Alesis MICRON Analog Modeling Synthesizer

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

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.