Topic: HD24XR vs. HD24 vs. 2 PreSonus Firepod /w Laptop

[RoganSarine]

Quick question, as I'm looking on some advice.

I can get an HD24XR for $600 (atleast, he says its an HD24 with EC2 upgrade... I gotta check the 96Khz). If not, it's an HD24 for $600.

Should I get this, or should I get 2 PreSonus Firepods daisy chained in a Gator Case for $400? I have a laptop with firewire.

I think the PreSonus Firepods might be a little more versatile with the XLR/TRS connectors, but I lose 8 tracks (which I'm pretty sure wouldn't matter in nearly every scenario ever... 8 drums mics, 3 vocal mics, 3 guitar mics... still got 2 inputs left). I'm kinda weary about the TRS-only connectors because I think that forces me to use Direct Outs on the board, and for smaller clubs, the sound technicians have been known to blow every single signal before leaving the board.

But, there might be something I am overlooking.

Thoughts?

[mepaca]

I have an hd24xr. The thing is absolutely bulletproof and sounds great. I use it and a computer rig for redundancy but if I
had to choose only one it would be the hd24xr because it is completely reliable. The price is fantastic.

[RoganSarine]

How do you have yours connected? DO's on the FOH??

[kcmule]

I've not used an XR but I use the standard one all the time via direct outs (at the same venue).

[kirk97132]

I have the HD-24 but from the time I've spent on the Yahoo groups they seem to think the EC upgrade and the XR have better sounding converters.  As for me I use it via direct outs and don't see a real need for outboard preamps.  If I do I onlt need a couple/few and can use my V3, MP-2 and USBPre-2.  I could never give up 8 channels.  If it is just the ability of XLR & TRS then try getting a stack of ART T8's which allow any type of input.  You can couple it with a patchbay for best flexibility

[RoganSarine]

Looking at it more, since I used a ton of Naiant products... I definitely need some XLR stuff, and I dont know if an extra $200 for the alesis and then $300 for converters is exactly cost effective.

Is there anything the alesis can do differently besides being a standard?

[kirk97132]

At the price point it does not have any competition.  It's rock solid and easy to set up and use.  As for me, I have XLR>TRS sankes, XLR> TRS jumps and need it to be flexible to hook up in different venues.  I also suspect it is not a 96K unit.  They go for more.  But if you can get the HD 24 and TWO firepods with a rack all for a $1000 thats a pretty good deal.  Not sure if you would nead any Naiant stuff with the firepods in place