Alesis Multimix 8 USB 2.0

For multitrack recordings where the individual mixer channels need to be sent separately to the DAW, a simple stereo USB output is often not enough. The Alesis MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 combines an eight-channel analogue mixer with a 10-in/2-out USB interface: eight input channels and the stereo mix can be sent to a computer simultaneously at up to 24-bit and 96 kHz.

Four mic/line channels with XLR microphone inputs and switchable phantom power accommodate dynamic and condenser microphones. There are also four stereo line channels for instruments or other line-level sources. Each channel has a three-band EQ, pan or balance control, level control, and PFL/Solo and Mute/Alt switches. USB recording of the individual channels takes place after gain, EQ and channel level; the internal effects are not recorded on the individual channels, but are included in the master signal.

100 internal 28-bit effect programmes are available for sound processing, including reverb, delay, chorus, flanger and pitch effects. Two aux sends let you connect external effects units: one can be switched between pre and post, while the other operates post-fader and can also feed the internal effects. Two aux returns route the return signals back into the mixer.

The computer's stereo return can be routed to the main mix or to the headphone and control room output using the USB/2-track switches. Separate main and control room outputs, as well as a headphone connection, provide connections for PA and monitoring. The RCA 2-track input and output complement the analogue connections. Rack ears are available as an optional extra and are required for rack mounting.

Steinberg Cubase LE is included. According to the product information, the supplied software supports 48 audio tracks, 64 MIDI tracks, automation for volume, pan, mute and effects, as well as up to eight VST instruments. Also listed are MIDI note editing with advanced quantisation options and Logical Presets, two inserts and four Effect Sends per channel, as well as VST System Link and ReWire 2. The listed operating system compatibility includes Windows XP SP2 and Mac OS X; for Mac, the manual specifies OS X 10.4 or later.

The mixer is suitable for small recording setups and live mixes when you want to process microphone and stereo line sources in analogue form and record the channels individually for further editing. Multitrack recording via USB, internal effects, aux sends and separate monitoring connections cover key tasks in a compact desktop unit.