Alesis M-20 (circa 1997–1999)
Little is documented about the Alesis M-20 in user manuals or product sheets. Period trade press makes clear what it was: a high-end ADAT-format digital multitrack recorder aimed at commercial studios and post-production houses. The M-20 implemented ADAT Type II, the 20-bit evolution of the original ADAT format. It was built around a full-servo direct-drive transport designed for round-the-clock use. Mix Magazine (October 1997, p.224) listed the M-20 in its AES New Products Guide. It noted a signal-to-noise ratio better than 95 dB, a jitter specification (exact figure not preserved in the surviving snippet), built-in SMPTE/EBU timecode, a jog/shuttle wheel, and an analog aux input. The chassis measured 3×19×7 inches, a standard rackmount profile.
By the time Studio Sound (November 1998, p.13) and again in January 1999 (p.7) ran promotional coverage, the M-20 was being positioned as the professional anchor of the Alesis digital recording ecosystem. It could work with ADAT/EDIT™ software for hard-disk-style editing. EQ Magazine (February 1999, p.91) reported that a new software revision was nearing release, with feature enhancements and bug fixes. One was a "Quality Light fix" that apparently required a hardware update. Studer (which had acquired Alesis's recording division) was sending technicians to do the upgrade in the field. Earlier, EQ-Magazine (October 1999, p.2) ran a feature titled "ADAT or Hard Disk? Yes!" suggesting the M-20 was marketed as a bridge between tape-based and hard-disk workflows.
No production years have been confirmed beyond the 1997-1999 window suggested by reviews. Original pricing, detailed specifications beyond those above, and total production numbers remain unrecorded in any source examined. The M-20 appears to have been a relatively short-lived, high-specification variant of the ADAT platform, built for reliability and sound quality rather than low cost.
Known Specifications
- Format: ADAT Type II (20-bit)
- Signal/Noise: >95 dB
- Timecode: Built-in SMPTE/EBU
- Controls: Jog/shuttle wheel
- Analog aux input present
- Dimensions: 3 × 19 × 7 inches (rackmount)
- Transport: Full-servo direct-drive
Similar items on eBay
No exact Alesis M-20 listings are live right now — these searches show current Alesis and similar vintage synth gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.