Alesis's DICE II technology paired with FireWire can support 24-bit quality for simultaneous recording and playback of sound that USB cannot. This lets the user add more tracks to the mix without adding bulk. The 24-bit fidelity exceeds that of Compact Discs and offers both 44.1kHz and 48kHz operation. The MultiMix 8 can also handle 2 incoming tracks from the desktop computer.

As part of our audio mixer review, we tested the MultiMix 8 FireWire with a vocal condenser mic requiring phantom power, as well as an ENG (Electronic News Gathering) style super-cardioid microphone. The audio mixer proved to be a delight to use. The high pass filter helped smooth out the canned sound produced by the super-cardioid. As expected, the preamp gain worked well with the Hi, Mid, and Lo equalizers to cut any line noise. Two new buttons also appear on the FireWire model: "2 TK To Mix" and "2 TK To CTRL Room." These new features allow for even more flexibility when routing audio through the MultiMix 8 by adding the RCA Two Track into the Main Mix, or out to the Control Room for monitoring. Also of note are the one-hundred onboard digital effects including pitch shifting, multiple reverbs, and delays. Not only are they entirely usable, they are all 28-bit professional quality. This quality is much better than you would get from adding analogue filters either live or in post-production.

If you want a portable audio mixer for under $600, look no further than the MultiMix 8 FireWire. Alesis may have the answer for video pros on the go, or those just looking for a space-saving option. Either way, the MultiMix 8 FireWire goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Input Channels: 8
Types of Inputs: Balanced XLR; ¼" Phono; RCA
Mono Inputs: 4, Balanced XLR and ¼"
Stereo Inputs: 2 Pairs, Left and Right ¼"
Phantom Power: es
Types of Outputs: Balanced ¼" Outputs to Main Mix, Ctrl Room, Ext Aux Send; RCA Tape Out
Stereo Output: Yes
Meter Type: Dual Multicolor LED, with Peak Indicator
Microphone Gain Range: +10 to +60 dB
Line Gain Range: +10 to +60dB
Overload Indicator: Yes
EQ Bands: 3 per Channel; 12kHz, 2kHz, and 75Hz
Cue: Yes
Fader Type: Knob with hard stops
Auxiliary Sends Returns: Yes; -0 to +15dB, Mono and Stereo
Battery Operation: No
Dimensions: 3.5" x 9.25" x 10.25" (H x W x D)
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Carry Case: Not Included

• Higher Quality 24-bit Output with FireWire
• No-Hassle Installation
• Compact, Sturdy Design

• Some users may want sliding pots

The MultiMix 8 FireWire offers hassle free pro audio mixing in a compact design.

Andrew Burke has worked in all areas of video production, on three continents around the world.