Compact Music Mixer for Recording Audio with Mac

The Alesis Multimix8 USB 2.0 is a compact and handy mixing tool for a small home music studio or recording basement tracks. Its comes ready to record microphones, line-ins, and even guitar level inputs in one audio device. The USB MultiMix not functions as a recording device, its comes with integrate audio effects for mixing and editing purposes (100 onboard effects including delays, flange, reverb, chorus, and others). It functions independently as a digital mixing board, but may be integrate with various recording software for Mac.

The MultiMix is a great starter board at a decent price. It lacks the individual level indicators and effects capabilities of some studio units, but the economical mixing unit does provide quality 24-bit, 96 Khz stereo digital audio via USB 2.0. The MultiMix 8 is an excellent mixer to use as a multichannel USB audio interface. Each channel features a 3 band parametric EQ with mid band pass/reject and high/low shelving.

Alesis MultiMix 8 USB 2.0 Music Mixer for Mac or PC

Designed for low-latency and low-noise, the MultiMix8 delivers high quality audio for recording through USB 2.0. It is capable of fitting up to four XLR microphone cables (each with phantom power), but may suite additional quarter inch line-inputs for recording multiple tracks. Each of the XLR tracks features individual volume control, however 5/6 and 7/8 each share a control.

Its not perfect, the MultiMix8 is great for recording audio with Mac. Truthfully it lacks the power (inputs moreover) to power a full force Apple music studio. However, the MultiMix8 is an ideal USB mixer for solo recording, duets, podcast microphones, and as an introductory board. While it may be slightly lacking in inputs, the USB MultiMix is right at home in a home jam room or music recording studio.

USB 2.0 Alesis MultiMix8 Digital Mixer

Unlike some USB mixers for Mac (including the previous generation of USB MultiMix) the MultiMix8 USB 2.0 has the ability to record each track independently (a key feature for later music editing capabilities). This means each tracks volume may be later adjusted and enhanced to bring out the exact details of the performance. Without such multitrack recording features, the initial recording are immediately compressed to a stereo track (i.e. not as much editing is possible).

This is a music accessory for Mac that will get used. The MultiMix 8 is a great companion to any home recording endeavor. It not only feature phantom power for studio condenser mics, it has dedicated channels for low impedance instrument cable so instruments may be plugged directly into the board and recorded without an amp.

Apple iMacs receive performance and Intel Thunderbolt upgrade

Again a little late in commenting on the recent update, it looks like Apple successfully integrated the Thunderbolt interface into two of their computer lineups. This update was released shortly after the MacBook Pro upgrade, and offer the same HD FaceTime camera, Quad-core chips, and ultra high speed I/O Thunderbolt.

 

Apple iMacs each receive Quad-core Processors and Intel Thunderbolt

 

Apple held nothing back for all models of the iMac, now each features built-in Thunderbolt and quad core processors. The models now come in 21.5 and 27 inch variants. Ranging from $1200 to $2000, every new iMac packs enough power for pictures, HD movies, and large games. 

 

The iMac has always been intended as an "all-in-one" machine. The addition of Thunderbolt and powerful new quad-core processors give the iMac the necessary power for home studio implementation, of heavy gaming use. The iMacs either feature Quad-core Intel Core i5 or i7 processors, sufficient CPU for any home media purpose, or as a studio computer.

27 in. iMac with two Thunderbolt Ports

 

The AMD Radeon HD 6750M graphics processor features 512 MB of GDDR5 memory (1 GB in the higher-end model). Enough for editing HD video, graphics for modern games, or complex visual simulations. This graphics processors deliver 3x the performance of the previous generation of iMacs (not to mention other PCs).

 

The new HD FaceTime cameras deliver widescreen resolution for both iMac models. Unlike previously, Mac users do not have to compromise video quality for portability with the built in webcam. Apple in setting the standard for high resolution built-in webcams with the latest variant of their isight cameras. This HD video camera deliver up to 720p resolution for video calls (supported on intel-based Macs, and new iPad and iPhones).

21.5 in. iMac with single Intel Thunderbolt port

 

Every iMac comes stock with Thunderbolt connectivity. The 21.5 inch model features a single port, while the 27" sports two Thunderbolt connections. The proper Thunderbolt peripherals are still in development, but this should mean high-speed data transfer for a number of external devices.

 

The iMac has been a great personal computer since its introduction in the nineties. It's nice to see their lineup receive the proper changes to stay up to date with modern technology. With its upgraded processor, and Thunderbolt connectivity this recent update give the iMac every thing it needs to power a home studio, run powerful games, or display HD media.