 | Alesis MICRON Analog Modeling Synthesizer |
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Product Description
The Alesis Micron is an 8-voice, 3-octave analog modeling synthesizer, proving that big things really can come in small packages. The Micron's rugged, compact design delivers the power of large synthesizers like the Alesis Ion (the Micron is compatible with Ion programs), making it an exceptional and highly-portable tool, that can be used for incredible sonic results, both in the studio and on-stage. The easy-to-use interface makes creating new textures and instruments extremely fast and intuitive, and with a programmable step and phrase sequencer, arpeggiator, and world class effects, there is very little you can't do with a Micron.Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #4626 in Musical Instruments
- Brand: Alesis
- Model: MICRON
- Released on: 2008-09-25
- Number of items: 1
- Dimensions: 8.00" h x 2.75" w x 24.00" l, 14.30 pounds
Features
- Industry-leading Ion analog-modeling sound engine in a compact package
- 8 voices, each with 3 oscillators, 2 multimode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, sample and hold, and tracking generator
- 4 multi-timbral parts
- Programmable step sequencer and arpeggiator
- Dynamic real-time phrase sequencer
Customer Reviews
Killer Virtual Analog Synth
I have been looking at analog modelling synthesizers since the
illustrious Nord Lead blew the synth industry away. There have been
many to follow, but I can honestly say the Alesis Micron gives you the
most bang for the buck. There are more features on this little keyboard
than I have seen on any other VA synth coming anywhere near the price.
500 patches of sounds (with room for 400 more to program) running
the gamut of analog textures (don't believe some reviewers not finding
soft and warm patches.. they are definitely there right out of the box)
including sub-bass tones, warm strings, punchy basses, sweet analog
drums and much more in between. The patches are separated by category
(lead, bass, drums, pads, etc) and each category can be punched in on
the fly.
You have three oscillators per voice (including variable waveshapes
and FM) which gives the synth a really fat sound as well as two low
frequency ocsillators for warmth. Doing quick modulation and filtering
changes can be done with two programmable slider controls. There is
also a pitch bend wheel that lights up when you use it. Programming can
be pretty intuitive if you learn the shortcut method that makes the
keys buttons to select parameters (essentially 37 extra buttons for
editing).
I have compared the Micron with other VA synths like Korg's VA
synths (MS2000, MicroKorg, Electribe), the Roland 303, the Novation
Bass Station and can honestly tell you the Alesis Micron can go toe to
toe against all of them and many times come out ahead in both sound and
functionality.
The synth also includes a master dual effects processer and a
single drive effects processor per patch (something most VA synths
don't even include). Not the greatest effects processing in the world,
but far from inferior. Essentially the effects help give your sounds
some nice ambience. You also get a 40 band vocoder for vocal effects
(more robust then the Korg VA synth vocoders) You are limited to
8-voice polyphony, but the synth is 32-part multitimbral.
The Micron also has a built in step and phrase sequencer that
includes over 400 patterns preset with drum parts, synth parts and
combinations of both along with room for hundreds of your own. The
phrase sequencer is really easy to use with one button record and
looping. A third type of sequencer you have is a pretty versatile
arpeggiator.
Bottom line is if you are looking for synth that is affordable yet
has an expansive set of analog sounds (and by that I mean a digital
synth that utilizes analog modelling) this is it. If you are doing
electronic dance music this synth is perfect for you. You won't find a
better value for the money. Sure there are better products out there
(Nord is still the tops in my book), but when it comes down to it the
Micron will give you professional sounding analog synth sounds and the
ability to make some killer patches.
great sounding synth
This synth is loaded with a lot of great sounds - and it is very
programmable. You can program your own beats, phrases, arpeggios and
sounds. Layers, splits, assignable sliders. It can do a lot. In fact,
for me personally, that's the only problem - it can do more than I can
absorb. I know I'm not using it anywhere near it's capabilities. In
researching this keyboard I found that most keyboard magazine and
equipment reviews gave it high marks on sounds and programing, so I'm
figuring that the difficulty lies with me and not the Micron. There
will definitely be a learning curve if you're new to programming. The
sounds and beats are very useable and inspiring, so overall I'm quite
satisfied and happy with the keyboard.
Micron- Solid analog sound.. dirt cheap.
The Micron is a fantastic synth, more capable than its big brother
Ion while sharing the same fantastic sound that the Ion is known for.
Like all good VAs, the power of the Micron is in its hardware, not its
presets. Romplers have good presets, but that's as far as you get-- No,
the micron has weak presets but a strong core.
The UI, which takes a lot of flak from many reviewers, actually is
very usable. It's shortcut based, so if you put a bit of time into
learning it you find it's actually very quick and easy to use.
Naturally having everything on the front panel, as does the Ion, would
make editing operations significantly faster- but it's not at all bad.
If you're looking for honest analogue sound, the Micron is probably
at the top of the list of VAs made right now. It's VERY analogue, and
has an extremely impressive variety of filters.
Don't be scared off by the minimalist UI or some of the boring
presets- The Micron is the Real Thing(tm) and can shake the walls.