Alesis MultiMix12USB Reference Manual Download

Page: 16 / 42

A Tour of the MultiMix USB

In this chapter, you’ll learn all about the MulitMix’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 Multimix, you’ll find the

patchbay. This is where you plug in instruments, signal processors,

multitrack recorders and other devices. Whatever you need to

connect to the mixer, this is where it’s done. 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 MultiMix 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 and ribbon 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 these mic inputs 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.

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.

A Tour of the MultiMix USB

Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 12)

Unlike channels 1 – 4, the line inputs on channels 5 – 12 are stereo

inputs that have left and right inputs. If you’re using one of these

channels as a mono input, plug your instrument into the left input.

Channels 5 – 12 don’t have the extra gain found on channels 1 – 4

because most line-level instruments don’t require the extra boost.

Synthesizers and other electronic instruments will work especially

well on these channels. These inputs are also good for connecting

CD players or tape decks, as these audio sources don’t require

extra gain.

Digital Output Jack

The digital output jack is used to send the 44.1 kHz stereo audio

signal to an Alesis Masterlink or any other recording device such as

a DAT recorder or a PC with an S/PDIF enabled sound card

installed.

Always use a high quality cable when connecting the DIGITAL

OUTPUT JACK to your recording device. We recommend that

you use a cable that is specifically designed to carry a digital signal

and does not exceed 5 meters (16.4 ft) in length.

PHONE Jack

The headphone jack accepts 1/4” jacks. If your headphones are

1/8”, you can find a 1/8” to 1/4” adapter in most electronics

stores.

AUX RETURNS

These are the 1/4” jacks where you connect the outputs of an

external effects processor or other audio source. Each aux return

gives you 15dB of gain that can be controlled by the AUX RET A

and EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL knobs in the mixer’s

output section.

AUX SENDS

And this is the 1/4” jack where you connect the line that’s going

into the input of an external effects processor. The aux sends give

you 10dB of gain that can be controlled in the AUX section of

each channel input.

ALT 3/4 OUT

These jacks are the outputs for the MultiMix’s extra stereo bus.

This signal includes channels whose MUTE / ALT 3/4 switch is

activated.

If you are using an effects
device with only a mono
output, plug it into the left
return of STEREO AUX
RETURN. It will appear in
the center of the stereo
spectrum, and not to the left.

Any audio signal that is
routed to the MAIN
OUTPUTS will also be sent
out of the DIGITAL OUTPUT
jack. The level is controlled
by the MAIN FADERS. The
DIGITAL OUTPUT mirrors
the output from the MAIN
OUTPUTS.