Alesis IO|26
Normal Price:$599.00
Our Price:$399.00
Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Manufacturer: Alesis
Model: IO|26
Binding: Electronics
Publisher: Alesis
Label: Alesis
Special Features: Utilizing DICE II FireWire technology for big bandwidth, fast signal handling, and lots of digital headroom, the Alesis io|26 is a professional level computer recording interface in an easy-to-use tabletop design. You get 8 analog channels and 18 digital channels; Alesis high definition microphone preamps; Cirrus audiophile converters and jitter elimination technology; and high quality 24-bit/192kHz audio conversion circuitry. The io|26 audio interface has line-level inserts on analog channels,
Features for Alesis IO|26:
- 24Bit/192kHz capability for ultra highquality recording - pro studio software included
- Flexible, routable Hardware Direct Monitoring with 2 discrete stereo headphone outputs
- 16 channels of ADAT input, 16 Channels of MIDI I/O, stereo S/PDIF digital input, stereo turntable input
- 8-High Definition Mic/Line Preamps with switchable 48V Phantom for each pair - (2 switchable highimp inputs for direct guitar and bass recording)
- Bus or adapter powered with professional multi-track studio recording software included (Windows and Mac compatible)
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Customer Reviews
Outstanding interface 
2007-12-12
We have been using the Alesis iO|26 with an iMac 24" 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with outstanding results. The system can record multi track with no distortion. As of this writing, the OSX 10.5 driver is still in beta testing but the unit works supurbly with OSX 10.4.11.
We are recording with LOGIC STUDIO (Logic Pro 8).
It's a good unit, now 
2007-10-29
I deleted my initial review. Back in Oct 07, when I bought it, the current drivers were not working with my Macbook Pro laptop with Intel Core 2 Duo processor. There were many glitches and I had to put older Alesis drivers on to get the unit to get levels. So, I gave the IO/26 1 star.
As an other reviewer pointed out, you only can record 4 tracks simultaneously with the software provided. I don't know if Steinburg still has the deal, but they were giving 50% off on Cubase and Cubase Studio 4 if you bought this. Now I consider this unit excellent for the $. I still have to take a star away for all the initial frustration I went through. I have recorded 4 tracks simultaneous 24 bit 88.2 with no drop outs or problems.
Do not use the bus to power it and you will have less problems.
Good Features and Value - Needs Better Quality Control 
2007-08-09
Before I bought this, I read the previous review in which the user had to open up the unit and reconnect a disconnected cable. I figured that was just a random occurrence. Well, amazingly enough, I had to do the same thing. In my case, it was the headphone outputs that weren't working. After driving myself crazy trying to get some sound in my headphones, I remembered reading the other review and figured it was worth a try. I had to unscrew about 20 little screws and then when I opened it up, there it was - a disconnected cable. I think Alesis really needs to get their act together on this. I'm giving the product 3 stars because I like the features and it's priced well, but these quality issues are really unacceptable. I think it will probably work out OK for me, but be aware of what you may be getting yourself into.
Research carefully before buying 
2007-07-17
OK, I'm not going to say that this is all true for every interface out there, but when I received my IO, and tried to use it:
Firstly, I had major difficulties with the drivers on both PC, and Mac. The manual doesnt go into much detail about any installation problems, mainly covering stuff that common sense would tell you. Not very helpful if this is your first interface.
The software it comes bundled with (Cubase Le) will only allow you to record 8 tracks simultaneously, even though it can take 24 inputs. Not so bad if you already have your own software, but its something to think about if you are looking at it as a problem solver.
And finally, after about four hours of trying to get the thing to work, the interface seemed to pack up, and only half of its inputs will work. Emailed Alesis about it, and got a reply, but no message boards to help, just a FAQ.
Checked out message boards, and whilst other people didnt seem to be having the same problems as myself, there were a lot of people for whom the communication with Alesis was an issue. Basically, I spent $400 on a paperweight. Shame really. It looked like such a good idea.
*** Update - Took it apart myself, as am an electrical engineer, and found a cable was loose inside (No genius work taken to troubleshoot that one) Reconnected it, and hey presto! All inputs now work, and it even connects to my ADAT. Drivers now work on my pc, but still problems with the mac setup. Would now give the box 5 stars, but the other issues still detract from the buy overall
