Reference Manual
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Table Of Contents

Introduction...5
Welcome!.... 5 About the MultiMix USB2.0...6 All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface... 6 MultiMix USB2.0 Key Features... 6 How to Use This Manual...8 A Few Words for Beginners...9 Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0..11 Using Proper Cables...12 Setting Levels...12 Patchbay...13 Mic Inputs (Channels 1 4)... 13 Line Inputs (Channels 1 4)... 13 Line Inputs (Channels 5 8)... 14 PHONE Jack.... 14 AUX RETURNS... 14 AUX SENDS.... 14 2-TRACK.... 14 MAIN MIX OUT.... 14 CTRL RM OUT.... 14 Channel Strips...15 Level Control.... 15 PAN or BAL... 15 PEAK LED.... 15 Aux.... 15 EQ..... 16 Master Section...16 Main Mix.... 16 2TK To Mix.... 16 2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch... 16 MIX TO CTRL ROOM Switch... 16 HDPH / CTRL RM... 17 AUX RETURN A LEVEL... 17 EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL.. 17 LED Meters.... 17 POWER Indicator... 17 +48V Indicator... 17 Rear of the Mixer...18 Power Input.... 18 Power Supply Unit... 18 Power On.... 18 Phantom On... 18 USB2.0 port.... 18
Chapter Two: A Tour of the MultiMix.13
Chapter Three: Digital Effects Processor...19
Effects Section Components..19 Program Selection Knob... 19 LED Display... 19 CLIP Indicator.... 19 SIG Indicator.... 19 Effect Descriptions...19 HALL.... 19 ROOM.... 19 PLATE.... 19 CHAMBER.... 19 CHORUS.... 20 FLANGE.... 20 DELAY.... 20 PITCH.... 20 MULTI & MULTI II.... 20
Chapter Four: Traditional Mixing.21
Simple Live Setup...21 Using Additional External Audio Sources..21 Simple Two-Channel Recording Setup (without using a computer)...22
Chapter Five: Firewire Recording.23
First-time connection and driver installation instructions...23 Installing the optional applications.24 Power-on/Power off order..24 USB2.0 inputs and outputs..25 Channels sent from the MultiMix to the computer. 25 Channels returned from the computer to the MultiMix.. 25 Sound setup under Windows..26 Disabling Windows System Sounds..28 Connections and settings for USB2.0 recording and monitoring..29 Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Cubase and other ASIO applications..29 Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device... 30 Creating a new audio file... 33 Working with the Alesis USB2.0 control panel...37 Accessing the control panel... 37 Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Sonar and other WDM applications...38 Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device... 38 Assigning inputs to audio tracks... 41
Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with CoreAudio on the Macintosh...42
Chapter Six: Troubleshooting: Hardware...43 Chapter Seven: Troubleshooting: Software...47
Computer or audio application does not see the MultiMix USB2.0...47 Basic troubleshooting... 47 Audio playback or recording is at the wrong speed...47 Audio playback or recording stutters or drops out...47 Audio echoes during recording..47 Computer Requirements..50
Chapter Eight: Specifications..49 Chapter Nine: Block Diagrams..51 Glossary...53 Contact..56
Alesis Contact Information... 56 Trademarks... 56
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Introduction

Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis MultiMix USB2.0 a part of your studio. Since 1984, we've been designing and building creative tools for the audio community. We believe in our products, because we've heard the results that creative people like you have achieved with them. One of Alesis' goals is to make high-quality studio equipment available to everyone, and this Reference Manual is an important part of that. After all, there's no point in making equipment with all kinds of capabilities if no one explains how to use them. So, we try to write our manuals as carefully as we build our products. The goal of this manual is to get you the information you need as quickly as possible, with a minimum of hassle. We hope we've achieved that. If not, please drop us an email and give us your suggestions on how we could improve future editions of this manual. We hope your investment will bring you many years of creative enjoyment and help you achieve your musical goals. Sincerely, The people of Alesis
For more effective service and product update notices, please register your MultiMix USB2.0 mixer online at: http://www.alesis.com/ index.php?registration
About the MultiMix USB2.0
The MultiMix USB2.0 mixers are the latest in the large family of Alesis audio mixers and the second series that includes computer interfacing (following on the launch of the MultiMix USB mixers in 2004, the MultiMix FireWire mixers in 2005, and the iMultiMix8 USB-with-iPod mixer in 2007). Weve come a long way since introducing our first mixing console in 1989. Since that time audio technology has grown in leaps and bounds, pushing up quality and driving down prices. Only a few years ago, you wouldnt have been able to buy a mixer with analog performance this powerful for such an affordable price, and the addition of multichannel, 96kHz computer audio interfacing would have been a pipe dream. Just take a look at the key features listed below, and youll see that you have just made an incredible addition to your home studio or live setup.

All-In-One Mixer and Multichannel Computer Audio Interface
The MultiMix USB2.0 consoles give you just about everything you need to create polished, professional-sounding mixes both live and within a computer-based recording studio. When designing this unit, our goal was to give you as much control over your mixes as possible without requiring a wealth of extra equipment. Thats why we added tools like the digital effects processor, the mic preamps, and the dedicated control room output. The MultiMix USB2.0 is also a multichannel computer recording interface device. Not only can you record every channel independently, but you can also record the MAIN mix channels. To get you started with computer-based recording, we even include a well-specified Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software program. With a multitude of ways in which to connect other equipment and instruments, the MultiMix USB2.0 offers endless possibilities.
Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a folder on your desktop or insert the software DVD into your computers DVD drive BEFORE you plug your MultiMix into your computer for the first time. See page 23 for details.
MultiMix USB2.0 Key Features
Two Models: MultiMix 8 USB2.0 (4 mic/line preamps, 2 stereo inputs) MultiMix 16 USB2.0 (8 mic/line preamps, 4 stereo inputs) Multichannel USB2.0 input and output routes each individual channels output, plus the MAIN outputs, through the USB2.0 port, and receives two channels back
from the computer, all in 24-bit, 44.1/48/88.2/96 kHz digital audio. ASIO and WDM computer drivers lets you use the MultiMix USB2.0 with the vast majority of digital audio workstation programs. Clean and powerful preamps up to 50dB of preamp gain for capturing quiet sources. Globally switched phantom power. Stereo inputs Two stereo pairs. Great for line-level instruments. Internal digital effects processor with 100 preset effects and an easy-to-read display includes a variety of reverbs, delays, choruses, flanges, a pitch transposer and multiple combinations of these. 3-band EQ per channel a potent tool for sonically shaping each channel to get that perfect mix. 2 aux sends per channel one can be used to access an external effects device; the other can be used either to access the MultiMixs internal effects or to access a second external device. Control room output level provides control over the separate control room output. 2-track send and return lets you mix your audio to tape or other media and to add a tape deck or CD player to the mix.

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A Few Words for Beginners
We realize that some of you who have purchased the MultiMix USB2.0 are fairly new to the art of mixing and computer recording. Weve written this manual with that in mind. We designed the MultiMix to be both powerful and easy enough to use that even a beginner can quickly pick up the basics. Many mixer manualsand manuals for just about any electronic instrument for that matterare full of complicated terminology and incomplete instructions that presume a lot of experience on the part of the reader. We try to avoid that with this manual. True enough, you will find all the technical lingo and specifications you can handle in here, but we do our best to make this accessible to you. Beginners will find several elements of this manual especially useful. Keep your eye out for the tips found in the gray boxes on the right side of the page. Be sure to check out the hookup diagrams on page 11, which will give you some ideas on how to fit the mixer into your audio setup after youve taken a tour of the mixer in Chapter 2. And if you come across any terms that you havent seen before, the glossary probably can help you out.
One of the most important things youll do before you begin a mixing session is to set the levels. Be sure to refer to the instructions on page 20.
One of the most before you begin the levels. Be sur on page 14.
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1 Getting Started

Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a folder on your desktop or insert the software CD into your computers CD drive BEFORE you plug your MultiMix into your computer for the first time. See page 23 for details.
Hooking up the MultiMix USB2.0
This diagram will help you get the MultiMix USB2.0 hooked up and ready to go. The equipment you use depends on personal preference and on whether youre performing live or recording. For example, youll see below that the MAIN MIX OUT can be routed to a recording device for recording, or to a PA system for live performance.
Be sure to follow the guidelines for which cables to use (further down this page) and the procedure for setting levels (on the next page) before you begin mixing.

Getting Started

Using Proper Cables
When connecting instruments and other equipment to the MultiMix, its important that you use the appropriate types of cables. Here are some simple but important guidelines: For the mic inputs, use XLR cables. For the line inputs and all other 1/4 connections, use 1/4 mono TRS cables. Use stereo RCA cables for the 2-track in and out. Use a USB 2.0 cable to connect one of the USB 2.0 ports to a computer.

Setting Levels

Before you can begin mixing and recording different audio sources with your MultiMix, you must set the level for each channel youre using. This helps to prevent distortion and clipping. Heres how: 1. Slide the channel fader to unity gain (0). 2. Turn the AUX SEND and GAIN controls all the way down, and turn the EQ knobs to the center detent (youll feel a click). 3. Connect the source of the signal to the channels input. 4. Press the PFL / SOLO switch on the channel. 5. Make sure the SOLO MODE switch in the master section is set to SOLO. 6. Play the instrument at a normal level and watch the LED meters in the master section. 7. Adjust the channels GAIN knob until the LED meters remain at or very close to 0. 8. If you need to apply EQ, do so and check the meters again.
2 A Tour of the MultiMix USB2.0
In this chapter, youll learn all about the MultiMixs 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 were talking about.

Patchbay

At the rear portion of the top of the MultiMix, youll 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 its 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 youre 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 dont 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 dont have much bottom end, such as vocals, snares, cymbals and electric guitar. Youll want to leave this inactivated for instruments like basses and kick drums.
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 youre using, especially if its one of the older vintage models or a ribbon microphone of any kind. Verify that your microphone requires phantom power and make sure its output is low impedance, balanced and floating.

This output can carry several different signals, depending on which source you have selected in the master section of the mixer.

Channel Strips

The eight channel strips are virtually identical to each other, with the only difference being that channels are mono and channels 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 controllabeled PAN on the mono channels and BAL on the stereo channelslets 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 rightyou 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 channels signal is clipping. This light plays an important role in setting channel levels by helping you know when to reduce the channels gain.
Here youll 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 channels 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 channels signal being routed to the processor.
The MultiMix gives you three bands of EQ per channel. Using these knobs, you can tailor the channels signal by boosting some frequencies and cutting others. The LO and HI controls are shelving controls with fixed frequencies of 75 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.

Master Section

The Master Section is the heart of the mixer, where the channel inputs and aux returns all are mixed together and routed in various ways.

Main Mix

The signals from all channels and aux sends are sent to the main mix. The MAIN MIX level control is the one youll use to control the overall level of those combined signals. This knob affects the levels of the signals sent to the MAIN MIX OUT and the 2TRACK OUT. In its leftmost position the signal is cut off completely, and in the rightmost position you get an additional 10dB of gain.

2TK To Mix

When you press this switch, the signal coming in through the 2TRACK IN gets routed to the MAIN MIX, joining whichever other signals are already part of the main mix. Used this way, the 2-TRACK IN effectively becomes another stereo channel (but without all the extras like pan, EQ, etc.).

2TK TO CTRL ROOM Switch

When you engage this switch, the signal coming in from the 2TRACK jacks is routed to the headphones and to the control room output. The control room output level is controlled by the HDPH / CTRL RM level control.

MIX TO CTRL ROOM Switch

When you engage this switch, the MAIN MIX signal is routed to the headphones and to the control room output. The control room output level is controlled by the HDPH / CTRL RM level control.

HDPH / CTRL RM

The HDPH / CTRL RM knob controls the level of the signal being sent to the CTRL RM OUT and the PHONES output. The level of this signal is represented by the LED meters. The CTRL RM in the name of this knob refers to the fact that it controls the signal that typically is sent to the control room monitors of a studio, where someoneusually an engineeris working the mixer. However, dont be intimidated if youre using this mixer in your bedroom, which probably isnt equipped with a control room. In this scenario, you can use headphones or connect the CTRL RM OUT to your speakers.

AUX RETURN A LEVEL

This is the level control for the signal returning to the mixer via AUX RETURN A.
EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL
If you are using one of the MultiMix 8 USBs internal effects, this knob controls the effect level. If AUX SEND B is connected to an external device, this knob controls the level for AUX RETURN B.

LED Meters

These are the two rows of yellow, green and red lights you see in the master section of the mixer. The LED meters allow you to view the signal level of the main mix and 2-TRACK IN depending on which signal you have routed to the control room mix.

POWER Indicator

When this LED is lit up, that means the POWER ON switch on the rear of the mixer has been activated.

+48V Indicator

When this one is lit up, that means the PHANTOM ON switch on the rear of the mixer has been activated and is supplying +48V phantom power to all XLR mic inputs.

Rear of the Mixer

Heres what youll find at the rear of the mixer.
Heres where you plug in your mixers external power supply. You should always connect your power supply to the mixer before you plug the power supply into an electrical outlet.

Power Input

Power Supply Unit
This unit provides 18.5 VAC at 700 mA of power, more than enough to keep your MultiMix running smoothly. As with nearly all power supply units, this one tends to get warm when left on for a while. This is perfectly normal.
The POWER INPUT is built to accept only the power supply unit provided with your MultiMix, or an AC power supply that has the same specs. Others probably will not work.

Power On

Another easy one. Switch this one on and your mixer has power. Switch it off and it doesnt. Make sure the faders in the master section are pulled all the way down when powering your mixer up or down.

Phantom On

This switch activates and deactivates the phantom power described in Mic Inputs (Channels 1 4), page 13. This switch controls phantom power for all four mic inputs.
As we said earlier, its very important that you plug in your microphones and mute your system before you turn on phantom power.

USB2.0 port

This port allows you to connect the MultiMix to a computer for multichannel digital audio communication.
If you connect to a computer with a USB 1.1 port,, the MultiMix will automatically reconfigure to recording and playing back only two channels at either 44.1kHz or 48kHz.
3 Digital Effects Processor
Onboard your MultiMix USB2.0 is a powerful effects unit that has 100 preset programs. We offer a few tips on where to use these, but dont limit yourself to our suggestions. We recommend that you experiment with these effects to get a good feel for how they can improve your mixes
Effects Section Components Program Selection Knob
You can use this knob to assign one of 100 effect programs to your mix. Turning the knob to the right increments the program number, and turning it to the left decrements the program number. You can control the level of the effect for each channel via the channels AUX B knob. You must PRESS the effect knob to activate the selected effect.

Audio coming into the MultiMix from a computer over the USB2.0 connection is routed to the 2-TRACK IN. You can use the RCA jacks of the 2-TRACK IN at the same time as audio is playing back from a computer, but you must adjust the relative levels of each input from outside the MultiMix.

Traditional Mixing

Simple Two-Channel Recording Setup (without using a computer)
Again, connect your instruments and microphones to the mono and stereo channels and set the levels appropriately. To record directly from the mixer to a tape deck or other device, connect the MultiMix 8 USB2.0s 2-TRACK OUT jacks to the IN jacks of the recorder. For monitoring you can connect the CTRL RM OUT jacks to a speaker or headphone amplifier, or just simply plug headphones into the PHONES jack.

5 USB2.0 Recording

Important: download the drivers from http://www.alesis.com onto a folder on your desktop or insert the software DVD into your computers DVD drive BEFORE you plug your MultiMix into your computer for the first time.
First-time connection and driver installation instructions
Windows Before attaching your mixer to your computer, install the drivers either from the website or the software DVD. During the installation process, attach and re-attach your mixer as prompted by the install program. For each of the several installations that occur, click Continue Anyway if Windows warns you that the drivers have not passed Microsoft Logo Certification.
These drivers include the two most popular standards for audio interfacingWDM (the Windows Driver Model built by Microsoft) and ASIO (the Audio Stream Input/Output standard used by many audio software applications).
Windows Logo Certification warning. Ignore this warning by clicking Continue Anyway.
. Macintosh Install the driver from the.dmg file. Wait to turn on/attach your MultiMix USB2.0 mixer to your Mac until after the Mac has fully booted. If you do not do so, your computer may not recognize the device. You must select the Alesis USB Audio Device via your Macs Audio MIDI Setup utility in order for your computer to route the MultiMix USB2.0s signals into and out of your computer applications properly.
Mac OS X 10.4 or higher is required by the MultiMix drivers.
All digital audio carried over the USB2.0 connection is 24bit PCM data.

USB2.0 Recording

Installing the optional applications
The software DVD that comes with the MultiMix USB2.0 contains not only the drivers (the small computer programs that work behind the scenes so that your MultiMix works properly with your computer) but also some powerful music applications. If you dont already have a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) program, definitely install one from the DVD. Its a fantastic way to get started in computer-based recording. You may find that its the only program you need. The demo applications give you a taste of some of the premier computer-based music programs on the market today. We encourage you to install and explore them.

Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with Sonar and other WDM applications Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device
1. Choose the menu Options | Audio.
Choosing the MultiMix as your audio device Unlike ASIO, WDM allows multiple audio devices to be used at the same time. However, doing so can cause all sorts of synchronization problems. Therefore, we suggest that you use the MultiMix as your sole audio input/output device.
On the General tab, select any available Alesis USB Audio channels as the Playback and Record timing masters.
This discussion uses Cakewalks Sonar software, but the principles provided here apply to all WDM-based recording software.
3. Click the Advanced tab. For WDM operation, be sure that the Driver Mode is set to WDM/KS. (If you change this setting, you will need to exit and then restart Sonar.)
For applications like Sonar that support both WDM and ASIO modes, you may want to experiment with each to see if either mode offers greater stability.
Move to the Drivers tab. Select each input pair and also on the output pair to make them available to Sonar.
Assigning inputs to audio tracks
Now, youre ready to assign the MultiMixs inputs to various channels. For each audio track that you want to record, click on the input section of the track and select the MultiMix channel that you want.
Record-enable the tracks to be recorded (first arrow). You will do most of your monitoring through the mixer. However, if you want to monitor with Sonars effects, or if you just want to hear what the computer is hearing, press the direct monitoring button next to the Record Enable button (second arrow.).
Using the MultiMix USB2.0 with CoreAudio on the Macintosh
To configure the MultiMix for use with CoreAudio: 1. 2. Open the Macs Audio MIDI Setup utility. Choose the Alesis USB Audio Device as both input and output device.
To verify that the MultiMix USB 2.0 is connected to your Mac, select the Alesis USB Audio Device under Properties For: and then press Configure Device.

6 Troubleshooting: Hardware
If youre having problems operating the MultiMix, this troubleshooting index will help you correct them. Symptoms No sound from the mixer. Cause Mixer is not plugged in or turned on. Faders are too low. Control room level is too low. The appropriate signal hasnt been assigned to the control room out. Cable is not plugged into output jack. Headphones are not plugged into PHONE jack. Monitor or headphone amplifier is turned off or down. Bad cable. Audio signal is distorted. Channel level is too high. Channel input is too high. Solution Plug in mixer and turn it on. Raise appropriate faders. Turn up control room level. In the master section of the mixer, be sure the right switch is selected (MIX, ALT 3/4 or 2TK). Check outputs to make sure cables are plugged in securely. Plug headphones into PHONE jack. Turn amplifier on or up.
Check all cables; substitute cables with known good ones. Set channel levels using the procedure on page 12. Turn down your instrument to a normal volume and then set channel levels using procedure on page 12. Lower the level of AUX RET B in the master section of the mixer. Lower the MAIN MIX fader in the master section of the mixer.
AUX RET B level is too high. MAIN MIX level is too high.
Troubleshooting: Hardware
Audio signal carries an unwanted hum.
Too much low-level noise in the mix. Interference from appliances such as air conditioners. Not using TRS cables.
Engage the channels high-pass filter by pressing the HPF switch. Engage the channels high-pass filter by pressing the HPF switch. Make sure you are using 1/4 TRS cables. Turn on phantom power using the switch on the rear panel of the mixer. Test the microphone on other audio devices. If you detect damage, contact the manufacturer or dealer. Raise channel fader. Turn up the instruments volume control. If problem persists, check the instrument by plugging headphones into the instruments phone jack. Check the MUTE / ALT 3/4 switch. Adjust the channels GAIN control. Turn up the level using the EFFECTS / AUX RET B LEVEL control in the master section of the mixer. Press the EFFECTS knob on the desired effect and make sure the SIG indicator is lit.
Microphone level is too low.
Phantom power is not turned on. Microphone is damaged.
No or low sound from a channel.
Fader is too low. Instrument volume is too low.
Channel is muted. Gain is too low. Internal effects arent working. Effects level is too low.
An effect hasnt been selected.
External effects arent working.
Effects processor is not plugged in or turned on. Aux outputs of mixer arent connected to inputs of processor or processors outputs arent connected to mixers inputs (or aux return). Mixers effects return signal is too low.

Audio playback or recording stutters or drops out
Again, work with the buffer settings in the ASIO control panel or through your WDM applications audio setup options in order to find the most reliable setting. Many audio applications include advanced setting dialog boxes where pre-fetch and other parameters can be set. Explore those options.
Help on the web Most major recording programs are supported by lively user forums. The odds are that, if youre having problems, someone who posts at these forums has already experienced them and found solutions. Dont be shy about visiting these forums and posting your questions.
Audio echoes during recording
Either turn your software direct monitoring off orif you want to monitor your incoming audio through your softwareput the MIX TO CTRL RM button in the UP position. Be sure to attach your monitoring speakers to the CTRL RM OUT jacks, not the MAIN MIX OUT jacks.
Troubleshooting: Software

8 Specifications

For the more technical-minded, here are some detailed specifications for the MultiMixs operating levels. Input Channels Mic In Sensitivity Range: Line In Sensitivity Range: Mic/Line Gain Range: Equalization High-Pass Filter: High Shelving: Mid Bandpass/Band Reject: Low Shelving: -60dBu to 10dBu nominal, +5dBu maximum -40dBu to -+10dBu nominal, +25dBu maximum +10 to +60dB 75Hz, 18dB/octave 12kHz, +/- 15dB 2.5 kHz, +/- 15dB 80Hz, +/- 15dB
All measurements done over a 22Hz 22kHz range with a 1kHz sine wave at +18dBu (-1dBFS) input. Impedances are measured at 1kHz.
Aux Sends Aux Send A & B Gain Range: - to +10dB Aux Returns Aux Return A Gain Range: Effects Level/ Aux Return B Gain Range: Channel Levels Channel Level Gain Range: Master Levels Main Mix, Ctrl Room Gain Range: 1/4 Inputs Stereo Aux Return Level: RCA Inputs 2-TRACK IN Level: 1/4 Outputs Main Mix, Ctrl Room, Ext Aux Send Level: Headphone Output: - to +15dB - to +15dB - to +10dB
- to +10dB +4dBu nominal, +20dBu maximum -10dBV nominal, +5dBV maximum
+4dBu nominal, +20dBu maximum 75 ohm output impedance >105mW into 75 ohms, >40mW into 600ohms -10dBV nominal, +5dBV maximum
RCA Outputs 2-TRACK OUT Level: Dimensions Width x Length x Height: Weight:
14.5 x 10.75 x 5 (368mm x 273mm x 153mm) 7lbs (3.2kg)

Specifications

Computer Requirements
Minimum PC Requirements: Pentium 4, 2.4GHz Processor (or equivalent) 512 MB RAM Available USB2.0 Port Windows XP (with Service Pack 2 or higher installed)
Minimum Macintosh Requirements: G4 with native USB2.0 support Mac OS X version 10.4 or later 512 MB RAM 5400 RPM or faster hard drive recommended for multitrack audio

9 Block Diagrams

Block Diagrams

Glossary

Here are the definitions to some terms youll probably encounter while using your MultiMix USB2.0. Term ASIO aux (auxiliary) balance bus channel channel strip clipping codec condenser microphone DAW dB (decibel) detent Definition Audio Stream Input/Output. An audio protocol developed by Steinberg and used by multiple audio software manufacturers. An additional set of outputs and inputs found on many mixers. These allow the addition of external effects and other audio sources. A control that lets you control the position of sound in a stereo signal by altering the relative levels of the left and right channels. The electrical component that carries signals from multiple sources to a single destination such as an amplifier. A path through which an audio signal flows. A section of a mixer on which reside controls like a fader, EQ and pan for manipulating the signal of an input channel. The cutting of an audio signal caused by a level that is too great for a mixer circuit to handle. Compression/decompression algorithm. Different CODECs are used by different digital audio devices and file formats. A type of high-quality microphone that produces a weak signal, usually requiring an external power source like the ones provided by your MultiMixs XLR mic inputs. Digital audio workstation. DAWs can be either standalone, like the Akai DPS series, or software. A common unit of measure for audio. A point of resistance in the path that a mixer knob or fader travels. Detents are used to mark important settings. As you turn the knob or slide the fader, youll feel it click into the detent. Term used to describe an audio signal free of effects. The opposite of wet. A common type of microphone that does not require external power. Dynamic microphones are generally cheaper than condenser microphones. A unit whose purpose is to provide effects for audio signals. Some common effects include reverb, chorus, flange and delay. Effects processors come in many shapes and sizes, from small pedals up to

A line input whose function is to carry back to the mixer an audio signal that has been sent from the mixer. Usually used in the application of effects. Digital audio is chopped up into tiny time slices. The sample rate is the number of time slices captured in one second. 44.1kHz44,100 samples per secondis the standard used for Compact Disk audio. 48kHz48,000 samples per second, is commonly used for film and video. A line output whose function is to send a signal from the mixer to an external device, usually an effects processor. Refers to an audio signal that has two channels. Refers to the setting of an audio channel at which the signal leaves the channel at the same level at which it entered. Unity gain is marked by a 0 on the MultiMixs faders. The Windows Driver Model. This is the default standard by which Microsoft Windows communicates with audio devices. An audio signal that has had effects or other manipulations applied. The opposite of dry.

sample rate

send stereo unity gain

WDM wet

Contact Information
Alesis Contact Information
Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, CA USA E-mail: Web site: support@alesis.com http://www.alesis.com
MultiMix USB2.0 Reference Manual Revision B by Edwin Erdmann, Brooks Bruner, and Fred Morgenstern. Copyright 2005-2007, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reserved Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited. MultiMix and MultiMix USB2.0 are trademarks of Alesis, LLC. Specifications subject to change without notice.

Trademarks

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Specifically: Windows and Windows XP are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. ASIO and Cubase are trademarks of Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH. Sonar is a trademark of Twelve Tone Systems, Inc. Apple, Mac, OS X, and CoreAudio are trademarks of Apple.

7-51-0239-A 7/20/2007

7-51-0239-A

Steinberg Cubase LE 4 Software Setup Guide

Contents:

Cubase LE 4 Installation... 2 Windows XP Installation... 2 Windows Vista Installation... 3 Macintosh Installation.... 5 Setting up Cubase with your Alesis Audio device... 6 General Setup (for all devices).... 6 Alesis IO|2..... 7 Alesis MultiMix USB (1.0) Series Mixers... 7 Alesis MultiMix USB 2.0, MultiMix FireWire, IO|14, and IO|26.. 8 Alesis MasterControl.... 11 Creating a Project.... 16 Registration.... 19 Find and write down your Soft-eLicenser code.. 19 Register Cubase LE 4 with Steinberg... 20 Request an Activation Code for Cubase LE 4.. 21 Activate your installation of Cubase LE 4... 21

Cubase LE 4 Installation

Windows XP Installation
1. Insert the installation DVD into your computers drive. 2. The installer program should automatically launch after a few moments. If it does not open automatically, perform the following: a. Double-click the My Computer icon on your desktop. b. In the window that opens, double-click the disk named, Cubase LE 4. c. In the next window, open the folder titled, Cubase LE 4 for Windows. d. Then, open the application titled, Setup.exe
3. When the installer application opens, click the button labeled Install 4. In the next window, read the End-User License Agreement, and then click the box titled I accept the terms in the License Agreement, then click Next. 5. The next window, titled Install Location, allows you to select the location on your computer that Cubase LE 4 will be installed. In most cases, you should use the default settings which are already selected here, and simply click Next. 6. Then, on the next screen, click Install. 7. A progress bar will be displayed while the installation proceeds. When it is finished, a second installer, the Syncrosoft License Control Setup will open. This application installs the required product registration components onto your computer. When it appears, click Next to proceed. 8. In the next window, read the End-User License Agreement, and then click the box titled I accept the license agreement, then click Next. 9. In the window that appears after the software has been installed, click the box titled Start License Control Center after installation. Then click Finish. 10. The installation process will complete, and the License Control Center Application will open. Proceed to Step 2 of the Registration section below.
Windows Vista Installation
1. Insert the installation DVD into your computers drive. 2. A window titled AutoPlay (Fig. 1) may appear. If it does, double-click Run Autorun.exe
Fig. 1 3. A window titled User Account Control (Fig. 2) may then appear reporting that An unidentified program wants access to your computer. Click Allow.
Fig. 2 4. In the window that opens, double-click the folder titled Cubase LE 4 for Windows. 5. In the next window, double-click the program titled Setup.
6. The Cubase LE 4 installation program will launch. In the window that opens, click Install. 7. In the next window, read the End-User License Agreement, click I accept the terms in the License Agreement, then click Next. 8. The next window, titled Install Location, allows you to select the location on your computer that Cubase LE 4 will be installed. In most cases, you should use the default settings which are already selected here, and simply click Next. 9. Then, on the next screen, click Install. 10. A progress bar will be displayed while the installation proceeds. When it is finished, a second installer, the Syncrosoft License Control Setup will open. This application installs the required product registration components onto your computer. When it appears, click Next to proceed. 11. In the next window, read the End-User License Agreement, click the box titled I accept the license agreement, then click Next. 12. A window titled Windows Security may appear, reporting that Windows cant verify the publisher of this driver software. If this window appears, click Install this driver software anyway. 13. In the window that appears after the software has been installed, click the box titled Start License Control Center after installation. Then click Finish. 14. The installation process will complete, and the License Control Center Application will open. Proceed to Step 2 of the Registration section below.

Macintosh Installation

1. Insert the installation DVD into your computers drive. 2. On the DVD, locate and open the folder, Cubase LE 4 for Mac OS X. Inside, this folder, double-click the Cubase LE 4.mpkg installer package to begin the installation. 3. The following message (Fig. 3) will appear on the screen. Click Continue
Fig. 3 4. This window will close, and Welcome to the Cubase LE 4 Installer will be displayed. Click Continue again. 5. In the next window, read the Software License Agreement, and then click Continue, then click Agree. 6. You will then be asked to select which hard drive you would like to install the Cubase onto. Choose a drive, and click on its name to select it. If you only have only hard disk in your computer, only one option will be presented here. 7. Click Continue, and then click Install. 8. A window titled Authenticate will appear. Enter your Macintosh Username Password and click OK. For help with this password, click the icon in the bottom-left of the window. 9. A progress bar will be displayed while the installation proceeds. When it is finished, the screen will read The Software was installed Successfully. Click the Close button.
Setting up Cubase with your Alesis Audio device
General Setup (for all devices)
1. Connect your USB device to a USB port on your computer. Some Alesis USB audio devices have power cords, and some do not. If your device has a power cord, connect to an electrical outlet, and turn on the device. 2. Launch the Cubase LE 4 application. Windows XP and Vista: Navigate to the Cubase LE 4 application by using the Start menu at the bottom-left of your screen: select Start > Programs > Steinberg Cubase LE 4 > Cubase LE 4. Macintosh: The Cubase LE 4 application is located in the Applications folder on your Hard Disk. Double-click the program to open it.
3. Depending on your computer configuration, the first time you launch Cubase, you may be presented with an error message indicating some problem with the sound setup. By going through this setup guide, and properly setting up Cubase LE 4, any such errors will be resolved. If an error is displayed at startup, click OK to continue. 4. Once Cubase LE 4 is completely started up, select the Devices menu from the top of the screen and choose Device Setup. 5. In the window that opens, select VST Audio System from the left-hand side of the screen. 6. The ASIO Driver field on the right-hand side is where you select the audio input/output device that Cubase LE 4 will use. Below is a list of Alesis Audio interfaces, and the correct ASIO Driver selection for each device for Windows and Macintosh platforms. Make the appropriate ASIO Driver selection for your device.

Alesis Audio Device Windows ASIO Driver Macintosh ASIO Driver MultiMix USB Series. ASIO DirectX Full Duplex Driver. USB Audio CODEC MultiMix USB 2.0 Series. Alesis USB Audio Device. Alesis USB Audio Device MultiMix FireWire Series.Alesis FireWire. Alesis 1394 IO|14 and IO|26 Alesis FireWire Alesis 1394 MasterControl.Alesis FireWire Alesis 1394 IO|2. Alesis IO|2 USB ASIO io|2
When you change the selected ASIO Driver, a window which reads, Do you want to switch the ASIO driver? may appear. If it does, click Switch.

Alesis IO|2

If you are using the Alesis IO|2, click Apply (if available), then OK to close the Device Setup window. Then proceed to the Creating a project section below.
Alesis MultiMix USB (1.0) Series Mixers
If you are using a MultiMix USB Series Mixer on a Windows PC, and have selected ASIO DirectX Full Duplex Driver for the ASIO Driver in the General Setup section of this guide (see above), perform the following: 1. Click ASIO DirectX Full Duplex Driver underneath VST Audio System on the left-hand side of the screen. 2. Then, click the Control Panel button on the right-hand side of the screen. 3. A window will open which has two white rectangular sections. Place an X next to USB Audio CODEC in both the upper and lower sections as (see Fig. 4).
Fig. 4 7. Click OK to close the window. Then, click Apply (if available), then OK to close the Device Setup window. Now proceed to the Creating a project section below.
Alesis MultiMix USB 2.0, MultiMix FireWire, IO|14, and IO|26
Cubase LE 4, by default, starts up with only two inputs enabled, even if you have an 18 input sound card or interface. Before all the inputs will be available to your system, you need to set up your VST Connections. This section of the guide covers several products. Some of the names, titles and images may be slightly different from what you see on your screen, but the set up process remains the same. 1. In Cubase LE 4, click on the Device menu at the top of the screen and select VST Connections. It should look like this (Fig. 5):
Fig. 5 2. Click on Inputs at the top of the window. Youll notice that, under the Inputs, there are only two inputs showing up. Youll need to create a new configuration. 3. Click on the input titled under the Bus Name column and press the backspace key on your keyboard to delete it. The VST connections window should now be empty. Next, you will create Stereo and Mono Input Busses for all of the inputs on your interface. 4. Click on the Add Bus button.
Fig. 6 5. Set Configuration to Stereo (Fig. 6). Below is a list of Alesis interfaces, and the total number of supported stereo inputs. Alesis Audio Device MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 MultiMix 16 USB 2.0 MultiMix 8 FireWire MultiMix 12 FireWire MultiMix 16 FireWire I/O 14 I/O 26 Stereo Input Busses 13
6. Set the Count to match the total number of stereo inputs that your interface supports. Then click OK. Your screen will now look something like this (Fig. 7):

Fig. 7

Now you will configure the Mono inputs for Cubase. 7. Click on Add Bus again. 8. Set Configuration to Mono. Below is a list of Alesis interfaces, and the total number of supported mono inputs. Alesis Audio Device Mono Input Busses MultiMix 8 USB 2.MultiMix 16 USB 2.MultiMix 8 FireWire 10 MultiMix 12 FireWire 14 MultiMix 16 FireWire 18 I/O I/O 26 9. Set the Count to match the total number of mono inputs that your interface supports. Then click OK. If you like, you can rename the inputs in the VST Connections window. It is recommended that you save VST Connections settings so that they may be easily recalled. 10. Click on the Add Preset button (indicated with a red circle below in Fig. 8) to add a preset
Fig. 8 11. Name the preset, and click OK (Fig. 9). Close the VST Connections window.
Fig. 9 Now, all the inputs on your interface will be available to audio tracks you create in Cubase LE 4. 10

Alesis MasterControl

Control surface setup Cubase uses the Mackie Control protocol to communicate with the MasterControl. This configuration must be set up before the MasterControls control surface will begin to work. 1. Ensure that the Cubase / Nuendo preset is selected via the MasterControls LCD screen. Press Preset/Home on the MasterControl and turn the top-right encoder to make this selection. 2. In Cubase LE 4, click on the Device menu and then choose Device Setup. From the top of the menu, click the plus sign. The screen should look like this, with the relevant portion highlit in red (Fig. 10):

Fig. 10

3. Now, choose the Mackie Control. (Do not choose Mackie HUI. HUI devices operate on a different protocol.) Once the Mackie Control is added, assign the MIDI Input and MIDI Output to MasterControl Control Port (Fig. 11):
Fig. 11 Once you do this, the MasterControl is ready for control surface operation.
Audio configuration Cubase LE 4, by default, starts up with only two inputs enabled, even though the MasterControl allows for 26 simultaneous inputs. Before all the inputs will be available to your system, you need to set up your VST Connections. 1. In Cubase LE 4, click on the Device menu at the top of the screen and select VST Connections. It should look like this (Fig. 12):
Fig. 12 2. Click on Inputs at the top of the window. Youll notice that, under the Inputs, there are only two inputs showing up. Youll need to create a new configuration. 3. Click on the input titled under the Bus Name column and press the backspace key on your keyboard to delete it. The VST connections window should now be empty. Next, you will create Stereo and Mono Input Busses for all of the inputs on your interface. 4. Click on the Add Bus button.

Fig. 13 5. Set Configuration to Stereo (Fig. 13).
6. Set the Count to match the total number of stereo inputs that you want to use simultaneously. Then click OK. Your screen will now look something like this (Fig. 14):
Fig. 14 Now you will configure the Mono inputs for Cubase. 7. Click on Add Bus again. 8. Set Configuration to Mono. 9. Set the Count to match the total number of mono inputs that you want to use simultaneously. Then click OK. If you like, you can rename the inputs in the VST Connections window. It is recommended that you save VST Connections settings so that they may be easily recalled.
10. Click on the Add Preset button (indicated with a red circle below in Fig. 15) to add a preset
Fig. 15 11. Name the preset, and click OK (Fig. 16). Close the VST Connections window.
Fig. 16 Now, all the inputs you want to use will be available to audio tracks you create in Cubase LE 4.

Creating a Project

Note: This document is not intended to replace your Cubase Operation Manual (accessable from the Help menu at the top of the screen in Cubase). It is intended to get you started your very first time using Cubase LE, and to help you ensure that your Alesis interface is installed and set up properly. You will need to refer to this additional documentation to learn to make the most of your recording software.
1. To begin using Cubase, select the File menu at the top of the screen and choose New Project. 2. A screen will open asking you to create an Empty project or create one from an existing template. Choose Empty (Fig. 17).
Fig. 17 3. Another window will open asking you to Set Project Folder (Fig. 18). Use the mouse to choose the location on your hard drive where you would like to save the Cubase project you are about to create. If you would like to create a new folder for your project, click Create.
Fig. 18 4. With the desired location highlighted, click the OK button.
You will be presented with a blank project window that is divided into sections. You should see two grey columns on the left and in the middle, and a timeline on the right, with a black ruler over the top. If there is only one grey column click on the first square button in the upper left of your screen to enable it (indicated by a red circle in Fig. 19).
Fig. 19 Hint: The Cubase user interface has many icons and buttons that are not labeled. If you hold your mouse over a button or icon for a few seconds, some text will appear that describes the buttons function. 5. Select the Project menu from the top of the screen and choose Add Track and then Audio (Fig. 20).
Fig. 20 A new Audio track will be created.
Each Audio or MIDI track you create in Cubase has an individual input setting (Figure 12). This setting selects which physical input on your Audio/MIDI interface will be recorded onto that track. Each track also has an individual record enable button (Fig. 21)
6. On the left-hand panel of the Cubase window, select an input for your Audio track (Fig. 21)

Fig. 21 7. Once you have selected the input for your track (Fig. 21) and your track or tracks have been record enabled, you can begin recording by pressing the master Record button which located on the floating Transport Panel at the bottom of the screen (Fig. 19). Important: After recording a track, you need to turn off record enable on that track before you will be able to hear what you have recorded. Having a track record enabled or monitor enabled will sometimes prevent audio that is already on that track from playing back. For further information on recording, mixing and exporting music from Cubase, please refer to the Cubase Operation Manual which was installed along with your Cubase software. You can easily access this documentation from within Cubase by selecting the Help menu at the top of the screen, then Documentation, then choosing either Getting Started, or Operation Manual. The Getting Started guide has three excellent tutorials that will introduce you to many of the functions and operations of the program.

Registration

Cubase LE 4 requires online registration. After finishing installation, you have 30 days or 3000 starts left before you have to register your product.
Find and write down your Soft-eLicenser code
1. Before you begin the registration process, you will need to locate, and write down your Soft-eLicenser number. Along with installing Cubase LE 4, the installer application installed a program called License Control on your computer. This program assigns and manages your Soft-eLicenser number for Cubase LE 4. Navigate to and open the License Control application: Windows XP and Vista: Navigate to the License Control application by using the Start menu at the bottom-left of your screen: select Start > Programs > Syncrosoft > License Control Center.
Macintosh: The License Control application is located in the Applications
folder on your Hard Disk. Double-click the program to open it.
2. In the License Control Center application, the Soft-eLicenser is listed as shown in red in Fig. 20 below. Write down the 20 digit code. You will need it later on in the registration process. Once you have written the Soft-eLicenser code down, close the License Control Center application.

Fig. 22

Register Cubase LE 4 with Steinberg
1. Launch the Cubase LE 4 application. Windows XP and Vista: Navigate to the Cubase LE 4 application by using the Start menu at the bottom-left of your screen: select Start > Programs > Steinberg Cubase LE 4 > Cubase LE 4. Macintosh: The Cubase LE 4 application is located in the Applications folder on your Hard Disk. Double-click the program to open it.

2. When you launch Cubase LE 4 you will be prompted to register. If you have an internet connection, click Register Now. An internet connection is required to register Cubase LE 4. If the program is not registered, it will cease to function after 30 days or 3000 starts. 3. Clicking Register Now will open your web browser, taking you to Steinbergs registration page for Cubase LE 4. Click the link titled Start Cubase LE 4 activation now at the bottom of the page. 4. On the next page, click the link titled Create user account. 5. On the next page, select your country from the drop-down list and then click, Next. Fill in your contact information on the next page, making sure to complete all required fields with a * next to them. Click Create account now. The next page will read Account successfully created, an e-mail has been sent to your e-mail address. 6. Check your email, and look for a new message from MySteinberg with the subject Log into MySteinberg. Open this email, scroll to the bottom, and click the link below the text Please activate your account by clicking on the link below. 7. You will be taken back to the MySteinberg website. Enter the login and password information (which you chose when you created your MySteinberg account) and click Log In. 8. On the next page, under the heading Register a product, click the link titled More. 9. Again, on the next page, under the heading Register a product, click the link titled More. 10. Select Product with Steinberg Key or Soft-eLicenser on the next page, and click Next. 11. Enter the 20-Digit (case-sensitive) Soft-eLicenser code you wrote down earlier into the field titled number* (see Step 2 of the Find and write down your SofteLicenser code section above) 12. Enter Cubase LE 4 into the field titled Please enter a name. 13. Click the Register product(s) button. 14. If you entered your code correctly, the next screen will read The Steinberg Key [YourCodeHere] has been registered, but does not contain any active licenses.
Request an Activation Code for Cubase LE 4
Note: If you are beginning this section of the guide, and are not already logged on to your MySteinberg account, visit https://www.steinberg.net/1069_1.html and log in using the username and password you selected in Steps 3-8 of the Registering Cubase LE 4 with Steinberg section above. Once logged in to your My Steinberg account, proceed with the steps below. 15. Click the link titled Activation & Reactivation on the left-hand side of the page. 16. Then click the link titled Cubase LE 4 on the left-hand side of the page. 17. Under the heading Permanent Activation, click the link titled More. 18. Enter the 20-Digit (case-sensitive) Soft-eLicenser code you wrote down in Step 2 above into the filed titled Soft-eLicenser number 19. In the field titled Hardware Manufacturer, select Alesis from the drop-down menu. 20. Click Request Activation Code. 21. If you entered your code correctly, the next page will read The Soft-Licenser number [YourCodeHere] you just have entered is correct. We have sent an Activation Code for Cubase LE 4 to the email address [YourEmailHere]. 22. Check your email, and look for a new message from Steinberg Media Technologies GmbH with the subject Activation Code Cubase LE 4. Open this email. 23. This email contains your Cubase LE Activation code. Print this email out for your records. You will also need to have this code handy to complete the registration process. Copy the Activation Code by highlighting the text the email with your mouse, then select the Edit menu at the top of the screen and choose Copy.

Activate your installation of Cubase LE 4
24. Launch the License Control application by following the instructions from Step 1 of the Registration Section above. 25. Select the Wizards menu at the top of the screen, and choose License Download. 26. When License Download Wizard opens, click Next. 27. In the next window, enter the 32-Digit (case-sensitive) Activation code from the email you just received. If you copied the text from your email in Step 23 above, you can use the paste command to enter it all at once. Click on the first white field at the top of the screen, and type [Ctrl+V] on Windows, or [Apple+V] on the Macintosh to paste the text you copied earlier. 28. Once the Activation code has been entered, click Enter, then lick Next. 29. On the next page, click Start. 30. The License Download process will begin, and a progress bar will be displayed on the screen. When the process is finished, a window will appear indicating that the process has completed. Click OK to close this window, then click Finish to close the License Download Wizard. You will be returned to the License Control Center. 31. Close the License Control Center.
7-51-0274-B. November 10, 2008. Alesis, LLC. All rights reserved.