Alesis USB2.0 - Manual

Introduction 8 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 tab...

Introduction 9 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 beginne...

1 Getting Started 11 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 for the first time. See page 23 for details. Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0 This diag...

1 Getting Started 12 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” connect...

2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 13 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 ...

2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 14 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 e...

A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 2 15 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 mo...

2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 16 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. Th...

A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 2 17 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 “CTRL RM” in the name of this knob refers to the fact that it controls the si...

2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 18 Rear of the Mixer Here’s what you’ll find at the rear of the mixer. Power Input Here’s where you plug in your mixer’s external power supply. You should always connect your power supply to the mixer before you plug the power supply into an electrical outlet. Power S...

3 Digital Effects Processor 19 Onboard your MultiMix USB2.0 is a powerful effects unit that has 100 preset programs. We offer a few tips on where to use these, but don’t limit yourself to our suggestions. We recommend that you experiment with these effects to get a good feel for how they can improve...

3 Digital Effects Processor 20 CHORUS These create the effect of multiple voices (or instruments) sounding at once from a single input. FLANGE These create a sweeping, swooshing sound effect that you will probably recognize. DELAY These effects are based on a discreet repetition or echo of the input...

4 Traditional Mixing 21 Your MultiMix 8 USB2.0 can be used in a wide variety of ways in both live and recording applications. You have several options for bringing sound into and out of the board. And when it’s brought in, you can route it to various parts of the mixer for certain desired effects, o...

4 Traditional Mixing 22 Simple Two-Channel Recording Setup (without using a computer) Again, connect your instruments and microphones to the mono and stereo channels and set the levels appropriately. To record directly from the mixer to a tape deck or other device, connect the MultiMix 8 USB2.0’s 2-...

5 USB2.0 Recording 24 Installing the optional applications The software DVD that comes with the MultiMix USB2.0 contains not only the drivers (the small computer programs that work behind the scenes so that your MultiMix works properly with your computer) but also some powerful music applications . ...

USB2.0 Recording 5 25 USB2.0 inputs and outputs Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computer The USB2.0 port sends every individual mixer channel as well as the MultiMix’s MAIN OUT/2-TRACK OUT left and right signals to the computer. This means that, for the MultiMix 8 USB2.0, 8 individual channel...

5 USB2.0 Recording 26 Sound setup under Windows To use your MultiMix USB2.0 as your default Windows sound device, follow these steps: 1. From the Windows Start menu, choose “Control Panel.” Depending on your Windows preferences, it will appear similar to one of the two pictures below: 2. Choose “Sou...

5 USB2.0 Recording 28 Disabling Windows System Sounds Windows System Sounds—the sounds that Windows plays to signal starting up, shutting down, alerts and so forth—can interfere with your audio recording. We strongly suggest that you disable these sounds. 1. Click the “Sounds” tab of “Sounds and Aud...

USB2.0 Recording 5 29 Connections and settings for USB2.0 recording and monitoring The best way to begin using the MultiMix for USB2.0 recording is to set up your system this way: 1. Hook up your monitoring system to the MultiMix’s CTRL RM OUT jacks. 2. Apply the MASTER section’s buttons as follows:...

5 USB2.0 Recording 30 Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device 1. Choose the menu option “Devices” | “Device Setup….” 2. Click the “VST Multitrack” option. This discussion uses Steinberg’s Cubase software, but the principles provided here apply to all ASIO recording software.

USB2.0 Recording 5 33 Creating a new audio file Now, you’re ready to create an audio project. 1. Choose “File” | “New Project…” 2. You can begin with a template or an empty file. For now, begin with an empty file.

USB2.0 Recording 5 41 Assigning inputs to audio tracks Now, you’re ready to assign the MultiMix’s inputs to various channels. For each audio track that you want to record, click on the input section of the track and select the MultiMix channel that you want. Record-enable the tracks to be recorded (...

6 Troubleshooting: Hardware 43 If you’re having problems operating the MultiMix, this troubleshooting index will help you correct them. Symptoms Cause Solution No sound from the mixer. Mixer is not plugged in or turned on. Plug in mixer and turn it on. Faders are too low. Raise appropriate faders. C...

6 Troubleshooting: Hardware 44 Audio signal carries an unwanted hum. Too much low-level noise in the mix. Engage the channel’s high-pass filter by pressing the HPF switch. Interference from appliances such as air conditioners. Engage the channel’s high-pass filter by pressing the HPF switch. Not usi...

7 Troubleshooting: Software 47 Computer or audio application does not see the MultiMix USB2.0 Basic troubleshooting First, check that the MultiMix is seen by the computer: Open the Alesis control panel and check that Windows sees the device as attached. No connection If “MultiMix Audio” does not app...

7 Troubleshooting: Software 48 This page intentionally left blank.

8 Specifications 49 For the more technical-minded, here are some detailed specifications for the MultiMix’s operating levels. Input Channels Mic In Sensitivity Range: -60dBu to –10dBu nominal, +5dBu maximum Line In Sensitivity Range: -40dBu to -+10dBu nominal, +25dBu maximum Mic/Line Gain Range: +10...

8 Specifications 50 Computer Requirements Minimum PC Requirements: • Pentium 4, 2.4GHz Processor (or equivalent) • 512 MB RAM • Available USB2.0 Port • Windows XP (with Service Pack 2 or higher installed) Minimum Macintosh Requirements: • G4 with native USB2.0 support • Mac OS X version 10.4 or late...

Glossary 53 Here are the definitions to some terms you’ll probably encounter while using your MultiMix USB2.0. Term Definition ASIO Audio Stream Input/Output. An audio protocol developed by Steinberg and used by multiple audio software manufacturers. aux (auxiliary) An additional set of outputs and ...

Contact Information 56 Alesis Contact Information Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: [email protected] Web site: http://www.alesis.com MultiMix USB2.0 Reference Manual Revision B by Edwin Erdmann, Brooks Bruner, and Fred Morgenstern. Copyright 2005-2007, Alesis Distribution, LLC. ...