The Micron is like an Ion packed into a compact 3-octave keyboard for the "on-the-go" musician. The Micron boasts the same analog modeling sound engine as the acclaimed Alesis Ion, 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. It's therefor best used as a preset type synthesizer - either download your own Ion patches or others into the Micron and take them on the go. Sure the Ion is a hands-on synth programmer's feast, but the Micron gives you access to the same power as the Ion in a compact synth ideal for gigging, practicing, composing and just good old fashion playing around with!

Most obviously, the Micron has done away with just about all the real-time controllers found on the Ion, offering just three 360-degree endless parameter knobs, two assignable modulation sliders and one assignable backlit pitch wheel. Slim pickin's but enough for live performances (you only have two hands!) or quick tweaks. Sure you can delve deeper into patch editing and even the extensive twelve-route modulation matrix (with 114 sources and 78 destinations) but that's tedious with so few controls.

Despite its rather simple looking design, the Micron does house a beast inside - full of programmable functions! Just like the Ion, the Micron offers continuously variable wave shapes, plus osc-sync and FM synthesis. The Micron has 8-voice polyphony with three oscillators per voice, and is up to 8-part multitimbral. There are two multimode filters with 20 filter types (upgraded from 16 in the Ion), three envelope generators and two LFOs with multiple wave shapes and sample & hold. In addition to its powerful modulation matrix, the Micron offers a programmable step sequencer, an arpeggiator, a rhythm sequencer for drum kits, and a dynamic realtime phrase sequencer - all of which sync to MIDI clock. Effects include a 40 band vocoder that does not use up any polyphony, 4 insert effects, and stereo master effects. Stereo inputs let you process external audio through its effects, filters and vocoder - just as you can with the Ion.

So, if twiddling knobs all day is not your thing, but the sounds that come from such efforts are what you are looking for then the Micron may be the synth for you! Instant access to thousands of incredibly realistic analog synth sounds with all the power and programmability of the Ion. The Micron offers all that and more but for less money because of its minimalist design/interface.

Eltalstro

January 24, 2013 @ 3:49 pm

It looks like alexx can't work his Micron or hasn't actually ever owned one. It has more trance and techno patches than anything else and is well known for doing decent TB303 emulations. The rotary encoder knob broke on mine. I tried to get the knob and solder it but made a terrible job of it so I bought the whole encoder board. This was more expensive but a MUCH easier option for someone with no soldering skills.

Audity

January 21, 2013 @ 2:37 pm

Warm, cutting leads and THUNDEROUS bass. I actually prefer the sound of the Micron to virtually any other VA synth I've owned, including my MS2000! Most impressive is the response from the sliders/encoders. I tried very hard to recreate the "stepping" effect a lot of VAs will do during filter sweeps at high Q (due to poor control data resolution). NOTHING. Filter sweeps are smooth as can be!
The programming is actually quite intuitive, and not difficult at all once you get the hang of the quick keys and assigning encoders. For an affordable and compact VA, the Micron delivers!

gridsleep

January 21, 2013 @ 12:23 am

Crackly dials and pots are best treated with Radio Shack TV Tuner Cleaner. (There may be other brands of tuner cleaner. This is just the brand that's easiest to get and it does the job.)

matt lumpkin

January 5, 2013 @ 11:54 pm

As much as I love my micron, I'm very frustrated by repeated issues with the outputs and a static crackly volume pot. The comments here are a real love fest and it's a great value but there are a significant number of users who encounter repeated issues with the outputs gettingi quieter, more crackly and then dying altogether. Mine did this year. I did the repair listed here:

http://ion-micron-miniak.wikia.com/wiki/Micron_FAQ

But the problem has returned. What's worse it appears the Akai miniak which is the same synth engine uses the same board so it has the same issue. Frustrating.

Liquidyzer

December 11, 2012 @ 5:51 am

WoW what a great cheap purchase. Actually the 1st VA i've really liked (the Virus Ti Polar came close) For the price the sound engine is amazing. With the endless modding capabilities it really reminded me of the Dave Smith Evolver. Difference was the Dave Smith was buzzy and Brassy sounding. Funnily the Micron sounds more analog & plastic (its Bass blows away the Evolver) Sold my Evolver keyboard, missed the experimentation so considered buying the desktop version... wont bother now. Be Warned though totally useless without an Editor. Want the Ion now but scary reports of build quality.

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