I have been looking at analog modelling synthesizers since the illustrious Nord Lead blew the synth industry away. There have been many to follow, but I can honestly say the Alesis Micron gives you the most bang for the buck. There are more features on this little keyboard than I have seen on any other VA synth coming anywhere near the price. 500 patches of sounds (with room for 400 more to program) running the gamut of analog textures (don't believe some reviewers not finding soft and warm patches.. they are definitely there right out of the box) including sub-bass tones, warm strings, punchy basses, sweet analog drums and much more in between. The patches are separated by category (lead, bass, drums, pads, etc) and each category can be punched in on the fly.
You have three oscillators per voice (including variable waveshapes and FM) which gives the synth a really fat sound as well as two low frequency ocsillators for warmth. Doing quick modulation and filtering changes can be done with two programmable slider controls. There is also a pitch bend wheel that lights up when you use it. Programming can be pretty intuitive if you learn the shortcut method that makes the keys buttons to select parameters (essentially 37 extra buttons for editing).
I have compared the Micron with other VA synths like Korg's VA synths (MS2000, MicroKorg, Electribe), the Roland 303, the Novation Bass Station and can honestly tell you the Alesis Micron can go toe to toe against all of them and many times come out ahead in both sound and functionality.
The synth also includes a master dual effects processer and a single drive effects processor per patch (something most VA synths don't even include). Not the greatest effects processing in the world, but far from inferior. Essentially the effects help give your sounds some nice ambience. You also get a 40 band vocoder for vocal effects (more robust then the Korg VA synth vocoders) You are limited to 8-voice polyphony, but the synth is 32-part multitimbral.
The Micron also has a built in step and phrase sequencer that includes over 400 patterns preset with drum parts, synth parts and combinations of both along with room for hundreds of your own. The phrase sequencer is really easy to use with one button record and looping. A third type of sequencer you have is a pretty versatile arpeggiator.
Bottom line is if you are looking for synth that is affordable yet has an expansive set of analog sounds (and by that I mean a digital synth that utilizes analog modelling) this is it. If you are doing electronic dance music this synth is perfect for you. You won't find a better value for the money. Sure there are better products out there (Nord is still the tops in my book), but when it comes down to it the Micron will give you professional sounding analog synth sounds and the ability to make some killer patches.
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Product Description:
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
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