![alesis io26 alesis io26](https://medias.audiofanzine.com/images/normal/alesis-io-26-1963467.jpg)
MOTU's Ultralite has a reputation for solid construction and, to my mind at least, the Alesis I/O26 is on a par with that.
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Perhaps the first thing that struck me on opening the packaging was how sturdy this unit is. When using the I/O26 with a four-pin Firewire port (for example, on a laptop), an external power source is required, but with a six-pin Firewire port the I/O26 is fully bus-powered. So if you are currently struggling to make a choice between the large number of multi-channel audio interfaces that are now available, have Alesis made that choice easier or more difficult with the I/O26? The Brick OuthouseĪside from the unit itself, the I/O26 box includes a printed manual, a software/driver installation CD, a Firewire lead and a power supply.
#Alesis io26 driver
Aside from the driver and mixer software (described below), Cubase LE is also included in the price and would make a perfectly respectable starting point for those taking their first steps in computer-based recording. More uniquely, the I/O26 also includes dedicated turntable inputs and insert points on every analogue input. All eight analogue inputs feature switchable phantom power, and two headphone outputs and MIDI In and Out are also featured. Sample rates of up to 192kHz are supported, all at 24-bit.
![alesis io26 alesis io26](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/JZMAAOSwtiJhQY6l/s-l600.jpg)
In summary, the I/O26 offers 26 inputs (eight analogue, 16 ADAT and two via S/PDIF) and eight simultaneous outputs (all analogue, while the S/PDIF output can be assigned to replicate any of the analogue output pairs). The I/O2 and I/O14 (described briefly in the 'Keeping It In The Family' box) are the baby brothers to the I/O26 reviewed here and, while the amount of connectivity provided increases through the range, the units obviously share some common technology and design elements.
#Alesis io26 series
Alesis have recently added to this problem with the I/O series of Firewire-based audio/MIDI interfaces. The difficult thing now is deciding which one of the many products, each with their own combination of features, best suits your needs and budget. Problems can arise when your hardware device is too old or not supported any longer.Alesis know a thing or two about digital recording, but what can they bring to the busy world of audio interfaces? Quite a lot, as it happens.įor recording musicians setting up a computer-based studio, the problem of finding a high-quality audio interface is pretty much a thing of the past. This will help if you installed an incorrect or mismatched driver. Try to set a system restore point before installing a device driver. It is highly recommended to always use the most recent driver version available. Whether you find yourself on the road or in your own studio, the iO|14 gives you the Alesis performance that professionals have depended on for decades. An AC adapter is also included, for those using a FireWire interface that doesn't supply power. Flexible, routable Hardware Direct Monitoring allows you to send a customized, latency-free mix to each output pair. The iO|14 gives you forward-thinking expansion potential, with ADAT lightpipe inputs for additional connectivity, no matter what your recording sessions may demand.
#Alesis io26 full
The iO|14 is designed for easy use with PC or Mac, and has 2 headphone outputs, line-level inserts on the mic preamps, 48V phantom power, 5-segment signal/clip meters, and full MIDI and S/PDIF I/O in a convenient, portable tabletop design. The Alesis iO|14 uses state of the art FireWire technology to deliver professional-level features such as Alesis High Definition Microphone Preamps, Cirrus audiophile converters and jitter elimination technology, with high quality 24 bit/192k audio input.