User manual ALESIS MULTIMIX12FXD

[. . . ] Reference Manual Table Of Contents 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:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . [. . . ] And use stereo RCA cables for the 2-track in and out. 19 1 Getting Started For the S/PDIF Digital out, we suggest that you use a coaxial cable that is specifically designed for S/PDIF applications. These cables are better suited for high frequency (digital) signals and are unbalanced, shielded coaxial cables with shielded RCA connectors on each end. Better to get the high quality S/PDIF cables and save yourself some unnecessary grief. Setting Levels Before you can begin mixing different audio sources with your MultiMix, you must set the level for each channel you're using. Turn the AUX SEND and GAIN controls all the way down, and turn the EQ knobs to the center detent (you'll feel a click). Play the instrument at a normal level and watch the LED meters in the master section. Adjust the channel's gain until the LED meters remain at or very close to 0 and do not exceed +6dB. If you need to apply EQ, do so and check the meter again. 20 2 A Tour of the MultiMix 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. 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. 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. Always connect your microphones before activating phantom power. [. . . ] Describes an aux send that sends a signal that has not passed through the channel fader. A line input whose function is to carry back to the mixer an audio signal that has been sent from the mixer. A line output whose function is to send a signal from the mixer to an external device, usually an effects processor. Refers to the setting of an audio channel at which the signal leaves the channel at the same level at which it entered. [. . . ]