HD24 vs HD24-XR converters....

[Snatchman]

Hi all. I know this question has been asked hear before but.....tutt ...I've finally decided to go this route ( retiring my Adats... .) My question is.. Are the converters in the XR, that big of a difference between the two? I'll be mixing on an analog console using basically analog outboard. Anyone that has used both side by side, please give your honest remarks. ( note I didn't say your honest opinion... .. just kidding.. )..Thanks!

[idylldon]

Originally Posted by Snatchman

Hi all. I know this question has been asked hear before but.....tutt ...I've finally decided to go this route ( retiring my Adats... .) My question is.. Are the converters in the XR, that big of a difference between the two? I'll be mixing on an analog console using basically analog outboard. Anyone that has used both side by side, please give your honest remarks. ( note I didn't say your honest opinion... .. just kidding.. )..Thanks!

I originally bought a regular HD24 and was pleased with what I recorded with it. After using it for a year or so, I bought the EC-2 upgrade kit to make it an HD24XR. While I never did a side-by-side comparison, I do know that when I compare my older recordings with the ones done through the XR I notice enough improvement in clarity, response, and "three dimensionality" to warrant the difference in price. If I were buying a unit today, I'd go straight to the HD24XR. Best bang for the buck in converters out there, IMHO.

I have my issues with Alesis and their lack of development of the HD24, especially promising and then not delivering a full-featured remote, but I can't complain about the sound of the HD24XR.

Actually, this shouldn't be in Low End Theory as there isn't anything low end about the converters or the HD24XR.

Cheers,
--
Don

[Snatchman]

Hey idylldon. Thanks for the remark. I actually toyed with where to post this, but figured that at best and if in the wrong column, it'll get moved here....! Did you try just playing something you recorded on the stock HD24 back on the XR? For compatiability and seeing if the DA's in the XR made a difference on playback? Anyway, thanks for your insight. OH yeah, does Alesis still sell the EC-2 upgrade kit and how much?....

But still missing all the life, full stereo image, extended frequency and bottom end from tape recorders (analog/digital) with street price 50 times as much 15 years ago.

75 bucks (reselling cost) per channel is not much to make high-end audio...

[idylldon]

Originally Posted by Snatchman

Hey idylldon. Thanks for the remark. I actually toyed with where to post this, but figured that at best and if in the wrong column, it'll get moved here....! Did you try just playing something you recorded on the stock HD24 back on the XR?

No, it was a comparison of finished mixes, so it's probably not all that great of an A/B situation.

OH yeah, does Alesis still sell the EC-2 upgrade kit and how much?....

I think so. It's still listed on Northern Sound and Light's website, which is where I bought mine. Like I said, though, I'd just get the XR if I were buying an HD24 today.

Cheers,
--
Don

[deuc647]

I think ud make a big mistake if u get the HD24, the HD24XR has akm chips front and back, the HD24 has akm in front and some others in the back, sorry AD and DA, the clarity of the XR is great, im about to send mine off to jim williams to get upgraded, ill let u know how it turns out.

[Snatchman]

Hey. Thanks alot guys!..

[zulusound]

Selling an HD24. MINT.

Light use on the HD24, upgraded with Silencer Fan and freshly formatted HD. Comes with extra HD caddy
$1250
Potentially open to trades/ partial trade +/-$

Thx,
Evan in Seattle

Items I'd accept in trade/ partial trade:
high end dynamics- Sennheiser, Heil PR-40, SM7
EH 16 sec. delay
SPL tube vitalizer
CMV 563 capsules, esp M8 omni
Kaoss Pad

[stevesmithfan]

I have the XR upgrade on my Alesis and can't tell the difference in sound at all. Then again I don't have "Radar Ears" like most people on this forum.
When I upgraded my mic preamps, the difference was much better.

[Remoteness]

So, do you have "Alesis Ears" instead?

Originally Posted by stevesmithfan

I have the XR upgrade on my Alesis and can't tell the difference in sound at all. Then again I don't have "Radar Ears" like most people on this forum.
When I upgraded my mic preamps, the difference was much better.

[talbe1019]

I bought my upgrade from Northern Sound as well...it was under the cost of the used one a couple posts above this.

Originally Posted by idylldon

No, it was a comparison of finished mixes, so it's probably not all that great of an A/B situation.




I think so. It's still listed on Northern Sound and Light's website, which is where I bought mine. Like I said, though, I'd just get the XR if I were buying an HD24 today.

Cheers,
--
Don

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by Snatchman

OH yeah, does Alesis still sell the EC-2 upgrade kit and how much?....

At today's prices, the difference in price between the two (w/wo XR) is very little-could be about $150 more or less. Have a look around at the usual retailers.

[XLR2XLR]

the HD24, the HD24XR has akm chips front and back, the HD24 has akm in front and some others in the back

So does this mean if you are transferring files to a computer for mixing (i.e. everyone in there right mind) then the HD24XR is pointless?

Or is this inaccurate or badly written information?

[MichaelPatrick]

Originally Posted by XLR2XLR

So does this mean if you are transferring files to a computer for mixing (i.e. everyone in there right mind) then the HD24XR is pointless?

Or is this inaccurate or badly written information?

Don't know. Perhaps the chips are a different model but come from the same maker. Notwithstanding, the analog IO circuits are just as important.

There's an old proverb: "In a multitude of counselors there is safety."

In the wisdom of virtually everyone, including Alesis, the converters in the XR model are significantly better even at 44 and 48 than those in the standard HD24. Some people say at 88 and 96 the ADs are even comparable to Radar Nyquist. Even if that's a stretch I would NOT buy a standard HD24. If you want quality converters and some resale value for your investment the XR model is the only way to go.

fwiw, this thread has a clip I posted of a recording done with some excellent mics and preamps directly into an HD24XR: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/high-end/194987-list-clean-pres.html
Judge for yourself. Sorry it's an mp3 tho.