Multimix 8

[snarf]

So I'm contemplating getting one of these, the Firewire kind. My rig . . . well, I could either use it with my 128 meg RAM Powerbook G4 (with software I'm not too familiar with) or my PC with 512 RAM running ntrack (preferable). Which one, if any, do you think will handle writing the 4/5 simultaneous tracks?

[tarzan52s]

I would definitely go with the desktop PC. I bought the Multimix 8 FW and had a problem with dropouts and intemittent clicks. I upgraded to 1 gig RAM and it really didn't solve the problem. Make sure you download the latest drivers from Alesis. I am now using the MM 8 as a mixer and using the main out into my soundcard, it works OK, but only two tracks at a time. I think I would have been better off buying a standalone Fostex or Tascam.

Good luck!

[Automan]

I use the Multimix 8 FW for everything audio on my Compaq Presario x6000 laptop. The built-in TI FW chipset works great using the latest drivers from Alesis as did the previous driver, I use the streaming audio selection in the MM control panel and set the latency for 1028 and the audio is great in FL Studio 6, Kristal Audio and WMP. Why don't you set it as your default audio device in Windows, then by setting the input routing to it on 8 different tracks you can record and adjust all 8 channels seperately in your recording software, instead of just using it as a mixer. I don't know about Mac but the MM 8 FW works great for me in XP Pro SP2 with 1gb ram with no special tweaking for audio like I did with the Tascam US-122 USB unit. I have to re-sync using the MM control panel once in a while when a wayward plug-in decides to screw up, but it never has caused me to lose any music I was working on. I wish this unit would have been available when I first decided to do some home recording around 2 years ago, I would have passed on the Tascam for sure.

[snarf]

^^ So basically use the machine with more RAM, and use the Alesis as the only sound device for the machine? Sounds like a plan.

Thanks.

[Automan]

Sorry snarf I was tryin to address both of the posts, I use the MM 8 as the primary audio device and I can still use the onboard AC-97 sound when I don't have the MM 8 plugged in (at work) unlike many other many other audio card disabled setups I've seen around. My laptop has a decent (JBL Pro) set of speakers and I sometimes do listening, editing and composing while I'm at my day job using the same software and setup, minus the MM 8 being plugged in.