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.

Nick K

December 4, 2009 @ 3:04 pm

Will G, an amp/speakers are necessary for this synth, unless your brother wants to constantly use headphones. And for it's class and price range, there is really nothing that's better.

Will G.

December 4, 2009 @ 9:18 am

Hey, I'm totally new to this and want to get my little brother a synth for Christmas and going away to college. I know I'm not supposed to ask for help here, but I just want to know if you can play this guy right out of the box or do I need to purchase the amp/external speakers as well to make the present complete? Appreciate the input... from what I've hear, the Micron is the one to get in its class.

eisix

August 27, 2009 @ 4:39 am

After 2+ years in use I can only say that the micron is a wonderful instrument with a useful sequencer and a good synth engine and vocoder. It is perfect for live use with its compact size and setup mode. I like the typical micron sound which on the other hand is hard to escape, no matter what editing is done. The cool thing is that you can fully program what the knobs and the pitch wheel do.

mypetsleep

August 20, 2009 @ 9:38 pm

one of the most analogish sounding VAs on the market and the weird part is its dirt cheap! the controversy is of course that its crammed interface makes it hard to program. it's not tough to program, but it just takes longer to do. therefore, its not something i'd recommend to the lazy. in many ways though, i really wish i would have just gotten the ion. its still more fun turning knobs then flipping through menus. great bass and pads, and the modulation routing matrix gives lots of variation potential to your sounds.

Matt Young

July 16, 2009 @ 10:35 am

For the price and the features that come with it, you really cannot criticise. It can sound deep, lush and brutal. The drum sounds are pure electro funk - just great. My only complaint and it is the most prevalent amongst users is the minimal interface - it would be lovely to have all the knobs of the Ion. You could get the Ion, however it does have less functions than this little monster.

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