Question:
Just for my own self-serving curiosity, How many use the Alesis Masterilink or at least use their CD24 ISO Builder freeware?

I'm not a big fan of most Alesis stuff, but the way that the ML and the CD24 format in general has changed my workflow, I almost can't imagine why it hasn't become the "standard" format.

If you use it, let's hear some praise, y'all!

If not, why not?

Choices:
Of course I use the MasterLink!
Never heard of it.
Don't use the hardware, but DO use the CD24 ISO Builder program
What the hell is a CD24?

 

I want one...don't have the flow, even if I sold my HHB burner

Yeah, I don't like most Alesis either, though I have to give props to my HD24. Few little details that they could have done better, but it's a good, stable box.

BTW, John, what do you think of the converters in the Masterlink?

Been using mine for a couple of years now. Gets used as my main two track unit. Had it hotrodded by Jim Williams at Audio Upgrades. It wasn't too bad to start with but after Jim's voodoo it's fantastic.

quote:

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Originally posted by dirtyragamuffin:
BTW, John, what do you think of the converters in the Masterlink?

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The best word I can come up with is "usable."

I'm not crazy about them, but they certainly don't suck. I don't use them, but if my D/A went out, I don't think I'd hold projects up if it still sounded good...

I was actually pretty shocked with how good they were considering the price.

Hey Skeetch, what all did you have done to mod. your Masterlink?

Here is a post I lifted off of Gearslutz from Jim telling what the upgrade entails.

The Masterlink upgrades include work done to the digital I/O. This gives sonic benefits to a digital source by smoothing out the tops and adding better top end details. It also benefits the digital outputs monitoring through an outboard D/A converter. This is on top of the complete analog rebuild and power supply work.

Jim Williams
Audio Upgrades

There ya go,

Crash

Mine was the first Masterlink that Jim did - I got the schematics from Alesis and passed them on to Jim. Crash's post gives a good general overview of what Jim does to the ML's to make them sound wonderful. Here's the actual detail of what he does:

- install National LM6172 dual opamps at 3000/us slew rate.

- install larger Rubycon Z series electrolytic caps to extend the low end (and did it ever!!)

- install .01 uf wima poly caps on the input, MIT's on the output.

- increased the power supply bypass caps and installed .1 uf mono ceramic bypasses.

- Bandwidth limiting caps were used on certain stages.

- The opamps used as followers were cut and changed to closed loop buffers.

When the ML came back, I got a small sandwich baggy containing the parts he took out, a sticker on the front of the ML stating that the circuitry had been "optimized" by Audio Upgrades, and a Masterlink that was noticeably improved from the one I sent him.

Skeetch,

Do you remember about what the upgrade cost you? I want to get mine done at some point.

Crash

It was $200.00 for the mod and $33.00 (UPS Ground) for two-way shipping from Idaho - probably be a little more for you as you're in Tejas. Jim's been talking about raising the price of the mod on account of it being pretty extensive. Don't know if he's done that yet.

Thanks for the info.

Crash