Alesis MultiMix12FX User manual

Reference Manual

Table Of Contents
1
Introduction.....................................................................5
Welcome!......................................................................................................5
About the Multimix .........................................................................6
Multimix Key Features...............................................................................6
How to Use This Manual.................................................................8
A Few Words for Beginners ...........................................................9
Important Safety Instructions........................................11
Important Safety Instructions (English)........................................11
Safety symbols used in this product.........................................................11
Please follow these precautions when using this product:....................11
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French).............................13
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit.............................................................13
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l’utilisation de
l’appareil: ......................................................................................................13
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise
(German)..........................................................................................15
Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt.................................15
Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn dieses
Produkt verwendet wird: ...........................................................................15
CE Declaration Of Conformity ......................................................17
FCC Compliance Statement ...........................................................17
Chapter 1: Getting Started.............................................19
Hooking up the Multimix................................................................19
Using Proper Cables........................................................................19
Setting Levels ...................................................................................20
Chapter Two: A Tour of the MultiMix ..........................21
Patchbay...........................................................................................21
Mic Inputs (Channels 1 – 4)...................................................................... 21
Line Inputs (Channels 1 – 4).....................................................................21
Line Inputs (Channels 5 – 12) ..................................................................22
Digital Output Jack.....................................................................................22
PHONE Jack............................................................................................... 22
AUX RETURNS ........................................................................................22
AUX SENDS ..............................................................................................22
ALT 3/4 OUT ............................................................................................22
2-TRACK.....................................................................................................23
MAIN MIX OUT.......................................................................................23
CTRL RM OUT .........................................................................................23
Channel Strips .................................................................................23
Fader .............................................................................................................23
MUTE / Alt 3/4.........................................................................................23
PFL / SOLO...............................................................................................23
PAN or BAL................................................................................................24
Aux................................................................................................................24
EQ.................................................................................................................24

Table Of Contents
2
Master Section .................................................................................25
Main Mix Fader...........................................................................................25
Alt 3/4 Fader...............................................................................................25
2TK To Mix................................................................................................. 25
Alt 3/4 To Mix............................................................................................ 25
Solo Mode....................................................................................................25
HDPH / CTRL RM...................................................................................26
MIX Switch..................................................................................................26
ALT 3/4 Switch ..........................................................................................26
2TK Switch.................................................................................................. 26
Aux Ret A Level..........................................................................................26
Effects / Aux Ret B level ..........................................................................26
LED Meters.................................................................................................27
POWER Indicator...................................................................................... 27
+48V Indicator ...........................................................................................27
Rear of the Mixer ............................................................................27
Power Input ................................................................................................. 27
Power Supply Unit...................................................................................... 27
Power On..................................................................................................... 27
Phantom On................................................................................................ 28
Chapter Three: Digital Effects Processor .....................29
Effects Section Components ...........................................................29
Program Selection Knob ...........................................................................29
LED Display................................................................................................29
CLIP Indicator ............................................................................................29
SIG Indicator ..............................................................................................29
Effect Descriptions ..........................................................................29
HALL ...........................................................................................................29
ROOM .........................................................................................................29
PLATE .........................................................................................................29
CHAMBER .................................................................................................29
CHORUS.....................................................................................................30
FLANGE.....................................................................................................30
DELAY ........................................................................................................ 30
PITCH..........................................................................................................30
MULTI & MULTI II..................................................................................30
Chapter Four: Applications ...........................................31
Simple Recording Setup..................................................................31
Simple Live Setup............................................................................31
Using Additional External Audio Sources.....................................31
Importing Music Into Your Computer..........................................32
Chapter Five: Troubleshooting ......................................33
Chapter Six: Specifications ............................................37
Chapter Seven: Block Diagram .....................................39

3
Glossary ...........................................................................41
Warranty/Contact Alesis ................................................43
Alesis Limited Warranty.............................................................................43
Alesis Contact Information.......................................................................44

Table Of Contents
4

Introduction
5
Welcome!
Thank you for making the Alesis Multimix 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 mixer
online at:
http://www.alesis.com/
support/warranty.htm

Introduction
6
About the Multimix
The Multimix consoles are a versatile series of mixers designed to
perform well in the live and home studio realm. They are the latest
in the large family of Alesis audio mixers. We’ve 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
wouldn’t have been able to buy a mixer this powerful for such an
affordable price. Just take a look at the key features listed below,
and you’ll see that you have just made an incredible addition to
your home studio or live setup.
The Multimix consoles give you just about everything you need to
create polished, professional-sounding mixes. 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. That’s why
we added tools like the digital effects processor, the mic preamps
and the digital out. And with a multitude of ways in which to
connect other equipment and instruments, the Multimix offers
endless possibilities.
Multimix Key Features
yThree Models: Multimix-12FX and Multimix-12FXD
(4 microphone/line inputs with up to 50dB of preamp
gain), Multimix-16FXD (8 microphone/line inputs with
up to 50dB of preamp gain)
y4 stereo inputs – great for line-level instruments.
yInternal 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.
y3-band EQ per channel – a potent tool for sonically
shaping each channel to get that perfect mix.
y1 pre/post-fader aux send per channel (switchable) –
gives you control over the level of the pre- or post-fader
signal being routed to an external device.
y1 post-fader aux send/effects send per channel – a
control for the signal being routed to another external
device or to the onboard effects processor.
yPFL/Solo in place functionality per channel – isolates a
channel with a single push of a button.
yMute/Alt 3/4 assign per channel – lets you mute a
channel and, at the same time, route its signal to the mixer’s
ALT 3/4 output—a separate stereo bus.
yIndependent Main Mix and Alt 3/4 levels – permits you
to separately command the levels of the MultiMix’s two
stereo buses

Introduction
7
y44.1 kHz Digital out – Allows you to send a crystal clean
digital stereo signal directly to a DAT, DVD or other
recording devise that can accept an S/PDIF signal.
(Multimix-12FXD and Multimix-16FXD only)
yControl room output level – provides control over the
separate control room output
y2-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

Introduction
8
How to Use This Manual
This manual is divided into the following sections describing the
various functions and applications for the Multimix consoles.
While it's a good idea to read through the entire manual once
carefully, those having general knowledge about mixing should use
the table of contents to look up specific functions.
Chapter 1: Getting Started shows you how to include the Multimix in
your audio setup for recording and live applications. We’ve
included a hookup diagram, guidelines for which cables to use and
the vital steps you must take to set levels properly.
Chapter 2: A Tour of the MultiMix describes the Multimix piece by
piece. This chapter also features diagrams of the mixer to help you
find each component as you read about it.
Chapter 3: Digital Effects Processor explains the effects provided by
the on-board digital effects processor. If you want to know what a
certain effect will do to your sound before you select it, this is
where you should look.
Chapter 4: Applications outlines a number of scenarios in which
you can use the Multimix, including some tips on what goes
where when you’re hooking everything up.
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting can give you a hand if you’re experiencing
problems with your mixer. You’ll find that most issues can be
resolved simply and quickly with the push of a button.
Chapter 6: Specifications and Chapter 7: Block Diagrams are full of
technical information for the more techie users.
And at the end of this manual you’ll see a glossary of common
mixing-related terms and a page about the Multimix’s warranty.
H
elpful tips and advice are
highlighted in a shaded box
like this.
When something important
appears in the manual, an
exclamation mark (like the
one shown at left) will appear
with some explanatory text.
This symbol indicates that
this information is vital when
operating the MultiMix
consoles.
Helpful tips and ad
v
shaded box like thi
s
When something i
mp
manual, an exclam
a
s
hown at left) will
a
explanatory text.
Th
this information is
v
MultiMix-12FX.

Introduction
9
A Few Words for Beginners
We realize that some of you who have purchased the Multimix are
fairly new to the art of mixing, and we’ve 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 manuals—and manuals for just about any electronic
instrument for that matter—are 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 19, which will give you some ideas on how to fit
the mixer into your audio setup after you’ve taken a tour of the
mixer in Chapter 2. And if you come across any terms that you
haven’t seen before, the glossary probably can help you out.
One of the most
before you begi
n
the levels. Be su
r
on page 14.
One of the most important
things you’ll do before you
begin a mixing session is to
set the levels. Be sure to refer
to the instructions on page
2
0
.

Introduction
10

Important Safety
Instructions
11
Important Safety Instructions (English)
Safety symbols used in this product
This symbol alerts the user that there are important
operating and maintenance instructions in the literature
accompanying this unit.
This symbol warns the user of uninsulated voltage within
the unit that can cause dangerous electric shocks.
This symbol warns the user that output connectors contain
voltages that can cause dangerous electrical shock.
Please follow these precautions when using this
product:
1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a damp cloth. Do not spray any liquid cleaner
onto the faceplate, as this may damage the front panel controls
or cause a dangerous condition.
7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that
produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with
one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong is provided for your safety. When the provided
plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched,
particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they exit from the apparatus.
11. Use only attachments or accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
Continued next page

12
12. Use only with a cart, stand, bracket, or table designed for use
with professional audio or music equipment. In any
installation, make sure that injury or damage will not result
from cables pulling on the apparatus and its mounting. If a
cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus
combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is
required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as when the power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid
has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not
operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. This unit produces heat when operated normally. Operate in a
well-ventilated area with at least six inches of clearance from
peripheral equipment.
16. This product, in combination with an amplifier and
headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound
levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not
operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a
level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss
or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.
17. Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing. Do not
place objects filled with liquids (flower vases, soft drink cans,
coffee cups) on the apparatus.
18. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

Important Safety Instructions
13
Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French)
Symboles utilisés dans ce produit
Ce symbole alèrte l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instructions
de fonctionnement et de maintenance dans la documentation
jointe avec ce produit.
Ce symbole avertit l’utilisateur de la présence d’une
tension non isolée à l’intérieur de l’appareil pouvant engendrer des
chocs électriques.
Ce symbole prévient l'utilisateur de la présence de tensions
sur les raccordements de sorties, représentant un risque
d'électrocution.
Veuillez suivre ces précautions lors de l’utilisation
de l’appareil:
1. Lisez ces instructions.
2. Gardez ces instructions.
3. Tenez compte de tous les avertissements.
4. Suivez toutes les instructions.
5. N’utilisez pas cet allareil à proximité de l’eau.
6. Ne nettoyez qu’avec un chiffon humide. Il est potentiellement
dangereux d'utiliser des pulvérisateurs ou nettoyants liquides
sur cet appareil.
7. Installez selon les recommandations du constructeur.
8. Ne pas installer à proximilé de sources de chaleur comme
radiateurs, cuisinière ou autre appareils (don’t les
amplificateurs) produisant de la chaleur.
9. Ne pas enlever la prise de terre du cordon secteur. Une prise
murale avec terre deux broches et une troisièrme reliée à la
terre. Cette dernière est présente pour votre sécurité. Si le
cordon secteur ne rentre pas dans la prise de courant,
demandez à un électricien qualifié de remplacer la prise.
10. Evitez de marcher sur le cordon secteur ou de le pincer, en
particulier au niveau de la prise, et aux endroits où il sor de
l’appareil.
11. N’utilisez que des accessoires spécifiés par le constructeur.
Suite de la page suivante

14
12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation
d’audio professionnel ou instruments de musique. Dans toute
installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles
qui tirent sur des appareils et leur support.
13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un orage ou lorsqu’il n’est pas
utilisé pendant longtemps.
14. Faites réparer par un personnel qualifié. Une réparation est
nécessaire lorsque l’appareil a été endommagé de quelque sorte
que ce soit, par exemple losrque le cordon secteur ou la prise
sont endommagés, si du liquide a coulé ou des objets se sont
introduits dans l’appareil, si celui-ci a été exposé à la pluie ou à
l’humidité, ne fonctionne pas normalement ou est tombé.
15. Puisque son fonctionement normale génère de la chaleur,
placez cet appareil au moins 15cm. des équipments
péripheriques et assurez que l’emplacement permet la
circulation de l’air.
16. Ce produit, utilisé avec un amplificateur et un casque ou des
enceintes, est capable de produite des niveaux sonores pouvant
engendrer une perte permanente de l’ouïe. Ne l’utilisez pas
pendant longtemps à un niveau sonore élevé ou à un niveau
non confortable. Si vous remarquez une perte de l’ouïe ou un
bourdonnement dans les oreilles, consultez un spécialiste.
17. N'exposez pas l'appareil à l'égoutture ou à l'éclaboussement.
Ne placez pas les objets remplis de liquides (vases à fleur,
boîtes de boisson non alcoolique, tasses de café) sur l'appareil.
18. AVERTISSEMENT: Pour réduire le risque du feu ou de
décharge électrique, n'exposez pas cet appareil à la pluie ou à
l'humidité.

Important Safety Instructions
15
Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German)
Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt
Dieses Symbol alarmiert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige
Funktionieren und Wartung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, die
diese Maßeinheit begleitet.
Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer der nicht isolierten
Spannung innerhalb der Maßeinheit, die gefährliche elektrische
Schläge verursachen kann.
Dieses Symbol warnt den Benutzer, dem Ausgabestecker
Spannungen enthalten, die gefährlichen elektrischen Schlag
verursachen können.
Folgen Sie bitte diesen Vorkehrungen, wenn
dieses Produkt verwendet wird:
1. Lesen Sie die Hinweise.
2. Halten Sie sich an die Anleitung.
3. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen.
4. Beachten Sie alle Hinweise.
5. Bringen Sie das Gerät nie mit Wasser in Berührung.
6. Verwenden Sie zur Reinigung nur ein weiches Tuch.
Verwenden Sie keine flüssigen Reinigungsmittel. Dies kann
gefährliche Folgen haben.
7. Halten Sie sich beim Aufbau des Gerätes an die Angaben des
Herstellers.
8. Stellen Sie das Gerät nich in der Nähe von Heizkörpern,
Heizungsklappen oder anderen Wärmequellen (einschließlich
Verstärkern) auf.
9. Verfehlen Sie nicht den Zweck des grounging Terminals auf
dem Netzstecker. Dieses Terminal wird für Ihre Sicherheit zur
Verfügung gestellt.
10. Verlegen Sie das Netzkabel des Gerätes niemals so, daß man
darüber stolpern kann oder daß es gequetscht wird.
11. Benutzen Sie nur das vom Hersteller empfohlene Zubehör.
Fortsetzung auf nächster Seite

16
12. Verwenden Sie ausschließlich Wagen, Ständer, oder Tische, die
speziell für professionelle Audio- und Musikinstrumente
geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen
Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und Verletzungen zu
vermeiden. Wenn Sie einen Rollwagen benutzen, achten Sie
darauf, das dieser nicht umkippt, um Verletzungen
auszuschließen.
13. Ziehen Sie während eines Gewitters oder wenn Sie das Gerät
über einen längeren Zeitraum nicht benutzen den Netzstecher
aus der Steckdose.
14. Die Wartung sollte nur durch qualifiziertes Fachpersonal
erfolgen. Die Wartung wird notwendig, wenn das Gerät
beschädigt wurde oder aber das Stromkabel oder der Stecker,
Gegenstände oder Flüssigkeit in das Gerät gelangt sind, das
Gerät dem Regen oder Feuchtigkeit ausgesetzt war und
deshalb nicht mehr normal arbeitet oder heruntergefallen ist.
15. Dieses Gerät produziert auch im normalen Betrieb Wärme.
Achten Sie deshalb auf ausreichende Lüftung mit mindestens
15 cm Abstand von anderen Geräten.
16. Dieses Produkt kann in Verbindung mit einem Verstärker und
Kopfhörern oder Lautsprechern Lautstärkepegel erzeugen, die
anhaltende Gehörschäden verursachen. Betreiben Sie es nicht
über längere Zeit mit hoher Lautstärke oder einem Pegel, der
Ihnen unangenehm is. Wenn Sie ein Nachlassen des Gehörs
oder ein Klingeln in den Ohren feststellen, sollten Sie einen
Ohrenarzt aufsuchen.
17. Setzen Sie den Apparat nicht Bratenfett oder dem Spritzen
aus. Plazieren Sie die Nachrichten, die mit Flüssigkeiten
(gefüllt werden Blumevases, Getränkdosen, Kaffeetassen)
nicht auf den Apparat.
18. WARNING: um die Gefahr des Feuers oder des elektrischen
Schlages zu verringern, setzen Sie diesen Apparat nicht Regen
oder Feuchtigkeit aus.

Important Safety Instructions
17
CE Declaration Of Conformity
See our Web site at:
http://www.alesis.com
FCC Compliance Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is
subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not
cause harmful interference and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with
the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference
will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does
cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which
can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
-- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
-- Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
-- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
-- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.

18