Alesis MultiMix 8 FireWire

This is the Multi Mix 8 Firewire edition made by Alesis. It is a non-powered mixing board and recording console all in one. I bought it to record a decent demo for my rock band.

It appealed to me because I can use it live as a standalone mixer as well as record with it via Firewire into Cubase LE which is included with the purchase of the mixer.

I needed something that could record at least four tracks so I could record drums how I wanted to. I also wanted a easy to use software than Pro Tools. Also I was using a PC so the pickings where slim.

I paid $299 for this setup. The Mixer, cables and a power supply for the mixer. Also I got a manual for Cubase which was more than helpful.

Use it as a stand alone mixer or recording console. It pretty simple to setup. I didn't have to pull my hair out. There was no unwanted latency.

The preamps aren't pro level by any means, but they sound good. I like that you can get a decent sound on the mixer then send it into the computer (less mixing later)

None, just make sure your computer has a firewire port. My Dell did but a few computers do not come with them. No big deal a firewire port isn't expensive or hard to install.

Rock solid. I have had this for 2 years now. It traveled and got knocked around plenty in my laptop bag.

The knobs are firm and well marked. The power switch is right next to the Phantom Power switch so if you turn it on and hear nothing odds are you hit the wrong power button.

Records up to 8 channels into Firewire. Not many home studio units offer that in this price range. Great sounding board that has lasted me.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

4 channels with preamp and phantom power + 4 jack channels (2 stereo) without preamp.
General VU-meter, FW and jack outputs.
The details can be easily found online!

I use it only for recording, so I never use the EQs nor effects, I prefer to do all that within Logic Express.

USE

The console is really easy to use, very intuitive!

The manual is pretty brief, but I don't think you need anything more.

I've uses it with cubase, garage band and, nowadays, with logic express. It has always worked fine. I have never had compatibility or reliability issues.

I bought it to record my drums at first, but I now record rehearsals and small live gigs (piano solo, for example), too.
It has also served as the foundation for a small home studio for my band where we record with a more comprehensive setup than on rehearsals (and onto multiple tracks). I record my drums, but also vocals, grand pianos, bass, acoustic and electric guitar...


SOUND

To me, the sound is transparent and clean enough, no complains here!
With the gain pot beyond 2/3 the preamps are a bit noisy, however I've never had the need to crank it beyond this point during two years of use.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using it?
I've been using it for two and a half years.

Did you try any other models before buying this one?
Yes, a couple of models here and there (M-audio and rme soundcards).

Which feature do you like the most / the least?
The number of preamplified inputs, although if I had to, I'd buy the model above (with 16). The fact is that I have a pretty large drum set (4 toms, lots of cymbals, electronic pads, and percussion) and when I have a recording session with lots of mics I love to play with their placement (room mics to give depth to my sound, 2 mics on the kick + snare (with phase inversion)), however I solved this issue buying external preamps, which allow me to have some good preamps and use the line inputs for mics.
With additional preamps and 8 inputs there's plenty to do if you get creative.

How would you rate the product's value for money? Based on your experience, would you buy this product again? ...
Unbeatable! When I bought it was the first FW mixer at this price point and, to be honest, I was surprised by the results for the money!
As I wrote above, I would probably buy the same series, but the model above, with more inputs.
I recommended it to a friend of mine who is also very happy with it. When we have big sessions we borrow each other the mixers since you can link them together via FW, which increases the number of inputs by two.

Not rack-mountable, small (8"x8"), separate power supply.
4 mic/line channels + 2 stereo channels. 3 EQs on every channel, one low-cut, effects send and return.
XLR mix input, everything else on jacks.
Built-in effects
Sampling at 24bits/48khz max.
General phantom power.

For the rest of the details go to Alesis' website.

USE

Very easy to use. It's very handy to have a set of switches to route the signal to the speakers. Be it the mix or the firewire return. There's a general mix level pot + a control room pot (not bad!).
The second firewire port to connect an external HDD is also very useful. It's prefect for a laptop with only one firewire port. Great idea.

The only thing I would criticize ─ at least considering what a mixer at this price point can offer ─, is the lack of Mutes on the tracks. When you use the mixer as a standalone unit, you really miss it.

SOUND

The preamps are pretty transparent, rather clean, but not very powerful.
Which can be a real pain with low-output mics.

OVERALL OPINION

I've had it for several months. I needed a simple souundcard for when I'm writing songs, knowing that I have "good gear" for recording. Browsing around I found this product, which seemed a practical solution to connect the speakers and a player and work without latency, but I could also use it for live recordings. In fact, I put in a backpack my ultra-portable PC, the mixer, two pairs of headphones and various cables. The only thing I need to carry by hand are the mic stands.
For less than $300, I think this product is impeccable. No issues during installation. The only drawback is that it doesn't have "mutes" on the channels.