"HD24 great for live recording."

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Feature:
One of my main reasons for this purchase is to record up to 24 tracks live simultaneously and then transfer the tracks to my laptop for editing and mixing. The FTP Server Utility is great, but slow. As long as you have time to wait on the data transfer, this works fine. If you're in a hurry, the Fireport option device might be a good investment. I haven't purchased the Fireport yet, but if the 2 hour 24 track gigs keep coming I'll definitely order one.

Quality:
Cosmetically it looks great and all labels are easy to read. If racked properly I'm sure this could work very well on the road since the only moving parts are the hard drives. Just keep a spare hard drive installed in a caddy on hand in case something does go wrong with a drive. Just pop the malfunctioning drive out and put the spare in and keep going.

Value:
It is priced very fairly. I haven't found anything that compares that costs any less. There are multitracks that have more features that are more expensive, but the HD24 satisfies my needs.

Desirability:
The HD24 makes recording a lot simpler for me. No tapes to worry about. No 42 minute limit on recording. No transport wait time. Easy to backup to a 2nd hard drive. Easy (but slow) to copy to laptop for editing and mixing. Nice track level meters.

Sound:
Smoother and Warmer than my ADATs (Blackface and XT) and the highest quality multitrack I've ever owned. I was suprised at how much of a difference 24 bits could make. Plus, I'm sure the newer A/D converters helping as well.

Ease of Use:
The HD24 is easy to use and the display is very clear both visually and descriptively. It would be difficult to accidentally mess anything up. You are prompted with "Are you sure?" types of questions when making any critical adjustments. It you've worked with ADATs before this is a dream. Instant locate points. Press the button and you're ready to go. No waiting for the transport to wind the tape. No waiting for the machines to sync up (unless you are syncing to other machines in which case you have your normal wait). I've sync'd the HD24 to my ADATs and it works perfectly. Just be sure that one of the ADATs is the master and not the HD24. I'm sure it'll work fine with the HD24 as master, but you'll be waiting for your tape to catch up all the time.

Support:
I've never had to deal with Alesis directly, but both of my ADATs have been "in the shop" at least once over their lifetimes (12 years), and the "Alesis Authorized Service Center" support was great. Both repairs had to do with transport issues (moving parts). This won't be an issue with the HD24.

Overall:
I'm surprised my ADATs have lasted 12 years and they're still in good working order. The HD24 should last at least that long physically, but I'm sure it'll be obsolete functionally within less than 5 years. As soon as laptops and their corresponding interfaces can do 24 to 32 tracks live simultaneously and reliably the need for the HD24 will not be required. Although it would remain a good backup medium.

"Does it get any better than this?!?!"

Feature:
Very simple and easy to features. This unit was made to be used with an external editor (hence, the ethernet i/o and firewire option). The ability to transfer yhour files as WAV or AIFF is a great option. Built in ADAT lightpipe interface is a plus for those with digital i/o in their consoles. The double HD bays makes it easy to go from one "reel" to another. There are many more features...too many to mention.

Quality:
I've had it since Dec 2001...No breakdowns, hang-ups, glitches, or build quality issues.

Value:
This unit is worth more than it's asking price...No software Mac/PC recroding package can compare with the sound quality and reliability. I too have Pro Tools, Cubase SX, Cool Edit, and Digital Performer...so I have a real world understanding of what sounds better and more reliable.

Desirability:
The sheer genius of it features and simplicity make this unit extremely sexy...Like a true sexy woman; take away the make-up and she still looks good.

Sound:
The sound is open and warm. The AD & DA convertors are some of the best I've heard on any recorder. I've recorded everything from hip hop to jazz to rock to poetry with this unit and everyone was impressed with the results. My 2 inch is on Ebay as we speak!

Support:
Haven't to call them for anything regarding this unit. I have many other alesis products, so I'll base my opinion on my past support experiences.

Overall:
I'm going to purchase another one in the near future.

"Money well spent for a studio upgrade."

This reviewer purchased this item from Same Day Music.

Feature:
Copying tracks or songs is a snap. Enables you to do critical punch-ins without destroying your original track. My machine had ver. 1.10 when I received it, and I downloaded the version upgrade from Alesis website and put it up to 1.6 (1.7 is available now) and it works flawlessly with my BRC now, even though my BRC is the older type.

Quality:
So far I have had no problems, although I don't touch the machine much since I use my BRC with it.

Value:
Dollar for dollar, this machine rocks. Especially when you consider the fact that they are offering a free firewire port (which is very cool) with the purchase of a new HD24. I sent the coupon off and received my firewire port within 10 days.

Desirability:
If I needed more than 24 tracks...(32 if I slave it to my old ADAT) I would definately buy another one.

Sound:
The only reason I give this a 9 instead of a 10 is that maybe a VERY expensive analog machine might sound a tad bit better...but maybe not. This machine sounds great.

Support:
Tech support is above average (at least they do answer your call). They did tell my that the HD24 would not work with my BRC unless I sent it in for a major upgrade since it was the old original type (needing hardware upgrades). But once I updated the software ver. to 1.16, my problems with the BRC vanished...it works fine now.

Overall:
I figure this machine will last me a long time. Sound quality is great, ease of use is great, I have no problems using this machine well into the future.

"Great Product. 1 60gig drive allows for 4.5 hours of recording time, that's with all 24 tracks armed at 48k."

Quality:
In 2 years of service we have had no problems. I have had 300 pairs of hands on both (it is installed at a community college recording facility) NO Breakdowns!

Value:
This is the best part of the deal.

Desirability:
I can record a full 24 tracks, bounce to computer and mix in Pro Tools. Saves the cost of a Pro Tools HD system.

Sound:
We own two. The original and XR series I have yet to hear a 10... This unit sounds great. We have had no problem usinging the onboard converters. It might be a few ticks short of a Focusright... but hey, come on, look at the price! No problems when stepping up to the higher sample rates either. Locked in and everything came out just great. Plug and play ability is great. The units are installed at a community college recording studio.

Ease of Use:
If you can use an ADAT, you can use one of these. The upper level functions might need to look at the manual... I did...no biggie.Being able to download and install updates... SWEET! Students are able to grasp basic usage quickly

Support:
Have not needed to use....

Overall:
I will be buying another unit for a remote recording rig. No questions asked...