Alesis MULTIMIX USB2.0 User Manual
Reference Manual
This page intentionally left blank
10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Table Of Contents
Introduction..........................................................5
Welcome!......................................................................................................5
About the MultiMix USB2.0.............................................. 6
All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio
Interface .......................................................................................................6
MultiMix USB2.0 Key Features................................................................ 6
How to Use This Manual ...................................................8
A Few Words for Beginners.............................................. 9
Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0 ...................................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 – 8).....................................................................14
PHONE Jack...............................................................................................14
AUX RETURNS........................................................................................ 14
AUX SENDS.............................................................................................. 14
2-TRACK.....................................................................................................14
MAIN MIX OUT....................................................................................... 14
CTRL RM OUT .........................................................................................14
Channel Strips ....................................................................15
Level Control...............................................................................................15
PAN or BAL................................................................................................ 15
PEAK LED.................................................................................................15
Aux................................................................................................................ 15
EQ.................................................................................................................16
Master Section.....................................................................16
Main Mix...................................................................................................... 16
2TK To Mix.................................................................................................16
2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch ............................................................... 16
MIX TO CTRL ROOM Switch...............................................................16
HDPH / CTRL RM...................................................................................17
AUX RETURN A LEVEL.......................................................................17
EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL......................................................... 17
LED Meters................................................................................................. 17
POWER Indicator...................................................................................... 17
+48V Indicator ...........................................................................................17
Rear of the Mixer................................................................18
Power Input................................................................................................. 18
Power Supply Unit......................................................................................18
Power On..................................................................................................... 18
Phantom On................................................................................................ 18
USB2.0 port................................................................................................. 18
1
Table Of Contents
Chapter Three: Digital Effects
Processor ...............................................................19
Effects Section Components ............................................19
Program Selection Knob ...........................................................................19
LED Display................................................................................................19
CLIP Indicator ............................................................................................ 19
SIG Indicator ..............................................................................................19
Effect Descriptions.............................................................19
HALL ...........................................................................................................19
ROOM .........................................................................................................19
PLATE......................................................................................................... 19
CHAMBER .................................................................................................19
CHORUS.....................................................................................................20
FLANGE..................................................................................................... 20
DELAY........................................................................................................20
PITCH.......................................................................................................... 20
MULTI & MULTI II..................................................................................20
Chapter Four: Traditional Mixing...................21
Simple Live Setup...............................................................21
Using Additional External Audio Sources....................21
Simple Two-Channel Recording Setup
(without using a computer)..............................................22
2
Chapter Five: Firewire Recording ..................23
First-time connection and driver
installation instructions ...................................................23
Installing the optional applications............................... 24
Power-on/Power off order ................................................24
USB2.0 inputs and outputs...............................................25
Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computer............................... 25
Channels returned from the computer to the MultiMix ....................... 25
Sound setup under Windows ...........................................26
Disabling Windows System Sounds................................ 28
Connections and settings for USB2.0
recording and monitoring ................................................29
Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Cubase and
other ASIO applications....................................................29
Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device......................................... 30
Creating a new audio file ...........................................................................33
Working with the Alesis USB2.0 control
panel ...................................................................................... 37
Accessing the control panel.......................................................................37
Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Sonar and
other WDM applications ...................................................38
Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device......................................... 38
Assigning inputs to audio tracks...............................................................41
Table Of Contents
Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with CoreAudio
on the Macintosh ................................................................42
Chapter Six: Troubleshooting:
Hardware...............................................................43
Chapter Seven: Troubleshooting:
Software.................................................................47
Computer or audio application does not see
the MultiMix USB2.0 .......................................................... 47
Basic troubleshooting................................................................................. 47
Audio playback or recording is at the wrong
speed...................................................................................... 47
Audio playback or recording stutters or
drops out...............................................................................47
Audio echoes during recording....................................... 47
Chapter Eight: Specifications...........................49
Computer Requirements ..................................................50
Chapter Nine: Block Diagrams.........................51
Glossary .................................................................53
3
Contact ...................................................................56
Alesis Contact Information.......................................................................56
Trademarks .................................................................................................. 56
Table Of Contents
This page intentionally left blank
4
Introduction
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix USB2.0 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 USB2.0 mixer
online at:
http://www.alesis.com/
index.php?registration
5
Introduction
About the MultiMix USB2.0
The MultiMix USB2.0 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, the MultiMix FireWire mixers in 2005, and the iMultiMix8
USB-with-iPod mixer in 2007).
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, 96kHz 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 USB2.0 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 dedicated control room output.
The MultiMix USB2.0 is also a 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 USB2.0 offers endless
possibilities.
Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a
folder on your desktop or insert the software DVD into your
computer’s DVD drive
MultiMix USB2.0 Key Features
y Two Models:
MultiMix 8 USB2.0 (4 mic/line preamps, 2 stereo inputs)
MultiMix 16 USB2.0 (8 mic/line preamps, 4 stereo inputs)
y Multichannel USB2.0 input and output – routes each
individual channel’s output, plus the MAIN outputs,
through the USB2.0 port, and receives two channels back
BEFORE
your computer for the first time.
See page 23 for details.
you plug your MultiMix into
6
Introduction
from the computer, all in 24-bit, 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz
digital audio.
y ASIO and WDM computer drivers – lets you use the
MultiMix USB2.0 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. 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.
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.
7
Introduction
H
vsmp
asa
Th
v
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-USB2.0 based recording.
Chapter 5: USB2.0 Recording orients you to the MultiMix’s powerful
USB2.0 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
USB2.0 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
.
9
Introduction
This page intentionally left blank.
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 23 for details.
Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0
This diagram will help you get the MultiMix USB2.0 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 USB 2.0 cable to connect one of the USB 2.0 ports
to a computer.
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 USB2.0
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 or a
ribbon microphone of any
kind. 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 Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0
Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 8)
Unlike channels 1 – 4, the line inputs on channels 5 – 8 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 – 8 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.
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.
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.
2-TRACK
The 2-TRACK IN and OUT jacks are standard RCA jacks. You’ll
use the OUTs for mixing to a tape deck or other recorder. With
the INs you can bring in a signal, which can be monitored and
even added to the main mix via the 2TK TO MIX switch in the
master section of the mixer.
The 2-TRACK INPUT is blended with any signal coming back
from a computer over the USB2.0 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.
14
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0
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 – 8 are stereo. Each channel strip contains the following
components.
Level Control
The level control knob controls how much of the signal from the
mic or line inputs is sent to the channel. To adjust the level, simply
turn the knob to the desired level. In the leftmost position, levels
are cut completely, and in the rightmost position you get an
additional 10dB of gain.
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.
PEAK LED
This indicator lets you know when the channel’s signal is clipping.
This light plays an important role in setting channel levels by
helping you know when to reduce the channel’s gain.
Aux
Here you’ll find knobs that control the levels of aux sends A and
B. AUX A is pre-fader, which means that the AUX A send is
affected only by the EQ and HPF settings. A pre-fader send 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 post-fader, which means that the AUX B send is
affected by the fader (or level control knob in this instance), EQ
and HPF settings. A post-fader send is generally used for sending
the signal to an external effects device (so that the fader controls
the signal level). 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.
2
15
2
A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0
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 75 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.
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
The signals from all channels and aux sends are sent to the main
mix. The MAIN MIX level control is the one you’ll use to control
the overall level of those combined signals. This knob affects the
levels of the signals sent to the MAIN MIX OUT and the 2TRACK OUT. In its leftmost position the signal is cut off
completely, and in the rightmost position you get an additional
10dB of gain.
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.).
2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch
When you engage this switch, the signal coming in from the 2TRACK jacks is routed to the headphones and to the control
room output. The control room output level is controlled by the
HDPH / CTRL RM level control.
MIX TO CTRL ROOM Switch
When you engage this switch, the MAIN MIX signal is routed to
the headphones and to the control room output. The control
room output level is controlled by the HDPH / CTRL RM level
control.
16
Loading...