Alesis 12, 16, 12 FireWire, 16 FireWire manual PAN or BAL, Aux

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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 BAL

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.

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Contents Reference Manual Page Table Of Contents Table Of Contents Accessing the Asio control panel This page intentionally left blank Introduction WelcomeAbout the MultiMix FireWire MultiMix FireWire Key FeaturesAll-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface Multichannel Firewire Ieee 1394a input and output IntroductionHow to Use This Manual Few Words for Beginners This page intentionally left blank Hooking up the MultiMix FireWire Getting StartedUsing Proper Cables Setting LevelsGetting Started Mic Inputs Channels 1 Tour of the MultiMix FireWirePatchbay Line Inputs Channels 1Pdif Digital Output Jack Tour of the MultiMix FireWireLine Inputs Channels 5 Phone JackChannel Strips FaderMute / Alt 3/4 PAN or BAL AuxMaster Section 2TK Switch MIX SwitchALT 3/4 Switch Aux Ret a LevelPower Indicator +48V IndicatorLED Meters Rear of the Mixer Digital Effects Processor Effects Section ComponentsEffect Descriptions Digital Effects Processor ChorusTraditional Mixing Simple Live SetupUsing Additional External Audio Sources Pdif digital output to a digital recorderTraditional Mixing Firewire Recording First-time connection instructions and driver installationPower-on/Power off order Firewire RecordingInstalling the optional applications Power-on sequenceFirewire inputs and outputs Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computerChannels returned from the computer to the MultiMix Sound setup under Windows Firewire Recording Disabling Windows System Sounds TK to MIX Leave UP Choose the menu option Devices Device Setup… Choosing the MultiMix as your audio deviceFirewire Recording Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Creating a new audio file Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Setting the master device Accessing the Asio control panelSetting the mixer nickname Working with the Asio control panelAdjusting latency by changing the buffer size Adjusting the sample rateChoose the menu Options Audio… Firewire Recording Firewire Recording Assigning inputs to audio tracks Using the MultiMix FireWire with CoreAudio on the Macintosh Troubleshooting non-Firewire CauseTroubleshooting non-Firewire Effects / AUX RET BLED meters not working Computer does not see the MultiMix This page intentionally left blank Troubleshooting Firewire Basic troubleshootingAdvanced troubleshooting under Windows Troubleshooting Firewire Audio playback or recording is at the wrong speed Audio playback or recording stutters or drops outAudio echoes during recording This page intentionally left blank Specifications Input ChannelsSpecifications Mechanicals L x HBlock Diagrams Block Diagrams Glossary TermContact Information Glossary Alesis Contact Information Trademarks

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.
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