Alesis Multimix 8 USB

  • Thread starter Thread starter aqua-ed
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aqua-ed

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Hello all! I'm new to the forum and somewhat experienced at "amateur" recording.
So here's my dilemma. I have two computers that I use for recording, sparing the specs, one is vista (a curse) and one is xp. I use N-track to do all my multitrack recording and audacity to do my editing. For years, I had used a Tascam US122 as my external soundcard. It worked great and I never had a problem with it. Eventually, though, I got vista and the tascam didn't work with Vista. Also, it only had two mic jacks, and I wanted to upgrade to at least 4.
Well, to make a long story short, I was seduced by the Guitar Center salesman to get the low priced alesis multimix 8usb. The thing is, it doesn't send individual recordings to my computer. When I plugged two mics into my tascam, I would get two seperate files on my computer that I could adjust separately. With the Alesis, I plug 2,3, or 4 mics in and I get one track. So if one mic was too loud, I have to go back and record the whole thing over again.
Does this make sense? Looking at the package now, it seems to me maybe the alesis isn't meant to be used as a soundcard, but meant to be hooked to a multitracker. I'm a self taught recorder, so my terminology and description may seem juvenile. Is this expected from the alesis, or am I doing something wrong?
Thanks!
 
theres a yamaha mixer that does the job your describing (ox1???) but that klike 1 and a half grand (GBP)

i had the same problem as you and for new hardware,im getting me one of these AUDIO INTERFACE!!! thanks to the advice from this forum. i know it only has 2 mic inputs but im sure there are larger/differnt audio interfaces on the market if you opted for one.

sorry just read your thread PROPERLY.

so now i gotta give some obviouse advice to make up.

when your selecting inputs for recording in whichever program you use (i forgot already) see if you can change em around a bit and maybe youl get a track for each channel on the mixer.

im sorry im very tired.
 
The alesis USB's condense the channels to two tracks. You can buy the alesis Firewire's and get every track individually. You can get firewire cards for your computer without having to spend too much.
 
Almy said:
The alesis USB's condense the channels to two tracks. You can buy the alesis Firewire's and get every track individually. You can get firewire cards for your computer without having to spend too much.
Click to expand...

Yea, but the firewire is double the cost. Is it worth it? I'd hate to pay $300 for something that is only "ok". Would I be better off putting the money toward something else?

Also, how does it record two tracks? I could only get one. Are there certain inputs that it runs together?
 
aqua-ed said:
Yea, but the firewire is double the cost. Is it worth it? I'd hate to pay $300 for something that is only "ok". Would I be better off putting the money toward something else?

Also, how does it record two tracks? I could only get one. Are there certain inputs that it runs together?
Click to expand...

With the firewire version of the MultiMix, you'll be able to keep all of your tracks separate in your DAW. Or you can take a look at Alesis' newer IO line of firewire interfaces, specifically the IO|14 or IO|26. They're very decent interfaces and pretty fairly priced, but you don't have a physical mixing surface. However, if you're recording into a DAW, how really necessary is a physical surface anyway?

Also, on the MultiMix USB--to split your tracks, pan the channels you want on the first track 100% Left, and the others 100% Right. This separates your stereo output into 2 mono tracks.

Hope this helps!
 
What he said! And as far as whether or not it's worth it, well that's another topic altogether really. But suffice to say once you commit to spending 300ish on an interface you have not put yourself into a different price range, and more options become available.

So really you'll want to see what all is out there and then compare it. I've been using an alesis firewire 12 channel for a couple years now and I like it a lot. But it fits my needs very well. I probably won't upgrade my interface until I get something like an RME fireface 800.
 
Dang, I wish I would have came here before the salesman talked to me.
You are correct in that I don't need the mixing surface. The only reason I got the multimix was because it had 4 mic slots and was $150. When I record with it, I never use all the other stuff, that is what my computer is for.
So the IO firewire would give me 4 separate tracks, right? Also (man, this may make me sound dumb) what kind of mic jacks are those? They aren't the XLR ones I'm used to seeing.
 
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