Alesis 12 FireWire, 16 FireWire, 12, 16 manual Channel Strips, Fader, Mute / Alt 3/4

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A Tour of the MultiMix FireWire 2

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 self- explanatory: 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

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Contents Reference Manual Page Table Of Contents Table Of Contents Accessing the Asio control panel This page intentionally left blank Welcome IntroductionAll-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface About the MultiMix FireWireMultiMix FireWire Key Features Introduction Multichannel Firewire Ieee 1394a input and outputHow to Use This Manual Few Words for Beginners This page intentionally left blank Getting Started Hooking up the MultiMix FireWireGetting Started Using Proper CablesSetting Levels Patchbay Tour of the MultiMix FireWireMic Inputs Channels 1 Line Inputs Channels 1Line Inputs Channels 5 Tour of the MultiMix FireWirePdif Digital Output Jack Phone JackMute / Alt 3/4 Channel StripsFader Aux PAN or BALMaster Section ALT 3/4 Switch MIX Switch2TK Switch Aux Ret a LevelLED Meters Power Indicator+48V Indicator Rear of the Mixer Effect Descriptions Digital Effects ProcessorEffects Section Components Chorus Digital Effects ProcessorUsing Additional External Audio Sources Simple Live SetupTraditional Mixing Pdif digital output to a digital recorderTraditional Mixing First-time connection instructions and driver installation Firewire RecordingInstalling the optional applications Firewire RecordingPower-on/Power off order Power-on sequenceChannels returned from the computer to the MultiMix Firewire inputs and outputsChannels sent from the MultiMix to the computer Sound setup under Windows Firewire Recording Disabling Windows System Sounds TK to MIX Leave UP Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Choose the menu option Devices Device Setup…Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Creating a new audio file Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Setting the mixer nickname Accessing the Asio control panelSetting the master device Working with the Asio control panelAdjusting the sample rate Adjusting latency by changing the buffer sizeChoose the menu Options Audio… Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Assigning inputs to audio tracks Using the MultiMix FireWire with CoreAudio on the Macintosh Cause Troubleshooting non-FirewireEffects / AUX RET B Troubleshooting non-FirewireLED meters not working Computer does not see the MultiMix This page intentionally left blank Advanced troubleshooting under Windows Troubleshooting FirewireBasic troubleshooting Troubleshooting Firewire Audio echoes during recording Audio playback or recording is at the wrong speedAudio playback or recording stutters or drops out This page intentionally left blank Input Channels SpecificationsMechanicals L x H SpecificationsBlock Diagrams Block Diagrams Term GlossaryContact Information Glossary Trademarks Alesis Contact Information

12 FireWire, 16 FireWire, 12, 16 specifications

The Alesis 12 FireWire and 16 FireWire mixers are innovative audio solutions designed for musicians, podcasters, and audio engineers looking to integrate seamless digital recording capabilities into their workflow. These mixers are equipped with FireWire technology, allowing for high-speed data transfer to computers, which is essential for real-time audio production and recording.

One of the standout features of the Alesis 12 FireWire mixer is its 12-channel configuration, allowing users to connect multiple audio sources, including microphones, instruments, and other audio devices. Each channel is equipped with a 3-band EQ, gain control, pan, and a selectable effect send, providing flexibility for sound shaping. The 16 FireWire model expands upon this, offering 16 channels to accommodate even larger setups for more complex audio routing and mixing scenarios.

Both models feature built-in FireWire interfaces that enable direct recording to a computer without the need for external converters. This integration simplifies the recording process and makes it easier for users to capture high-quality audio in a digital environment. The FireWire connection provides low latency, ensuring that performers can monitor their sound in real-time without noticeable delay.

In terms of build quality, the Alesis mixers are constructed with durability in mind. They feature robust controls, a solid chassis, and a user-friendly layout. This practicality makes them suitable for both studio and live environments, where reliability and ease of use are crucial.

In addition to the essential mixing capabilities, both models support various effects through their built-in processing. The 12 and 16 FireWire mixers come with several onboard effects such as reverb and delay, allowing users to enhance their audio without needing additional outboard gear.

Furthermore, these mixers support phantom power, enabling the use of condenser microphones that require additional power to operate. This feature is particularly advantageous for recording studios and live sound applications.

Overall, the Alesis 12 and 16 FireWire mixers are powerful tools that cater to the needs of modern audio professionals. Their integration of FireWire technology, extensive channel options, built-in effects processing, and user-friendly design make them an excellent choice for anyone looking to elevate their audio production capabilities. Whether you are working in a studio or performing live, these mixers deliver the quality and versatility needed to achieve outstanding sound.