FWIW -

I've never had a decent 2-track tape deck to mixdown to so I can't speak to how the ML compares with analog. Just a guess but I'd say a decent 2-track tape machine (properly maintained and operated) is probably the best way to go.

As for the ML, out of the box it was pretty good (to my ears anyway) to mix down to. Then I had mine hot rodded by Jim Williams at Audio Upgrades and the improvement was significant. I'm very happy with mine.

no tapedeck

no, i dont want to use a tape
I am looking for a CD-R. That will record at very high quality

I have had one for two years. I use it all of the time. It is what it is and there is nothing else like it or better. How's that?

Wow! Sounds like its the thing for me. 8-)
I already have a Sony CD-R, but I want this best I can have. The Sony is good, but when I listen to my mixes off my hard drive they are much bigger and sound (to me) like they are at a higher resolution.
When I listen to the CD-R (after mix down) the mix sounds different. Im sure it is the CD-R, and the fact that it has RCA inputs and ect. ect.
Plus it was only like $299
Not exactly High Budget gear

don't usually computer cdrs have a digital in for recording? i have a soundblaster audigy (or live 2... i don't recall) but i remember when i connected i had to connect one digital cable to the cdr! won't this make the same copy as the masterlink? (if you don't use all those features on the masterlink of course...)

"I DONT WANT TO USE A PC"

i know you don't want to use a pc! i'm just asking this if someone knows if the copy will be the same!

I have been reading up on the masterlink. It was released in 1999. It's almost 2005, wonder how much longer till the next version (based on the success of the ML) is released? Either by Alesis or whoever?

I don't know of any CD-R drives with direct digital recording capabilities.

The Masterlink kicks some can, though. Of course, the BIG reason is the CD24 format - You can keep your mixes in 24-bit if you're sending out for mastering and of course, for any archiving.

And the mastering house doesn't need to have one to read it (although there are few mastering facilities that I know of without at least one Masterlink).

I think many (if not most) will agree that the DSP in the ML is less than "wonderful" by any strech. But for mixdown, editing and sequencing your tracks, it's perfect.

I think only a masterlink can read CD24might be wrong, but that's what I remember.

dan

A CD24 is a collection of 24-bit AIF files with a TOC that only the Masterlink sees. A computer won't *play* the disc, but it will see the AIF files.

This works the other way around also - Alesis' CD24 ISO Builder allows you to make a CD24 *without* a Masterinlink by assembling 24-bit AIF files into an ISO image that can be burned to a CD-R.

After that, same thing - Masterlink will play, computers will show the AIF files.

So it will record red book (16 bit) or CD24 (24 bit). And if I record a 24 bit recording of a mixdown, and give it to the band who is paying for this disc, Does this mean that they will not be able to play the disc on anything other than a masterlink?
Or at least until it is taken to be mastered somewhere and converted to redbook?

its that guy again wrote: So it will record red book (16 bit) or CD24 (24 bit). And if I record a 24 bit recording of a mixdown, and give it to the band who is paying for this disc, Does this mean that they will not be able to play the disc on anything other than a masterlink?
Or at least until it is taken to be mastered somewhere and converted to redbook?

in a word ...............yes.

But keep in mind that when you burn a redbook cd the Masterklink will do the sample rate conversion and dither down to 44.1/16 from 96k/24 bit (or whatever) for you without messing with whats recorded on the hard drive, so you only need to print your mixes into the Masterlink once. When you hand over the mixes to your client you should give them both a red book cd of the mixes as reference, and a cd 24 ( the aiff files) for when they go to master (if they are mastering at all) making sure they know full well that the cd24 will not play in thier favourite boombox

btw, the aiff files can be opened up in protools hd (or sonic solutions, etc.) if they need to use them

Thanks, that is good advice.
I read on another proaudio.com site that the masterlink works better with certain brands of CD-R's. Cant remember why exactaly? Do you or anyone else on here agree about this information?
*****truthfully...I am ready to buy one of these but....I have read that the Masterlink was released in 1999. That means they were developed in 1997-1998 and put on the market in 1999. It's nearly 2005 (in about 60 days or so). And I certainly would want to wait to get a newer version if it is going to come out in the next year or so.
Anybody reading this heard of ANY company trying to out do the masterlink or even any gossip on a newer version of the same unit?
for instance.............. Masterlink 2

I've run a variety of different CD-R brands through mine and have never had any problems with it. As for a "next revision" of the ML's, I don't think Alesis has any plans for it. I've seen some discussions about that on other boards over the past couple of years, but the consensus seems to be that "what we got is what we get." I wouldn't be too concerned about the age of the ML's. It's a great unit. Even if one doesn't use the onboard DSP - as John mentioned, it's not something to write home about - it's still worth the price tag. AND!! They can be mod'd to sound even better than they do out of the box.

Please let me know more on how to make them "sound even better than they do out of the box."

Jim Williams at Audio Upgrades does a modification on the ML's that's fantastic. Costs around $200.00.

Thanks man! I tried to email the guys at Audio upgrades but no reply so far.
If you know, can you please tell me what they do to the Masterlink?
I imagine they replace the converters?
Or is that way off?

Actually, the converters themselves don't get replaced. But much of what leads and follows them does. Here's what gets done:

- 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.

I do recall that Jim was considering a price increase for this as it was pretty labor intensive. He can tell you for sure though.

Thanks Skeetch!!!! I just ordered a brand new Masterlink yesterday, I will certainly be looking further into having the upgrade done to the unit.
Thanks again man!!! :D

Glad to help. It's a pretty good unit right out of the box, but Jim's mod is definitely the shit! I think it'll serve you well either way.

Can someone point out the web address for Jim @ Audio Upgrades, I have a Masterlink to I want to mod. Thanks.

upgrade masterlink

I used a google search.
It was easy for me to find...I just typed "Audio Upgrades", and wha-la
Hope this helps

I did the same thing buddy, "audio upgrades" in google pulls up a wide array of pages. If someone had already visited the webpage for Jim at audio upgrades that would be helpful to post, but thanks anyway.

I found it.

Noooo. Wait a minute!!!

If you do a 24-bit recording into the Masterlink, and then you burn a Redbook disc, ANY player that will play a burned disc CD-R or Redbook will play it. The Masterlink does the conversion from 24 to 16/44.1, formats the data to Redbook and you are done.

The CD24 is AIFF compliant which means it is Mac compatible. Any software that is on a Mac will be able to import AIFF files. It isn't limited to the Masterlink.

What is this...?
quote "Nooo. Wait a minute!!!" end quote
What are we suppost to wait for?