All user reviews of 5/5 for the 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.

I just bought the firewire multimix8 today and I am very satisfied ..
Very compact but still allows to manage up to 8 voice studio so the perspective is quite sufficient. Level connectivity is extensive: RCA, XLR, Jack .... There are 99 preset effects that are excellent but can not be set.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration may be easier ... in 5 minutes you are familiar with the table .. (see photo)
Big downside: installation and general explanation is in french but the manual explains how to manage the side firewire .. so the most important, is in English!

SOUNDS

I did not detect a breath and equalizer seems to me so efficiently

OVERALL OPINION

Before that I had bossé table in the evenings with a Yamaha 01V then a table numlérique ca .. has nothing to do about it but I would say I prefer the ease and convenience of multimix8. Especially it brings more heat to the sound.
Level money I think the report is excellent

See website

UTILIZATION

As a beginner, I had a little trouble me at all these buttons do ..
Anyway, after some minutes I was there ...
I'm a little mixed between the main mix and remote ctrl but I got there fast enough ...

As usual AC plugs alone on the Mac, and the firmware update was done without any difficulties.
Garage Band is plug it like to laugh, I do not use the sound card's built-in Mac everything goes through the multimix.
MacOs thank you!

SOUNDS

Previously I had a little box preamp M-Audio USB ...
This is the day and night
My hp and my headphone is a new found youth.
the sound back is great, the sound is better, fast access to the equalization and panning.
I am amazed!

OVERALL OPINION

I am delighted!
Remains of course to more than € 400 is not cheap.

I have to test, on loan from my music store, I keep it!

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.

It's perfect for what I do. I have a small amateur home studio and have a tonelab (tube preamp) and a behringer tube MIC200. So I have more than enough inputs.

I never use the effects on the mixer.

I give it 10/10 because it's perfect for my use as an amateur, pros should definitely looks elsewhere.

USE

It's my first mixer/soundcard.
I've had some incompatibility problems with the audigy of my pc, but nothing serious.

What I love about this mixer is that the usual controls are directly accessible with the rotary knobs. That's actually the reason why I chose a mixer/soundcard rather than a rack-mountable and/or internal soundcard.

I love to have the controls within easy reach and not to be forced to change windows on Cubase to increase or decrease the volume and change other settings.

The manual isn't perfect. It lacks some clarity for beginners regarding some points, but it's nevertheless very useful.

I give it 9/10 due to the manual.

SOUND

As for transparency, it seems transparent to me, but I don't have the means to verify it.
I obviously have a different sound when I connect my tonelab to my Hot Rod Deluxe amp (with the same preset), but I think that has to do more with the coloration of the amp rather than the transparency of the soundcard itself. So I say yes.

It's not too noisy unless you really crank the knobs all the way up

I don't think the EQ is particularly precise and I prefer to use those of Cubase, which I think are more precise.

Most of my guitar takes (PRS CE 24) have surprised everybody who has heard them due to their quality. So I think it can be considered a good soundcard. 10/10

OVERALL OPINION

I've been using it for about 10 months.
What I like the most is the ease of use, the different inputs and its particularly short latency time. In short, its effectiveness.

I informed myself about other models, but unfortunately didn't test any of them.

To me, the value for money is excellent, because the quality is excellent. Sturdy gear.

I had to contact support due to a glitch I had during recordings. They replied the same day and were really effective. It was not grounded properly.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy it again because it covers all my needs.