Channel Strips, Level Control, PAN or BAL

A Tour of the iMultiMix USB 2

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 – 8 are stereo. Each channel strip contains the following components.

Level Control

The level control knob controls how much of the signal from the mic or line inputs is sent to the channel. To adjust the level, simply turn the knob to the desired level. In the leftmost position, levels are cut completely, and in the rightmost position you get an additional 10dB of gain.

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.

PEAK LED

This indicator lets you know when the channel’s signal is clipping. This light plays an important role in setting channel levels by helping you know when to reduce the channel’s gain.

Aux

Here you’ll find knobs that control the levels of aux sends A and B. AUX A is pre-fader, which means that the AUX A send is affected only by the EQ and HPF settings. A pre-fader send 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 post-fader, which means that the AUX B send is affected by the fader (or level control knob in this instance), EQ and HPF settings. A post-fader send is generally used for sending the signal to an external effects device (so that the fader controls the signal level). 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.

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.