INTERFACE Product Review Alesis Multimix 4 USB

[jckmdsn]

does this work with mac????

[antonpearson]

im using the alesis multimix 4 and its connected to my laptop fine and im using cubase to record onto but when it records the quality of sound is terrible and there is a lot of hiss despite using good quality mics and having very low gains, why is this, please help?

[interfacewebcast]

@antonpearson Unknown, I use this mixer every day and have been for a year with no issues and flawless experience. Can you share more of your environment, what mics, is your power grounded, what is your computer, OS, etc?

[antonpearson]

@interfacewebcast tried using rode nt5's and a regular carboid as well as trying the direct input with the guitar all with the same result, im just in my room with regular wall plugs, using a samsung rv520 laptop and cubase 6 elements

[interfacewebcast]

@antonpearson I have heard some people have bad experiences or challenging experiences with the Multimix4USB however I have not been able to duplicate any of the issues with mine. It's been a rock solid experience. I have used mine flawlessly with dynamic mics (Shure), condenser mics (Rode and AT), line inputs, live webcasts, recorded multitrack software. The one thing I can say I have not used it for is on a Windows based PC. All my recording and editing is done on Mac hardware and software.

[interfacewebcast]

@antonpearson ensure your power is clean, make sure your laptop isn't having any issues... I did a recording once on a Windows system outside of the multimix and there was an issue with a driver that botched the audio quality from the Mic. It had nothing to do with the Mic as I tried it on a separate system right next to the Windows PC and it sounded beautiful. So check lines, connections, power, system, etc... there is always a root cause to an issue like this.

[heatfilter]

@antonpearson you probably do not have a compressor, preamp and/or EQ do you?

[antonpearson]

@heatfilter no i dont but it doesnt say i need one for this

[heatfilter]

@antonpearson You're right, you don't need a preamp or EQ because both are built in but you might need a compressor which mic help with the overall sound and get rid of that hiss. If this does not work then your unit might be defective... You are using the USB connector from the mixer to a USB port on your computer right? If you're using a patch cord instead of a USB wire, you'll have hiss as well.

[simonfergus1]

did he say pornability?

[interfacewebcast]

@whitexgreen I understand that it may be possible with another products... however not with this specific product (Alesis Multimix 4 USB). The output is only stereo through the USB input of the computer.

[DanceStudioPresents]

Does it have Phantom Power?????

[interfacewebcast]

@DanceStudioPresents Yes... to activate Phantom Power you depress the 48v Phantom Power button that is just above the L/R Balance knob near channel 3/4.

[Kearney1888]

The first 3.54 was completely unnecessary

[ZionHillCalling]

I have watched 2 minutes of the video.... get to the point!

[NickSingsSongs]

so i plug this in m computer, i open fl studio and i go to the mixer, i have a condensor microphon plugged in but it doesnt work when i choose that as my audio input.. any suggestions?

[interfacewebcast]

@NickSingsSongs Depending on your Operating System and how the software is written to take advantage of audio input devices, You may have to reconfigure your OS "system audio settings" to use the Multimix as its default versus its native audio card or inputs. Sometimes the OS inputs override a softwares ability to access audio.

[abe79901]

Could you plug in a mp3 player to the line in on this unit?



[interfacewebcast]

@abe79901 Yes, as long as you use the correct cables. Since MP3 players are stereo outputs, I might suggest to use Channel 3/4 stereo mix.

[Zer0MT]

Great product review - very detailed and informative!

Ok, I'm a drummer looking to get a basic (and my first) microphone/mixer setup going. My plan is:

- 2 x XLR overhead condensers (stereo matched pair)

- Triggered bass drum over L+R 1/4" line.

I'm aware the mics would be fine, but would the kick drum trigger work? The drum trigger goes into a drum module, triggers a sample, which then goes to a stereo output (I was hoping channels 3 & 4 of the Multimix 4?).

Your thoughts on this please?

[interfacewebcast]

@Zer0MT Potentially this will work just fine... since you are running from a trigger to a module, the module to the Multimix4USB Channel3/4 then into your computer or outboard speakers. I don't see any obvious gotchas. Let us know how it works for you... perhaps record a video review of this setup for the INTERFACE WEBCAST community. :) We'd love to show it on the channel.

[Zer0MT]

@interfacewebcast Thanks for the reply. Since I commented, I've purchased all my gear and went for the Alesis Multimix 6 with the same setup as above. It works an absolute charm, you'll be glad to hear. The triggers come through in the mix perfectly, and the condensor mics pick up a little natural acoustic kick drum sound too to mix in with the module's sample.

So for anyone interested to know if hooking up drum modules to the stereo inputs of the Alesis Multimix works...that's a confirmed yes.

[interfacewebcast]

@Zer0MT If you get a chance to record a video of your setup, please send to us... we'd love to share with the INTERFACE WEBCAST TechErtainment community.

[Zer0MT]

@interfacewebcast Sure thing. If I get a video done to demonstrate the setup, I'll send it your way!

[metalhead2theEnd]

Can I use it to record more than one track at once in a program like cubase? If so how many?

[interfacewebcast]

@metalhead2theEnd The signal leaving the mixer is not separated to anything but stereo. Even if you are sending to your computer via USB. True signal separation is typically found on Firewire mixers. This mixer does not have firewire. That said you can record a signal to track one in Cubase, then come back and overlay a new signal to track two... it's a little old school but hey, it worked for the Beatles so why not you? :)

[ArronAdams1990]

Can i use this to plug into my pc and then plug my active monitors into it (i use fl studio to produce)

Cheers

[interfacewebcast]

@ArronAdams1990 Yes you can use this as a primary output for your PC through the USB then plug your monitors into the main outs on the Alesis.

[DelusionalBand2010]

Could you use this to record guitars etc on basic recording software like Audacity?

[interfacewebcast]

@DelusionalBand2010 Absolutely, it will work excellent for that purpose. When you're done, share your project with us here at INTERFACE WEBCAST. Better yet, record a video of your setup and recording session and share with us here at INTERFACE WEBCAST. :)

[DelusionalBand2010]

@interfacewebcast Great, will the quality be good or bad?

[interfacewebcast]

@DelusionalBand2010 I think "Quality" is relative to that of the instrument being played, the processing you push it through and the mixdown and final product you are satisfied with. There are plenty of commercial songs that have been done in multimillion dollar studios that in my humble opinion sound like crap. So your project has the opportunity to be what you want it to be... just use the right tools, process and procedures to be happy with the final outcome.

[DelusionalBand2010]

@interfacewebcast Well I made a wee demo today. I ain't got the Alesis Multimix 4 USB but I used a guitar lead/USB cable which went into the output of my Multi FX guitar pedal. Then I used a dynamic mic with a direct injection which connected to the Input on the pedal. Using the dynamic mic I recorded Drums and Vocals. Using a standard guitar lead I recorded bass and guitar (several times) Where can I share my Demo with you? It is in a WAV format just now.

[interfacewebcast]

@DelusionalBand2010 email your demo and if you have a video to live @ scottydonline . com

[interfacewebcast]

@toddcourtney94 You can have two separate XLR devices going into the mixer, recording two separate tracks is relative to what you are meaning. You can mix them at the Multimix4 then stereo mix them into your computer, however there is no signal separation though the USB. To get true signal separation at the software you might entertain looking at a Firewire mixer.

[FanaticDamen]

Does this Mixer have USB inputs? I ask because I do gameplay commentaries and I work with a company called TGN on YouTube, and I will most likely need one for the future.

[interfacewebcast]

@FanaticDamen No the inputs are XLR and 1/4 inch only

[MrLizard1984]

I bought a Multimix 4 recently for recording acoustic guitar and vox. I bought it because of favourable reviews and that I've got a rode nt-1a condensor going in so needed phantom power. However, I'm having a hard time getting a decent sound level out of this set up. It's either really quiet, or loud enough but clips and distorts badly. Do I need a pre amp? I kinda figured the level gain that is built in should be enough.

[interfacewebcast]

@MrLizard1984 Low level is definitely one issue I have seen on channel 3/4 as there is no built in gain control. That said, even thought channel 1 & 2 have gain control, your input signal may need to be pre-amp'd. As I have said multiple times before, this is a very basic mixer. If you are looking for more features then spend a little more money for a better mixer. As for the distortion, that could be a number of things, some basic troubleshooting will no doubt uncover a root cause.

[trykkermike]

okay, i had the alesis multimix 4 usb recently, i delivered back to the store: The build in soundcard simply sucks. The sound quality is like...... it is in this video... WHY would i record anything with 90's kinda like 16 bit soundcard?!? - a cheap 24 bit soundcard for USB plus a mini mixer, doesnt cost much more than this, and its much better..

[interfacewebcast]

@trykkermike Sorry to hear you had a bad experience. This is indeed a very BASIC mixer. We use it every day and every week with no issues. What I have found is the sound quality is directly related to what you send through. I have used cheap wires and mics with mediocre outcomes... then I switch to quality cabling and mics and it works like a charm. Dollar for dollar... it's a very inexpensive product that provides great connectivity of XLR and 1/4 inch devices via USB input to a computer.

[trykkermike]

@interfacewebcast I delivered it back to the store and got my money back - they said ok to that there was probably a production failure in the mixer i bought.. My mic is currently a Behringer C-1 - not the most expensive, but it works fine connected to my Behringer Xenyx mixer - connected to the Alesis Multimix 4 USB there was a lot of hiss in the output on the connected very new Marshall Major Headphones .. I tryed  turning eighter this and that on and off on the mixer, still the same -hiss..

[SickAirGuitarSolos00]

I am a pretty big noob with this stuff, Can i just plug in 2 dynamic Xlr mics in , Put the mixer in via Usb and record drums? Do i need monitors or can i just use headphones?

[interfacewebcast]

@SickAirGuitarSolos00 You can run two XLR mics in to the mixer and USB into your computer via USB to record, however remember this is not separate channels into the USB, it is a stereo mix. You can monitor via headphones or speakers on the mixer but it will be controlled via separate pots and may not reflect what is going through the USB. I always recommend monitoring your recording software also in order to ensure correct levels.

[interfacewebcast]

@EchoOfNothing Keep in mind... while there are 1/4 inch line inputs on all channels... only channel 1 has the Guitar signal feature built into the channel itself where you can convert the channel for High-impedance guitar input.

[fraggierock1]

Could you plug in more then 1 guitar to put through an amp

[JBr33zyMusic]

did you mess with your hi and low eq at all? im getting a really muddy sound and need help

[interfacewebcast]

@JBr33zyMusic Yes I use the EQ all the time... no muddy sound unless you drop the hi completely out which is normal and expected with any EQ if that happens.

[JBr33zyMusic]

@interfacewebcast could you tell me how far over you have yours? like 2 spaces to the left or something like that?

[interfacewebcast]

@JBr33zyMusic I hate to say "it depends" but it really "depends" on what you have plugged in and how you like your sound to be EQ'd at. With a mic, I like my sound for mic's rich with a hint of low end... therefore if I look use your method of "space"... I assume you mean "spaces" from center of the EQ pot... my EQ on channel 1 is set at 4 spaces right on the HI and 3.5 spaces right on the LO with my GAIN at Max with HPF for my mic.

[MrDaddy507]

aca en panama esa misma está en 169.00 US

[jakurinkid]

is there any latency when recording

[interfacewebcast]

@jakurinkid I have not experienced any latency... I hope this helps.

[yesitsvetz]

@interfacewebcast big up for making this video, I was wondering 2 things, does it take mic input as a 3.5mm jack, & can i hook a midi keyboard to this mixer?

[interfacewebcast]

@yesitsvetz Thanks... I am not sure I follow your Mic question but I'll try to answer... The inputs are XLR and 1/4 inch on channel 1 & 2... then 1/4 inch only on channel 3/4. You could get a 1/4 inch to 3.5mm jack gender changer I suppose but you would need to try it for yourself. There is no Midi input on this mixer. Only USB (Stereo in/out) that connects to your computer (PC/Mac) as an I/O port device. I hope this helps.

[yesitsvetz]

@interfacewebcast thanks for the reply, much appreciated, I think I will be better off buying an audio interface & mixer separate rather then buying a 2-in-1

[TerryBentonJr]

@interfacewebcast Question: For Channels 1&2, are the XLR inputs Stereo inputs or are they standard Mono inputs? Example: Guitar is plugged into multi-fx pedal, I have stereo bounce delay effect with the multi-fx pedal, If I plug the output of the pedal to the input of Channel 1 will it still be stereo, or will it convert my signal to mono?? Help would be excellent!

[interfacewebcast]

@TerryBentonJr It is a standard mono input.

[interfacewebcast]

@TerryBentonJr Per the "OFFICIAL Specs"

INPUTS: Line (CH 1, 2): 10 KΩ input impedance 5.5 mV ~ 4.9 V RMS sensitivity for max output

Mic (CH 1, 2): 600 Ω input impedance balanced 700 mV RMS sensitivity for max output

Line (CH 3, 4): 700 mV RMS sensitivity for max output

HPF (CH 1, 2): 200 Hz (-1 dB), 80 Hz (-3 dB), 20 Hz (-24 dB)

[teunv111]

can I connect an amp. with this mixer?

[interfacewebcast]

@teunv111 Yes you can... you can use the main out to the amp and boost the signal from there.

[BasementSuperStar]

also does the mixer have 48v of phantom power? somebody help me!

[interfacewebcast]

@BasementSuperStar Yes this mixer has Phantom power. :)

[BasementSuperStar]

If i plug my xlr condenser mic into the xlr input slot, and then plug the mixer into my laptopwith the usb cable, can i record without any other cables or anything?

[interfacewebcast]

@BasementSuperStar Yes this mixer acts as your interface between your mic and the USB port on your computer. The mixer shows up as USB Audio Device. Select that in your recording software of choice and/or your operating system as the default audio input and you're in business. HAPPY RECORDING!

[interfacewebcast]

@nappyfro97 Either We here at INTERFACE WEBCAST got a good unit or there's some gremlin running through the experiences you all have posted. I will reach out to Alesis for comment and see what we can do for the INTERFACE WEBCAST community :)

[RobbieRyde]

@nappyfro97 I have to agree, sadly... Probably not all of these hiss, but mine does too. With level of the channel on 1/4, there is already a lot of shitty hiss, that can be removed in computer, but it rapidly devaluates sound of my great MXL mic (and no, hiss ain't comin' from the mic itself or from anything else). I will return it and get some m-audio or lexicon, dunno... This alesis seems cool at first, but quality of the circuit apparently sucks hard :X

[MrAeStudio]

In other words, I wonder if the pan is set to maximum left, will it sound only on the left, 100% pan? Give me advice: I need a USB audio card for recording and working in cubase, mastering, using VST plugins etc. Does it enable me to do all the stuff that is available for an average USB sound card? Could it replace the USB audio card? Thanks in advance :)

[MrAeStudio]

I'm about to buy it, but I have some questions. I need to record 2 separate tracks at a time (guitar+vocals). Can I achieve that goal by panning one channel to the left (to the edge), and the second one to the right? Theoretically, if it is stereo, then I'll obtain a stereo track with a guitar on the left and vocal on the right (basically 2 mono tracks). I wonder if there will be any intersections? For example, will I hear some quiet guitar on the vocal channel and some quiet vocals on another?

[listert2595]

so if i used tis with cubase, and wanted to record each instrument on a seperet track, i wouldnt be able to unless i got the firewire version of this?

[interfacewebcast]

@listert2595 All channels are combined into a stereo signal into your PC via the USB. If you do require channel separation of all four inputs I would recommend a Firewire mixer. I know Mackie makes a great mixer... The Onyx 820i is an 8 Ch mixer specifically for recording. Be aware though that much like the Alesis, the Onyx combines 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 on the mixer. Otherwise it may be something to look at and determine if it will meet your needs.

[canonboom]

hi, i was purchasing for this item.. what i want to ask is.. i have a condenser mic and a korg M50 workstation.. if i want to do a recording, how to use it?? i mean how to connect my condenser mic and keyboard into this multimix??

[interfacewebcast]

@canonboom The USB on the Korg M50 is USB Out, not in... that said, you could connect your Korg to the USB on your computer giving you full function of the M50 from your recording software, then also connect the Multimix to another USB port on your computer for your Mic only. Then using the recording software of choice select the input devices. Remember the Multimix 4 is a simple Stereo Out via USB so no channel separation of signals is available from the mixer.

[interfacewebcast]

@canonboom If you are trying to to basic mixing, you can connect your mic and Korg to the mixer. Use the XLR or 1/4 TS cable for your Mic and then the 1/4 inch outputs of your Korg TS or TRS to the respective channel on the Multimix... then connect the USB from the mixer to your PC and record the stereo output of the multimix to your software of choice using the USB Audio input in your audio settings. I hope these two tips help.

[WLKD06]

are all of the channels able to accept guitar?

[interfacewebcast]

@WLKD06 sadly on this mixer, only Channel 1 has the Guitar switch mode... not to say you couldn't optimize the guitar audio before the mixer and then you would be able to use other channels as well.  But for a direct connect, Channel 1 is your only option.

[pp99073]

How can I output the sound to my computer speakers with this thing??

[interfacewebcast]

@pp99073 Simple, plug in to your USB, then change your primary output of your computer to use the USB Audio and your done...

[dayv619]

best review ive seen on youtube of any product

[interfacewebcast]

@dayv619 Thank you SO much.... We appreciate your feedback. Spread the word about INTERFACE! We are building a community one viewer at a time. Join us in the Chat room too on the website. It's open 24x7x365 we you and your friends can talk TechErtainment!

[GertDV]

Hey guys im struggling to get my mixer up and running do any of you know if it is compatible with windows 7?

[interfacewebcast]

@GertDV I have pinged Alesis Support for you on this... I will post what I get back from them.

[interfacewebcast]

@GertDV Here's the official word from Alesis on your question.

The Multimix 4 USB uses the drivers which are built into Windows 7 so you

would be all set.

Best Regards,

Justin Baro

Technical Support Specialist

Numark | Alesis | Akai Pro | ION | Mixmeister

[GANGSTAMEME1]

Hey, I bought 2 KRK Rokit speakers and i got this for free, can i connect my imac to the mixer and the mixer to the speakers? or this is only for mics and guitars etc

Thanks

[interfacewebcast]

@GANGSTAMEME1 You can absolutely use it in the configuration you are talking about. I use it that way on a Macbook Pro. Works like a charm.

[xxJonnyCxx]

Low level? Would plugging drum microphones into it be too much? Or not?

[interfacewebcast]

@xxJonnyCxx I've never tried this. But sounds interesting... please post your experience when/if you do try this out.

[HakerzTM]

Does it output in stereo if you plug an XRL mic in channel 1? I don't need two mics to get the stere sound right?

[interfacewebcast]

@HakerzTM No a single XLR mic will output mono through the right and left channels in both the main and headphone outs of the mixer.

[HakerzTM]

Could I use it as a recording device and use it to talk like on skype and msn? I don't want to just record. Also can I turn the phantom power all the way off? I have a dynamic mic that doesn't need the phantom power. I have the MXL Mic Mate which is a XLR to USB converter but it has phantom power and it makes the mic have a hissing noise (not sure if that's why) and that's the only reason I want to buy this mixer and I don't want to have the same hissing noise problem. Please respond, thanks :)

[interfacewebcast]

@HakerzTM I use mine all the time for Skype calls with no complaints from the other side. I also run output from my PC through one of the channels to control the callers volume from the mixer. The mixer will provide you the option to run audio out from the pc or mac through USB, don't use that, use the headphone out or line out from the PC to allow you channel control of the audio to your main speakers.

[MaghoxFr]

I bought it, and I'm regretting big time, I just bought a condenser mic, just to find out that the crappy phantom power on this crap makes more noise than the signal of the mic. Not to mention the awful hiss it has all the time. Waste of money.

[interfacewebcast]

@MaghoxFr Sorry to hear your experience... I use this mixer weekly and have never heard any hiss or problem with the phantom power that you spoke of. Maybe you got a faulty unit. i would recommend contacting Alesis to remedy the issue if it is a new unit. Again, no issues...

[AwesomePunkRockRebel]

@MaghoxFr same problem... 

[MaghoxFr]

@AwesomePunkRockRebel Holy crap, I tested the voltage of my phantom power, guess what, it's 5v instead of 48v. Yes, 5 fucking volts. It's a piece of shit, besides the guarantee expired so I'm fucked, I was thinking on going to the store and smash the piece of shit on their window LOL.

[Saif0rk]

Hello i have a standard macbook, i am using logic 9 pro. i have given it alot of thought and i think this one might be the one ive been looking for:).

now for my question:

does it work easy? i mean i got awesome guitar tones in logic so i dont need a big pod with milijons of sounds, so this semse to be awesome for just plugging in the guitar and go, do you have any tips? does it not work well with line in instruments?

[interfacewebcast]

@Saif0rk It works VERY easy with Mac, just plug in and change your audio to the USB Audio that shows up. If you are going to use this as an interface device for guitars and such, the only thing you need to check is if your software will accept audio from a USB interface. This mixer, while multi-channel, is merely a stereo mix input from the mixer to your computer via USB, there are no channel separations up the USB that can be managed individually from your software.

[DelvarWorld]

Why didn't you mention the awful hiss this POS mixer adds to your signal? You can hear a background hiss that comes from the mixer itself, or a shoddy mic preamp. It ruins the recording.

[interfacewebcast]

@DelvarWorld Sorry, I don't hear any "awful hiss" and don't personally feel this is a POS mixer. It is a very good, low cost, basic mixer. The one thing I can say about the audio is it sounds muddy at times but that was the lavaliere mic I was using. Lav mics are notorious to have muddy sounds when you turn your head from the mic itself and also where it may be on clothing.

[corona40oz]

how do i get this to work with my mac, where can i find the drivers for this

[interfacewebcast]

@corona40oz I use it on my Macbook Pro with no issues... simply plug the mixer in and it will connect with no drivers needed, go to your, system preferences, then sound and select the USB sound device that shows up as your INPUT device... you can also have it use USB for output, but the way i use it is the standard output from the macbook and use a mini-to-1/4 inch plug into the mixer, which allows me to control the audio better for my needs. I hope this helps.

[2nerazzuri3]

Can you plug a second guitar on chanel 2 ?

[interfacewebcast]

@2nerazzuri3 Essentially, you could as it has the 1/4 inch input... that said, it doesn't have a specific GUITAR conversion high-impedance selector like Ch1. So you would want to make sure the audio from the guitar was properly setup prior to getting to Ch2. I hope this helps.

[interfacewebcast]

The Multimix4usb is a basic USB audio interface. It shows up in my system as USB audio. The audio that comes from the mixer to the computer via USB is stereo. It doesn't separate the mixers channels audio. So if you want to use this mixer with an audio program keep that in mind for your editing needs.

[mwellbass]

would this mixer be compatitble with ableton live intro software?

[store1992]

never mind actually lol didn't watch whole vid before comment, sorry

[store1992]

you cant plug in a guitar into this can you?

[angiesuricata]

thankyou very much for the answer and the advice, yes this multimix is great!, and very nice with colours, have a nice day!! so i'll get it soon:D

[angiesuricata]

i got a interface before, teh TASCAM US 100, it was the only one in the store, so i was wondering which one is better, the TASCAM US 100 or this product you share with us, or the differences between them, because this one you show seems not just prettier, it looks much more complete, but i dunno if i can use it with my keyboard too.. thanks

[interfacewebcast]

@angiesuricata The MultiMix4 USB is a great mini mixer for XLR and 1/4 inch inputs devices. the guitar switch on ch1 is very useful as well as the SPF on channels 1 and 2... the gain is also very handy to have available... when comparing it to the Tascam US 100 it appears to have more features and expandability... plus the Multimix4 is part of a complete line of USB mixers from Alesis... I really like having the inputs on top and not behind the mixer... I also like the layout of the Multimix4.

[AlesisVideo]

If someone wants more channels, this mixer has a larger sibling called the MultiMix 6 USB.