Alesis IO26 26-Channel FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface

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The ultimate 26 channel digital audio computer interface.

Overview

The ultimate 26 channel digital audio computer interface.

Compatible with PC and Macintosh computers, the new Alesis IO26 is a FireWire audio / MIDI interface with support for upwards of 26 channels of audio, S/PDIF and ADAT digital inputs, plus a built-in 16-channel MIDI interface. Sporting a compact, elegant tabletop form factor, the IO26 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 IO26 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 you get started.

The Alesis IO26 is the perfect computer interface for any project that incorporates digital audio and/or MIDI, including:
-- Songwriters/musicians who require a fast, effective 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

Features
8 analog mic/line inputs on "combo" connectors with phantom power and insert… read more 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 8 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 S/PDIF connector

Switchable high impedance input on channels 1 and 2 for recording guitars and basses

8 balanced line outputs (quarter-inch TRS)

S/PDIF output

All I/O 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

Specs

System Hardware Requirements

PC:
• Intel Pentium 4 or AMD Athlon 2.0 Ghz or faster
• 1 Gig RAM or more
• Windows Vista / XP Service Pack 2 or higher (Windows XP Media Center Edition is untested)

Mac:
• Power Mac G4 Dual 867MHz or faster, all Intel Mac models
• 1 Gig RAM or more
• Mac OSX 10.4 or higher

Documents and Manuals

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-5760
Web: https://support.alesis.com

Reviews

(34 ratings)

Submitted March 6, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com

"ALESIS IO26, AS GOOD AS IT GETS!"

Overall:

(see rating details)

I probably wont upgrade from this until I go to an HD/TDM setup. Seriously, I dont think it gets much better than this, unless you spend alot more money. The Alesis io26 has a ton of features for the price, and if you make hip-hop/rap and don't use Pro Tools, then this is the interface you want. Seriously.

Sound
Very Clear, the preamps dont color the sound at all, which is what I want, nice clean recordings. It has hardware direct monitoring, as most interfaces do, so there really isnt a problem of latenct while you're tracking.

Features
I gave it a 10 because the feature really work for me, as I suspect they will for many. One of my favorite things about this piece is the phone preamp (for turntables). I produce hip-hop/rap so a turntable is a must, and the channel for preamp is switchable between phono and channels 7/8. Another great feature would have to be the two ADAT inputs. This baby can be expanded to accomedate just about anyone.

Ease of Use
It got an 8 because some people who give up easy may not be able to ffigure out how to control the hardware direct monitoring. Another thing that hurt its score here was the fact that it uses two different drivers and you have to select which one to use. Its between WMD (only selects stereo or mono form the io26) and AISO (can select and one of the io26 inputs or stereo pairs of inputs). If you are familiar with the protocols then there… read more will be no problem but for some it would cause confusion.

Quality
This is built like a rock. All the ins/puts are bolted or screwed on secure to the rest of the unit. No little plastic holders on this thing, its the real deal. All the knobs and switches feel great, except for the blend and main volume knob, they are similar to endless encoder knobs, because they are digital controls.

Value
It is definately worth the price, no questions asked. And look at the competition in this price range, there's no comparison.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't had to deal with them as of yet, probably won't.

The Wow Factor
The led meters on every analog channel definately add to the "sex" appeal. Its an all metal chasis, and its a nice silvery color. The end caps are rubberized plastic and feel really cool and durable. This unit definately looks attractive.

Musical Background:
Producer/ Recording Engineer/ Mix Engineer (Project Studio)

Musical Style:
Rap/Hip-Hop

24 of 26 people (92%) people found this review helpful. Did you?