Alesis iO|2 Express

With its simple yet compact design, the Alesis IO2 is indeed very small and thus very easy to transport.
Thanks to the XLR + guitar/line inputs you can connect mics, guitar, bass, and even a piano without problems. The built-in phantom power allows it to easily handle overhead-type mics, as well as any other condenser mic.

UTILIZATION

Connected via USB to a computer (I have a Macbook pro retina 2014), it allows you to record 2 tracks simultaneously, at 24bits/48kHz, with almost no noise and a more than decent gain. Plug and play on Mac and Windows, it has never left me high and dry, no interferences, and I've never had latency problems (which is very low and imperceptible).

GETTING STARTED

I got it from a friend, so I've never seen the box nor the documentation. But, overall, the design of this small audio interface is excellent and it couldn't be easier to use.
I've never had an issue, it's stable and effective.

OVERALL OPINION

Simple, small and effective, this audio interface is simply...simple. It meets my expectations by being able to record two tracks at 24b/48kHz with almost no latency and a pretty decent sound for this type of product. Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that it does a pretty good job as a soundcard, outputting audio, thanks to tis very comprehensive connections (1/4" jack, SPDIF, MIDI, USB).
A small wonder that I'll keep without hesitation and which, given its small size, will always come in handy in many situations where a bigger interface would be overkill!
So, yes, this small card is simply wonderful! You can buy it with your eyes closed!!

2-channel audio recording interface for computer
Recording at 24 bits and 48 kHz
Balanced Master output and headphones output
Professional A/D and D/A converter
Low-noise preamp and 48V phantom power
Mic, line and instrument level inputs
MIDI in and out to play and control instruments
It works with virtually all software programs without the need of installing drivers ─ Plug and Play
USB-powered, no external power supply needed
For Windows and Mac OS X
Comes with a CD, Steinberg Cubase LE and a USB cable
Dimensions: 4.9" x 6.3" x 2,2". (125 x 160 x 55 mm)
Weight: 13 oz (380 g)

I use it to connect my guitar directly, several mics for vocals or to my amplify my amp directly with the DI output.

UTILIZATION

In terms of drivers, there's not much to say, it's ASIO4all, so there's no problems.
I use cubase 5, with guitar pro 5, overloud TH2, amplitube.
The latencies are all right, not very high but they could be better.

GETTING STARTED

You simply plug it via USB and you're done!
It broke once, I sent it back to Thomann, and two weeks later it was as good as new!

OVERALL OPINION

I've had this soundcard for 2 years and I dream about replacing it (with something of better quality).
It's my first soundcard, so I never tested any other cards before.
I love the card's simplicity, you simply have to plug it in and there's no need to do anything else.
Excellent value for money, I recommend it.

With hindsight, I think I'd buy the same card if I had the same budget.

2-channel audio recording interface for computer
Recording at 24 bits and 48 kHz
Balanced Master output and headphones output
Professional A/D and D/A converter
Low-noise preamp and 48V phantom power
Mic, line and instrument level inputs
MIDI in and out to play and control instruments
It works with virtually all software programs without the need of installing drivers ─ Plug and Play
USB-powered, no external power supply needed
For Windows and Mac OS X
Comes with a CD, Steinberg Cubase LE and a USB cable
Dimensions: 4.9" x 6.3" x 2,2". (125 x 160 x 55 mm)
Weight: 13 oz (380 g)

"Recording at 24 bits and 48 kHz," that says it all. Clear and precise recording. I use it mainly to record electric, acoustic-electric and bass guitar, as well as rap texts and vocals.
Good overall reproduction, no particular remarks.

UTILIZATION

Stable drivers, I usually use it with the Asio4All drivers, no latency problems. The setup is quite extensive but in the end the result is very satisfying.
Unfortunately limited to 2 simultaneous tracks, which is nevertheless more than enough for my small home studio, 48V phantom power if required. I use it mainly with protools and also ableton.

GETTING STARTED

Installation on a PC is pretty smooth. You connect the USB cable and the drivers are installed a couple of seconds later, then it's ready to use.

OVERALL OPINION

I have used it for almost a year and have never had a crash. It's value for money is amazing. I strongly recommend it to people who want to start their home studio at a reasonable price.
I don't regret my choice. I have informed myself and this one seems the best value for money by far!

Basically, I bought this soundcard to listen to audio motivated by its simplicity and price.
I would have never imagined that it would become essential for my compositions thanks to the 2 inputs, which allow me to efficiently record my synthesizer.
I use ableton live and the setup is child's play.
It comes with a lite version of cubase. I have not used it much, but it's very nice to have a rather comprehensive software at this price point.

UTILIZATION

The drivers for pc must be installed, on Mac everything is done directly.
I use Ableton Live.
I record two tracks simultaneously
I haven't seen any updates, but I think it works fine without them.
The problem is the latency, I don't know how much latency it has exactly, but it has some. I have tried to set it optimally and I can get reasonable results to record in the studio.

GETTING STARTED

Problem-free installation, everything is clear and easy.
I haven't found any incompatibilities.
Very clear and concise user's manual.

OVERALL OPINION

I've used it for 3 years and it's my first soundcard.
What I like best: The prices, the ease-of-use.
What I like the least: It has only two inputs, the sound loses a bit of quality, which is normal given the price...
Superb value for money.
I would definitely buy it as a first soundcard, although I right now crave a motu (which is another ballgame altogether).