Alesis HD24, or something better?

[Leesayhey]

I was wondering if the Alesis HD24 recorder is a good unit. My concern is really the converters. I thought that for $1500, it's a low cost way of getting 24 simultaneous tracks, but will it be the weakest link in a chain of high end pre-amps and mics? I also need to be able to edit the recordings on my computer, which is another plus for the hd24. So what's the best way to go with out spending $10,000 on a ProTools HD system? I need to stay in the $3000 range and get at least 16 simultaneous tracks, and I already have a powerful mac. Could I get the HD24 now and then later get a nice converter, or does it not work that way, in terms of bypassing the HD24's converter? All input would be great, thanks

[jpleong]

If you don't like the converters in the HD24, you can always upgrade to the HD24XR for just $500 more. And if you have outboard converters you like, you can just record into the lightpipe inputs and bypass the ADC altogether.

I like my Alesis HD24XR and have recorded both with and without outboard ADC and the results are good either way. The major thing for me is stability. I have never had a glitch of any kind during recording. I can't say that for when I've recorded via computer.

The Firewire accessory is an absolute must, by the way.

JP

[Tarktones]

HD 24 is a sexy sexy unit. It's really REALLY stable. I know a guy who has a great setup with an HD24 and 3 Mackie Onyx 800R's going in lightpipe. 24 channels of clean preamps, good A/D and a very reliable recording medium.

But beware! Though it's digital, punch ins on the HD24 are destructive. You gotta think of it like a tape machine. If you don't want to permanently write over something, you have to do it on another track.

If you're recording on location, the HD24 is tops. You don't have to worry about bringing your computer and having it damaged during transport or at the gig. If you are wanting to do overdubs, lots of punch ins, etc... I'd say go for something that will interface with your Mac and record straight to a hard drive in your computer (not your system drive).