You need a TRS-to-dual-mono cable to use these, but also note they're wired so you can use just the "send" connection if you want to tap the preamp out and send it somewhere for a direct out, or just the "return" connection if you want to bypass the internal preamps with preamps that have more "character" or "color" (the io preamps aim for transparency).Īlso note that there's a gain control for each input, and the first two inputs have a mic/line - guitar switch so you can use these as instruments inputs. Note that these are mic/line inputs with insert jacks, and as they should be, the insert jacks are post-preamp/pre-A/D converter. The io14 has the same four "left" inputs as the io26, and the control section. The io26's front panel has three basic sections: Four inputs on the left, four slightly different ones on the right, and a "control" section in the middle. The second picture shows the io14 main view. I do find this level of construction very cool, given the general tendency to "cheap down" products these days to hit the lowest possible price point. I don't know how many consumers will notice this, but I suspect Alesis will when units don't get returned to their service department. The Neutrik mic/line combo connectors (another classy touch) are also fastened to the chassis with two screws. This is why many knobs feel "wobbly" when you turn them, but not so with the io26 or io14. With a lot of inexpensive units, there's just a hole cut in the chassis, the pot or jack solders to the board, and protrudes through the hole. One thing you don't see from the pictures is that this is a fairly heavy box, and thanks to the metal casing and rubberized ends, it has a substantial, rugged feel - I wouldn't be afraid to take this on the road with a laptop.Īnd here's something else that's pretty impressive: All the jacks and potentiometers are fastened with lockwashers and nuts. The first picture shows an overall view of the io26. However, I assume that questions will arise about differences between the two, so I have both here.
This review will concentrate on the io26, as the io14 is a subset.