All user reviews for the Alesis iO|26

Characteristics of allchantes for that price but some dceptions and unexpected rewards.
-The Virtual mixing desk is convivialle and convenient, it can even use the outputs and the 4 possibilities mix Commes direct feedback carefree (rare) even with cubase.
-the earnings remain dcevants and shape of pots in inaccessible intenssif use.
-The insert is an interesting peculiarity.

USE

Malgrs the manual darkness (which as in the manual for the ADAT black boxes do not dry on the superiority of Alesis ...) it is not bad draws. The problem is the power supply; in a config like mine (portable), setting the ground is non-existent and many parasites and other interfrences are not made to pray to exist! Furthermore there is no inter therefore a boring protocol to turn the beast ... And if unfortunately the fire wire cable moves one must redmarer ... The driver of this device is a little vaporous, you never know which one to choose between two incompatibilits three bugs ...

IMPLEMENTATION

With cubase, the animal bump well and the entries are made quickly. Ct latency for me not work hard but it takes me to put me under XP.

NOTICE GLOBAL

I use it for three months, and its use does not compar delighted me the other models, but it possde of the characteristics that have become essential for me to work quickly and well. I recommend it gladly for fauchs like me but not for a guy who rubles. His mixing desk, deffinitivement like it. The presence of light meters and volume type controllers and very apprciable.
It is a good creature is worth its price.

ATTENTION: This notice was first drafted in spring 2007, he was reading the EDITS additional paragraph at the end!

As I decided to get into the computer music in home studio version, I took the time to choose as carefully as possible the different elements of my setup, with a very careful eye on price / performance, given my budget. With the iO | 26, we had no interest in being in a hurry, since it was not until over a year between the announcement of its "next" release and his arrival in our country.
Characteristics that motivated me the most are obviously the 8 XLR / jack (Neutrik combo) in order to save battery. Otherwise, I intend to do most of the audio with a bit of MIDI at first - and perhaps more later once I'm used to using plug-ins and potential problems it ask me ... Everything else was a bonus, and what bonus: 8 outputs, inserts for each track, Phantom power in groups of two tracks, two separate headphone outputs, MIDI in and out, 2 ADAT inputs (not output) etc.. All this in just over 400 euros for a firewire sound card, while the competition is much more expensive if we want equal opportunities.
Configuration: Apple iBook G4 PowerPC 1.25 GHz with 1.25 GB of RAM and 60 GB hard drive on Tiger 10.4.9. It's the only thing I did not have to buy. Otherwise, I just bought an external hard drive 250 GB running at 7200 t / m for the rest of my projects.
Connections: for now, my setup is very minimal, since I use the iO | 26 Firewire to record on my computer and / or on the external drive on Tracktion. I connect the outputs 1 and 2 TRS on two active monitors Tascam VL-X5. My microphone set is still rudimentary, but correct: a Shure 565 SD (SM58 ancestor) of all trades, a T.bone SC1100 for voice and acoustic guitar, 3 Naiant MSH-1 (2 omnis for overheads and / or acoustic guitar and a heart for the bass drum) and some other generic microphones for the "rest". Obviously I intend to buy at least one SM 57 and one or two preamps and that goes with it, when I have some savings.

August 31, 2009 EDIT: I'm working now on a MacBook Pro 2.5 GB and 4 GB of RAM (Leopard 10.5.6) and I regularly use a preamp Art MPA Gold in addition to the sound card.

UTILIZATION

1. Installation is a snap. Just insert the supplied CD or go to the website of Alesis page Support / Downloads to download the updates directly. From that side, 10 out of 10.
2. Incompatibilities? This is where it gets tough. When I was considering last year already bought the iO | 26, I visited the site and downloaded the Alesis manual, already available. Everywhere, said calmly that the iO | 26 would work with Panther (10.3.9 in my case). Even when the product page has changed, now to require Tiger (10.4), I sent an email to Alesis and they said that the books were authentic. So Panther ok!
So what was my (bad) surprise at the interface once connected, I heard crackling, clicks and pops with a vengeance, whatever my latency settings! I was still able to record a small "test" more or less audible, and even one or two tracks with no crackling. I spent nearly two months to actively participate in various user forums, especially Anglo-Saxon. Finally, one of the developers it is also placed Alesis and for some time, it seems to recognize that the problems are more serious than a few clicks certain innocence (on a MacBook, so Intel and Tiger OS) intend using Safari or iTunes at the same time. In short, the interface is clearly not compatible with all hardware and software configurations. Overall it works well with most PCs (except in some configurations involving both Cakewalk Sonar and AMD Athlon) and with most MacBooks and even the PowerBook G4. on the other hand, a lot of users seem to have problems on their iMac G5 (Tiger!), Not to mention my iBook to Panther. In short, I ended up migrating to Tiger, too. Verdict: 2 out of 10 for compatibility issues.
The configuration is relatively easy, provided that the interface is working properly, of course! 8 out of 10.
As for the manual, it is generally very clear, especially for Windows, it is a little less explanatory for Mac. So 8 out of 10.
This gives us an average of 7, in the snatch.

EDIT August 31, 2009: Last updated drivers for Mac (end January 2008) seems to have been correct. Since then, more concern, at least on Tracktion 3, set latencies ranging between 128 and 512 samples (ie, between 2.9 ms and 11.6 ms).

GETTING STARTED

As for the drivers - "drivers" in French - well, no, they are not as stable as that, because they continue to cause unexpected very small clicks on my system, although I migrated on Tiger. However, since qu'Alesis really aware of the problem, the updates have become frequent - every two weeks, on average - which is rather a good point. The most surprising is that the previous update (end March 07) seemed to have solved my problems clicks. Unfortunately I made the following update in order to control the headphone volume independent of overall volume. It works for the volumes, but the clicks are back. I do not lose hope, because I really feel - I hope it will be justified - that the problems will soon be settled, at the rate follow the updates.
As for software, I use mainly Tracktion 2 (soon 3!) With plug-ins that come with it (SampleTank, AmpliTube, MDA, RM IV). I also tested Cubase LE comes with the iO | 26, especially to see if Tracktion was the result of "clicks" heard. Well, no, I had the same unpleasant noises on Cubase LE. That said, this was before he migrated to Tiger, I have not tried since.
In terms of latency, I continue to try different settings, without having yet found the setting. The most amazing thing is that I have no more than 256 clicks in 64 samples! I'll try again, as advocated by Craig Anderton, the author of the reference test the iO | 26 of acapella.harmony-central.com, close the application after each change of latency, then reopen it.
Finally, I have not had the opportunity to record more than two tracks simultaneously. As soon as I can, I will register a battery with 7 or 8 microphones and I publish this opinion. As for reading, I sometimes just a few clicks on the test pieces (ten tracks) that I recorded while reading the Tracktion demo songs, with lots of tracks and plug- ins, no problem. Go figure.

August 31, 2009 EDIT: Since the last update of the driver for Mac, I can safely use the 8 XLR inputs simultaneously (for a battery, for example) and read two dozen audio and MIDI tracks with lots of plug -ins. That happiness.

OVERALL OPINION

I received it in late February 07. I'm still the testing phase, trying computer configurations including hybrid (last update firmware with the previous version of the driver, etc.).. To do this, of course, it is advantageous to keep the various updates. One thing is certain, it is impossible to return to the previous version of "firmware", only drivers are more or less interchangeable.
Otherwise, there are many things I love about this machine. In addition to its enormous potential (8 mic inputs, 8 outputs and 8 inserts, etc.. Etc.. !!!), It seems to have good converters and ultra-sound is clear. The preamps are a beautiful transparent - even if that kills the gain is not their forte - some users happy judging even much higher than the number of RME Fireface. In addition, the construction seems very, very strong, short, a card that really does not look cheap: knobs very strong and soft at once, with the overall volume and mixer computer / same source that are serrated.
What I like least, obviously, is the current instability. However, I have already said, is a product with great potential and monitoring Alesis seems for the moment seriously. Hopefully, whether it's infancy to youth. Many other interfaces to the excellent reputation today have been there. Without I tried other models, I saw them at work with close friends - MAUDIO 410, Digi 002, etc.. Either too much or not enough entries.
So, it is clear that the price / performance (supposedly) is currently the best available. There is simply no better.
With experience, I am almost forced to repeat the same choice, given my budget. And if small problems are eventually resolved, one can even ignore the budgetary considerations. Inshallah, to paraphrase the Pope.

August 31, 2009 EDIT: The good Lord heard me, it seems. The pope probably does not care.

Everything has enunciated t I will return to it.

The purchase of a t IO26 is to replace one that made the Firepod me. It failed me an equivalent, I t cooled by the fragility of connections (firewire at the top) of the Presonus.
The IO26 is looking strong and inspires confidence level.

In addition, the ADAT to use my m'intressait FIREPOD as eightfold prampli, adding later AI3 converter type.

Bought to work on a fixed (Athlon 64 3200 + / 2GB Ram dual channel / nForce3 chipset) and a laptop (Asus A7D-R010H: Turion 64 3200 + / 1GB Ram / chipset SIS)

UTILIZATION

The facility has a large galre t: the latest drivers to date (July 2007) never worked. I tried everything fearing incompatibility (wi-fi card removed, etc ...) Nothing did.
The original drivers n'tant efficient enough in terms of latency, I use Windows only version 1.0.2.0 (Updated May 2007) if I want to work a bit (25ms latency ...)
Firmware day!
Tests on other configs, even rsultat.
Unless a miracle update can solve the problem ...
In trs net back from the Firepod

GETTING STARTED

Up

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 months. Fidler I tend be a brand, but I profondment of the!

critics, although shares, seemed correct.
Difficult to judge the report when it works poorly qualitprix

Firewire audio interface
8 analog inputs / outputs.
2 ADAT inputs, 16 channels per supplmentaires consquent (but not compatible with SPDIF optical, hlas ...)
1 per INSERT, 8 total, therefore (1 against the Firepod)
2 headphone outputs.
1 fantme power for 2 channels (1 for 4 against channels in Firepod).
1 MIDI IN / MIDI OUT 1.
Between a stro "phono in" as jack (to plug a turntable directly without using an adapter impdance, or level)
An input / output Coaxial SPDIF.

Personally, I possde a P4 Hyper Threading 3.00 GHz with 1 GB of RAM, Windows XP SP2.
In our association, we use the equivalent in AMD Athlon64.

As the opinion Previous, we (our association) have bought this audio interface to replace our Firepod which I prmaturment the Redu (2 years of using non-intensive).
I would say I rdige this opinion, although I just try to bring a different perspective, more positive about my exprience Premire with the gear, as people satisfied do pas.Je the complterai so.

UTILIZATION

Installation for me was made without concern (just not to be the wrong decision on the Alesis Firewire, you have to just plug into the outlet of the ct otherwise it is not recognized).
I install the drivers, then Premire latest generation, I connect my computer ds that I am given the green light, the installation ends, and go!
less than a minute lap top, could not be more simple and effective.

First test, a song on Windows Media, it works nickel, the sound is better Dfine, pchu more dynamic than the sound card in my computer intgre.
The computer interface card is pretty clear, well damn, I got trs quickly recovered.

GETTING STARTED

This chapter of MRIT ultrieurement be thorough.

APRS Windows Media, I opened a project in Sonar6 which adtecte and automatically configure the card without my request.
There was no problem (bug, grsillement, blocking, slowing the CPU ...), from the Sampling rate chosen is quite consistent that I get with my internal sound card RME .
Compared with the memory I have of the Firepod, it seems to me perfectly cohrent a FireWire interface.

For now the only thing I ngatif notc'est the fact that (unlike my RME), from the ADAT numrique not working for a device with a SPDIF optical output.
Indeed, I possde a strip Mindprint with input / output Optical SPDIF, and is not recognized by the Alesis.
It would be nice, if possible, the manufacturer so an update rglant this concern.

OVERALL OPINION

For now, put the hand between ADAT compatible with SPDIF, this sound card seems promising, and in any case, its implementation is perfect, and it works cohrent.
I will try on our AMD association.
For the quality of pramplis (I tried and air trs me well for now), converters ... I see in the weeks ahead.

Nevertheless, an attractive price, comparable Prsonus that of today, the Alesis iol26 offers a functional multitrack audio interface for PC (in my case), offering features (such as ADAT, 2 headphone outputs, one for each INSERT, between a "platinum spcial") which is dpourvu the Firepod, and that makes this technologically dernire deprecated, and less volute.

In short, it's all good for me this time today, there is no equivalent on the market right now in terms of relative qualitprix.
I therefore advise not reserved.

The features are on the Alesis site.

I chose this interface because it is in the format "table" for input combos (Neutrik. .. no shit ...), the phantom power supply, the buttons gains. Everything is within reach. Moreover, its solid appearance is a big plus.

I use this interface to record with my band (demos during mixing ...). I chose it also because I could have every element of the battery on a separate track.

For our first session I worked with a Dell laptop is fairly new, 2MB of RAM and a 200GB LaCie external hard drive (USB 2.0). I work with Cubase SX.

UTILIZATION

- The installation is done it without problems?

I had no problems installing the drivers. However I had problems installing Cubase LE (they asked me the serial number and tried all the combinations found on and in the box, you can not find the right number), but as I already Cubase Sx I decided to take me head.

The manual is in English but as I have no problem in that language, I understood the essence (I'm not bilingual).

In any case it is not very complicated, you have your entries combos, adjust the input gain (with the small clip is a snap). You have a program for the direct monitoring and another for the few possible settings.

GETTING STARTED

I really had no problems with this interface, which is rare enough to be reported.

The use is very instinctive. Two headphone outputs, 8 analog outputs you can change the output mix differently with direct monitoring.

The buttons are costal. This interface took the train twice in the bag and I had a problem yet (knock on wood).

Taken for battery I recorded 8 tracks simultaneously, no problem.

I had a little dig in Cubase to configure the inputs and outputs since I had never done that, but it went quickly.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for about two months.

J'aime bcp this interface for several reasons:
- Catch combos NEUTRIK
- Adjusting the input gain on the console directly
- The "VU meter"
- Two headphone jacks with independent volume
- ...

What I dislike:
There really is little fault that I found (I'm still amateur and I do not bcp point of comparison, but here ...)
Perhaps the quality of the preamps, but for that price, you really can not complain.
It's true that sometimes you have to push the gain in depth for a sufficient level, but I had no problem breathing.

The report Qualter for money is excellent.

With experience and certainly I would do this budget choice, but I think investing in a Presonus FireStudio interface, which has class A preamps, so I could record my group together. The rack takes up less space but the outputs are still less accessible. I wait to have the money.

It took me around 9 because nothing is perfect. For that price you can really go a long way,

A more

I was looking for a hardware with enough inputs to record a group.
8 analog inputs Concurrent suit me.

The config: a Dell Precision M6300 Core 2 Duo, 3GB of RAM, 80 GB hard disk + 120 GB External USB

Mics: the old sm58, 57, and a static akg 320/330 Berhinger three under, until something better.
A mixer soundcraft, too old ...

UTILIZATION

Installation: The galre.
As the pc rcent (xp sp2 + latest fix), I thought not having a problem. The card was installed correctly (the latest driver updates downloads required!) But impossible to use it then. Dcrochages random image and functioning.
I then tried on a Vista PC, even punishment. I dsesprer comments, when I tried on a troisime pc, dell laptop a little older than the one I use, and she finally deigned to operate. By digging a little more on the US site, a document prcise a patch (KB885222) can be ncessaire, actually, things are back to normal APRS application of the it. It should uninstall the driver, get the patch, then reinstall the driver.
I have not tried Vista, I am this system.

GETTING STARTED

As for the stability of drivers, once the tape pass Previous, no problem, the interface uses t for hours in a row without problem. If the PC goes to sleep, it may be of ncessaire unplug / plug the firewire.

Frquence of the updates is unknown

I use reaper, efficient and cheap
I work at 96 kHz with a latency of 4 ms, in other words nothing.

For the time being registered simultanment four tracks, and more than 20 read

OVERALL OPINION

For a month

+ + The number of the connections
---- Installation

an M-Audio Firewire Solo

report qualitprix excellent (I bought it on Ebay for OCCAZ, almost new, 340 euros)

Apart from the flip of the install, I Rasht eyes closed

What characteristics have motivated your choice?
8 inputs Neutrik combo, 8 line outputs, sampling up to 192kHz, firewire etc. ..

For what purpose?
live recordings

What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?
HP nc6000 Laptop, 1.6 Ghz, 1GB RAM, HDD External USB, Firewire PCMCIA Belkin (TI chipset), XP pro.

UTILIZATION

The installation is done it without problems?
No: Install the latest drivers, connect the interface and HOP!

Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
does not work if the wifi is on.

The general configuration is easy?
Very simple and output routing a breeze.

The manual is clear and sufficient?
I do not need.

GETTING STARTED

The drivers are stable?
No problem for me.

They are often updated?
As long as it works ... otherwise I do not know

What software do you use most often?
Nuendo 3

What you get lag?
6ms I have not touched the buffer (4000 default)

How many tracks you get to record / playback simultaneously?
the 8-track recording 24/192

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
1 month

What is so special that you like most and least?
The +: ease of use thanks to the format table
the -: no ADAT output, as input. it's enough for recording, but not for live ...

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
PCI cards or USB but not firewire

How would you rate the quality / price?
EXCELLENT

With experience, you do again this choice? ...
YES, although with hindsight I should have taken a Presonus FireStudio Tube because of the 8 tracks are still used ALESIS ds my group and sometimes we'll need more.

The configuration of my computer:
Dual Core E8500 3.16GHz
4GB RAM DDRII
Motherboard ASUS P5K

That seemed INTERESTED CHARACTERISTICS:
- The 8 inputs pramplifies
- The format "mini mixer"
- Prsence of potentiomtres
- Inserts
- The output circuits DIFFERENT
- The addition of two ADAT tracks 16

Use:
I mainly use the entries in the table but I'm testing with a 03D in Adat.
It rose to 14 tracks simultaneous recording to test (we had nothing to add more) but no slowdown or clipping.

UTILIZATION

The installation is very simple on Windows, you plug in the manner of jobs and functions.
on the other hand of Linux, I have not really had time to look myself. But for now it is not recognized automatically. I guess that was just enough to make things work but I did not, I do not speculate prfre.

The manual is clear condition of mastering English as the doc is ... Franaise summary.

For my part, I had no worries, I set course 10

GETTING STARTED

- The drivers are stable.
- Aps I needed to put days since I had no worries.
- The table I use Cubase SX and latency is imperceptible. It works really well. J'hsitais take firewire but it's amazing. As said prcdemment, 14 tracks but there were no delays, I guess we can do more carefree.
- I test with a 03D to see if the sync was done well, and again, has works perfectly.
- Converters and pramplis are of good quality and for a guy who always come to complain about the quality of pramps free them to go through the insert and add their own pramplis (because inserts allow the disabling of pramplis native of the table, which can INTERESTED rveler for complainers)

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3-4 months and I love its ease of use and its adaptability.
It is easily transportable, modular wish (provided possder a table with ADAT or sets pramplis / converters).
The sound is really good.
Many tend to say that "value" is good. I'll just say it is! That's it! TRS is a good card that does what is asked of him. Many, pramplifies 8 tracks. No wind, no noise, nothing.
Order with Thomann for less than what can be found in France (including shipping) I do not spare it for the world.
Before I had a ESP1010, I do not regret at all the change.

I chose this material to be able to record live and rehearse in preparation models.
use with a laptop with 1 or 3 gigabytes of memory.

UTILIZATION

The implementation is more than laborious if not impossible!
after one month past the turn of ela beast I threw in the towel can not rotate on my laptop (at least two test laptop) so the purpose of the purchase is not reached.

GETTING STARTED

The drivers were downloaded from alesis, plus those from the cd, but nothing to impossible to make a record more than to 30 seconds

OVERALL OPINION

So after all these tests, I'll sell it.

for those who want to be s'offir interface for Laptop PC, I think we should look elsewhere to confirm the non computer (you must be a true beast) go your way,
short, this material is not made for ammateur computer to view the forum, there are a lot of crap about this product

- What characteristics have motivated your choice?
The 8-input preamplifier and low-cost motivated me to choose. But its low price.

- For what purpose?
My main use is to record my drums. But she also am using to record repeats also see concerts.

- What is your config (Motherboard / CPU / Ram / Hard ,...)?
Motherboard: Asus P5K
CPU: Intel 2.66 Ghz duocore
RAM: 2 GB
Disk: Maxtor 200 GB

- Which instruments and systems (console, preamp, DTD ...) you use it and how connections? ...
I only use my mic kit for drums Stagg DMS-5700 and a Shure SM-57 with.

UTILIZATION

- The installation is done it without problems?
Nickel, once the driver installed, I plug the card without restarting my PC and it worked.

- Have you experienced any incompatibilities?
No

- The general configuration is easy?
Yes, I just dropped some of the volume setting in Windows, because otherwise it saturated.

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Oh, ya need a manual?? : P

GETTING STARTED

- The drivers are stable?
Windows Sp2, I noted no instability at the moment so, yes.

- Are they often updated?
At the launch there was a lot of update, yes, but the latest version dates back almost a year.

- What software do you use most often?
I am using Cubase SX3.

- What you get lag?
I have a latency of 13 ms. But I think I can reduce (I would have to do some testing)

- How many tracks you get to record / play time? ...
I could save all my drum part on a piece using the eight simultaneously and without any problems.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
I did that for two days.

- What is so special that you like most and least?
The recording of 8 channels at once and the quality of preamp and really not bad.
I do not really blame him for a moment.

- Have you tried many other models before buying it?
Not really, because not rolling in gold, it was double or nothing on my choice.

- How would you rate the quality / price?
Very very good.

- With experience, you do again this choice? ...
Without any problems. Despite the fact that I acquired only recently, I've done some fairly extensive testing, and I'm really happy with the result that even despite my micro is really not top.
It really is a card that I recommend for any drummer looking for a good map not very expensive to register.

I was attracted by its price with respect to the versatility.
I use it in my home studio.
I connected a classical guitar, a folk, a micro instrument, electric guitars and a synthesizer (MIDI and audio).

Motherboard etc.. see my profile.

UTILIZATION

Then there came the galley! But today, it works!
I am currently working on a Seven in 64 bit in Cubase 5. I also use the logiel Encore, and Sound Forge 10.
I record a track in general at a time, but sometimes I leave a dozen tracks very worked (effects) in 24 bits/88.2kHz without too much trouble (if not a bit of latency).
The latency ranges from 12ms to 80 ms in the worst case. Attention, more tracks are added and / or effects, the more necessary to increase the buffer size to not suffer from drop out!

GETTING STARTED

Installation is not too laborious, and the configuration requires a little experience and a good dose of organization. The manual is a bit limited, especially taking into account the fact that the latest software updates have been amended so that the interface no longer corresponds to the manual (even the one in line!)
Anyway, this touches on an area that requires still a little "bottle" to arrive at any pin properly. It is necessary not only to master the interface, but also used the DAW.

Cons by the coconut is very sensitive towards the installed devices.
I finally put together a special session Home Studio, no anti virus or internet or fuss to get everything running stably and effectively.
I met an incompatibility with a USB keyboard, and it was hell to determine the cause of the problem!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it since 2009, it was my first stuff like that.

I love the versatility, comprehensive inputs (line, microwave, direct, pairwise 48V input, insert, etc.. Etc..)
It is quite easy to handle, takes up little desk space, and is quite design which does not spoil anything.

on the other hand I have lived for months of misery because of a keyboard m ** and there, I almost despair!

With experience, I would do without doubt this choice, although other materials (much more expensive!) Appear more stable.

I run into window hp through firewire port. I have used about 10 times since I bought it, primarily for vocals and drums. I originally bought it for the purpose of recording drums. I liked the fact that it had eight inputs, was portable, was futuristic in the 96/192 Hz recording capabilities and the fact that it had so many inputs and outputs.

UTILIZATION

Drivers were not stable. Had a lot of issues getting it to work with Vista. I am able to record eight tracks at a time, but utilized on five at one time. Nice having the true phantom power for my condenser mics.

GETTING STARTED

General set-up was easy enough. Had a lot of trouble though getting it to work with my laptop. Actually, never was able to get it working on my laptop. Finally decided that I needed to make this happen and his malfunctioned and has not worked since. Very disappointed in the quality aspects of the Alesis products.

OVERALL OPINION

The sound was great and the features were great. But it broke after 10 uses. Because it was past the one year warranty, support said there was nothing that they could do. Disappointing that something with so much potential could be made so poorly. I would not rate give this a high value as it broke without much use and I have seen others advertized on sites to remain nameless with same kind of issues. My belief is that there was a manufacturing or design flaw that was never taken care of. Alesis denies this but fact is that it broke without any abuse or mis-use on my part. For this reason, I would not get another one and would not recommend this product to anyone.