ALESIS MultiMix 12 FireWire User Manual

Reference Manual
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Table Of Contents
Introduction..........................................................5
Welcome!......................................................................................................5
About the MultiMix FireWire...........................................6
All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio
Interface .......................................................................................................6
MultiMix FireWire Key Features.............................................................. 6
Additional Features of the MultiMix 12 FireWire and
MultiMix 16 FireWire................................................................................. 7
How to Use This Manual ...................................................8
A Few Words for Beginners.............................................. 9
Hooking up the MultiMix FireWire................................11
Using Proper Cables ..........................................................12
Setting Levels ...................................................................... 12
Chapter Two: A Tour of the MultiMix.............13
Patchbay...............................................................................13
Mic Inputs (Channels 1 – 4)...................................................................... 13
Line Inputs (Channels 1 – 4).....................................................................13
Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 12) .................................................................. 14
S/PDIF Digital Output Jack..................................................................... 14
PHONE Jack...............................................................................................14
AUX RETURNS........................................................................................ 14
AUX SENDS.............................................................................................. 14
ALT 3/4 OUT ............................................................................................ 14
2-TRACK.....................................................................................................14
MAIN MIX OUT....................................................................................... 15
CTRL RM OUT .........................................................................................15
Channel Strips ....................................................................15
Fader............................................................................................................. 15
MUTE / Alt 3/4.........................................................................................15
PFL / SOLO...............................................................................................15
PAN or BAL................................................................................................ 16
Aux................................................................................................................ 16
EQ.................................................................................................................16
Master Section.....................................................................17
Main Mix Fader........................................................................................... 17
Alt 3/4 Fader............................................................................................... 17
2TK To Mix.................................................................................................17
Alt 3/4 To Mix............................................................................................ 17
Solo Mode.................................................................................................... 17
HDPH / CTRL RM...................................................................................18
MIX Switch..................................................................................................18
ALT 3/4 Switch.......................................................................................... 18
2TK Switch.................................................................................................. 18
Aux Ret A Level..........................................................................................18
Effects / Aux Ret B level ..........................................................................18
LED Meters................................................................................................. 19
POWER Indicator...................................................................................... 19
Table Of Contents
+48V Indicator ...........................................................................................19
Rear of the Mixer................................................................20
Power Input................................................................................................. 20
Power Supply Unit......................................................................................20
Power On..................................................................................................... 20
Phantom On................................................................................................ 20
Firewire ports ..............................................................................................20
Chapter Three: Digital Effects
Processor ...............................................................21
Effects Section Components ............................................21
Program Selection Knob ...........................................................................21
LED Display................................................................................................21
CLIP Indicator ............................................................................................ 21
SIG Indicator ..............................................................................................21
Effect Descriptions.............................................................21
HALL ...........................................................................................................21
ROOM .........................................................................................................21
PLATE......................................................................................................... 21
CHAMBER .................................................................................................21
CHORUS.....................................................................................................22
FLANGE..................................................................................................... 22
DELAY........................................................................................................22
PITCH.......................................................................................................... 22
MULTI & MULTI II..................................................................................22
2
Chapter Four: Traditional Mixing...................23
Simple Live Setup...............................................................23
Using Additional External Audio Sources....................23
S/PDIF digital output to a digital recorder.................. 23
Chapter Five: Firewire Recording ..................25
First-time connection instructions.................................25
and driver installation ......................................................25
Installing the optional applications............................... 26
Power-on/Power off order ................................................26
Power-on sequence..................................................................................... 26
Power-off sequence.................................................................................... 26
Firewire inputs and outputs............................................27
Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computer............................... 27
Channels returned from the computer to the MultiMix ....................... 27
Sound setup under Windows ...........................................28
Disabling Windows System Sounds................................ 30
Connections and settings for Firewire
recording and monitoring ................................................31
Using the MultiMix FireWire with Cubase
and other ASIO applications............................................31
Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device......................................... 32
Table Of Contents
Creating a new audio file ...........................................................................36
Working with the ASIO control panel............................40
Accessing the ASIO control panel........................................................... 40
Setting the mixer nickname....................................................................... 40
Setting the master device........................................................................... 40
Adjusting latency by changing the buffer size........................................ 41
Adjusting the sample rate .......................................................................... 41
Using the MultiMix FireWire with Sonar
and other WDM applications ...........................................42
Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device......................................... 42
Assigning inputs to audio tracks...............................................................45
Using the MultiMix FireWire with
CoreAudio on the Macintosh ...........................................46
Chapter Six: Troubleshooting: non-
Firewire .................................................................47
Chapter Seven: Troubleshooting:
Firewire .................................................................51
Computer or audio application does not see
the MultiMix FireWire....................................................... 51
Basic troubleshooting................................................................................. 51
Advanced troubleshooting under Windows ...........................................51
Audio playback or recording is at the wrong
speed...................................................................................... 53
Audio playback or recording stutters or
drops out...............................................................................53
Audio echoes during recording....................................... 53
Chapter Eight: Specifications...........................55
Chapter Nine: Block Diagram...........................57
Glossary .................................................................59
Contact ...................................................................62
Alesis Contact Information.......................................................................62
Trademarks .................................................................................................. 62
Table Of Contents
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4
Introduction
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix FireWire 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 MultiMix FireWire mixer online at:
http://www.alesis.com/ index.php?registration
Introduction
About the MultiMix FireWire
The MultiMix FireWire mixers are the latest in the large family of Alesis audio mixers and the second series that includes computer interfacing (following on the launch of the MultiMix USB mixers in 2004).
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 with analog performance this powerful for such an affordable price, and the addition of multichannel computer audio interfacing would have been a pipe dream. 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.
All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface
The MultiMix FireWire consoles give you just about everything you need to create polished, professional-sounding mixes both live and within a computer-based recording studio. 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, the mic preamps, and the S/PDIF digital output (12- and 16-channel models only).
The MultiMix FireWire is also a full-duplex, multichannel computer recording interface device. Not only can you record every channel independently, but you can also record the MAIN mix channels. To get you started with computer-based recording, we even include a well-specified Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software program. With a multitude of ways in which to connect other equipment and instruments, the MultiMix FireWire offers endless possibilities.
Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a folder on your desktop or insert the software CD into your computer’s
CD drive
MultiMix FireWire Key Features
y Three Models:
BEFORE
MultiMix 8 FireWire (4 mic/line preamps, 2 stereo inputs) MultiMix 12 FireWire (4 mic/line preamps, 4 stereo
inputs) MultiMix 16 FireWire (8 mic/line preamps, 4 stereo inputs)
you plug your MultiMix into your computer
for the first time.
See page 25 for details.
6
Introduction
y Multichannel Firewire (IEEE 1394a) input and output
– routes each individual channel’s output, plus the MAIN outputs, through the FIREWIRE port, and receives two channels back from the computer, all in 24-bit, 44.1/48 kHz digital audio.
y ASIO and WDM computer drivers – lets you use the
MultiMix FireWire with the vast majority of digital audio workstation programs.
y Clean and powerful preamps – up to 50dB of preamp
gain for capturing quiet sources. Globally switched phantom power.
y Stereo inputs – Two stereo pairs for the MultiMix 8
FireWire. Four stereo pairs for the 12- and 16-channel versions. 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 multiple combinations of these.
y 3-band EQ per channel – a potent tool for sonically
shaping each channel to get that perfect mix.
y 2 aux sends per channel – one can be used to access an
external effects device; the other can be used either to access the MultiMix’s internal effects or to access a second external device. On the 12-channel and 16-channel MultiMix FireWires, the first aux send can be switched between either pre- or post-fader operation.
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.
Additional Features of the MultiMix 12 FireWire and MultiMix 16 FireWire
y PFL/Solo in place functionality per channel – isolates a
channel with a single push of a button.
y Mute/Alt 3/4 assign per channel – lets you mute a
channel and, at the same time, route its signal to the mixer’s ALT 3/4 output—a separate stereo bus.
y Independent Main Mix and Alt 3/4 levels – permits you
to separately command the levels of the MultiMix’s two stereo buses
y S/PDIF digital out – sends the 24-bit, digital stereo signal
directly to a DAT, DVD or other recording device that can accept a S/PDIF signal.
Introduction
H
vsmp
asaThv
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following sections describing the various functions and applications of 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, computer interfacing, 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 MultiMix describes the MultiMix 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: Traditional Mixing outlines a number of scenarios in which you can use the MultiMix for live mixing and simple, non-Firewire based recording.
Chapter 5: Firewire Recording orients you to the MultiMix’s powerful Firewire recording features, including software installation and setup with common DAW programs.
Chapter 6: 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 7: Specifications and Chapter 8: Block Diagrams are full of technical information for the more techie users.
And at the end of this manual you’ll see a glossary of common mixing-related terms.
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 MultiMix consoles.
8
Introduction
n
r
0
A Few Words for Beginners
We realize that some of you who have purchased the MultiMix FireWire are fairly new to the art of mixing and computer recording. 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.
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 11, 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 be for e yo u begin a mixing session is to set the levels. Be sure to refer to the instructions on page 2
.
Introduction
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10
B
1 Getting Started
Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a folder on your desktop or insert the software CD into your computer’s
CD drive
BEFORE
you plug your MultiMix into your computer
See page 25 for details.
Hooking up the MultiMix FireWire
This diagram will help you get the MultiMix FireWire 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.
for the first time.
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.
11
1
Getting Started
Using Proper Cables
When connecting instruments and other equipment to the MultiMix, it’s important that you use the appropriate types of cables. Here are some simple but important guidelines:
y For the mic inputs, use XLR cables. y For the line inputs and all other 1/4” connections, use 1/4”
mono TRS cables.
y Use stereo RCA cables for the 2-track in and out. y Use a Firewire (IEEE 1394a) cable to connect one of the
Firewire ports to a computer.
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.
Setting Levels
Before you can begin mixing and recording different audio sources with your MultiMix, you must set the level for each channel you’re using. This helps to prevent distortion and clipping. Here’s how:
1. Slide the channel fader to unity gain (0).
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. Press the PFL / SOLO switch on the channel.
5. Make sure the SOLO MODE switch in the master section is set to SOLO.
6. Play the instrument at a normal level and watch the LED meters in the master section.
7. Adjust the channel’s GAIN knob until the LED meters remain at or very close to 0.
8. If you need to apply EQ, do so and check the meters again.
12
A
A
2 A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire
In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the MultiMix’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. Whatever you need to connect to the mixer, this is where it’s done. 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 MultiMix 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 and ribbon 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 these mic inputs 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.
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 ac tiv ate phantom power.
13
2
I
A
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire
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. These inputs are also good for connecting CD players or tape decks, as these audio sources don’t require extra gain.
S/PDIF Digital Output Jack
The digital output jack is used to send the stereo audio signal to an Alesis Masterlink or any other recording device such as a DAT recorder or a PC with an S/PDIF enabled sound card installed.
Always use a high quality cable when connecting the DIGITAL OUTPUT JACK to your recording device. We recommend that you use a cable that is specifically designed to carry a digital signal and does not exceed 5 meters (16.4 ft) in length.
PHONE Jack
The headphone jack accepts 1/4” jacks. If your headphones are 1/8”, you can find a 1/8” to 1/4” adapter in most electronics stores.
AUX RETURNS
These are the 1/4” jacks where you connect the outputs of an external effects processor or other audio source. Each aux return gives you 15dB of gain that can be controlled by the AUX RET A and EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL knobs in the mixer’s output section.
ny audio signal that is routed to the MAIN OUTPUTS will also be sent out of the DIGITAL OUTPUT jack. The level is controlled by the MAIN FADERS. The DIGITAL OUTPUT mirrors the output from the MAIN OUTPUTS.
The S/PDIF output operates by default at 44.1kHz. However, if the mixer is being used with a computer and the sample rate on the computer is set to 48kHz, the S/PDIF digital output will operate at 48kHz as well.
f you are using an effe cts device with only a mono output, plug it into the left return of STEREO AUX RETURN. It will appear in the center of the stereo spectrum, and not to the left.
AUX SENDS
And this is the 1/4” jack where you connect the cable that’s going into the input of an external effects processor. The aux sends give you 10dB of gain that can be controlled in the AUX section of each channel input.
ALT 3/4 OUT
These jacks are the outputs for the MultiMix’s extra stereo bus. This signal includes channels whose MUTE / ALT 3/4 switch is activated.
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
14
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire
even added to the main mix via the 2TK TO MIX switch in the master section of the mixer.
The 2-TRACK INPUT is blended with any signal coming back from a computer over the Firewire connection.
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.
CTRL RM OUT
You can use these 1/4" jacks to send the control room signal to the input of the amplifier driving your monitors or headphones. This output can carry several different signals, depending on which source you have selected in the master section of the mixer.
Channel Strips
The eight channel strips are virtually identical to each other, with the only difference being that channels 1 – 4 are mono and channels 5 – 12 are stereo. Each channel strip contains the following components.
Fader
The fader controls how much of the signal from the mic or line inputs is sent to the channel. To adjust the level, simply slide the fader up and down to the desired level. In the lowest position, levels are cut completely, and in the uppermost position you get an additional 10dB of gain. When the fader is at 0, it is at unity gain, where the level of the output equals the level of the input.
MUTE / Alt 3/4
This switch has two purposes. The mute function is pretty self­explanatory: when you press the switch, the channel’s output is no longer routed to the main mix output. The second purpose of this switch is that in addition to muting a channel, it also routes it to the ALT 3/4 OUT found in the patchbay. This is where you get the MultiMix’s extra stereo bus. If you don’t have anything connected to the ALT 3/4 OUT, the switch acts only as a mute button. If you do have something connected—say, a multitrack recorder—this button acts as a signal router.
PFL / SOLO
The PFL / SOLO switch allows you to single out a channel so you can make adjustments to it before you run it into the main mix. This is useful for setting an instrument’s gain or EQ and for troubleshooting. PFL stands for “pre-fade listen.” In other words
2
15
2
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire
this switch lets you hear the signal before it is affected by the fader. This switch is post-EQ.
PAN or B AL
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. The pan controls do this by adjusting the amount of the signal being sent to the left main mix bus versus the right main mix bus. The balance controls do it by controlling the relative balance of the left and right channel signals being sent to the left and right main mix buses.
Aux
Here you’ll find knobs that control the levels of aux sends A and B. AUX A is either pre-fader or post-fader, depending on the position of the PRE / POST switch. When the switch is in the raised position, the aux send is pre-fader. When the switch is depressed, the aux send is post-fader.
What does all this mean? In POST mode the aux send is affected by the fader, EQ and HPF settings. In PRE mode the aux send is affected only by the EQ and HPF settings. POST mode is generally used for sending the signal to an external effects device (so that the fader controls the signal level), and PRE mode is usually used for cue sends (for example, sending a signal to headphones while recording, for which you may not want the fader to alter the channel’s level).
AUX B is always post-fader, as indicated by the word “POST” to the right of this knob. Like AUX A, AUX B can be used for routing signals to external devices. And when you are using the onboard effects processor, AUX B is used to control the level of the channel’s signal being routed to the processor.
EQ
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 80 Hz and 12 kHz respectively. The MID control has a peaking response fixed at 2.5 kHz.
“Shelving” means that the mixer boosts or cuts all frequencies past the specified frequency. “Peaking” means that frequencies above and below the specified frequency fall off, forming a peak in a graphical representation.
16
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire
T
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. In its lowest position the signal is cut off completely, and in the uppermost position you get an additional 10dB of gain. In the 0 position the fader is at unity gain.
Alt 3/4 Fader
This fader controls the output of the Alt 3/4 bus.
2TK To Mix
When you press this switch, the signal coming in through the 2­TRACK IN gets routed to the MAIN MIX, joining whichever other signals are already part of the main mix. Used this way, the 2-TRACK IN effectively becomes another stereo channel (but without all the extras like pan, EQ, etc.).
The 2-TRACK IN signal combines both whatever is plugged into the 2-TRACK RCA jacks and also any audio coming back to the computer over Firewire.
Alt 3/4 To Mix
This switch adds the signal from the Alt 3/4 bus to the main mix bus.
Solo Mode
The SOLO MODE switch affects the signals of channels whose PFL / SOLO switches are engaged. When the SOLO MODE switch is in the up position, you’re in PFL, or pre-fader listen mode. This means that you’ll hear the signals of all soloed channels as they sound before they pass through their respective faders. You’ll need to be in PFL mode when you’re setting levels (see “Setting Channel Levels,” page 12. This mode is post-EQ.
When the SOLO MODE switch is engaged (in the down position), you are in SOLO mode. This means that you will hear the output of every soloed channel (after it passes through its fader, pan and EQ).
2
he purpose of seeing a soloed channel’s level on the LED meters is so that you can see the true level of that channel’s signal. For that reason, the HDPH / CTRL RM knob does not change the LED meters’ reading—it changes only the level at which you’re listening to the soloed channel.
17
2
A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire
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 no switches are selected, you’ll hear silence in the control room mix and the LED meters won’t light up.
The “CTRL RM” in the name of this knob refers to the fact that it controls the signal that typically is sent to the control room monitors of a studio, where someone—usually an engineer—is working the mixer. However, don’t be intimidated if you’re using this mixer in your bedroom, which probably isn’t equipped with a control room. In this scenario, you can use headphones or connect the CTRL RM OUT to your speakers.
When you solo a channel via its PFL / SOLO switch, that channel’s signal will override your control room mix selection. You then will hear only that channel in the control room and the headphones.
MIX Switch
Pressing the MIX switch routes the main mix to the control room level control. When you engage this switch, the channels and aux sends will pass through the MAIN MIX fader and then through the HDPH / CTRL RM level control. You can then keep the MAIN MIX fader set to unity gain for optimal recording, and the HDPH / CTRL RM level control set to a more comfortable listening level if necessary.
ALT 3/4 Switch
When you press the ALT 3/4 switch, the signal from the ALT 3/4 stereo mix bus is routed through the HDPH / CTRL RM level control.
2TK Switch
If you want to monitor the signal coming in from the 2-TRACK jacks and from the computer (if a Firewire cable is attached), press the 2TK switch.
Aux Ret A Level
This is the level control for the signal returning to the mixer via AUX RETURN A.
Effects / Aux Ret B level
If you are using one of the MultiMix’s internal effects, this knob controls the effect level. If AUX SEND B is connected to an external device, this knob controls the level for AUX RETURN B.
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