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Alesis MICRON Analog Modeling Synthesizer | 
| Brand: Alesis
Category: Musical Instruments
Buy New: Too low to display
as of 9/6/2010 22:25 EDT details
Seller: Music123
Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 8357
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Number Of Items: 1
Batteries Included: Yes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 14.3
Dimensions (in): 24 x 2.8 x 8
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. It delivers 8 voices, each with 3 oscillators, 2 multimode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, sample and hold, and tracking generator. 4 multitimbral parts. Programmable step sequencer and arpeggiator. Programmable rhythm sequencer for drum kits. Dynamic realtime phrase sequencer. Stereo bus ef
Warranty: 1 year parts and labor
MPN: MICRON
Model: MICRON
ASIN: B0002OJPE6
Release Date: September 25, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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| 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 |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
The Alesis Micron is a powerful, 8-voice Analog Modeling synthesizer based on the award-winning sound engine of the larger Alesis Ion in a compact 3-octave keyboard offering breakthrough analog realism, high-resolution control, and tremendous value. The Micron is compatible with Ion programs and holds over 1,000 programs and multitimbral setups.The Micron's front-panel interface is streamlined to give you full access to its Analog Modeling power while meeting the demanding requirements of real-time performance. Not only synth patches but melodic patterns and drum beats also are available to you in most cases simply by pressing a button and turning a knob. You can create sophisticated rhythms combining up to ten different sounds. You can create really rich setups combining as many as 26 different programs with anywhere from 0 to 26 different rhythms, all simultaneously active.The Micron offers continuously variable wave shapes, plus sync and FM synthesis. 16 filter types are included, along with 2 LFOs with multiple wave shapes and sample & hold. The Micron has 8-voice polyphony with 3 oscillators per voice, and is 4-part multitimbral. The Micron offers a programmable step sequencer, arpeggiator, rhythm sequencer for drum kits, and dynamic realtime phrase sequencer-all of which sync to MIDI clock. A powerful and intuitive modulation matrix is built in. Effects include a 40 band vocoder that does not use up any polyphony, 4 drive effects, and stereo bus effects, including reverb.Developed by the same sound design team that programmed the flagship Andromeda synthesizer, the Micron's presets cover a variety of genres, including many exciting new tonalities, as well as classic synth emulations. Ion programs can be transferred to and from the Micron via MIDI, and more new sounds will also be available from the Alesis website.This is an exciting time for analog-style synthesizers. After a period of relative neglect brought on by the appearance o
Amazon.com Product Description
Offering a virtually limitless sonic palette, the Alesis MICRON eight-voice analog-modeling synthesizer produces a big sound despite its small size. Whether you use a synth to accompany you on stage or in the studio or you prefer to work with the hundreds of preset Alesis sounds or create your own, the MICRON is a great musical companion. 
The MICRON may be small in size, but it produces a big sound (see larger image). | 
It offers 8 voices, each with 3 oscillators, 2 multimode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, sample and hold, and tracking generator (see larger image). | The MICRON has two multi-mode filters, three envelope generators, and two LFOs: the full spectrum of synthesis components for shaping and creating sonorities and textures. For stage and studio-ready quality, the MICRON has 24-bit audio outputs and inputs via balanced connections. Each of the MICRON's voices contains two filters, and each filter can be one of the following different types, each with its own character and sonic flavor: Bypass, Low Pass: ob 2-pole, tb 3-pole, mg 4-pole, rp 4-pole, jp 4-pole, al 8-pole; Band Pass: ob 2-pole, al 6-pole, octave dual, band limit; High Pass: ob 2-pole, op 4-pole; three Vocal Formants, four Comb Filters, Phase Warp, Frequency, Resonance, Key Tracking, Envelope Amount, Offset, and Absolute. Key Features - Analog modeling synth engine
- Eight voices, each with three oscillators
- Up to eight multi-timbral parts with stereo effects
- Two multimode filters, three envelope generators, two LFOs, sample and hold, tracking generator
- Dynamic real-time and step sequencers, arpeggiator, and drum machine/rhythm sequencer
- Stereo bus effects including reverbs and delays
- 24-bit 1/4-inch balanced stereo analog outputs and inputs
- 37-key synth-action keyboard with velocity sensitivity
- More than 600 preset sounds
Specifications - Synthesis: analog modeling (subtractive), noise generator, FM
- Polyphony: up to 8 voices
- Timbrality: up to 8 parts
- Oscillators: 3 per voice with continuously variable waveshapes, sync, linear and exponential FM, Ring Mod, routable modulation matrix per voice.
- Filters: 2 multi-mode resonating filters per voice with 16 filter types
- Modulation: 2 LFOs with multiple wave shapes, sample and hold, tracking generator, freely routable modulation matrix per voice
- Effects: 4 drive effects, 1 per part; master effects
- Sequencing: step sequencer, arpeggiator, drum machine/rhythm sequencer, and phrase sequencer
- Program memory: up to 1,000 programs and multi-timbral setups
- Velocity sensitive: Yes
- Keyboard: 37-key, synth action
- External control: MIDI in/out/thru
- Inputs: 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS, mic
- Outputs: 2 balanced 1/4-inch TRS, 1/4-inch TRS headphone
- Pedal Inputs: Assignable expression pedal, sustain pedal
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| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
 Killer Virtual Analog Synth April 19, 2007
SRFireside (Houston, TX United States)
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
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.
Micron- Solid analog sound.. dirt cheap. February 21, 2006
G. McKinney
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
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.
an experimenters dream August 6, 2006
William A. Graham Jr.
If you are in need of pro level built in presets, then you may want to look elsewhere for a synth. But if you'd like to take a sonic romp and create your own stuff, then this little synth is hard to beat. I love to sit up in bed with it in my lap, with headphones on, and tweak and play what-if. Contrary to what you may have heard, the programming logic is very straightforward, and is of the 'stack-based' variety. In other words, whatever variable that you have at the top of the current stack is live and is used by other stack-top parameters. And there are keyboard shortcuts to move you from stack to stack. And if you really need presets, then you can load it with Ion programs via a MIDI cable and your fav software sequencer. This machine is a smoking deal for $400.
 great sounding synth August 3, 2006
M. gregory (midwest)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
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.
Decent Bang for Buck, but Best? January 30, 2010
wadrad (Land of Bitburger, Bratwurst, und Lederhosen)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
Well, I am reviewing this synth a few years after it was released, but that ought to give potential buyers a perspective about the synth from 2010 instead of 2006. The price hasn't changed much since I bought mine almost 5 years ago, so given inflation, you'd have to say it's a better value, but the real question is whether it can compete with all the stuff (soft synths included) that have come along since.
The sounds? Very nice, straight ahead synth sounds you can sonically sculpt extensively with a great assortment of filters and patch parameter settings. It has the same sound engine as the Alesis Ion which won raves for the analog sounding quality of it. And naturally the "virtual analog"-ish-ness of this keyboard also sounds really good. Not exactly analog, but close enough and professional enough to easily fill-in for recording and gigging.
This keyboard does a VERY decent job representing the "vintage" category. I'm not sure what decade the reviewer "Soggy Poodle" was referring to, but plenty of folks would consider synth sounds from late 70s and early 80's Rush and Styx "vintage". From that period, synths were still mostly analog, Yamaha's FM piano tones hadn't flooded the recording studios yet, and good ol' filter sweeps were still fashionable (ala "Tom Sawyer"). Could they have been a little more creative with the programming on this keyboard? Sure, but they did a decently representative job with what they did provide. The big selling point for me in programming the thing is the wide variety of filters available. You can really get some cool sounds (I really like the comb filters) but you have to be brave and creative enough to try something other than the LP filters to learn that.
The synth engine only has 8-note polyphony, which unfortunately leaves it a bit limited for playability, but hey...given the smaller keyboard, it was already obviously limited. Any idiot could have looked at the picture and realized you couldn't play both the octave bass and chordal part of "Jump". Despite the limited 8-note polyphony, it also provides at least 8 multitimbral parts. If I remember correctly, you can actually have more parts than 8, but you're still limited by the max 8 notes being played at any one time.
The weird thing about this keyboard is a lot of the programmed sounds seem to lean towards 70's rock and even progressive rock, and though it would easily work for that, given the rhythm sounds and built-in sequencing, it's probably best suited for more modern loop-based techno.
And how does the Micron stand up now after almost 5 years on the market? Hmmm...I'm also a big user of Propellerhead Reason. And currently for about $200 more than the price of the Micron I can buy a new, el-cheapo laptop, Reason 4.0 and make MUCH more music than I could with just the Micron, and much more easily (something I COULDN'T do for so little money almost 5 years ago). So is the Micron still relevant? Because I already have a laptop and Reason, I'm on the verge of saying "no". But for the gigging or recording musician on a budget and looking to fill out the band's sound pallet a bit (and not wanting to worry about a crashing laptop), this would definitely be one to consider.
As for programming the thing, though I hate to admit it, "Soggy Poodle" was right...this thing is a pain to program. It IS very programmable (lots of tweakable parameters and such), but getting to the parameters, despite being able to also use the keyboard for inputting data, isn't so agreeable. If only Alesis had provided programming software with it, and easy linking to a computer, this would be a 5-star product for sound, programmability, and price. But without a less-difficult programming option (like software even), it really drops the overall rating to a 4.
So to summarize: great value of a product with fine quality sounds and extensive programmability that unfortunately isn't so easy to program. Solid for recording and gigging, but less capable than some only-slightly-more-expensive options. Lastly, I think a decent used one would really be the way to go...more competitive cost-wise, but still delivering the goods.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 9
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