Hi guys,
I would like to add a backup system to my laptop + soundcard (FF800) system.
I have found 2 nice used recorders:

- Alesis HD24
- Mackie sdr 2496

The Alesis is smaller, while the Mackie is cheaper and sold with cables too, but I know the sdr 2496 is an old project...
Which one would you suggest, as reliabiliy, file transfer, easyness of use and overall performance?

Thanks!
Rob

Why not simply upgrade to the ufx? It will cost about the same as an additional unit.

Here in Italy it would cost twice, since it's difficult to find a used unit!

Either are good, the alesis is probably going to be easier to find parts for in 5 years.

In favor of the Mackie, I have an HDR2496 that I upgraded to a new PROM and larger HDDs and I gotta say, it has been VERY reliable.

D.

+1 for the Mackie HDR. Works with SATA-IDE converter and SSD... no problems here.

As with any used Equipment guessing half-life/dependability is a crap shoot

generally my instinct suggests a pretty even split, as far as recomendations, between Mackie and Alesis

I'm in Alesis camp. When I was originally in market for this type of device sort of wanted to side with Mackie (have had original 702 mxr since (I think) '89 & original production run Onyx 1620 (w/FW card) . . . both have more then paid for themselves) but (w/o reviewing entire debate) there were a number of reasons that pushed me into getting the Alesis (which I was able to upgrade to an XR for considerably less then $800). It is not a decision I've regretted.

& have purchased several more. Bought another used one this spring primarily, which was the idea, as one as potential back up or parts for the two in primary service. But this summer has been a very busy festival season and there have been times that unit has been pressed into service instead of sitting quietly in a closet waiting for problems with one of the others.

One of the 'pros' for the Alesis is that, in US, it has a significantly larger installed base. The user base is generally quite helpful if problems arise. When I purchased the first one (new retail) it was from a local, now out of business, shop where one of the staff owned and knew the machine. Even as they are selling it to me they suggested improving fan/ventilation. Since that time I've kept each unit in it's own four space rack (with nothing added to empty space). Each unit has had the original fan replaced (immediately) with one that was both quieter and more powerful. When ever possible I use external fans as well. Never went crazy with liquid cooling, would certainly not be willing to get into a fight about whether the limited steps I took have and/or will make a difference with regard to life . . . but I've never experienced any problems with the three machines.

One issue I did face was when I migrated to aftermarket caddies to make use of SATA, first then SSD, drives one (the two) of the caddies would not remain seated initially I just used gaffer tape to hold them in (a not particularly elegant solution) but I think Tape-op had a discussion about this year ago that suggested placing washers with the centronics plugs that seemed to fix the issue. Since i have not used the Mackie I have no idea about pere-peer user support.

The only bit of live show, remote recording gear as dependable as the Alesis 24HD was a 1970 Longines branded (have no Idea who manufactured it) cassette recorder that while I had not used it in years was still with me until I left Nashville a decade ago. I don't expect the Alesis to provide 30 yr. worth of service but it too has paid for itself.

One more question for this thread.
I am using Fireface800 + 3 presonus digimax FS.
I use one FS as a simple 8 channel preamp, analog outs go to the analog ins of the FF800.
The other two FS act as preamp and converters: ADAT OUT of the two FS go to ADAT IN 1 and 2 in the FF800.

Since I would feed the backup recorder (alesis or mackie) from the 3 Digimax FS, the question is:

- can the alesis hd24 and the mackie sdr 2496 record 16 tracks from analog in and 8 tracks from adat in?

Otherwise, I would sell the fireface, buy a digiface and record 3 adat with it, and 3 set of analog with the recorder.

Thanks so much.

The HD24 cant do this.. you have to select either digital or analog as your input source for all tracks.. you cannot mix and match unfortunately.

Thanks for your info
I wonder what's the behavior of the Mackie SDR 2496.

That's not correct. The HD24 allows you to select either analog or digital by input pairs. You can easily use 16 / 8 by selecting in the Utility Menu.

Also, both analog and digital outs work at the same time for every input so you can also use it to split.

you are right.. i have only ever used the input select button on the front panel which has always made my whole unit either digital or analog input.. And with the utility menu ive not needed to go past format drive option for years, hence it's easy to miss..

that front input select button should probably have 3 scroll options in the wording instead of two, with the 3rd saying "custom" to make it clearer on the main interface. Burying that feature behind FTP setup in the utlity menu without presenting any indicator of it on the LCD or with the input source button is somewhat misleading and unintuitive.

I noticed when you have a combination already setup and you then go ahead and press the input button it scrolls through analog, digital or highlights both but its no benefit unless you go back through the utility menu each time to change the setup or know its actually there..

In any case apologies cioto for not directing you the right info..

No problem! I have still to buy and choose the recorder, so don't worry

I agree. Even when you read the manual, it's easy to miss, Alesis could have made it easier.

FWIW I've been a heavy HD24 user for 9 years now, very happy with the model. Alesis recently released a new caddy that uses SATA drives so my guess is, although it's no longer made, they'll keep support for many more years.

To the OP: please let us know your decision and how it turns out for you. Ci vediamo.

The choice is made: Alesis HD24.
It is bigger and heavier than the Mackie, but I didn't want to buy an already discontinued unit...

You won't be dissapointed. Good luck!

You realise the HD24 was discontinued a fair few years ago right? On the plus side though, just about everyone has one or has owned one, so getting spares or replacements isn't that much of an issue.

I have an SDR24 that I use as backup. I love it, it's so simple. This is a very different machine to the HDR, it is a propriety design by Sydek.be, not a retasked PC as in the HDR. For file transfer, the two times that I've needed it, I have to remove the drive from the tray and plug it into a IDE/USB adaptor. A small pain but nothing in the context of saving the show. Although I'll be moving to a dual MADI system soon, I have unreasonable affection for the little guy, it's just a bit bucket and doesn't try to be anything else. Ok well, you bought the Alesis.

Yes I know the HD24 too is discontinued, but many users suggested me to avoid the 1.0 hardware release of the SDR2496 since it can't be updated any more.