(Originally written by Le d/translated from Audiofanzine FR)
Which technical specifications motivated your choice?

I liked the format... but I was afraid of the USB interface.

What do you use it for?

DAW, audio recording (mic), songwriting with master keyboard+software

What's your setup (motherboard, CPU, RAM, hard drive,...)?

AMD 64 2800 (1.8 GHz) + 2 GB Ram + 350 GB HDD + master keyboard.

+ Windows Light

(Up to this day the system has worked without a hitch with less than 6 ms latency.)

UTILIZATION

Did you have any problems during the installation?

Serious driver and device detection problems (audio USB device instead of Alesis io2...) even after formating and reinstalling...

I turned out it was a problem with the audio driver of my Logitech web cam, but even after uninstalling and formating I couldn't find a solution.

That's the reason why I give it a 0

Not even the drivers from Alesis' website solve the problem.

Did you have any incompatibility problems?

YES!!! with Logitech web cams... (see above)

How complicated is the overall configuration?

It couldn't be easier... except for the driver detection problem...

Is the user's manual clear and comprehensive?

It's useless.

GETTING STARTED

Is the driver stable?

Lousy driver... I think Alesis should seriously work on this driver problem...

It's a pity because the device sounds very good... but the latency is much too high!!!!!!

Are they up-to-date?

There is only one driver version available on the website.

Which software do you use?

What's the latency of your system?

Reason 4 (25 ms latency minimum. Lower latency times cause noise)

Cubase (over 30 ms latency)

How many tracks can you record/playback simultaneously?

With Reason: three tracks... with more tracks I get noise and system crashes. That's the reason why I increased the latency time to at least 25 ms to get a clear and clean sound.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you been using it?

One week and it is already too long...

Which feature do you like the most / the least?

I don't even want to answer... The USB port is becoming an interesting interface for audio applications but it won't ever replace a PCI solution (no cable: the sound card is directly connected to the mother board and the CPU)

Did you try any other models before buying it?

Yes, M-Audio 24/96... it was very good...

and DMX6fire (PCI)... even better...

How would you rate its value for money?

I can't answer this question... It's was a very bad experience...

Or I could say what I've read in other user reviews:

this sound card has a very good value for money.

But if you plan to use it with your DAW I strongly advise you against it.

I also advise you against it if you want less than 10 ms latency... or even 20-25 ms.

Otherwise the device sounds good and reverb effects are very good...

The driver is a pity.

Summary: Alesis makes good hardware but bad drivers...

- Based on your experience, would you buy this product again?

Never... I had always been very skeptical of USB sound cards...

This device was recommended to me at my favorite shop...

And I'm disappointed.

That's the reason I brought it back to the shop and had it replaced with a PCI sound card.

I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE STUPID TREND REGARDING USB SOUND CARDS...