Alesis Introduces the MultiMix 8 USB FX
(AlexV | Posted 2010-07-05)
Introducing the new and improved MultiMix 8 USB FX: Record, mix and add effects all in one place.
This compact mixer with built-in effects doubles as a computer recording interface so you can mix, record, or do both at the same time. Whether you are mixing a band or sub-mixing a group of inputs, such as a drumset, the MultiMix 8 USB FX is easy to use, rugged, and packed with features. Offering microphone inputs with phantom power, guitar-direct inputs, and line-level inputs for connecting everything else, plus a wide range of effects, the MultiMix 8 USB FX delivers clean audio to your PA or recording system plus hassle-free computer connection.
MultiMix 8 USB FX features four XLR inputs with independent gain pots on channels one through four. These XLR inputs also have a switchable phantom power option to accommodate both dynamic and condenser microphones. TRS Line inputs are also available on all eight channels of MultiMix 8 USB FX. New to the MultiMix 8 USB FX is a high-impedance input on channel two, which allows direct connection of a guitar or bass; this is a great convenience for singer/songwriters looking to get a clean, "hot" signal. A Tape RCA stereo input is also included adding the ability to mix in audio from other sources such as a CD or LP player.
MultiMix 8 USB FX includes an internal effects processor to quickly and easily add new colors to your mix. Reverb, Delay or Phaser can be dialed up simply by adjusting the pre or post fader knobs located within each channel strip. MultiMix 8 USB FX also contains Aux Out and stereo Returns, as well as, Insert jacks on channels one and two to allow for audio to be processed by external effects engines. MultiMix 8 USB FX gives you an impressive amount of routing options in such a compact size.
Like the other mixers in Alesis’ MultiMix USB series, including the MultiMix 4 USB and MultiMix 6 USB, the MultiMix 8 USB FX contains a complete USB recording interface. Musicians and engineers can plug the MultiMix 8 USB FX’s class-compliant USB connection into their Mac or PC without installing any software drivers and enjoy a digital-direct stereo connection with virtually any audio software application. The MultiMix 8 USB FX enables bidirectional stereo signal, so musicians can record the stereo Main output into their computer and listen back using the mixer as an interface from software to headphones and monitoring loudspeakers.
The MulitMix 8 USB FX Features:
• Eight-channel mixer with mic, line, and guitar-level inputs
• 16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz stereo USB output for easy recording and playback from your computer
• XLR inputs with gain trim, switchable high-pass filters, and 48V phantom power
• 1/4-inch line-level inputs for instruments and high-impedance guitar input for direct-connecting guitars
• Powerful EQ: three-band with sweepable parametric mids on channels 1 and 2, three-band on 3 and 4, two-band on 5 – 8
• Built-in DSP effects with footswitch bypass control and Aux buss for external processing
• Multicolor LED metering for visual level feedback
• Main and headphone outputs with independent level controls
• Class compliant, plug-and-play USB for Mac and PC interface without installing drivers
• Includes Cubase LE software
• Consumes 36% less power than its predecessor for reliability and energy efficiency.
I had a chance to get my hands on the new MultiMix 8 USB FX at Summer NAMM in Nashville a few weeks ago. The mixer seemed to have high quality components and a general sturdiness about it that makes any engineer feel good about having it around. The MultiMix 8 USB FX seems to hit all of the bullet points that small formant home recordists are looking for. It improved on it’s limited input capabilites and made an all-around more useful product. Plus, it comes with Cubase LE! Rumored to release in August, I’m guestimating the price to be somewhere around the $350-$400 mark. We’re hoping to receive one in the next few months for review so check back for that.
The Alesis Story
Established in 1980, Alesis was founded on innovative semi-conductor chip technology and award winning industrial designs that allowed entry level musicians and recording artists to afford professional studio recording products that were never affordable before. With high “bang for the buck” value, Alesis introduced the world’s first professional 16 bit effects processor under $1000, the Midiverb. Following on the heels of the Midiverb, Alesis progressed into studio quality drum machines (HR-16 and SR-16) as well as synthesizers, studio monitors and mixing consoles.
1991 proved to be the ground-breaking year for Alesis, with the introduction of the ADAT Multi-Channel Digital Tape Recorder. Before ADAT, a studio would have to invest $50,000 in order to afford a multi-track digital recorder. With ADAT, the price tag came down to $4,000, essentially allowing every home and project studio to afford digital recording. This new technology allowed any artist or musician to record studio quality recordings.
In 2001, Alesis was acquired by Jack O’Donnell, and ever-since the company has delivered more solutions and value to musicians than ever before. Under his leadership the company ventured into producing the worlds most affordable analog mixers with built-in Digital Signal Processing (award-winning MultiMix Series Mixers), an advanced yet affordable full line of electronic percussion products (USB Pro Kit, DM5 Pro Kit, SURGE Cymbals, Performance Pad), as well as highly innovative and adaptable computer audio interfaces and controllers (MasterControl). Alesis is committed to delivering the most innovative and inspiring professional audio gear for musicians, producers and engineers of all levels.
From a press release
