Alesis 8FX User Manual
Reference Manual
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Table Of Contents
Introduction.....................................................................3
Welcome!......................................................................................................3
About the MultiMix-8FX................................................................4
MultiMix-8FX Key Features ..................................................................... 4
How to Use This Manual.................................................................5
A Few Words for Beginners ...........................................................6
Important Safety Instructions........................................7
Important Safety Instructions (English)........................................7
Safety symbols used in this product......................................................... 7
Please follow these precautions when using this product:.................... 7
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French).............................9
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit.............................................................9
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l’utilisation de
l’appareil: ......................................................................................................9
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise
(German)..........................................................................................11
Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt.................................11
Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn dieses
Produkt verwendet wird: ...........................................................................11
CE Declaration Of Conformity ...................................................... 13
FCC Compliance Statement ........................................................... 13
Chapter 1: Getting Started.............................................15
Hooking up the MultiMix-8FX.......................................................15
Using Proper Cables........................................................................15
Setting Levels...................................................................................16
Chapter Two: A Tour of the MultiMix..........................17
Patchbay........................................................................................... 17
Mic Inputs (Channels 1 – 4)...................................................................... 17
Line Inputs (Channels 1 – 4).....................................................................17
Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 8).....................................................................18
PHONE Jack...............................................................................................18
AUX RETURNS........................................................................................ 18
AUX SENDS.............................................................................................. 18
2-TRACK.....................................................................................................18
MAIN MIX OUT....................................................................................... 18
CTRL RM OUT .........................................................................................18
Channel Strips ................................................................................. 19
Level Control...............................................................................................19
PAN or BAL................................................................................................ 19
PEAK LED.................................................................................................19
Aux................................................................................................................ 19
EQ.................................................................................................................20
Master Section .................................................................................20
Main Mix...................................................................................................... 20
2TK To Mix................................................................................................. 20
1
Table Of Contents
HDPH / CTRL RM...................................................................................20
2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch ............................................................... 21
AUX RETURN A LEVEL.......................................................................21
EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL......................................................... 21
LED Meters................................................................................................. 21
POWER Indicator...................................................................................... 21
+48V Indicator ...........................................................................................21
Rear of the Mixer ............................................................................21
Power Input................................................................................................. 21
Power Supply Unit......................................................................................22
Power On..................................................................................................... 22
Phantom On................................................................................................ 22
Chapter Three: Digital Effects Processor ..................... 23
Effects Section Components ...........................................................23
Program Selection Knob ...........................................................................23
LED Display................................................................................................23
CLIP Indicator ............................................................................................ 23
SIG Indicator ..............................................................................................23
Effect Descriptions ..........................................................................23
HALL ...........................................................................................................23
ROOM .........................................................................................................23
PLATE......................................................................................................... 23
CHAMBER .................................................................................................23
CHORUS.....................................................................................................24
FLANGE..................................................................................................... 24
DELAY........................................................................................................24
PITCH.......................................................................................................... 24
MULTI & MULTI II..................................................................................24
2
Chapter Four: Applications ...........................................25
Simple Recording Setup..................................................................25
Simple Live Setup............................................................................ 25
Using Additional External Audio Sources.....................................25
Importing Music Into Your Computer..........................................25
Chapter Five: Troubleshooting......................................27
Chapter Six: Specifications ............................................ 31
Chapter Seven: Block Diagram ..................................... 33
Glossary ...........................................................................35
Warranty/Contact Alesis................................................ 37
Alesis Limited Warranty............................................................................. 37
Alesis Contact Information.......................................................................38
Introduction
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix-8FX 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. After all, there's no point in making
equipment with all kinds of capabilities if no one explains how to
use them. So, we try to write our manuals as carefully as we build
our products.
The goal of this manual is to get you the information you need as
quickly as possible, with a minimum of hassle. We hope we've
achieved that. If not, please drop us an email and give us your
suggestions on how we could improve future editions of this
manual.
We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative
enjoyment and help you achieve your musical goals.
For more effective
service and product
update notices, please
register your
MultiMix-8FX online
at:
http://www.alesis.com/
support/warranty.htm
Sincerely,
The people of Alesis
3
Introduction
About the MultiMix-8FX
The MultiMix-8FX 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. Just take a look at the key
features listed below, and you’ll see that you have just made an
incredible addition to your home studio or live setup.
The MultiMix-8FX gives you just about everything you need to
create polished, professional-sounding mixes When designing this
unit, our goal was to give you as much control over your mixes as
possible without requiring a wealth of extra equipment. That’s why
we added tools like the digital effects processor and the mic
preamps. And with a multitude of ways in which to connect other
equipment and instruments, the MultiMix-8FX offers endless
possibilities.
MultiMix-8FX Key Features
y
4 microphone/line inputs with up to 50dB of preamp
gain – gives a boost to microphones and instruments with
weak levels.
y
2 stereo line inputs – great for line-level instruments
y
Internal digital effects processor with 100 preset effects
and an easy-to-read display – includes a variety of reverbs,
delays, choruses, flanges, a pitch transposer and combinations
of these.
y
3-band EQ per channel – a potent tool for sonically
shaping each channel to get that perfect mix.
y
1 pre-fader aux send per channel – gives you control over
the level of the pre-fader signal being routed to an external
device.
y
1 post-fader aux send/effects send per channel – a
control for the signal being routed to another external device
or to the onboard effects processor.
y
Control room output level – provides control over the
separate control room output
y
2-track send and return – lets you mix your audio to tape or
other media and to add a tape deck or CD player to the mix
y
External power supply
4
Introduction
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following sections describing the
various functions and applications for the MultiMix-8FX. 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 MultiMix8FX in your audio setup for recording and live applications. We’ve
included a hookup diagram, guidelines for which cables to use and
the vital steps you must take to set levels properly.
Helpful tips and advice are
highlighted in a shaded box
like this.
Chapter 2: A Tour of the MultiMix describes the MultiMix-8FX piece
by piece. This chapter also features diagrams of the mixer to help
you find each component as you read about it.
Chapter 3: Digital Effects Processor explains the effects provided by
the on-board digital effects processor. If you want to know what a
certain effect will do to your sound before you select it, this is
where you should look.
Chapter 4: Applications outlines a number of scenarios in which
you can use the MultiMix-8FX, including some tips on what
goes where when you’re hooking everything up.
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting can give you a hand if you’re experiencing
problems with your mixer. You’ll find that most issues can be
resolved simply and quickly with the push of a button.
When something important
appears in the manual, an
exclamation mark (like the
one shown at left) will appear
with some explanatory text.
This symbol indicates that
this information is vital when
operating the MultiMix-8FX.
Chapter 6: Specifications and Chapter 7: Block Diagram are full of
technical information for the more advanced users.
And at the end of this manual you’ll see a glossary of common
mixing-related terms and a page about the MultiMix-8FX’s
warranty.
5
Introduction
A Few Words for Beginners
We realize that some of you who have purchased the MultiMix8FX are fairly new to the art of mixing, and we’ve written this
manual with that in mind. We also designed the MultiMix-8FX to
be both powerful and easy enough to use that even a beginner can
quickly pick up the basics.
Many mixer manuals—and manuals for just about any electronic
instrument for that matter—are full of complicated terminology
and incomplete instructions that presume a lot of experience on
the part of the reader. We try to avoid that with this manual. True
enough, you will find all the technical lingo and specifications you
can handle in here, but we do our best to make this accessible to
you.
One of the most important
things you’ll do before you
begin a mixing session is to
set the levels. Be sure to refer
to the instructions on page
16.
Beginners will find several elements of this manual especially
useful. Keep your eye out for the tips found in the gray boxes on
the right side of the page. Be sure to check out the hookup
diagrams on page 15, which will give you some ideas on how to fit
the mixer into your audio setup after you’ve taken a tour of the
mixer in Chapter 2. And if you come across any terms that you
haven’t seen before, the glossary probably can help you out.
6
Important Safety
Instructions
Important Safety Instructions (English)
Safety symbols used in this product
operating and maintenance instructions in the literature
accompanying this unit.
the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock.
Please follow these precautions when using this
product:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the
This symbol alerts the user that there are important
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within
This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain
onto the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls
or cause a dangerous condition.
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
manufacturer.
Continued next page
7
Important Safety Instructions
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. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a
well-ventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from
peripheral equipment.
16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and
headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound
levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not
operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a
level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss
or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.
17. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not
place objects filled with liquids (flower vases, soft drink cans,
coffee cups) on the apparatus.
18. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
8
Important Safety Instructions
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French)
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit
de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation
jointe avec ce produit.
tension non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des
chocs électriques.
sur les raccordements de sorties, représentant un risque
d'électrocution.
Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions
Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une
Ce symbole prévient l'utilisateur de la présence de tensions
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l’utilisation
de l’appareil:
1. Lisez ces instructions.
2. Gardez ces instructions.
3. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements.
4. Suivez toutes les instructions.
5. N’utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l’eau.
6. Ne nettoyez qu’avec un chiffon humide. Il est potentiellement
dangereux d'utiliser des pulvérisateurs ou nettoyants liquides
sur cet appareil.
7. Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur.
8. Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme
radiateurs, cuisinière ou autre appareils (don’t les
amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur.
9. Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise
murale avec terre deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la
terre. Cette dernière est présente pour votre sécurité. Si le
cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant,
demandez à un électricien qualifié de remplacer la prise.
10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en
particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de
l’appareil.
11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur.
Suite de la page suivante
9
Important Safety Instructions
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. Une réparation est
nécessaire lorsque l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte
que ce soit, par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise
sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont
introduits dans l’appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à
l’humidité, ne fonctionne pas normalement ou est tombé.
15. Puisque son fonctionement normale génère de la chaleur,
placez cet appareil au moins 15cm. des équipments
péripheriques et assurez que l’emplacement permet la
circulation de l’air.
16. Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des
enceintes, est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant
engendrer une perte permanente de l’ouïe. Ne l’utilisez pas
pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau
non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l’ouïe ou un
bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste.
17. N'exposez pas l'appareil à l'égoutture ou à l'éclaboussement.
Ne placez pas les objets remplis de liquides (vases à fleur,
boîtes de boisson non alcoolique, tasses de café) sur l'appareil.
18. AVERTISSEMENT: Pour réduire le risque du feu ou de
décharge électrique, n'exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à
l'humidité.
10
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