Alesis 16 Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0, Patchbay, Mic Inputs Channels 1, Line Inputs Channels 1

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2A 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 – 8)

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 – 8)

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 – 8 and crank it up with the Gain knob.

Although 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.

Always 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.

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Contents Reference Manual Page Table Of Contents Table Of Contents Chapter Nine Block Diagrams Glossary Contact Chapter Eight SpecificationsTable Of Contents Welcome IntroductionMultiMix USB2.0 Key Features About the MultiMix USB2.0All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface Introduction Additional Features of the MultiMix USB2.0How to Use This Manual Few Words for Beginners This page intentionally left blank Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0 Getting StartedUsing Proper Cables Setting LevelsGetting Started Line Inputs Channels 1 Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0Patchbay Mic Inputs Channels 1Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0 Line Inputs Channels 9Phone Jack PAN or BAL Channel StripsFader Mute / Alt 3/4Aux Master SectionMain Mix Fader Alt 3/4 To Mix Solo ModeAlt 3/4 Fader 2TK To MixAux Ret a Level MIX SwitchALT 3/4 Switch 2TK SwitchPower Indicator +48V IndicatorLED Meters Rear of the Mixer Digital Effects Processor Effects Section ComponentsEffect Descriptions Chorus Digital Effects ProcessorSimple Live Setup Using Additional External Audio SourcesTraditional Mixing Traditional Mixing Simple Two-Channel Recording Setup without using a computerUSB2.0 Recording First-time connection and driver installation instructionsInstalling the optional applications Power-on/Power off orderUSB2.0 Recording USB2.0 inputs and outputs Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computerChannels returned from the computer to the MultiMix Sound setup under Windows USB2.0 Recording Disabling Windows System Sounds Connections and settings for USB2.0 recording and monitoring Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Choose the menu option Devices Device Setup…USB2.0 Recording USB2.0 Recording Creating a new audio file USB2.0 Recording USB2.0 Recording USB2.0 Recording Working with the Alesis USB2.0 control panel Accessing the control panelChoose the menu Options Audio… USB2.0 Recording USB2.0 Recording Assigning inputs to audio tracks Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with CoreAudio on the Macintosh Cause Troubleshooting non-USB2.0Effects / AUX RET B Troubleshooting non-USB2.0LED meters not working Computer does not see the MultiMix This page intentionally left blank Audio playback or recording stutters or drops out Troubleshooting USB2.0Basic troubleshooting Audio playback or recording is at the wrong speedTroubleshooting USB2.0 Input Channels SpecificationsComputer Requirements SpecificationsBlock Diagrams Block Diagrams Term GlossaryPage Glossary Trademarks Alesis Contact Information