IPod Section, IPod Playback Level, Limiter

2 A Tour of the iMultiMix USB

iPod Section

The iPod section contains the controls for your iPod. With the iMultiMix you can not only play content from your iPod, but you can also record your mix directly to it. Please note that not all iPod models are compatible for playback and recording from the iMultiMix – check the compatibility chart on page 20 for more information.

iPod Playback Level

This knob controls the audio playback level of your iPod.

Backlight

Pressing this button turns your iPod’s backlight on for 30 seconds, if it is off.

LED Meters

These meters monitor the level of the input signal sent to your iPod. This is the signal that your iPod will record. The meters show the signal after the Limiter, if it has been engaged.

iPod Record Level

This knob adjusts the gain of the input signal sent to your iPod. Aim to adjust this control such that the level going to the iPod (as shown on the iPod LED meters) is consistently yellow (or higher if you don’t mind some intermittent distortion). This will allow for maximum recording resolution with a minimum of distortion or unpleasant Limiter artifacts.

Limiter

This button engages the stereo Limiter. Since there is no way to adjust the level of your mix once it has been recorded to your iPod, it is important that the recording is loud, but still clear and undistorted, before entering your iPod. The Limiter feature prevents the audio signal sent to your iPod from clipping, thereby allowing you to boost up the recording level without worrying too much about distortion. However, it is still possible to overdrive the Limiter circuit with too hot of a signal, resulting in an unpleasant “pumping” sound or, at the extreme, distorted recording. It is important that you avoid this by listening to the iPod Rec Monitor signal and adjusting the iPod RECORD LEVEL knob so the recording is loud, yet still retains a good dynamic range.

iPod control buttons

These buttons are used for your iPod’s navigation controls. They work just the same as they do on your iPod. You will notice that there is an additional control here which does not appear on your iPod – the REC MODE button. When you press this button, your iPod will enter the recording menu. To begin recording, press the ENTER button while in the recording menu. The red LED above the REC MODE button will illuminate while recording.

Jog Wheel

The jog wheel works as your iPod’s touchwheel control.

The recording feature will record the stereo audio signal from the Main Mix directly to your iPod.

While it’s connected to the iMultiMix, your iPod will charge automatically except when it is recording. By default, charging is disabled during recording. This is because charging while recording may introduce low level noise into your recordings.

If your battery is getting low while recording, or if you plan to record very long sessions, press and hold << and >> for about one second while recording to toggle charging on. Press and hold << and >> again to disable charging at any time while recording.

If you listen carefully to your recordings made with 5th generation video iPods, you may hear some low-level chirping sounds. These sounds are made by the iPod’s spinning hard drive. These sounds mostly exist outside of the audio spectrum of your hearing.

Flash-based iPod Nanos do not exhibit this noise.

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.