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Alesis Micron Analog Modeling Synth KeyboardThe 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 of sample playback digital synths (which excel at realistic mimicry of various sound sources), the unique sounds of analog-style synths have been rediscovered. Analog Modeled basses dominate certain styles of music, and other analog-type elements – from drums to leads to pads – are frequently heard in contemporary popular music.
Alesis has been at the center of this resurgence. Their first product in this line was the A6 Andromeda, a true analog synth considered by many to be the most powerful non-modular analog synthesizer ever made. Next came the Alesis Ion, praised as one of the most powerful and best sounding Analog Modeling synthesizers ever.
Now, the Micron furthers this legacy, taking the Analog Modeled synthesizer in yet another new direction.
Alesis Micron Analog Modeling Synth Keyboard Specifications
Sound Engine
- Sound Generation: Alesis proprietary DSP Analog Modeling
- Polyphonic Voices: 8, each with 3 oscillators, 2 multi-mode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, programmable effects send and modulation matrix.
- Program Memory: 512 Preset Programs, 32 Multi-timbral Setups, all user-rewritable
- Effects: 4 Drive Effects (1 each per Part) plus Master Effects (Shared)
Audio Input
- Input Connectors: 2 Balanced 1/4” TRS jacks
- Maximum Input Level: +5.2dBu (1.41VRMS) = -0dBFS
- Input Impedance: 10kOhms
Audio Output
- Output Connectors: 4 Impedance-Balanced 1/4” TRS jacks, ¼” TRS Headphone Jack Maximum Output Level: +18dBu (6.17 VRMS) = -0dBFS
- Output Impedance: 1kOhms
Audio Performance
- Signal To Noise Ratio: >95 dB A-weighted, Ext In to Main or Aux Out
- THD+N: < 0.005%, External In to Main or Aux Out
- Frequency Response: 20-20kHz ± 0.20dB, External In to Main or Aux Out
- Power Consumption: 12 Watts max (100-240VAC/50- 60Hz)
Physical
- Keyboard: 37 keys (velocity, release velocity sensitive)
- Real-Time Controllers: 3 360-degree Parameter Knobs, 2 Assignable Modulation Sliders, Assignable Pitch Wheel,
- Pedal Jacks: Assignable Exp pedal jack, Sustain pedal jack
- MIDI Connections: MIDI In, MIDI Out, MIDI Thru
- Audio Outputs: Main L/R , Aux L/R, Headphone (1/4” TRS)
- Dimensions (WxHxD): 22.75” x 2.75” x 7.75” / 577.85 x 69.85 x 196.85 mm
- Weight: 8.25 lbs / 3.5 kg
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Rate and Review this Product:
 9 people rated this item  | Necromanos from Tennessee | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | Analog Virtually | | Quality:
| Seems to be decently made. Heavier than you would think. | | Features:
| The sound! Really good virtual analog sounds. | | Ease of Use:
| The way you have to program it takes some getting used to. | | Sound:
| Virtual analog goodness! | | Action:
| Not bad for synth action keys. Full size too. | | Value:
| Good price for virtual analog. | | Do you own this product?:
| Yes | | Date submitted:
| 6/1/2009 | |
| | Uncle Phil from South Elgin, IL, USA | | Overall Ranking: | | Quality:
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| | | Subject: | More to this portable synth if you spend some time learning the layout | | Quality:
| Yes, this unit has some heft for its size. It is not HEAVY, but it feels solid, and doesn't have any flimsy parts or connections. Even the power supply is comparable to 61 key boards. | | Features:
| The features are the built-in rhythms, arpeggios, sequences, patterns, and setups. It takes awhile to learn the "Micron Way" as it is designed to be a portable keyboard that can deliver a lot of sounds/rhythms/grooves/etc. | | Ease of Use:
| This is not a plug and play synth and yet it is. There is a wealth of sound programmed into it, but you need to use this keyboard and the manual exclusively to become familiar with the terminology and the shortcuts. Once you do that, you may be pleasantly surprised. | | Sound:
| I must admit at first I thought the tones(programs) were decent, but not great. However, as I got into the drum rhythms and the patterns and the setups, I liked it better and better. | | Action:
| The keyboard action is pretty good for a 37 key portable. I like the action of Alesis keyboards. | | Value:
| You get a lot of sound and functionality for the money. The interface is spartan, but you can't expect a color touch screen at this price point. | | Do you own this product?:
| Yes | | Date submitted:
| 03/06/2009 |
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