TEST: Alesis iMultimix 8

 Do any of you still know the legendary Tascam Portastudio? In version 144 or later the improved 244 version? The dream of all young producers (including the reviewer), using semi-parametric EQs (listen, listen) on crazy 4 tracks using an audio cassette (for all models made in the eighties and later, these were the plastic cases with the strange tape inside ...) banned.

This association inevitably flashed through my head when I held the Alesis iMultimix 8 USB in my hands for the first time, with the big difference that you won't find anything that even remotely has to do with tapes here.

Instead, the media high-flyer from Cupertino is used as the mixer's integrated recording medium, with which Apple is turning from a niche product into the mainstream cool factor number one. 1 succeeded.

To avoid misunderstandings, the Alesis is not a hardware multi-track recorder (which will have taken over the status of an audio cassette in the near future thanks to the continued focus on the PC as a recording medium), but rather a compact small mixer, which is particularly suitable for... Rehearsal rooms or in the podcaster's study should soon be available.


construction

Metal! Finally a product in the lower price category, which, apart from the plastic side panels, comes in a solid metal construction. Unfortunately, this only applies to the frame construction, all of the mixer's pots are attached directly to the circuit board with plastic axles and no screws to the frame and are therefore a bit wobbly in their control.

With dimensions of 34 cm x 7.6 cm x 25 cm (W x H x D) and a weight of 2.5 kg, the mixer has a very compact appearance. The Steinberg Cubase LE recording software and power supply are also included in the scope of delivery.

The product is not built in China, as one would usually expect, but in Malaysia.

The iMultimix8USB is an eight-channel mixer with a division of 4 microphone/line and two stereo channels. The mixer can be connected directly to the computer via a USB (1.1) port.

Unlocked XLR and balanced jack line sockets are used as input sockets for the first four channels, which can be supplied with phantom power via a switch on the back if necessary.

Channels one and two can be configured directly for high-impedance instruments such as electric guitars using a switch, while channels three and four activate a low-impact sound filter at 75 Hz with the same switch. A small gain control without dB display takes care of the necessary level adjustment.

The microphone channels have a three-band tone control (treble and bass as shelving controls), which operate at the frequencies 12 kHz, 80 Hz and a mid band at 2.5 kHz with +/- 15 dB each.

The stereo channels only have jack input sockets and do not have a gain control. Experience has shown that other line-level instruments such as MP3 players or drum machines can also be connected here. The mixer also has a stereo 2 track RCA in/out and a headphone output.

The mixer has a built-in digital multi-effects device with 100 memory locations, which can be selected using an endless controller. The usual effects such as various reverb/room algorithms, modulation effects and delays are offered.

Two mono sends and two stereo returns manage the AUX area, with each channel being equipped with two AUX send controls (A=Pre-Level, B=Post Level). AUX-B also controls the effect level in the built-in processor.

Level knobs without 0 dB raster, a panorama knob and a peak LED round off the channel strip.

The Alesis has two sum outputs, which are divided into Control Room and Main Outs, each with a volume potentiometer for adjusting the output volume. The signal present (PC, mixer, iPod) is routed via several pressure switches. Two eight-digit LED chains and two AUX returns manage the total range.

The highlight of the entire construction, however, is the iPod dock, which can be adjusted to the different iPod sizes using a rotary control on the right side of the device by moving the back wall.

However, the full range of functions in terms of recording and playback are only available to the iPod 5th generation and iPod nano 2nd generation. iPod 4th/3rd as well as iPod nano 1st generation and iPod Mini only have the playback function, iPod 2nd/1st generation and iPod shuffle are completely excluded.

The iPod section has its own drive buttons



Practice

The entire concept of the Alesis is almost self-explanatory in practice. Anyone who has taken a more serious look at a console concept and has mastered the most important routings will not find any problems here.

Unfortunately, handling the potentiometers is a bit fiddly; Pan, EQ and AUX are simply far too close together, so turning the controls is anything but fun.

However, you will be rewarded with an audio-technically unexpectedly high-quality implementation. Both the filters do a good job in terms of sound technology, as does the effects processor, which sounds very good for this price range. Here you can see the years of experience that Alesis has been able to gain in the FX sector over decades. Who hasn't worked on the MIDIVERB II before ;-)

All controls do what they claim to do, the wiring is easy to understand, the iPod design works quickly and easily, even the power supply plug was secured with a screw connection.

What is there to complain about when the most important detailed solutions have been solved properly and the really important functions of a mixer are undoubtedly convincing.


Conclusion

The conception of the Alesis iMultmix8USB is not uninteresting at all, quite the opposite. Above-average workmanship for this price, combined with passable-sounding filters and a very good FX unit, in addition to the iPod storage concept, turn the product into a small highlight.

Anyone who wants to listen to his creative outpourings on the way from the rehearsal room to the home and have them digitally preserved in the practice cellar in the shortest possible time can't go wrong with the Alesis.

I expected less and was pleasantly surprised. Rarely enough …

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Additional Informations:

Alesis is an American company that has been a game-changer in the music industry. The company designs and markets a wide range of electronic musical instruments, including audio processors, mixers, amplifiers, audio interfaces, recording equipment, drum machines, professional audio, and electronic percussion products. Alesis is part of the inMusic Brands and is based in Cumberland, Rhode Island.

## Founding and Early Years

Alesis was established in 1984 by Keith Elliott Barr, co-founder of MXR. The company was founded in Hollywood and quickly experienced commercial success, leading to a move to a large office building in Santa Monica, close to well-known companies like Sony and Media Ventures. Leveraging Barr's ability to design custom integrated circuits, Alesis was able to introduce technologically advanced products at prices within the reach of most project studios. The company's first product was the XT Reverb, an all-digital reverb introduced in 1985 that carried an unprecedented low price of $799.

## Innovations and Milestones

In 1986, Alesis produced the first under-$1000 16-bit professional effects processor, the MIDIverb⁷. This product had a 12-bit A/D converter and MIDI control⁷. Later that year, Alesis introduced the Microverb, which lacked MIDI but had a 16-bit A/D converter⁷. These early products were particularly popular due to their exceptional price-performance ratio⁸.

In 1987, Alesis introduced the MMT8 hardware sequencer and the very successful HR-16 drum machine⁷. These products followed the same principle as the company's earlier offerings: many features for comparatively little money⁸.

In 1991, Alesis introduced the ADAT digital tape recorder at the Winter NAMM Show⁷. Each ADAT could record 8 tracks of 16-bit audio on an S-VHS videocassette tape, and up to 16 ADATs could be connected together to record 128 tracks of audio simultaneously⁷. With the same digital resolution as an Audio CD and a price that was a fraction of the other digital recording solutions for home recording at the time, the ADAT was a tremendous success⁷. Its impact on the recording industry has been recognized by induction to the Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC)nology Hall of Fame⁷.

## Acquisition and Expansion

In 2001, Alesis was acquired by Jack O’Donnell. Under his leadership, the company has delivered more solutions and value to musicians than ever before. The company ventured into producing the world's most affordable analog mixers with built-in Digital Signal Processing (award-winning MultiMix Series Mixers), an advanced yet affordable full line of electronic percussion products (USB Pro Kit, DM5 Pro Kit, SURGE Cymbals, Performance Pad), as well as highly innovative and adaptable computer audio interfaces and controllers (MasterControl)⁶.

## Products and Services

Alesis' products range from keyboards, synthesizers, hard disk recorders, iPod recording and playback devices, electronic drums, mixers, signal processors, effects units, amplifiers, and speakers. The company is dedicated to creating gear that empowers musicians, producers, and engineers at all skill levels to unleash their full creative potential at home, on-stage, and in the studio¹.

## Reviews and Reputation

While Alesis has been praised for its innovative products and affordable prices, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the company's customer service. Some users have reported issues with product reliability and have criticized the company's warranty period. Despite these criticisms, Alesis continues to be a popular choice among musicians and producers for its wide range of products and commitment to innovation.

## Conclusion

Alesis has revolutionized the music industry with its innovative products and commitment to making professional studio recording products affordable for entry-level musicians and recording artists. The company continues to be on the leading edge of professional audio and music technology. Alesis' passion for innovation is unmatched, and they continue to inspire musical creativity and develop musical experiences for all their stakeholders.

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Detailed information about the Alesis products:

- **Alesis XT Reverb**: This was Alesis' first product and marked the beginning of the company. It is a digital reverb device that came onto the market in 1985. It was developed by Keith Barr, the founder of Alesis. The XT Reverb was the company's first rack format product and was offered at a very competitive price.

- **Alesis MIDIverb**: Produced by Alesis in 1986, the MIDIverb was the first professional 16-bit effects processor available for under $1000. It had a 12-bit A/D converter and MIDI control.

- **Alesis Microverb**: The Microverb was also released in 1986 and was similar to the MIDIverb, but did not have a MIDI port, but a 16-bit A/D converter.

- **Alesis MMT8**: The MMT8 is a simple MIDI sequencer that is still used by some of the biggest names in electronic music. It was launched in 1987. It has a sequencer with 100 patterns and 100 songs¹⁵.

- **Alesis HR-16**: The HR-16 is one of the first drum machines from Alesis. Released in 1987, it features 49 sounds, including 10 kicks, 7 snares and a full ethnic set, all in 16-bit samples¹⁴¹⁵.

- **Alesis ADAT**: ADAT stands for Alesis Digital Audio Tape. This technology was developed by Keith Barr of Alesis and presented at NAMM on January 18, 1991. At the time, Alesis was a relatively small company known for its high-quality digital reverb equipment.


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Keith Elliott Barr was a pioneer and innovator in the audio industry, best known as the founder of Alesis Electronics. He was born in 1949 and passed away on August 24, 2010, at the age of 60 due to an apparent heart attack.

Barr had a keen interest in electronics from an early age. At the age of 12, he created a biomedical device for his uncle's medical practice. Despite being held back in the ninth grade for failing a history course, he took every science course at the school and then left on his 16th birthday¹. Largely self-educated in electronics, Barr worked as an engineer and technician¹.

In 1973, Barr co-founded MXR Innovations in Rochester, N.Y., with Michael Laiacona (later founder of Whirlwind USA) and Terry Sherwood. MXR Innovations produced guitar effects, such as phase shifters and distortion pedals, and rackmount studio devices. Barr was known to disappear for months at a time, roaming the Caribbean in a sailboat, only to emerge back in Rochester with a pile of new designs and product ideas. After a dozen years, the company ceased operations¹.

Barr moved to California later that year¹. One of his main reasons for moving was the benefits of being located near the nation's largest music studio and entertainment community. Another reason was integrated circuits (ICs). Barr explained in an interview that when ICs first started conceivable for small companies, you had to work closely with big companies—like Texas Instruments, National Semiconductor, or Motorola—to have your gate arrays made up¹.

In 1984, Barr formed Alesis, the name stemming from the phrase "Algorithmic Electronic Systems". Alesis' first product was the XT Reverb, developed in 1985. Barr brought in a friend named Russell Palmer to handle the business side of Alesis and oversee its sales.

Alesis introduced the ADAT digital tape recorder at the 1991 Winter NAMM Show. Each ADAT could record 8 tracks of 16-bit audio on an S-VHS videocassette tape, and up to 16 ADATs could be connected together to record 128 tracks of audio simultaneously. With the same digital resolution as an Audio CD and a price that was a fraction of the other digital recording solutions for home recording at the time, the ADAT was a tremendous success².

Keith Elliott Barr's contributions to the audio industry have been recognized by induction to the Technical Excellence & Creativity (TEC)nology Hall of Fame². His innovative spirit and dedication to affordable, high-quality audio equipment have left a lasting impact on the music and audio industry.