I O 24 opinions ???

[bibleboy3]

Hi All,
I have been thinking about upgrading to the IO24 becuse the firewire would let me go mobile. it seems like good bang for my buck. and NO I do not want to pay over $500 for an interface and yes I want as many features as possible and the IO24 fits the bill.. soooooo with all said does any one have any experience with the IO24??? thanks in advance for all your help



Bill

[oretez]

Have been using one for mobile recording for several years (more or less since it was introduced)

I have no major complaints. Typically I connect it to older laptops (as old as eight years) running XP SP2. As often as not I use a Belkin TI chip cardbus firewire card for computer interconnect. The older laptops have been 'tweaked' for relatively optimal audio (recording) performance (while recording less then 20 services)

For me the mic pres are cost/benefit respectable, particularly considering conditions in which the IO 24 is most frequently deployed

If I only need 8 input channels the unit has proved dependable, portable with some reasonable monitoring options

While I will usually capture a stereo mix off the foh line I typically set up a completely independent line for my recording. I am frequently compelled to split off the vocal mics, though when possible I try to position separate mics there as well. In any case for situations requiring the fastest set up and smallest footprint the IO 24 acts as an acceptable 'spliter'. Route whatever of the house mics I have to use first to IO 24, then off the inserts to house PA.

I don't typically mix through the device (still prefer some variation of faders for that) but for what I use it for I'm quite happy with it.

The 'big' 24 channel field recording rig uses two MOTU firewire interfaces and a third Mackie attached via ADAT. I find routing through the IO24 to be far more intuitive, quick. For example even after some ten or eleven years with MOTU firewire routing matrix it is still easier to add the IO24 to the MOTU chain then it is to add the MOTU to IO24 chain. IO24 is pretty much what you see is what you get, while the ultimately more complex MOTU routing is far more opaque for the simplest (and most common) routings

Basically one of the few pieces of gear that requires very little attention during load in, set up, sound check. I'd be happier with slightly different metering approach but then I'm less then enchanted with metering on most portable A/D. I guess the strongest recommendation is that I really don't think about it much anymore.