Alesis iMultiMix 8 USB User Manual
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.............................................. 6
Chapter 1: Getting Started ................................7
Hooking up the iMultiMix 8 USB....................................7
Using Proper Cables ..........................................................8
Setting Levels ...................................................................... 8
Chapter Two: A Tour of the MultiMix.............9
Patchbay...............................................................................9
Mic Inputs (Channels 1 – 4)...................................................................... 9
Line Inputs (Channels 1 – 4).....................................................................9
Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 8).....................................................................10
PHONE Jack...............................................................................................10
AUX RETURNS........................................................................................ 10
AUX SENDS.............................................................................................. 10
2-TRACK.....................................................................................................10
MAIN MIX OUT....................................................................................... 10
CTRL RM OUT .........................................................................................10
Channel Strips ....................................................................11
Level Control...............................................................................................11
PAN or BAL................................................................................................ 11
PEAK LED................................................................................................. 11
Aux................................................................................................................ 11
EQ.................................................................................................................12
Master Section.....................................................................12
Main Mix...................................................................................................... 12
/ 2TK / iPod To Mix.....................................................................12
/ 2TK / iPod To Ctrl Room.........................................................12
Mix To Ctrl Room ...................................................................................... 12
HDPH / CTRL RM...................................................................................13
AUX RETURN A LEVEL.......................................................................13
EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL......................................................... 13
LED Meters................................................................................................. 13
POWER Indicator...................................................................................... 13
+48V Indicator ...........................................................................................13
iPod Section................................................................................................. 14
iPod Playback Level.................................................................................... 14
Backlight....................................................................................................... 14
LED Meters................................................................................................. 14
iPod Record Level....................................................................................... 14
Limiter .......................................................................................................... 14
iPod control buttons...................................................................................14
Jog Wheel.....................................................................................................14
1
Table Of Contents
Rear of the Mixer................................................................ 15
Power Input................................................................................................. 15
Power Supply Unit......................................................................................15
Power On..................................................................................................... 15
Phantom On................................................................................................ 15
USB port ......................................................................................................15
Chapter Three: Digital Effects
Processor ...............................................................17
Effects Section Components ............................................17
Program Selection Knob ...........................................................................17
LED Display................................................................................................17
CLIP Indicator ............................................................................................ 17
SIG Indicator ..............................................................................................17
Effect Descriptions.............................................................17
HALL ...........................................................................................................17
ROOM .........................................................................................................17
PLATE......................................................................................................... 17
CHAMBER .................................................................................................17
CHORUS.....................................................................................................18
FLANGE..................................................................................................... 18
DELAY........................................................................................................18
PITCH.......................................................................................................... 18
MULTI & MULTI 2...................................................................................18
2
Chapter Four: Applications...............................19
Simple Recording Setup ...................................................19
Recording to iPod............................................................... 19
Simple Live Setup...............................................................20
Using Additional External Audio Sources....................20
Using the Multimix USB with a Computer...................20
Sending and Receiving Audio Data..........................................................21
Precautions when using the USB connection.........................................21
Connection instructions for Windows (XP, 2000, ME,
and 98 Second Edition) .............................................................................21
Connection instructions for Macintosh (OS X only)............................ 21
Chapter Five: Troubleshooting ........................23
Chapter Six: Specifications ...............................27
Chapter Seven: Block Diagram ........................29
Glossary .................................................................31
Warranty/Contact Alesis ....................................33
Alesis Limited Warranty............................................................................. 33
Alesis Contact Information.......................................................................34
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. 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.
Sincerely,
The people of Alesis
For more effective service
and product update notices,
please register your
iMultiMix 8 USB online at:
http://www.alesis.com/
index.php?registration
3
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. 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 iMultiMix 8 USB 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. Not to mention the built-in iPod® dock for recording
and playing back directly from your iPod. And with a multitude of
ways in which to connect other equipment and instruments, the
iMultiMix 8 USB offers endless possibilities.
iMultiMix 8 USB Key Features
4 microphone/line inputs with up to 50dB of preamp gain – gives a
boost to microphones and instruments with weak levels.
Switchable guitar inputs on channels 1 & 2 – these high-impedance
inputs are specifically designed for electric guitars and basses.
2 stereo line inputs – great for line-level instruments
Integrated iPod dock – allows you to record your mix directly to your
iPod.
iPod Limiter – ensures that your iPod recordings are always clean, crisp
and never distorted.
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.
3-band EQ per channel – a potent tool for sonically shaping each
channel to get that perfect mix.
1 pre-fader aux send per channel – gives you control over the level of
the pre-fader signal being routed to an external device.
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.
Control room output level – provides control over the separate control
room output
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.
Stereo USB input and output – routes the main ouput and the 2-
track return through the USB port in crystal-clean, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz
stereo digital audio. Use the Multimix USB as a high-quality soundcard
for recording and playback with Windows and Macintosh computers.
External power supply
® iPod is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc., registered in the U.S.A. and other countries.
4
Introduction
H
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. We’ve
included a hookup diagram, guidelines for which cables to use and
the vital steps you must take to set levels properly.
Chapter 2: A Tour of the iMultiMix describes the iMultiMix 8 USB
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 iMultiMix 8 USB, 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.
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 iMultiMix 8 USB’s
warranty.
elpful tips and advice are
highlighted in a shaded box
like this.
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 iMultiMix 8
USB.
5
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.
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.
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 7, 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.
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.
6
B
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.
e sure to follow the
guidelines for which cables to
use (further down this page)
and the procedure for setting
levels (on the next page)
before you begin mixing.
7
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. Do
not use a USB hub, as hubs can introduce timing glitches in
USB communication.
Setting Levels
Before you can begin mixing different audio sources with your
iMultiMix, you must set the level for each channel you’re using.
This helps to prevent distortion and clipping. The idea is to get the
strongest signal possible without clipping. Here’s how:
1. Turn the channel level control to the 12:00 position.
2. Turn the AUX SEND and GAIN controls all the way down,
and turn the EQ knobs to the center detent (you’ll feel a click).
3. Connect the source of the signal to the channel’s input.
4. Play the instrument at a normal level and adjust the channel’s
gain slowly until the PEAK LED lights.
5. Slowly reduce the channel’s gain until the PEAK LED no
longer lights when you play.
6. If you need to apply EQ, do so and check the PEAK LED to
make sure it still does not light as you play.
8
A
A
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. In the
following paragraphs, we tell you all about the inputs, outputs,
switches and knobs you see in this section of the mixer.
Mic Inputs (Channels 1 – 4)
The iMultiMix uses standard XLR-type mic inputs. These provide
+48V phantom power that you can turn on and off with the
Phantom On switch located on the rear of the mixer. You
probably will have to turn on the phantom power when you’re
using most condenser mics, as these usually require the extra
voltage (unless the mic has its own power source, such as a
battery). Dynamic mics don’t require phantom power and are
unaffected when the power is on.
These high-quality mic inputs also feature up to 50dB of preamp
gain that you can adjust with the Gain knob.
Another useful feature of mic inputs 3 & 4 is a high-pass filter
(HPF) that can be turned on and off with the HPF switch. When
you activate this switch, all frequencies below 75Hz are cut from
the signal. This is useful for mic or line signals that don’t have
much bottom end, such as vocals, snares, cymbals and electric
guitar. You’ll want to leave this inactivated for instruments like
basses and kick drums.
Line Inputs (Channels 1 – 4)
The line inputs, marked LINE IN, are balanced 1/4” jacks that
offer the same 50dB of preamp gain and the high-pass filter
provided by the mic inputs (however, phantom power does not
apply to line inputs). These inputs accept line-level instruments
such as keyboards and drum machines. If you find that your
instrument has a weak line signal, just plug it into channels 1 – 4
and crank it up with the Gain knob.
You will also notice that channels 1 & 2 feature a Mic/Line |
Guitar switch. These two inputs can be used as switchable highimpedance inputs, specifically designed for plugging electric guitars
and basses directly into the mixer.
lthough chances are your
microphones will work fine
with these mic inputs, we
recommend that you do some
checking up on the type of
microphone you’re using,
especially if it’s one of the
older vintage models. Verify
that your microphone
requires phantom power and
make sure its output is low
impedance, balanced and
floating.
lways connect your
microphones before
activating phantom power.
Microphones tend to be very
sensitive, and the sudden
power surge can do
permanent damage to the
mic’s circuitry. It’s also a
good idea to lower mixer
levels before you activate
phantom power.
9
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