Updated Masterlink and pricing

[Chris F]

Just got done reading all of the old threads on the Masterlink, and the good folks around here seems to like it quite a bit. As best I can tell, there aren't any threads discussing the new "updated" version yet, and I'm curious to see what those in the know might think of it. Also, all the websites that offer it have a "call for pricing" blurb where the price should be. Anybody know what the street price is going to be? Thanks!

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Never heard of the "updated" version... what'd Alesis update???

 

[Chris F]

Never heard of the "updated" version... what'd Alesis update???

That's what I'm wondering. All I know is that you used to see the Masterlink priced online and in catalogs at well under $1000. Now they only show the list price ($1699) and say "call for pricing", and Sweetwater won't even send an email quote without making you jump through hoops to get it. I guess I assumed that the product must have been updated to warrant such treatment.

 

[Blue Bear Sound]

Not as far as I know.... regular s/w updates are always available forit, but Alesis has not made any physical changes to the unit that I'm aware of...

 

[TexRoadkill]

The update may be a larger HD. On ebay there were two HD sizes being pushed. As I recall the original was only 10 or 20 gigs but the updated version has 40gigs.

I got mine new in the box on ebay for $750. I'm not sure what drive I have but since I have so many hours of recording space it's not a big issue.

 

[CoolCat]

Masterlink

so do you like the unit,there Texas RoadKill?

whats your application? home burns or do you submit for "1000 or more orders?

been eyeing one of these also, for sometime. $750 sounding better than the old $1600.

 

[Joemt]

The original Masterlink had a 4.3 gig harddrive.

The newer version is shipping with a 20 gig.

With the current software level, you can update the drive
yourself to a 40 gig ( previous versions would allow 30 gig
max to be used. You would have to use jumpers on the drive
to get around that.)

From what I've heard, you need to stick with the 5,400 rpm
drive for heat concerns. It's getting harding to find 5,400
rpm drives now-a-days. You'll have to search online for them
if 20 gigs not enough. My 40 gig seagate shows 52 "hours"
at 16/44!


Joe T.

 

[AEL]

Why I like mine

I originally got it to record my band live for a CD. Now I like it because it fits in my home stereo stack, and allows me to record long radio shows and listen to them or burn to CD. Also, I have been transferring tapes to CD this way. I intend to later do LPs. I have a computer with audio editing software, but I mostly use the Masterlink for general stuff. If I need to get it to the computer, I just burn a CD on the Masterlink and then walk it over to the machine. The limiter on the Masterlink is excellent, and can frequently make an anemic original recording sound great. I've had it for about three years now and even though it has come down in price, I'm still glad I bought it when I did.

Al

 

[Cratinus]

Re: Why I like mine

I originally got it to record my band live for a CD. Now I like it because it fits in my home stereo stack, and allows me to record long radio shows and listen to them or burn to CD. Also, I have been transferring tapes to CD this way. I intend to later do LPs. I have a computer with audio editing software, but I mostly use the Masterlink for general stuff. If I need to get it to the computer, I just burn a CD on the Masterlink and then walk it over to the machine. The limiter on the Masterlink is excellent, and can frequently make an anemic original recording sound great. I've had it for about three years now and even though it has come down in price, I'm still glad I bought it when I did.

Al

i'm with you AEL. i "coughed" right after i bought the Masterlink but i use it so much now that i consider it indispensible. i often record entire broadcasts of Echoes or Hearts Of Space from NPR. i've duped alot of old cassettes and vinyl via the ML. i mix down/archive almost all of my personal projects with it. i am going to install a larger drive on mine very soon. it is as "convenient to use" as a cassette deck. i'm quite happy with mine. cheers.

 

[TexRoadkill]

Re: Masterlink

so do you like the unit,there Texas RoadKill?

whats your application? home burns or do you submit for "1000 or more orders?

been eyeing one of these also, for sometime. $750 sounding better than the old $1600.

I'm doing projects for other bands so I guess it's the 1000 and up club.

I love it. I use a HDR system and I mixdown straight to the Masterlink. The limiter and compressor aren't bad either. It's totally usable for demo mastering. My goal was to have a complete studio that wasn't dependant on a computer for anything and the masterlink was the final piece I needed.

My only complaint would be the interface is a bit klunky and the time it takes to process a file for burning is very slow compared to doing it on a computer.