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|  | | Alesis |
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Alesis IO26 FireWire Audio InterfaceThe Alesis IO26 is the Ultimate 26 Channel Digital Audio Computer Interface!
Compatible with PC and Macintosh computers, the new Alesis IO|26 is a FireWire audio-MIDI interface with support for upwards of 26 channels of audio, SPDIF and ADAT digital inputs, plus a built-in 16-channel MIDI interface. Sporting an elegant tabletop form factor, the IO|26 offers 8 analog mic/line inputs on Combo connectors with Phantom power and insert jacks, supports a wide array of sample rates, and provides a switchable high impedance input for integrating guitars and basses as well as switchable phono preamp—everything required in the high-end home studio or project studio environments. Featuring state-of-the-art DICEII FireWire audio chip for the ultimate in digital audio connectivity, the IO|26 is the ideal interface solution for desktop recording/MIDI sequencing applications for both the home and project studio. The package even includes Steinberg’s Cubase LE DAW software to help one get started.
The Alesis IO|26 is a professional computer FireWire interface for any project that incorporates digital audio and/or MIDI, including
Who's is for?
- Songwriters and musicians who require a professional quality interface for recording vocals and musical instruments
- Audio professionals who add audio (dialog or music) to presentations or other visually oriented materials
- Composers scoring for picture, computer games, and other multimedia content
Alesis IO|26 Features and Specifications
- 8 analog mic/line inputs on Combo connectors with Phantom power and insert jacks
- Mic line inserts to patch signal processing equipment directly into the signal path of each channel
- ADAT optical input capability, with support for as many as 16 channels of ADAT digital audio
- 16 channel MIDI interface
- 16 ADAT channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz; 8 SMUX ADAT channels at 88.2 and 96 kHz
- Stereo, digital 24-bit SPDIF connector
- Switchable high impedance input on channels 1 and 2 for recording guitars and basses
- Switchable phono preamp
- 8 balanced line outputs (quarter-inch TRS)
- All IO is balanced-24-bit, with support for 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz sample rates
- Five-segment signal-clip LED ladders on each input
- Two headphone outputs - with individual level control
- Dual FireWire ports facilitate cascading of additional FireWire devices
- Can be powered by the computer’s FireWire bus or via an included AC adapter
- Steinberg’s Cubase LE DAW software for a complete recording system
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Rate and Review this Product:
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| | 3 people wrote reviews | |
| | G$ from New York, NY, USA | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Best for the money, as far as I can tell | | Quality:
| The IO26 is very solidly built, mostly out of sturdy metal components. It looks like it has been well-designed structurally, and it should be very durable. The 8 main mic/line inputs are plastic xlr-1/4" combo jacks, which might bother some people - but they save space on the unit and they're convenient for lazy people who just want one hole to put things into. Overall, a very high-quality-seeming machine. | | Features:
| The preamps on this unit, as other people on the internet have noted, sound pretty darn good, and to me that seems like the nicest feature. You also get eight powered inputs to work with, which for the money is awesome. It has optical in-and-out on the back so you can chain it to other interfaces - a comforting feature if you think eventually you might want to move up in the recording interface world. One thing that bothers me though, and I'm sort of nitpicking, is that two of the knobs on the face of the unit just go round and round endlessly. It's a little discomforting for me not to know what the "Main Level" is before I press Play. | | Ease of Use:
| The IO26 itself is not difficult to use, but the software installation and setup on your computer can be a bit of a pain. It took me two frustrating days to get it up and running on a Windows XP system - but I also had to install a firewire card and I was learning as I went. Someone with experience with this sort of thing would probably have an easier time. The main problem seems to be the drivers Alesis has put out for it: from the looks of things they are just figuring it out as they go along. Also, their support system is not particularly helpful...so be prepared to start cruising unofficial Alesis user forums online for solutions to your problems. | | Value:
| Yes, people may gripe about the unreliability on certain platforms, or this or that, but I think when it comes down it this is an incredible value. Most entry-level interfaces in this price range, the ones aimed at portable/project recordists, offer you a maximum of four inputs (and sometimes only one) and generally offer just-okay preamps. I'm excited about the IO26 because it's portable, has some nice-quality features, and it gives me the capability to record bands through eight separate and simultaneous microphone inputs (even a couple more if I want to stretch it). And although that's more than enough for me now, I can also look down the road and see it having a place in the more advanced studio-of-my-dreams. Great value overall. | | Appearance:
| The pictures of the IO26 sometimes look white, but it's actually silver and black. It looks pretty slick, in my opinion. There isn't anything obscene or tacky about it. I'd take it out in public. | | Skill Level:
| Intermediate | |
| | Joe from APO, AE, USA | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | A Beautiful Interface For Small Home Studios | | Overall:
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QUALITY:
The IO|26 is built like a tank. Everything on this piece of equipment feels firm and none of the connection points seem to move. Overall it is a very solid unit.
FEATURES:
The preamps sound great and there are plenty of inputs/outputs and inserts. It would be nice if the IO|26 acceptable unbalanced instrument cables on more than the first two inputs. The inputs are also powered in pairs so must use either both dynamic or condenser mics on any pair of inputs (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8). The bundled Cubase LE will get you up and running but you will want something with a bit more power to go with this unit. Using Sonar 6 I was not able to get this unit to work with the Alesis driver it only works with ASIO for me. A feature I really like is the fact that you don't need the power adapter because the PC firewire port can provide power to the interface.
EASE OF USE:
I loaded the drivers, plugged everything in and was on my way t | |
| | Simon from Indiana | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Everything you need for $399 | | Overall:
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QUALITY:
The pics don't do this machine justice... This is a well made interface, made of metal so its sturdy, The knobs are well made and the inputs are tight.
FEATURES:
This thing almost has it all, wish it had came with more a better version of Cubase, LE is limited you'll want to upgrade. Has midi, 8 xlr , inserts, and even phantom power. The preamps are clean, and the meter lights are acurate.
EASE OF USE:
just plug stuff in and go to town.
VALUE:
This is well worth the money, for 399 you cant beat eerything you get with this unit. It's built tough and should last a long time... I hope
SOUND:
Sounds great, good clean preamps |
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