Alesis MultiMix 8FIREWIRE 8-Channel Mixer with Firewire

Feature:
This is the part where I want to blast Alesis for using Cubase 4 as their bundled software. I installed the drivers for the mixer, and then tried to install Cubase. Cubase locked up on install. Stuff happens, I wasn't too peeved. I tried to install it a few times more, fifth time was the charm (I don't know why). I then becan the arduous journey of setting up the liscense which required copying numbers anbd filling out forms and 3 or 4 emails. I timed it, it tookover 20 minutes just to activate the license. 2 strikes. I tried to record to cubase and got wierd errors related to the ASIO driver. Audacity would not record either (for more than about 20 seconds). I messed with ALL the setting for about a day. Finaly I uninstalled everything (drivers and software) and reinstalled only the drivers and control panel (no Cubase). Now the MultiMix works like a champ in Audacity. I was very very close to returning this mixer due to the recording problems I was having, so a note to Alesis if you are out there: the products you bundle with your equipment reflect on you and Cubase is a looser. Also, the phantom power switch is a little wierd. It is not so much a swith as it is an "on" button that you can kind of ballance in the "off" position. The effect is that if you want it off and bump it or anything, it can veryy easilly turn on. I don't know if other similar mixers offer anything like this, but the ability to mix in audio coming from the computer to the mixer over the firewire connection is a very cool feature.

Quality:
I haven't had it very long, but is feels very solid and heavy. The knobs feel smooth and well constructed, nothing feels cheap.

Value:
The only comparable product I saw offered the firewire feature as an upgrade, so the overall price was about double what I paid. So that's pretty good.

Desirability:
Very nice and professional looking. It looks impressive on my desk.

Sound:
I have to admit to not being the most experienced person with any kind of audio, but I have made a million mistaked and am learning fast. I do feel quallified to say the mixer causes no problems and and introduced no noise that I could detect in my setup.

Ease of Use:
I have already aired the problems with the bundled software. Other than that, it couldn't be easier. This was my first mixer, so I did skim the manual, then I was off recording.

Support:
no need yet.

Overall:
The only reason I would upgrade is for more channels, but I can't imagine needing more than 8.

Feature:
Like I said above, the IDEA is amazing. After two firmware updates and three driver updates, this mixer ALMOST works. Still having trouble with VST instruments in Cubase and Acid. I am ready to un install and re install my 1010 so I can determine once and for all if the mixer is the culprit.

Quality:
The thing is built like a tank, and in ASIO mode is totally quiet. For a basic setup it should work really well. For me, I simply use too many devices! Some need ASIO, (acid), and others need WDM, (encore and premiere) Sucks for me.

Value:
IF THIS WOULD WORK, it would be worth a 10! Right now, I am not so sure. I may end up sending it back, if the 1010 re install fixes my problems.

Desirability:
IF IT WOULD WORK, it would the the balls!

Sound:
Oh god, where to begin. First off, I used a Midiman 1010 for years with no troubles at all...Video editing in Premiere, Vegas, Music with Acid 4 and 5, Reason, (using rewire and stand alone, Wavelab. The idea of this mixer is great. The reality is not so great. You have to switch between ASIO and WDM depending on the program. Does not like to play with other fire wire devices, even if fire wire is on a different chanel.

Support:
Alesis has been really responsive. I'll give them that. My hunch is I am not alone.

Overall:
IF IT WOULD WORK, I would be happy. Moving from the studio to the stage and into the field with the mixer is my goal. As it stands now, it is sill a dream.