OVERVIEW
Alesis' iMultiMix 8 USB is a sturdy, compact all-in-one tabletop mixer and recorder with USB connectivity, 8 channels, 100 studio grade 28-bit digital effects, a built-in limiter to avoid distorted recordings and an integrated iPod dock with control wheel transport controls for fast, easy direct-to-iPod recording. This is the first in the first interface/mixer we've carried to feature integrated iPod control and recording capability.

FEATURES
The iMultiMix 8 USB inherits many of the same features as the standard MultiMix 8 USB. It features USB connectivity which makes the iMultiMix both an input mixer and an audio interface, 8 channels (with 3-band EQ per channel) - (4) high-gain mic inputs with phantom power, balanced 1/4" inputs, 1/4" outputs, 1/4" monitor output, and headphone out, and 100 easily accessible effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, and pitch. The big addition here is the integrated iPod dock. With it, you are able to record your sets direct to iPod and easily transfer directly to iTunes with no special drivers needed. The iMultiMix 8 also allows playback from your iPod for easy integration of your iPod in live performances. Steinberg Cubase LE (the limited version of Cubase) is also included.

OUR OPINION
The iMultiMix 8 is rugged + portable and will serve as an excellent input mixer and USB interface, but with the addition of dock and direct-to-iPod recording, Alesis made a good thing even better. DJs and producers will benefit from an easy way to get ultra clean recordings from gigs, practices, etc., plus bands will also benefit from a way to record several inputs at one time and the ability of adding a backing track through the iPod playback feature.

- 8 channel mixer with USB interface
- integrated iPod dock and control surface
- direct to iPod recording
- 4 high-gain mic/line inputs with phantom power, 2 stereo balanced 1/4" line inputs
- 3 band eq per channel
- 100 28-bit onboard preset effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging and pitch
- separate 1/4" balanced main and monitor outs, headphone out
- plug and play operation under Mac OS X and Windows (no drivers required)

reviewed by the mgmnt