Anyone out there own an Alesis Masterlink CD-R?

Lance,

A computer can do the same thing but the problem is how will you store the data! On a computer you would have to use up Hard Drive space and thus use your computer for playback, or you could compress the files using .ape or other so called lossless systems and store them on CDR and then play them back on your computer in order to decompress.

The Masterlink allows you to record and store high rez on it's Hard Drive or CDR's, albeit, the latter you get around 20 minutes of 96/24 but if you are doing albums that may not be a problem. "All of this in a nice stand alone unit that can sit on a shelf next to the rest of your equipment."

There are going to be some more very good options available soon, and some already available that few are talking about but none as affordable as the Masterlink. Nagra will be releasing their Nagra V, which will have removable hard drives that you can plug and play and will record at 24/96. Also, Pioneer and Tascam make high bit rate DATs as well as there is the Stelladat which records at (96/24) straight to DAT. All of these range from $3,000 to $12,000.

I do not own a Masterlink but I have a few friends that do. For my recording purposes they are of little benifit. "I record a lot of concerts and I need more than 20 minutes of uninterupted time". But if I needed a new CDR and at $1000 the Masterlink is at present, IMO, the "monster on the block" I would seriously considering buying it.

But remember, "You are recording to CDR and CDR's are very unstable and should not be considered anywhere near archival"

Ramstl, what is the basis of your claim that CDRs are "very unstable"? Just curious.

All the scientific data and studies that has been collected point to it having unstable archival qualities. No one uses it for archival storage! It is highly sensitive to U.V., humidity, and temp. Much more so than Data storage tape.

It seems that most people don't realize that you are burning into a chemical base substance that is a liquid not a solid.

Yes, I have had an Alesis Masterlink for five months now, and its a great recording tool. Another poster above said he could only get about 30 mins. of recording on the hard drive? That is not the case, I can get almost four hours of 24/96 recording on the hard drive. I think what he meant to say was you can only get about 20 minutes of data on an 80 minute CDR at such high resolution.

I got my Masterlink on-line for 800.00 brand new!!! However since Stereophile has now alerted so many people to this componet, I fear that the price will climb.

I did a lot of research on all the different recorders on the market, and although the Masterlink is more recorder than I'll ever need, it was the best I could find.

Ooop's it appears that I mis-read that posters comments on the 20 mins of recording time on the HD. I appologize for the error.

But I did think of something else that is very important to note. If you record at 24/96 you will only be able to listen to the recording on your masterlink. So don't be suprised when you try to play it in your car or anywhere else.

sorry again for the error!