS - A feature normally found on
consoles that are many times more expensive, this allows for both lower noise and
greater headroom in the most critical stage of the console
•MIXDOWN TAPE DECK RETURN - Allows you to hear playback of your mix from
the stereo mixdown tape machine just by flipping a switch
•INSERTS ON ALL INPUTS AND OUTPUTS - Allows for patching outboard signal
processing devices such as EQ's, compressors, and effects directly into the signal
path
•8 DIRECT OUTPUTS - Allows for the quietest operation by bypassing unused
electronics and sending the channel signal directly to the input of a Multitrack Tape
Machine
2
3
SECTION 1
DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS
TOP PANEL
INPUT TRIM
The INPUT TRIM is a variable gain control that allows the preamp stage of the mixer to boost
the level of a mic or line level signal being fed into the input. The input section of any mixer is
the most critical due to the high gain required to amplify such a low level signal (such as that of a
microphone) to a usable level. If the gain is set too high, a hot signal from a synthesizer or loud
vocalist will cause the input stage to overload and distort. If the gain is set too low, additional
gain must be added at some other point in the mixer (such as the faders) which could cause
excessive background noise at the output.
EQ
The equalizer, or EQ, section consists of simple bass and treble controls similar to that of a
guitar amp or home stereo. EQ allows for any tonal shaping that might be required by a signal.
For the technically minded, these are known as shelving equalizers and have turnover points at
10KHz and 100Hz. This means that the maximum boost or cut begins from 10KHz (and 100Hz
for the low frequency EQ) and maintains this "shelf" or plateau from 10KHz to 20KHz. The
frequencies below 10KHz are also affected, but less and less so as the frequency of the signal
gets further away from 10KHz. See Figure 1
FIGURE 1
HI AND LO SHELVING EQ OF THE 1622 MIXER
SHELF
100Hz10KHz
+15dB
0 dB
-15dB
Frequency
SENDS
SENDS (sometimes called "Auxiliary Sends" or "Aux's") are adjustable feeds from the input
channel that are used to send part of the signal to an outboard effect, like a reverb, delay, or
chorus, or to set up a separate cue (headphone) mix for musicians headphones during recording
and overdubbing. There are two different types of SENDS included in the 1622. These are:
+15dB
0 dB
-15dB
PRE-FADER SENDS
SENDS 1 and 2 are derived from the signal path before the Channel Fader. This means that
movements of the channel fader will have no effect on the amount of signal being sent to any
equipment connected to these SENDS. For this reason, these auxiliary sends are normally used
as cue sends (sends to headphones while recording) because any movement of the channel
4
faders will not upset the headphone balance. Pre-Fader SENDS can also be used to send a
signal to outboard effects as well. See Figure 2A and 2B
FIGURE 2A
PRE-FADER SEND LEVEL FROM THE 1622 MIXER TO EFFECTS DEVICE WITH CHANNEL
FADER UP
PRE-FADER SEND
INPUT
FADER UP
SIGNAL
MASTER
FIGURE 2B
PRE-FADER SEND LEVEL FROM THE 1622 TO EFFECTS DEVICE WITH CHANNEL FADER
B. PRE-FADER SEND
WITH
INSTRUMENT/MIC
PRE-FADER SEND
CHANNEL
FADER
CHANNEL FADER DOWN
EFFECTS DEVICE
TO HEADPHONES
OR EFFECTS
INPUT
LED METER
+3
0VU
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
POST-FADER SENDS
SENDS 3 through 6 are derived from the signal path after the Channel Fader which means that
their levels will be changed in direct relationship to the Channel Fader level. This means that
when the Channel Fader is either increased or decreased, the send level will also be increased
or decreased and the effects (or headphones) would get louder or softer. Since this wouldn't be
too great for a headphone balance, these Post-Fader sends are normally used to send to
outboard effects devices such as reverbs. Unlike most other mixers which may have only 1 or 2
Post-Fader Sends, the 1622 MIXER has a total of 4 Post-Fader Sends. See Figure 3A and 3B
FIGURE 3A
POST-FADER SEND LEVEL FROM THE 1622MIXER TO EFFECTS DEVICE WITH CHANNEL
FADER UP
5
INSTRUMENT/MIC
CHANNEL
FADER
POST-FADER SEND
A. POST-FADER SEND
WITH
CHANNEL FADER UP
INPUT
LED METER
+3
0VU
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
TO HEADPHONES
OR EFFECTS
EFFECTS DEVICE
FIGURE 3B
POST-FADER SEND LEVEL FROM THE 1622MIXER TO EFFECTS DEVICE WITH CHANNEL
FADER DOWN
B. POST-FADER SEND
INSTRUMENT/MIC
CHANNEL FADER DOWN
CHANNEL
FADER
POST-FADER SEND
TO HEADPHONES
OR EFFECTS
INPUT
LED METER
0VU
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
WITH
+3
EFFECTS DEVICE
MASTER ASSIGN SWITCH
Routes the channel signal directly to the MASTER Stereo Buss.
SUB MASTER ASSIGN SWITCH
Routes the channel signal directly to the SUB MASTER.
MUTE SWITCH
Turns the channel off. The MUTE switch does not affect the signal on SENDS1 and 2 but will
mute SENDS 3 through 6.
SOLO SWITCH
6
SOLO disconnects the normal signal feed to the monitor speakers and replaces it with the signal
present at the Channel Fader. When a channel is soloed, the signal will be heard in mono
regardless of the position of the pan pot, and without any effects via the Sends and Returns.
Soloing enables the engineer to hear exactly what is being recorded by eliminating the masking
effects caused by the presence of other signals. When soloed, distortion caused by overloading
or other undesired background noises in an input channel can be heard easily.
SOLO switches can be used at any time without interrupting the signals sent to the headphones
or recorded on tape since the soloed signal is only heard through the Monitor Speakers. By
engaging additional SOLO switches, as many signals as desired can be soloed simultaneously.
PAN POT
The PAN POT places the signal of the channel anywhere in the stereo field between the left and
right channels of the MASTER or SUB MASTERS (or both) depending upon which is assigned.
If the PAN is set all the way to the left, the signal will appear only on the left SUB MASTER or
MASTER fader. If the PAN is set all the way to the right, the signal will appear only on the right
SUB MASTER or MASTER fader.
CHANNEL FADER
The CHANNEL FADER determines the overall volume level of the channel. It is normally best
to keep this FADER at about the 3/4 level for the most headroom and least background noise.
SEND MASTERS 1 through 6
This is the overall master for the corresponding SEND of each channel. Therefore, if the level of
SEND 1 was too hot and causing distortion, the overall level could be trimmed by adjusting
SEND MASTER 1, which would lower the signal without having to individually adjust each
channel SEND.
TAPE/MONITOR SWITCH
When the 1622MIXER is used for recording, this switch will determine what you hear in the
control room monitor speakers. When in the TAPE position, the signal from the Mixdown Tape
Deck will be heard and can be adjusted from the MONITOR VOLUME pot. When in the
MONITOR position, the signal from the console, as adjusted by the MASTER Faders and
MONITOR VOLUME pot, will be heard.
MONITOR DEFEAT SWITCH
This switch will mute the signal going to the control room monitor speakers in the event that it is
necessary to monitor with headphones via the headphone jack. This switch has no effect on the
signals appearing at the MASTER Faders.
MONITOR VOLUME
The MONITOR VOLUME Control adjusts the volume level of the control room monitor speakers
only. When the 1622 is used as a recording console, it is necessary to be able to control the
level of the control room monitor speakers and the MASTER Fader output levels independently.
Without the separate MONITOR VOLUME control, both the control room speakers and the
mixdown tape level would be controlled by the MASTER Faders, which would cause either a
distorted or noisy signal going to tape when the speaker levels were correct, or too loud or soft
speaker levels when the tape machine levels were correct.
EFFECTS RETURNS
The EFFECTS RETURNS are additional inputs (besides the 16 Channel Inputs) especially for
outboard effects such as reverbs, delays, chorus, etc. These inputs eliminate the need to
connect effects to channel inputs and, therefore, keep the input channels available for additional
microphones, synthesizers, etc.
There are 8 EFFECTS RETURNS on the 1622MIXER . RETURNS 1 through 4 each have a
PAN control which allows the the return signal to be placed anywhere in the stereo spectrum
from left to right. RETURNS 5 and 7 are permanently assigned to the Left MASTER Buss, and
RETURNS 6 and 8 are permanently assigned to the Right MASTER Buss.
SUB MASTER FADERS
7
The SUB MASTER Faders can serve several different functions, depending upon the
application. In sound reinforcement or in recording during mixdown, the SUB MASTER Faders
will act as a group master for a number of input channels. For instance, if Input Channels 1
through 8 contained drum mics, and you wanted to control the overall level of the drums with just
one fader, this could be achieved by assigning input channels 1 through 8 to the SUB MASTER
ASSIGN, and then panning each channel either hard left or hard right (for mono). The SUB
MASTERS could also be assigned in stereo by panning the input channels to any point in the
stereo spectrum, in which case the composite signal will appear on both the right and left SUB
MASTER faders. See Section 3.
During recording, the SUB MASTERS can be used to mix several signals together onto a single
track (or two tracks for stereo) by assigning those input channels to the SUB MASTERS and
connecting the SUB OUT jack to the track that you wish to record on. See Section 3.
SUB MASTER TO MASTER ASSIGN SWITCH
This switch routes the signal on the SUB MASTERS to the MASTER Faders.
MASTER FADERS
The Left and Right MASTER Faders control the main output of the console to either the mixdown
deck (in recording) or the sound system (in sound reinforcement).
MAIN STEREO METERS
The main STEREO METERS, each consisting of 7 green, 4 yellow, and 4 red LEDs, show the
relative output levels of the MASTER Faders. The METERS will also show the level of any input
channel that has its SOLO engaged.
SOLO/POWER LEDS
The SOLO LED lights whenever a solo is switched on. The POWER LED lights whenever AC
power is connected to the unit.
BACK PANEL
MIC/LINE INPUTS
Channels 1 through 16 can be accessed via a 1/4" phone jack. Normally, this would be used for
line level signals such as synthesizers or tape machines but it is also possible to feed a
microphone signal into this jack. In 4 or 8 track recording applications, channels 9 through 16
would normally be used for tape returns of tracks 1 through 8, while channels 1 through 8 would
be used for mic or instrument inputs.
MICROPHONE INPUTS
Channels 1 through 8 contain an XLR jack which provides an electronically balanced input
ideally suited for a microphone. This input is overridden should a plug be inserted in thecorresponding Input phone jack (XLR #1 is defeated if a phone plug is inserted in phone jack
#1).
DIRECT OUTPUTS
Channels 1 through 8 contain a DIRECT OUTPUT jack. Each channel routes its own input
signal, after it has been amplified and EQ'd, to the Direct Output jack. This is generally used to
feed a single track of a Multitrack Tape Deck. Because the Direct Output is the path with the
least amount of circuitry and therefore the lowest possible background noise, it is most desirable
to use when recording the signal of only a single channel.
CHANNEL INSERTS
Channels 1 through 16 each contain a stereo jack called an INSERT. This consists of an insert
send (the tip of a stereo phone plug) and insert return (the ring of a stereo phone plug) and is
used to insert an outboard effects device, such as a compressor, EQ, or chorus, directly into the
8
signal path of only that channel. A special cable consisting of a single stereo 1/4" jack on one
end and two mono 1/4" jacks on the other is required. See Section 2 - INSERT INTERFACING
SENDS
These jacks feed the signal from SEND MASTER 1 through 6 to an outboard effects device or
headphone amplifier. SENDS 1 and 2 are derived Pre-Fader while SENDS 3 through 6 are
derived Post-Fader.
RETURNS
The RETURN jacks are especially dedicated to the signals returning from any outboard effects
devices back into the 1622MIXER. RETURNS 1 through 4 are pannable between the Left and
Right MASTER buss. RETURNS 5 and 7 are permanently assigned to the Left MASTER.
RETURNS 6 and 8 are permanently assigned to the Right MASTER.
HEADPHONE
Controlled from the MONITOR VOLUME pot, the HEADPHONE jack provides substantial level
to drive most headphones. It is not affected by the MONITOR DEFEAT switch.
SUB OUT
The outputs of the SUB MASTERS are available for connection to the inputs of a tape machine.
In certain applications, such as video post production, the SUB OUTS may also have a different
mix, such as a mix containing music and effects but minus the dialog, from the one available at
the MAIN OUTPUTS.
SUB INSERT
A ring-tip-sleeve jack that allows insertion of an outboard effects device, such as a compressor
like the Alesis MICRO LIMITER or reverb like a MICROVERB II, into the signal path of the SUB
MASTER.
MAIN OUT
The outputs of the MAIN OUT are available for connection to the inputs of a Mixdown Tape
Machine, sound system, or amplifier.
MAIN OUT LEVEL SELECTOR
This switch selects the proper level for use with either professional or semi-professional
equipment. Select the +4dBV position (switch pressed in) for most sound systems and
professional tape machines. Select the -10dBV position (switch out) for connection to guitar
amplifiers or cassette decks. Generally speaking, use the -10dBV setting if you are connecting
to a device that uses RCA jacks. Use the +4dBV setting for a device that uses XLR inputs. For
a device that uses 1/4" phone jacks, try both settings and choose the one with the lowest
background noise (hiss and hum).
MAIN INSERT
Allows for the insertion of an outboard effects device, such as the Alesis MICRO LIMITER or
the Alesis QUADRAVERB, into the signal path of the MAIN Outputs.
MONITOR OUT
The outputs of the MONITOR OUT are available for connection to the inputs of the amplifier for
the control room monitor speakers. The level is controlled by the MONITOR VOLUME pot.
TAPE INPUT
For connection of the output of a mixdown deck during recording. This will allow you to hear the
playback of your mix without repatching.
POWER SUPPLY CONNECTOR
Connection for Alesis 1622 power supply.
9
ON/OFF SWITCH
Turns power on or off to the 1622. This should always be the first device turned on in the system
and the last device turned off.
SIGNAL FLOW IN THE 1622
To help you better understand the way that the 1622 operates, the following is a Signal Flow
Diagram of the complete signal path of the 1622.
FIGURE 4
1622 SIGNAL FLOW
10
Input
Input Trim
EQ Section
Channel Insert
MuteSolo
Input Fader
Aux Sends 1 - 2
(Pre-Fader Sends)
Aux Sends 3 - 6
(Post - Fader Sends)
to Solo Buss
Assign Switch
(Channel)
Sub Outs 1 -2
From
Mixdown
Deck
Tape/Line
Monitor
Switch
To
Headphone
Jack
Left/Right Pan
Control
Sub Inserts 1 - 2
Sub Faders 1 - 2
Submaster to
Master Assign
Switch
Control
Room
Monitor
Volume
Monitor
Outputs
(L - R)
Direct Out
(Channels 1 - 8)
Master Assign Switch (Channel)Submaster
Master Faders (L - R)
Master Outs (L - R)
Aux Returns 1 - 4
(Pannable)
Aux Returns 5 - 8
(Hardwired L - R)
Master Inserts (L - R)
Now, using the above Signal Flow Diagram, let's see what happens to a vocal as it goes from the
input of a channel all the way to tape.
Starting at the top of the diagram, the signal from the mic enters the console through the
channel's XLR Input jack. (As you'll remember, channels 1-8 have XLR jacks in addition to their
unbalanced line ins. It is important to note that anything plugged into the line in jacks on
11
channels 1-8 will defeat the XLR jack for that channel). The signal is then boosted by the Input
Trim to a level that the board can deal with easily. Now, you can adjust the tone of the singer's
voice with the EQ Section, perhaps boosting the presence range a bit, or rolling off the low end
to compensate for close miking. After you've done this, you can grab the signal via Aux Sends1 - 2 and send it out of the first two Send jacks. Since these are Pre-Fader sends, the level of the
signal going out of these jacks will not be affected when the input fader's level is adjusted.
Because of this, they're perfect for setting up a cue mix, allowing the singer to hear the optimum
blend of vocals, instruments, and effects.
Next comes the Channel Insert. This is a combination Send/Return accessed via the stereo
Insert jack. Since the jack contains both the send and return, a special cable must be used, with
the tip being used as the Send and the ring as the Return. Using the Channel Insert, we can
smooth out the level of the vocal with a MICRO LIMITER before it goes to tape.
After the signal passes through the Input Fader, it can be sent out the other Send jacks via AuxSends 3 - 6. Since these sends are taken from a point after the Input Fader, the level of the
signal going out of them will be affected when you adjust the Input Fader. These sends are more
suited to outboard effects like reverb, flanging, or delay. Later, when we mix down, we'll use
these sends to set up a cool blend of QUADRAVERB and MICROVERB II to accentuate the
performance.
Channels 1-8 each feature a Direct Out, which is generally used to feed a multitrack tape
machine. The signal that is sent out of this jack is taken from the same point as the Post-Fader
Sends. The vocal will then be sent through a Left/Right Pan Control, which determines its
position in the stereo field relative to all of the other instruments and effects. We'll use this to set
the vocal just a little off to the left of dead center in the mix, with the vocal effects panned a little
right to make the vocal sound big and spacious. Then, depending on how the Submaster and
Master Assign Switches are set, the vocal channel's signal is grouped with signal from other
channels and sent to the submaster buss, the master buss, or both.
First off, let's say the Submaster Assign Switch is enabled. Before the vocal and the other
instrument signals get to the faders that will determine their overall level, you have a chance to
send them out of the board, effect them as a group, and return them back into the SubMaster
buss using either of the Sub Inserts. We could use these to run all of the instruments through a
single reverb for overall ambience. These inserts work along the same lines as the Channel
Inserts. The only difference is that an effect inserted at this point will effect all of the channels
that have been assigned to SubMaster 1 or 2 (depending on which insert you are using). Next,
you'll set the overall level of the combined (and effected) signals with Sub Faders 1 - 2, and the
signal will then be sent out of the jacks marked Sub Outs 1-2.
Depending on how you're using the SubMaster busses, you may or may not want the grouped
Sub signals to be routed into the Master buss. You can determine whether or not this will happen
by enabling or disabling the SubMaster to Master Assign Switch.
Backing up a bit, let's say that our vocal channel's Master Assign Switch (just after the Pan
Control) is enabled. These grouped signals will be sent through an insert/fader/output jack
system similar to the one found on the SubMaster, but first they will be mixed with the aux
returns. Aux Returns 1-4 are mono returns pannable to any point in the stereo field. This is
where we'll control the level and panning of the QUADRAVERB/MICROVERB II effects blend on
the vocal during mixdown. You can use one as a mono return, or you can group together two as
a stereo return by panning them hard left and right. Aux Returns 5-8 are hardwired left and right
as shown, providing two more pairs of stereo returns.
Next on the flow chart are the Master Inserts. These work the same as the Sub Inserts, but
since the SubMasters feed into a point before the Master Inserts, any effect that is inserted into
the Master Inserts will also effect the signal coming from the SubMasters (as long as the
SubMaster to Master Assign switch is enabled).
Next are the Master Faders and Master Outs. The Faders set the overall level of the grouped
signals in the Master buss, which are then sent to the Master Out jacks. This is where we'll do the
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