Tour of the iMultiMix USB, Patchbay | Alesis iMultiMix 8 USB

2A Tour of the iMultiMix USB

In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the iMultiMix’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 iMultiMix 8 USB, you’ll find the patchbay. This is where you plug in instruments, signal processors, multitrack recorders and other devices. 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 iMultiMix 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 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 mic inputs 3 & 4 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.

You will also notice that channels 1 & 2 feature a Mic/Line Guitar switch. These two inputs can be used as switchable high- impedance inputs, specifically designed for plugging electric guitars and basses directly into the mixer.

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. 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.

iMultiMix 8 USB specifications

The Alesis iMultiMix 8 USB is a compact yet powerful audio mixer designed for both musicians and content creators who seek versatile functionality and high-quality sound. This 8-channel mixer is particularly notable for its seamless integration with digital audio workstations (DAWs) and its ability to work with various audio sources.

One of the standout features of the Alesis iMultiMix 8 USB is its multi-channel USB audio interface functionality. This allows users to connect the mixer directly to a computer, enabling multitrack recording and playback. With its USB support, the iMultiMix can serve as the heart of a home recording studio, making it an attractive option for both budding artists and seasoned professionals who require a portable mixing solution.

The mixer is equipped with eight input channels, which include four XLR/TRS combo inputs for microphones and line-level sources, and four additional line inputs. Each channel features a 3-band EQ and a level control, empowering users to shape their sound precisely. The presence of phantom power makes it compatible with condenser microphones, expanding usability in various recording scenarios.

Another significant aspect of the iMultiMix 8 USB is its built-in digital effects, which come in handy for enhancing vocal performances and instrument sounds. Users can apply reverb, delay, and other effects in real-time, providing creative flexibility during recording and live performances. The mixer is also designed for easy operation, with intuitive controls and a straightforward layout that caters to both novices and audio experts.

Furthermore, the Alesis iMultiMix 8 USB features a robust and durable construction, ensuring longevity and reliability for extensive use, whether in the studio or at live events. The dedicated headphone output provides a convenient monitoring option, allowing users to hear what they are mixing or recording without latency.

Overall, the Alesis iMultiMix 8 USB stands out with its blend of practical features, flexible connectivity, and quality sound processing. Ideal for musicians seeking a compact mixer or content creators in need of reliable audio input solutions, the iMultiMix 8 USB is engineered to meet the demands of modern audio production and performance, making it a valuable tool for anyone in the industry.