Alesis io/14 and/or io/26 interfaces?

Question

Level 1

14 points

Alesis io/14 and/or io/26 interfaces?

So in my perpetual search for an decent but affordable interface, I came across the Alesis models io/14 & io/26.
On paper, they seem too good to be true for the price (which means it probably is). I found many reviews on line from when they were first released and there seemed to be many problems with them..especially for mac users. It seemed to be a problem with the driver downloads.

I noticed on Alesis's website, the latest driver for mac is from Jan 08. I have not been able to find any reviews or comments from mac users since the new drivers were released. Anyone have any experience with these since the latest drivers were made available? It's been 6 months with no new drivers which I'm hoping mean they have solved any issues with the interface (or maybe everyone has been scared off by now).

I really want to like this interface, but I'm skeptical after all of the initial issues. Anyone use the io/26 or io/14 models? If so, please let me know what you think. Thanks.

IMac 20 2.66, Mac OS X (10.5.3)

Posted on Jun 24, 2008 6:29 AM

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Answer 1

wrsm45

Level 1

105 points

Jun 24, 2008 2:09 PM in response to magellan42

Hi,I have been using an I/O 26 since they were introduced. I am extremely happy with the results I have received. I do demo work, not mastered to CD work, and the Alesis does everything that I need it to do. I have experienced a few firewire issues that usually can be resolved through deleting prefs., and rebuilding. Sometimes I have to unplug the interface and shut down, re-start, shut down, plug in interface and restart. These instances are few and far between.

The documentation is less than stellar. You will have to do some trial and error. In short, do I regret my purchase? For the money and what I need...No!

Hope this helps
Bill

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Answer 2

magellan42 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jun 24, 2008 2:55 PM in response to wrsm45

Thanks for the input....I got nervous when looking on the harmony central boards and saw a 70 page(!)
thread on these products, mostly filled with people having issues with these interfaces. That was all before the most recent driver update so I'm glad to hear Alesis got on the ball because the io/26 loos like a good piece of equipment.

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Answer 3

poflynn

Level 4

1,303 points

Jun 25, 2008 12:22 AM in response to magellan42

I just got the io/14 (for a great price from PSSL). It has been discontinued but since it's essentially the same as the io/26 Alesis will continue to support it. I only have 10.4.11 but I have not had a single problem so far. And the Hardware Direct Monitoring eliminates any latency issues.

Here's the tech guy to contact at Alesis with any questions, etc. He has been most helpful to me.

rgriffith@numark.com

(Numark owns, or is merged with Alesis).
Since he's tech and not sales you should get more straightforward and useful answers.

Good luck with whatever you choose. Choosing and interface can seem daunting at first but after time things will become clearer. Keep searching the forums, etc.

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Answer 4

magellan42 Author

Level 1

14 points

Jun 25, 2008 9:35 AM in response to poflynn

I'm glad to hear that all is working. Since starting this thread, I have stumbled upon some other message boards filled with people still having trouble with the Alesis 14 & 26. I'm really new to home recording and I don't have the knowledge (or the time) to try to get something to work. As much as I want the 26, I just don't want to be one of the unlucky ones to get a defective unit or have problems with the drivers.
All along, I've been wanting a Firepod for a number of reasons....compatibility & ease of use and integration with macs, the # of inputs, sound quality...but I just couldn't spend the money. The Firebox would be good, but I would have filled all of the inputs (as a beginner) leaving me no room to grow.
I think I am going to suck it up, wait a bit longer and just get the firepod.

Thanks again everyone!

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Answer 5

poflynn

Level 4

1,303 points

Jun 25, 2008 10:42 AM in response to magellan42

Both are good units with advantages and disadvantages. I've read of people having trouble with both. Most of the Alesis problems, as you surmised, were from before the drivers were updated. (I read that same HarmonyCentral thread. Check the dates, you'll see they're a year or more old). The tech guy says there is not a single person he hasn't been able to get up and running. I installed mine one, two, three. You shouldn't let that be your deciding factor. Go with what you like and what has the features, etc. you want.
If you provide your email I'll send you a FirePod(FP10) to IO/26 comparison from Alesis tech. It's too lengthy to print here. Obviously he leans towards Alesis but it's really a good, detailed comparison. I went with the io/14 because I got such a great price and because it does things the FirePod/FP10 doesn't (and a heck of a lot cheaper). But both are good, reputable companies and people here use both brands and are very happy.

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Answer 6

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Jun 24, 2008 1:52 PM in response to magellan42

I use the Alesis Multimix that uses the same driver as the io14 and 26. The jan 08 driver fixed the problems with Leopard. The drives has been rock solid so no need for newer drivers.

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Answer 7

isteveus

Level 5

4,340 points

Jun 24, 2008 3:31 PM in response to magellan42

After the Leopard release many interfaces broke. Some are still not working.

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Answer 8

HangTime

Level 9

53,853 points

Jun 25, 2008 9:37 AM in response to magellan42

when you get it, you'll love it. i couldn't be more pleased with my firepod

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