Alesis Announces IO|26 FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface

Jan 20, 2006

Alesis, the world's leading manufacturer of professional audio equipment and studio electronics, is pleased to announce the introduction of its new IO|26 FireWire Audio / MIDI interface. Fully compatible with PC and Macintosh computers, the IO|26 incorporates Wavefront Semiconductor's state-of-the-art DICEII FireWire Audio chip for the ultimate in digital audio connectivity, support for upwards of 26 channels of audio, S/PDIF and ADAT digital inputs, plus a built-in 16-channel MIDI interface—everything needed for versatile integration with software-based recording and sequencing applications.

Featuring a compact, elegant tabletop form factor, the IO|26 provides a wealth of I/O support for the home / project studio recording environment and can be powered via the FireWire bus or via an included AC adapter. The IO|26 offers 8 analog mic/line inputs on "Combo" connectors with Phantom power and insert jacks—facilitating the connection of high-quality cardioid condenser microphones or stereo TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) devices. And with the ability to patch signal processing equipment directly into the signal path of each channel via the channel inserts, recording enthusiasts have everything they need to contour the input signal precisely as they want.

For digital I/O, the new IO|26 makes multichannel recording a breeze. With dual ADAT optical inputs, the IO|26 provides support for as many as 16 channels of ADAT digital audio—depending upon the selected sampling frequency (16 channels at 44.1 and 48 kHz; 8 channels at 88.2 and 96 kHz). Additionally, the unit's 2-channel, 24-bit S/PDIF connector (RCA) makes it easy to integrate CDR, DVD-R, and other digital equipment into the system. Further, the IO|26 provides a switchable high impedance input on channels 1 and 2 for integrating guitars and basses, while a switchable phono preamp is integrated into channels 7 and 8—enabling the IO|26 to accommodate a wide range of input signals.

On the unit's rear panel, the IO|26 provides 8 balanced line outputs (quarter-inch TRS) in addition to the S/PDIF output—providing 10 channels of output capability. The MIDI In and Out connectors also residehere, enabling the unit to integrate a substantial arsenal of MIDI sampling and sequencing equipment. All I/O on this exceptional interface is balanced / 24-bit—with support for 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz sampling frequencies. And with its two FireWire ports, the Alesis IO|26 provides easy connectivity to personal computers while also enabling additional FireWire devices (such as hard drives or DVD-R) to be cascaded via the second port.

For monitoring signals, the IO|26 provides five-segment signal/clip LED ladders on each input. With provisions for two headphone outputs—with individual level control—the new IO|26 is a comprehensive audio/MIDI solution for the desktop recording engineer.

Completing the package, the Alesis IO|26 ships with a copy of Steinberg's Cubase LE digital audio workstation software, plus demo programs from various industry-leading virtual instrument manufacturers.

With a suggested retail price of just $599, Alesis' new IO|26 provides the right combination of audio and MIDI I/O capability and integrates easily into any desktop recording environment. The new IO|26 will be available Q2 of 2006.