The Ion Analog Modeling Synthesizer is one fat-sounding digital synth! Using Alesis' proprietary DSP Analog Modeling technology with a 500 MIPS processor (500 million instructions per second), every knob and button is tweakable in real-time giving you the feel and sound of a true analog oldie.

The Ion has 8-voice polyphony with 3 oscillators per voice, and is 4-part multi-timbral. It offers continuously variable wave shapes (sine waves can morph into square waves), plus osc-sync and FM synthesis. 16 filter types are included, along with two LFOs, Sample & Hold, and an Arpeggiator-all of which sync to MIDI clock. A powerful and intuitive modulation matrix is built in, as well as a 40-band vocoder that does not use up any polyphony. External stereo audio can be processed through the filters, effects, or the vocoder.

Though not a true analog like the Andromeda A6, the Ion is capable of creating a wide variety of sounds from warm thick analog pads all the way to gritty monophonic leads and basses, as well as some funky and realistic sound effects. The Ion also simulates the best of the classic analogs such as Oberheims, Roland Jupiters, Arps, Moogs, etc, largely due to its great filters - there is hardly any aliasing even on the highest tones. The Ion also comes equipped with not one but two modulation wheels, both assignable to mods in the mod matrix (LFOs only assignable to mod wheel 1). The Ion has an amazing range of tonal possibilities.

The chic design, layout, and large backlit screen make editing on the Ion a dream! The Modulation Matrix is easy to understand and can route any modulation parameter to almost every component of the Ion!! All parameter knobs (excluding master volume & menu knob) are 360 degree pots allowing you to twist all the day long! A 160x160 graphic display provides instant visual feedback as a parameter is edited. Along with having 512 patch settings (all user-rewritable), the Ion has 64 multi-timbral setups. All parameters including arpeggiator settings are stored with each preset.

The ION keyboard contains 49 velocity-sensitive keys, 4 analog outputs and 2 stereo analog inputs (all balanced and using 24-bit conversion), 4 individual insert effects, a stereo master multi-FX processor, and an internal universal power supply. Expression and sustain pedal ports as well as headphone jacks are also there. For those who want a versatile synth and can't afford the A6, this is the synth for you - arguably one of the best 'virtual-analog' synths for awesome, analogue-like sounds.

The Ion inspired a "Mini-Me" version of itself in the Micron. It's the exact same synth as the Ion, except housed in a small 3-octave keyboard with only a few real-time controls. It has a few new features such as pattern and phrase sequencers and more filter types & effects - designed for the "on the go" musician in an overall more affordable package.

synthartist69

December 11, 2011 @ 12:05 pm

The Ion is one of the greatest VA's ever built in terms of sound. If you want a great Moog, or great Jupiter sounds then this is it. Very very easy to program and use in a live situation. Pro...it simply rocks. Cons...low output problem...that can be fixed for long term use. The keyboard is okay, but not quite fast enough for my style of play. No onboard effects. I still give it a 10/10! Check out this Moog patch I made...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2LX4IlTrP4

I have a ton of Ion videos on my channel...

http://www.youtube.com/user/synthartist69?feature=mhee

Sian Howard

November 12, 2011 @ 4:58 am

I have had my Ion for 5 years, and am generally very happy with it. Minus points - the awful cheap keyboard, osc. aliasing in the top register (most VA synths from the 90s and early 2000s suffer from this); the effects are a bit limited; and I don't much like the envelopes. But the big plus point: THE SOUND - the dual filter section with all the different vintage synth emulations, this thing can make sounds like no other synth I own/have owned (I currently own 11 of them). Great for pads and leads. But strange haunting, filter-swept pads are where this thing really excels. Very JD-800 like.

drb

October 27, 2011 @ 9:16 pm

Love my Ion. Have had it since it was introduced. Craig Anderton was using one during a demo at Sweetwater Sound and I bought it on the spot. Have gigged with it every weekend since. Run it as well as the other 3 boards I use on stage through a mixer with built in effects. No problems until recently. 1 key sticks (continues to sound) some times. Would not give it up for nothing.

minijack

October 15, 2011 @ 5:57 pm

This synth is a chameleon. With all of the different filter emulations, it can imitate a many different vintage synths. But that's part of it's downfall - it has a lot of tricks up it's sleeve, but ultimately lacks it's own unique character. It just feels like something's missing - I think that cheap D/A converters are the culprit, it just doesn't have presence in a mix. Good for some Roland-ish pad sounds and OK for Moog-ish leads but not much else. The arpeggiator is useless and the build quality very disappointing. I expected more coming from the makers of the mighty Andromeda.

André Mello

September 19, 2011 @ 1:02 am

ION x MINIMOOG

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hzRQBvA0pM&NR=1

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