Alesis IO2 express audio interface

So the first item up for discussion is the Alesis IO2 express.

The reason why i chose this product to begin with is because,
that I have worked with this product over and over again
and now I own one.


First lets look at the features.
Two XLR or 1/4" jack inputs. (Input type selected by a switch. )
Phantom power is also available on both of the inputs.
Individual gain control.
1/4" insert jacks for effects.
Main level control.
Monitor mix control (to mix audio from your pc and audio from the inputs).
Phones output with a level control and a switch for mono or stereo signal(awesome for a DJ programs)
midi in and out
Main output is split to two 1/4" jack outputs
This is a usb device and is also powered by usb.
No power supply !!!!

In the deal (what do you get)
1. Alesis IO2 express sound card.
2. usb cable
3. instructional manual
4. cubase 5le ( this is a very light version  good for tracking and simple composing)

After taking the packaging apart I was surprised that there was no driver disk.
I thought it had to be a fault, and so i was looking for drivers on the net .I was happy to find that the
Alesis IO2 express does not need drivers . JUST PLUG AND PLAY ( yeah baby)
After I plugged it into my pc, Windows told me a new hardware device was found.
and straight after that, it told me that it was working properly.
Smiles all the way
entering my recording program i couldn't find the IO2 express in the device menu
so I needed to download "ASIO for all" drivers 
here is a link if you get the same problem
www.asio4all.com
After installing the drivers and restarting my pc
everything worked fine

Then connecting to my apple mac.
sigh do i need to say more
1. plug in
2. start Logic (or garage band)
3. select my device
4. start recording
child's play...

When recording  you can either choose between 1 stereo or 2 mono tracking.
The little level indicator placed in the middle of the device is great.
Audio interfaces this size do not usually have this, some have a clip light, some have no indication
that your signal is clipping.
Adding to the indication lights is a
48v (phantom power) light
midi in light
midi out light
and a usb light
So if something is not working right,
you just have to look at your device to see whats on or not.
Its the simple things that matter

The design.
Its very light, small made out of robust plastic.
The gain and volume knobs are chrome like plastic, and the little led lights are hidden away behind a black washed plastic strip. All of the conectors are marked well paired and neat, and overall a good look
its very light and compact could easily fit in with your laptop and other accessories
into your laptop bag without making space

So who would use this?
Its simple
if your starting up your studio, or your an traveling muso
or even a DJ this device could help you to be a step ahead
its very affordable, reliable and compact
You could be recording great quality audio anywhere in any situation with just a laptop and the Alesis IO2 express.
The fact that it needs no drivers is a huge plus . if your going to jam with a friend and he or she has a computer you can just take the device plug it into their PC or MAC and  there we go 

I give this little guy a 8/10  

for any questions on this device please comment in the box below

till my next blog
keep the music alive
Johann Lombard