OVERVIEW
Alesis' iMultiMix 8 USB is a sturdy, compact all-in-one tabletop mixer and recorder with USB connectivity, 8 channels, 100 studio grade 28-bit digital effects, a built-in limiter to avoid distorted recordings and an integrated iPod dock with control wheel transport controls for...
expand review fast, easy direct-to-iPod recording. This is the first in the first interface/mixer we've carried to feature integrated iPod control and recording capability.
FEATURES
The iMultiMix 8 USB inherits many of the same features as the standard MultiMix 8 USB. It features USB connectivity which makes the iMultiMix both an input mixer and an audio interface, 8 channels (with 3-band EQ per channel) - (4) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power, balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out, and 100 easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. The big addition here is the integrated iPod dock. With it, you are able to record your sets direct to iPod and easily transfer directly to iTunes with no special drivers needed. The iMultiMix 8 also allows playback from your iPod for easy integration of your iPod in live performances. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.
OUR OPINION
The iMultiMix 8 is rugged + portable and will serve as an excellent input mixer and USB interface, but with the addition of dock and direct-to-iPod recording, Alesis made a good thing even better. DJs and producers will benefit from an easy way to get ultra clean recordings from gigs, practices, etc., plus bands will also benefit from a way to record several inputs at one time and the ability of adding a backing track through the iPod playback feature. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Alesis' MultiMix series is a strong addition to the audio mixer market. This series integrates Alesis' low noise electronics (what they are known for), 100 digital effects, and rock solid construction all at a very competitive price. The MultiMix 12 Firewire is...
expand review first in the Firewire line to offer slider controls, and offers 12 channels and a Firewire in/out for interfacing with your computer.
USES
- mixing different sound inputs
- adding effects
- high quality Firewire audio interface
FEATURES
The first thing that must be highlighted is the design of this mixer. Alesis has always been known for their eye pleasing design, but here they've surpassed expectations by delivering rugged construction and an extremely compact, portable size.
In addition to the 12 channels and Firewire connectivity, the MultiMix 12 Firewire features (4) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power. There are balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out. The Firewire port does not need any drivers and works as a fully functional Firewire audio interface with 24-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling and high-end A/D and D/A conversion using next-generation Dice II FireWire chip.
There are 100 easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. Each channel features a 3-band EQ. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.
OUR OPINION
The lines between high priced mixers and affordable mixers like the Multimix series are getting blurred. The Multimix series is built to be very rugged and portable, and offers some unbelievable features at this price range (Firewire connectivity and effects). The Firewire connectivity is especially crucial because once you utilize the excellent, clean sound of this mixer, you can transfer it digitally to your computer while keeping sound quality intact. This is a highly recommended mixer for your home studio. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Alesis' MultiMix series is a strong addition to the audio mixer market. This series integrates Alesis' low noise electronics (what they are known for), 100 digital effects, and rock solid construction all at a very competitive price. The MultiMix 12 USB offers...
expand review 12 channels with smooth sliders, and a USB in/out for interfacing with your computer.
USES
- mixing different sound inputs
- adding effects
- high quality USB audio interface
FEATURES
The first thing that must be highlighted is the design of this mixer. Alesis has always been known for their eye pleasing design, but here they've surpassed expectations by delivering rugged construction and an extremely compact, portable size.
In addition to the 12 channels and USB connectivity, the MultiMix 12 USB features (4) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power. There are balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out. The USB port does not need any drivers and works as a fully functional USB audio interface with 16-bit simultaneous stereo input and output.
There are 100 easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. Each channel features a 3-band EQ. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.
OUR OPINION
The lines between high priced mixers and affordable mixers like the Multimix series are getting blurred. The Multimix series is built to be very rugged and portable, and offers some unbelievable features at this price range. The USB connectivity is especially crucial because once you utilize the excellent, clean sound of this mixer, you can transfer it digitally to your computer while keeping sound quality intact. This is a highly recommended mixer for your home studio.
OVERVIEW
Alesis' MultiMix series is a strong addition to the audio mixer market. This series integrates Alesis' low noise electronics (what they are known for), 100 digital effects, and rock solid construction all at a very competitive price. The MultiMix 16 Firewire is...
expand review first in the Firewire line to offer slider controls, and offers 16 channels and a Firewire in/out for interfacing with your computer.
USES
- mixing different sound inputs
- adding effects
- high quality Firewire audio interface
FEATURES
The first thing that must be highlighted is the design of this mixer. Alesis has always been known for their eye pleasing design, but here they've surpassed expectations by delivering rugged construction and an extremely compact, portable size. In addition to the 16 channels and Firewire connectivity, the MultiMix 16 Firewire features (8) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power. There are balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out. The Firewire port does not need any drivers and works as a fully functional Firewire audio interface with 24-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling and high-end A/D and D/A conversion using next-generation Dice II FireWire chip.
There are 100 easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. Each channel features a 3-band EQ. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.
OUR OPINION
The lines between high priced mixers and affordable mixers like the Multimix series are getting blurred. The Multimix series is built to be very rugged and portable, and offers some unbelievable features at this price range (Firewire connectivity and effects). The Firewire connectivity is especially crucial because once you utilize the excellent, clean sound of this mixer, you can transfer it digitally to your computer while keeping sound quality intact. This is a highly recommended mixer for your home studio. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Alesis' MultiMix series is a strong addition to the audio mixer market. This series integrates Alesis' low noise electronics (what they are known for), 100 digital effects, and rock solid construction all at a very competitive price. The MultiMix 8 Firewire is...
expand review the first offering in the Firewire line and offers 8 channels and a Firewire in/out for interfacing with your computer.
USES
- mixing different sound inputs
- adding effects
- high quality Firewire audio interface
FEATURES
The first thing that must be highlighted is the design of this mixer. Alesis has always been known for their eye pleasing design, but here they've surpassed expectations by delivering rugged construction and an extremely compact, portable size.
In addition to the 8 channels and Firewire connectivity, the MultiMix 8 Firewire features (4) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power. There are balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out. The Firewire port does not need any drivers and works as a fully functional Firewire audio interface with 24-bit, 44.1/48 kHz sampling and high-end A/D and D/A conversion using next-generation Dice II FireWire chip.
There are 100 easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. Each channel features a 3-band EQ. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.
OUR OPINION
The lines between high priced mixers and affordable mixers like the Multimix series are getting blurred. The Multimix series is built to be very rugged and portable, and offers some unbelievable features at this price range (Firewire connectivity and effects). The Firewire connectivity is especially crucial because once you utilize the excellent, clean sound of this mixer, you can transfer it digitally to your computer while keeping sound quality intact. This is a great mixer for portable or home usage.
UPDATE: This is the USB 2.0 model which features USB 2.0 technology for ultra-fast, low-latency, 24-bit/44.1-96kHz (with high-end A/D and D/A conversion) multi-channel audio recording straight to your computer. Also features a new, sleek black finish.
OVERVIEW
Alesis' MultiMix series is a strong addition...
expand review to the audio mixer market. This series integrates Alesis' low noise electronics (what they are known for), 100 digital effects, and rock solid construction all at a very competitive price. The MultiMix 8USB 2.0 is the middle model in the line and offers 8 channels and a high resolution USB in/out for interfacing with your computer.
USES
- mixing different sound inputs
- adding effects
- USB audio interface
FEATURES
The first thing that must be highlighted is the design of this mixer. Alesis has always been known for their eye pleasing design, but here they've surpassed expectations by delivering rugged construction and an extremely compact, portable size now in sleek black.
With the USB connection, comes two big bonus features. The Multimix USB8 doubles as both a input mixer and an audio interface, that's one less piece of hardware to buy. Record audio into this unit, directly into your computer. In addition Alesis has included an excellent production program in Cubase LE to get you started.
In addition to the 8 channels and USB connectivity, the MultiMix features (4) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power. There are balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out.
There are 100 28-bit easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. Each channel features a 3-band EQ. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.
OUR OPINION
If you are not shopping for an expensive professional mixer like those made by Mackie, we highly recommend the Multimix USB8 2.0. It's very rugged and portable, and offers some unbelievable features at this price range (USB audio interface and effects). The USB 2,0 connectivity is especially crucial because once you utilize the excellent, clean sound of this mixer, you can transfer it digitally to your computer while keeping sound quality intact at high speeds. This is a great mixer for portable or home usage. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Alesis' MultiMix series is a strong addition to the audio mixer market. This series integrates Alesis' low noise electronics (what they are known for), 100 digital effects, and rock solid construction all at a very competitive price. The MultiMix 8USB is the...
expand review middle model in the line and offers 8 channels and a USB in/out for interfacing with your computer.
USES
- mixing different sound inputs
- adding effects
- USB audio interface
FEATURES
The first thing that must be highlighted is the design of this mixer. Alesis has always been known for their eye pleasing design, but here they've surpassed expectations by delivering rugged construction and an extremely compact, portable size.
With the USB connection, comes two big bonus features. The Multimix USB8 doubles as both a input mixer and an audio interface, that's one less piece of hardware to buy. Record audio into this unit, directly into your computer. In addition Alesis has included an excellent production program in Cubase LE to get you started.
In addition to the 8 channels and USB connectivity, the MultiMix USB8 features (4) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power. There are balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out.
There are 100 easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. Each channel features a 3-band EQ. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.
OUR OPINION
If you are not shopping for an expensive professional mixer like those made by Mackie, we highly recommend the Multimix USB8. It's very rugged and portable, and offers some unbelievable features at this price range (USB audio interface and effects). The USB connectivity is especially crucial because once you utilize the excellent, clean sound of this mixer, you can transfer it digitally to your computer while keeping sound quality intact. This is a great mixer for portable or home usage. -the mgmnt
OVERVIEW
Mackie's 1642-VLZ Pro is a semi-compact, fully featured analog mixer, designed for advanced home/project studios and multi-media post-production. The main function of this mixer is combining multiple audio signals (drums, bass, keys, sampler, etc) to mix into one output (monitors, headphones, master...
expand review recorder, etc.). For example, it could be used for recording an entire band, giving each sound an individual channel or it could be used if you have a lot of gear like a sampler, drum machine, microphone, synth, etc and want to hear them all at the same time. In addition it allows you to adjust levels, eq (3 band), and add effects to the individual channels of audio. After you are satisfied with the mix, you can output that signal into a computer or cd burner. The 1642 is especially useful for those using a multi-track recorder, the four-buss system can be used to direct single audio signals to individual multi-track channels, without having to plug cables in and out or use a patch bay. In terms of quality, the 1642 offers the same ultra-low noise level that has made Mackie the industry leader in semi-pro mixers, while its semi-compact design and strong steel chassis make it ideal for live situations where separate audio signals need to be mixed.
USES:
- Mixing multiple (maximum of 16) audio signals
- Microphone pre amplification
- Adding EQ to audio signals
- Multi-track recording with four-buss system
FEATURES
The main advantage of the 1642 over smaller models is its four buss system. Each channel is equipped with control buttons, when engaged they direct the channel's sound to a individual buss' input. The user connects each of the four buss' outputs directly to an individual input on their multi-track. With this set-up, the push of a button can send a sound directly to a channel of the multi-track with out any need for rewiring.
The 10 XDR™ (Extended Dynamic Range) pre-amps with the available phantom power included on the 1642 will allow the user to record an entire band with both pro and semi-pro mics. Engineered to give professional, clean results with plenty of headroom, these mic pre-amps will greatly improve your microphone based recordings.
The EQ section of the 1642 is strategically designed to give the user parametric control on all mono channels and a set 4-band EQ on the stereo channels. The four mono AUX sends and stereo AUX returns as well as eight inserts make using out board effects (like reverb, echo, compression, etc, which are not included) a simple matter of plug and play. The advanced matrix style monitor control section, gives the user plenty of options for setting up the proper monitoring environment, for both musicians and the engineer. With sixteen channels the 1642 is a the right mixer for those who want to breakout the parts of their song and mix each section individually.
OUR OPINION
Mackie has a tried and true reputation for making solid products at reasonable prices. As stated earlier, the main benefit of the 1642 over smaller Mackie models is its four-buss system. In creative hands, the busses' uses can go way beyond the scenario described earlier (e.g. sub-grouping compression).
The 1642 has other advantages over smaller models, the four-band EQ gives the user much more control over their sounds. On the channels with parametric EQ the user is not only able to control the volume of the cut/boost curve, but also the frequency that is cut and boosted, a very useful tool for shaping sounds.
Having 10 XDR™ mic pre-amps will enormously benefit those who want to record live bands. This way five pre-amps can be used to boost the drum set's gain levels, while the remaining five can be used for guitar, bass, vocals or whatever configuration you dream up.
As with all Mackie boards the 1642 incorporates the ultra-low noise circuitry that has made them the market leader in compact mixers. While the 1642 isn't as compact as the 1202 it is still small enough to fit in a rack mount and its strong construction and steel chassis make it a great companion for touring.
M-Audio's feature loaded NRV10 combines an 8 x 2 analog mixer and a 10 x 10 24-bit/96kHz Firewire digital interface in one convenient package making it the perfect tool for computer-based recording and performance. The NRV10 works directly with your studio software...
expand review (Pro Tools M-Powered, Ableton Live 6, etc.) allowing you to route and record mixer channels into individual tracks in your program. In addition, you can return discrete audio channels from your computer to the NRV10 for computer-free mixing and monitoring complete with an integrated effects section featuring 16 popular effects and variations, plus mute and peak LEDs - an excellent look for live performances. The included InterFX application also allows you to turn the NRV10 and host computer into a powerful live multi-effects processor with access to all your VST effects, while the headphone output with flexible source assignment allows for DJ-style previewing of tracks before adding them to the main mix - more great features for live performance. In the studio, the NRV10's built-in Firewire interface gives you top of the line analog mixing and digital recording (24-bit/96kHz). With 4 mono channels, 2 stereo channels (each with: 1/4" TRS balanced line input, channel/FireWire selector, gain control, monitor send, effect send, pan/balance, volume fader with peak indicator LED, mute/cue button) the NRV10 allows you get into a seamless creative workflow with multiple devices without having to constantly connect and disconnect cables. Plus, unlike other FireWire mixers, the NRV10's ability to return multiple channels from your computer gives you much more flexibility compared to simple stereo returns. If you are looking for a loaded all-in-one mixer / interface that can actually grow with your studio and assist you in live performance, look no further than the NRV10. -mgmnt
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