Alesis 12R manual

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Table of contents for the manual

  • Page 1

    R EFERENCE M ANUAL 2002 MIXER / MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER[...]

  • Page 2

    Important Safety Instructions[...]

  • Page 3

    Important Safety Instructions Important Safety Instructions (English) Safety symbols used in this product This symbo l alerts the us er that there are impor tant operating and maintenance i nstr uctions in the li terature accompanying this un it. This symbol war ns the user of uninsulated voltage within the unit that can cause dang erous electric s[...]

  • Page 4

    Important Safety Instructions 12. Use only with a car t, stand, b rack et, or table designed for use with professional audi o or music e quipment. In any installation, make sure that injur y or damage will not result from cables pulling on the app aratus and its mounting . If a cart is us ed, use caution when moving the car t/appa ratus combination[...]

  • Page 5

    Important Safety Instructions Instructions de Sécurité Importantes (French) Symboles utilisés dans ce produit Ce symbole alèr te l’utilisateur qu’il existe des instr uctions de fonctionneme nt et de maintenance dans la documentation jointe avec ce produit. Ce symbole avertit l’utilisat eur de la présence d’une tension non isolée à l [...]

  • Page 6

    Important Safety Instructions Suite de la page suivante 12. N’utilisez qu’avec un stand, ou table conçus pour l’utilisation d’audio professionne l ou instruments de musique . Dans toute installation, veillez de ne rien endommager à cause de câbles qui tirent sur de s appareils et leu r support. 13. Débranchez l’appareil lors d’un o [...]

  • Page 7

    Important Safety Instructions Lesen Sie bitte die folgende Sicherheitshinweise (German) Sicherheit Symbole verwendet in diesem Produkt Dieses Symbol alar miert den Benutzer, daß es wichtige Funktioniere n und W ar tung Anweisungen in der Literatur gibt, di e diese Maßeinheit begleitet. Dieses Symbol w ar nt den Benutzer der nic ht isolierten Span[...]

  • Page 8

    Important Safety Instructions F or tsetzung auf nächster Seite 12. V erwenden Sie aussc hließlic h W ag en, Ständer , oder Tische, die speziell f ür professionell e Audi o- und Musikinstrumente geeignet sind. Achten Sie immer darauf, daß die jeweiligen Geräte sicher installiert sind, um Schäden und V erletzungen zu vermeiden . W enn Sie ein [...]

  • Page 9

    Important Safety Instructions CE Declaration Of Conformity See our website at: http://www .alesis .com FCC Compliance Statement This device complies with P art 15 of the FCC r ules. Operation is subject to the f ollowing tw o conditions: (1) This device ma y not cause har mful in terference and (2) this device must accep t any interference received[...]

  • Page 10

    1 20 50-60 HZ 5 23 W MAX High Frequency EQ Low Frequency EQ Aux Send 1 (Pre Fader) Aux Send 2 (Post Fader) FRONT P ANEL REAR P ANEL Gain Channel Pan/Balance Power In Power Switch Phantom Power Switch Main Out T ape Monitor In Stereo Aux Return Aux Sends Microphone In Channel Fader Main Out Monitor Out Line In Channel Insert Master Level Phantom Pow[...]

  • Page 11

    Introduction Multimix 12R Reference Manual 1 T ABLE OF C ONTENTS Table of Contents ................................................................. 1 Introduction ............................................................................. 3 The Alesis Multimix 12R Microphone Preamplifier/Mixer ........................ 3 Using this manual .......[...]

  • Page 12

    Introduction Multimix 12R Reference Manual 1 T ABLE OF C ONTENTS Table of Contents ................................................................. 1 Introduction ............................................................................. 3 The Alesis Multimix 12R Microphone Preamplifier/Mixer ........................ 3 Using this manual .......[...]

  • Page 13

    Introduction Multimix 12R Reference Manual 3 I NTRODUCTION The Alesis Multimix 12R Microphone Preamplifier/Mixer The Alesis Multimix 12R is a high-quality, rack-mountable 12-input, stereo output audio mixer. It is designed to handle eight microphones, two stereo line inputs, and to route signal to and from external effect processing devices. As a b[...]

  • Page 14

    Introduction Multimix 12R Reference Manual 3 I NTRODUCTION The Alesis Multimix 12R Microphone Preamplifier/Mixer The Alesis Multimix 12R is a high-quality, rack-mountable 12-input, stereo output audio mixer. It is designed to handle eight microphones, two stereo line inputs, and to route signal to and from external effect processing devices. As a b[...]

  • Page 15

    Installation Multimix 12R Reference Manual 5 I NSTALLATION Unpacking The Multimix 12R box should contain: 1. The mixer itself 2. A packet of literature along with this manual 3. An AC power cable AC power READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS IN THE PREVIOUS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION OF THIS UNIT. Connect the Multimix 12R to the specified [...]

  • Page 16

    Installation Multimix 12R Reference Manual 5 I NSTALLATION Unpacking The Multimix 12R box should contain: 1. The mixer itself 2. A packet of literature along with this manual 3. An AC power cable AC power READ ALL SAFETY WARNINGS IN THE PREVIOUS SECTION OF THIS MANUAL TO ENSURE SAFE OPERATION OF THIS UNIT. Connect the Multimix 12R to the specified [...]

  • Page 17

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 7 C ONNECTIONS Inputs Cable common sense Make all connections to the Multimix 12R with the power turned off wherever possible. If you must connect or disconnect inputs while power is on, make sure the channel fader and [TRIM] are turned all the way down to avoid sudden pops and clicks which may damage speak[...]

  • Page 18

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 7 C ONNECTIONS Inputs Cable common sense Make all connections to the Multimix 12R with the power turned off wherever possible. If you must connect or disconnect inputs while power is on, make sure the channel fader and [TRIM] are turned all the way down to avoid sudden pops and clicks which may damage speak[...]

  • Page 19

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 9 Phantom power Certain types of microphones (called condenser microphones) require a DC power supply from the mixer. “Phantom power” sends 48 volts of DC through the microphone cable. If any of your microphones need phantom power, turn on the [PHANTOM POWER] switch on the Multimix 12R’s back panel to[...]

  • Page 20

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 9 Phantom power Certain types of microphones (called condenser microphones) require a DC power supply from the mixer. “Phantom power” sends 48 volts of DC through the microphone cable. If any of your microphones need phantom power, turn on the [PHANTOM POWER] switch on the Multimix 12R’s back panel to[...]

  • Page 21

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 11 Balanced +4 dBu line level sources: Professional recording and processing equipment typically provides a balanced, 3-conductor signal output that is a higher voltage (1.24 volts nominal level) than most synthesizers and stereo equipment. The Multimix 12R’s [LINE IN] jacks are designed to handle these b[...]

  • Page 22

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 11 Balanced +4 dBu line level sources: Professional recording and processing equipment typically provides a balanced, 3-conductor signal output that is a higher voltage (1.24 volts nominal level) than most synthesizers and stereo equipment. The Multimix 12R’s [LINE IN] jacks are designed to handle these b[...]

  • Page 23

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 13 Phonograph turntables If you're using a record turntable, you may not plug it directly into the line inputs of the Multimix 12R (well, you can, but it will sound very thin and noisy). Obtain a phono preamp from your dealer or an electronics specialty store. 1. Plug the outputs of the phonograph pick[...]

  • Page 24

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 13 Phonograph turntables If you're using a record turntable, you may not plug it directly into the line inputs of the Multimix 12R (well, you can, but it will sound very thin and noisy). Obtain a phono preamp from your dealer or an electronics specialty store. 1. Plug the outputs of the phonograph pick[...]

  • Page 25

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 15 You don’t need to connect anything to the other input of the effect, because most effect units use the stereo inputs only to provide a path for the “dry” stereo signal when the effect is connected directly between an instrument and an amplifier. In mixing applications such as with the Multimix 12R,[...]

  • Page 26

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 15 You don’t need to connect anything to the other input of the effect, because most effect units use the stereo inputs only to provide a path for the “dry” stereo signal when the effect is connected directly between an instrument and an amplifier. In mixing applications such as with the Multimix 12R,[...]

  • Page 27

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 17 providing a direct output. Or, put the recorder into INPUT mode and insert the plug all the way, connecting the input and output of each track of the recorder into each channel path of the mixer. This will allow playback monitoring of the recorder. See the Applications chapter for more information. For m[...]

  • Page 28

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 17 providing a direct output. Or, put the recorder into INPUT mode and insert the plug all the way, connecting the input and output of each track of the recorder into each channel path of the mixer. This will allow playback monitoring of the recorder. See the Applications chapter for more information. For m[...]

  • Page 29

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 19 To another mixer The main or monitor outputs of the Multimix 12R may be connected to a larger mixing console. Consult the manual for the other mixer for more information. If the mixer has "SUB IN" jacks, connect to those. Alternatively, you may simply connect the MAIN OUT or MONITOR OUT jacks o[...]

  • Page 30

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 19 To another mixer The main or monitor outputs of the Multimix 12R may be connected to a larger mixing console. Consult the manual for the other mixer for more information. If the mixer has "SUB IN" jacks, connect to those. Alternatively, you may simply connect the MAIN OUT or MONITOR OUT jacks o[...]

  • Page 31

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 21 2. Connect the stereo/TRS end to the INSERT jack of channel 1 of the Multimix 12R. 3. Connect the mono plug from the tip connector to the input of the ADAT. NOTE: the ADAT’s tracks are arranged from left to right on the back panel, and the mixer’s channels are from right to left, so the wires will ha[...]

  • Page 32

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 21 2. Connect the stereo/TRS end to the INSERT jack of channel 1 of the Multimix 12R. 3. Connect the mono plug from the tip connector to the input of the ADAT. NOTE: the ADAT’s tracks are arranged from left to right on the back panel, and the mixer’s channels are from right to left, so the wires will ha[...]

  • Page 33

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 23 Phones The [PHONES] jack on the front panel is designed for most stereo headphones. The internal headphone amplifier outputs the maximum power allowed by safety standards. The impedance and efficiency of the headphones will determine the maximum volume available. Eight- ohm headphones may be louder at a [...]

  • Page 34

    Connections Multimix 12R Reference Manual 23 Phones The [PHONES] jack on the front panel is designed for most stereo headphones. The internal headphone amplifier outputs the maximum power allowed by safety standards. The impedance and efficiency of the headphones will determine the maximum volume available. Eight- ohm headphones may be louder at a [...]

  • Page 35

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 25 O PERATING I NSTRUCTIONS Before turning the mixer on, "zero out' the controls To avoid surprises while you're setting up a new system, set all controls to their "zeroed out" positions as follows before proceeding: 1. Make all connections to the Multimix 12R, as describ[...]

  • Page 36

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 25 O PERATING I NSTRUCTIONS Before turning the mixer on, "zero out' the controls To avoid surprises while you're setting up a new system, set all controls to their "zeroed out" positions as follows before proceeding: 1. Make all connections to the Multimix 12R, as describ[...]

  • Page 37

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 27 Metering/Unity Gain method This method gives you more headroom than the peak method, while maintaining a low noise floor which will be well below the noise of most PA or live recording environments. 1. With the mic or line level signal flowing through the channel, set the TRIM to minimum. 2. S[...]

  • Page 38

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 27 Metering/Unity Gain method This method gives you more headroom than the peak method, while maintaining a low noise floor which will be well below the noise of most PA or live recording environments. 1. With the mic or line level signal flowing through the channel, set the TRIM to minimum. 2. S[...]

  • Page 39

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 29 Proper gain staging of other equipment The total noise performance of your system depends on proper gain control of all the elements. A "noisy mixer" is usually a quiet mixer in a system whose gain structure is incorrect. As a good starting point, set most volume level controls of ot[...]

  • Page 40

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 29 Proper gain staging of other equipment The total noise performance of your system depends on proper gain control of all the elements. A "noisy mixer" is usually a quiet mixer in a system whose gain structure is incorrect. As a good starting point, set most volume level controls of ot[...]

  • Page 41

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 31 By having the correct level at every point in the send/return chain, you avoid distortion by overloading and avoid noise. The most common mistake with effect units is to have too low a level at the send or input, then crank up the output of the processor or the Aux return to get the effects le[...]

  • Page 42

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 31 By having the correct level at every point in the send/return chain, you avoid distortion by overloading and avoid noise. The most common mistake with effect units is to have too low a level at the send or input, then crank up the output of the processor or the Aux return to get the effects le[...]

  • Page 43

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 33 Avoiding noise If the Multimix 12R is being run as suggested above, the noise of the mixer itself will not be a significant factor in the noise level of your system, since the Multimix 12R generates much less noise than the typical source does. Noise is present in every system, analog or digit[...]

  • Page 44

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 33 Avoiding noise If the Multimix 12R is being run as suggested above, the noise of the mixer itself will not be a significant factor in the noise level of your system, since the Multimix 12R generates much less noise than the typical source does. Noise is present in every system, analog or digit[...]

  • Page 45

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 35 rack from being conducted back to the mixer. Even though the mixer- to-amp connection is balanced, any unbalanced sources or effects plugged into the mixer may exhibit a hum when the amp's ground is carried back to the mixer. Operating Instructions[...]

  • Page 46

    Operating Instructions Multimix 12R Reference Manual 35 rack from being conducted back to the mixer. Even though the mixer- to-amp connection is balanced, any unbalanced sources or effects plugged into the mixer may exhibit a hum when the amp's ground is carried back to the mixer. Operating Instructions[...]

  • Page 47

    Applications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 37 A PPLICATIONS Multitrack recording See the "Connections" chapter for information on how to connect the Multimix 12R to an ADAT or other multitrack recorder. In the most common setup, the ADAT is patched into the INSERT points of each channel. It receives signal directly from the [TRIM] control[...]

  • Page 48

    Applications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 37 A PPLICATIONS Multitrack recording See the "Connections" chapter for information on how to connect the Multimix 12R to an ADAT or other multitrack recorder. In the most common setup, the ADAT is patched into the INSERT points of each channel. It receives signal directly from the [TRIM] control[...]

  • Page 49

    Applications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 39 Using the HIGH and LOW EQ controls The Multimix 12R provides standard shelving EQ controls on each channel. The HIGH knob range is +/- 15 dB with a shelving frequency of 12 kHz. "Shelving" means that all frequencies above 12 kHz will be boost or cut by the same amount , and frequency response [...]

  • Page 50

    Applications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 39 Using the HIGH and LOW EQ controls The Multimix 12R provides standard shelving EQ controls on each channel. The HIGH knob range is +/- 15 dB with a shelving frequency of 12 kHz. "Shelving" means that all frequencies above 12 kHz will be boost or cut by the same amount , and frequency response [...]

  • Page 51

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 41 T ROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating the Multimix 12R, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support or your dealer for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution The Power LED does not light when th[...]

  • Page 52

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 41 T ROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Index If you experience problems while operating the Multimix 12R, please use the following table to locate possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis Product Support or your dealer for assistance. Symptom Cause Solution The Power LED does not light when th[...]

  • Page 53

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 43 Maintenance/Service Exterior cleaning Disconnect the AC cord, then use a damp cloth to clean the mixer’s metal and plastic surfaces. For heavy dirt, use a non-abrasive household cleaner such as Formula 409 or Fantastik. DO NOT SPRAY THE CLEANER DIRECTLY ONTO THE FRONT OF THE UNIT AS IT MAY DESTROY T[...]

  • Page 54

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 45 S PECIFICATIONS All measurements taken with an Audio Precision System One. All noise measurements taken with trim at minimum and faders at unity gain with 22 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth unless otherwise specified. All In & Out measurements made on balanced +4 dBu connectors. (+4 dBu into a line input w[...]

  • Page 55

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 45 S PECIFICATIONS All measurements taken with an Audio Precision System One. All noise measurements taken with trim at minimum and faders at unity gain with 22 Hz to 22 kHz bandwidth unless otherwise specified. All In & Out measurements made on balanced +4 dBu connectors. (+4 dBu into a line input w[...]

  • Page 56

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 47 Noise performance (typical) Measured at MAIN OUT +4 dBu jacks, unbalanced load, 22 Hz to 22 kHz, all channels panned to center. MIC IN to INSERT OUT: -128.5 dBu Equivalent Input Noise at maximum gain Residual output noise (MASTER fader at nominal, channel faders at minimum): <-88 dBu 12 inputs, fad[...]

  • Page 57

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 47 Noise performance (typical) Measured at MAIN OUT +4 dBu jacks, unbalanced load, 22 Hz to 22 kHz, all channels panned to center. MIC IN to INSERT OUT: -128.5 dBu Equivalent Input Noise at maximum gain Residual output noise (MASTER fader at nominal, channel faders at minimum): <-88 dBu 12 inputs, fad[...]

  • Page 58

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 49 B LOCK DIAGRAM Specifications Level diagram[...]

  • Page 59

    Specifications Multimix 12R Reference Manual 49 B LOCK DIAGRAM Specifications Level diagram[...]

  • Page 60

    Index Multimix 12R Reference Manual 51 I NDEX ADAT, 18, 22, 34, 39 amplifier, 20, 31 Aux 1, 17, 20 AUX 2, 16, 32 AUX SEND, 16, 20 balanced, 12, 20 cable , 9 clipping, 13 compressor, 17 direct output using INSERT jack, 18 distortion, 28, 31 effect, 16 EQ, 31 Fader, 30 feedback, 20, 21 gain, 30 ground loop, 35 isolating from rack, 8 grounding, 6, 7 g[...]

  • Page 61

    Warranty / Contact Alesis Limited W arranty ALESIS CORPORATION ("ALESIS") w ar rants this product to be free of defects in material and workmanship fo r a period of one (1) year for parts and for a period of one (1) year for labor from the date of or iginal retail purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purcha s[...]

  • Page 62

    Alesis Cont act Information Alesis Distributi on, LLC Los Angeles , CA USA E-mail: support@alesis .com We b s i t e : http://www .alesis .com Alesis Multimix 12R Reference Man ual Revision 1.0 by Brooks Br uner Copyright 2002, Alesis Distribution, LLC. All rights reser ved Reproduc tion in whole or in part is prohibited. “Multi mix 12R” is a tr[...]