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Alesis ION

$599.00 Price Tier: Standard

4.5 (20)

1 Critic Review

5 Reviews

Find out who is using Alesis ION

3 community setups

13 wishlisted

53 saved

Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

5.0 (8)

$599.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $599

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

In the Synthesizers category, Alesis ION is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Step into the world of analog sound with the Alesis ION, a synthesizer designed to bridge the gap between vintage warmth and modern versatility. Engineered for musicians who demand precision, the ION's 500 MIPS sound engine ensures your music is as dynamic as your imagination. With 49 velocity-sensitive keys at your fingertips, this 8-voice polyphonic synth offers a playground of sonic possibilities. Whether you're crafting pulsing basslines or ethereal pads, the ION’s trio of oscillators and dual multi-mode filters per voice are ready to deliver.

The ION isn't just about sound; it's about control. Boasting an impressive array of 30 knobs and 70 buttons, this synth provides an intuitive interface that invites exploration. From sweeping filter changes to subtle tonal shifts, every aspect of your sound can be manipulated in real-time, mimicking the tactile experience of classic analog synths. A large, clear display enhances your workflow, ensuring you're always in tune with your musical creation.

And for those who love experimenting with effects, the ION doesn't disappoint. It comes equipped with a full suite of onboard effects, including chorus, flange, and a full-featured 40-band vocoder, all crafted with Alesis' renowned effects algorithms. Whether you're a studio artist or a live performer, the Alesis ION is your ticket to a world of rich, textured sound.

Key Features:

49-key velocity-sensitive analog modeling synth
8 voice polyphony, 4-part multitimbral
500 MIPS for exceptional sound quality
Over 500 built-in programs and 32 part setups
30 control knobs and 70 buttons for real-time manipulation
Built-in effects, including chorus, flange, and vocoder
MIDI In, Out/Thru ports
4 balanced analog outputs and stereo balanced inputs

Product specs

Brand	Alesis
Model	Ion 49-Key Analog Modeling Synthesizer
Finish	Silver
Year	2000s
Categories	Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital	Digital
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys	49 Keys
Polyphony	8 Voices

FAQs

Is the Alesis ION synth polyphonic or monophonic?: The Alesis ION is polyphonic, offering 8-voice polyphony, which allows for the simultaneous playing of multiple notes, making it suitable for complex chords and layered sounds.
What type of synthesis does the Alesis ION use?: The Alesis ION uses analog modeling synthesis, which emulates the sound characteristics of classic analog synthesizers through digital means, providing a wide range of vintage and modern sounds.
How many keys does the Alesis ION have and what is their action type?: The Alesis ION features a 49-key full-size keyboard with synth action, which offers a smooth and responsive feel suitable for expressive playing styles.
Does the Alesis ION have MIDI connectivity?: Yes, the Alesis ION includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through connections, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with other MIDI-compatible devices and software.
Can the Alesis ION create custom sounds?: The Alesis ION allows users to create custom sounds through its extensive parameter controls, enabling detailed sound design and the ability to save user-created patches for future use.

Videos

Add video

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Alesis Ion | demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb (part 1 of 2)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

Alesis ION Some Of My Favourite Patches, Awesome Synth (2014)

The Sound Test Room

Alesis Ion - FREE presets (demo by Jexus / WC Olo Garb)

Jexus (sounds-for-synths.com)

ALESIS ION SYNTH VIRTUAL ANALOG | JAMMING | Synthcloud

Synth Cloud

ALESIS ION , DEMO NA CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

CLASSIC KEYBOARDS

ALESIS ION - Custom Sound Patches

CASA DO SYNTH

ALESIS ION the hidden gem?

FP HAM

ALESIS ION: THE UNSUNG HERO OF VIRTUAL ANALOG

Blush Response

ALESIS ION Demo & Review

musictrackjp

Alesis Ion Demo - Smells like vintage digital in here [NO TALKING]

Marshal Arnold

Reviews

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PROS

Powerful sound engine with FPGA technology
Extensive filter options with dual filters
Three oscillators for complex sound sculpting
4-part multitimbrality with 8-voice polyphony
High-quality sound with very low aliasing
Versatile modulation matrix and multiple LFOs
Unique multi-mode filters, parallel or series
Two mod wheels for enhanced control
Innovative use of outputs for blending signals
Nearly knob-per-function interface for deep parameter control

CONS

Encoders and keybed have quality issues
Built-in effects considered low quality
Flat display hard to read when seated
Unbalanced stereo outputs on some units
Limited polyphony for some users' needs
Lack of USB for patch editing and management
Some controls awkwardly placed
Factory keyboard may require replacement for improved playability

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis ION.

Features and functionality

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The Alesis Ion boasts 4-part multitimbrality, allowing users to layer up to 12 oscillators, unlike many modern synths which often offer less.
Source

Build quality

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Owners report issues with the op amps on outputs being fragile and prone to blowing, and the encoders developing dead spots and jitter over time.
Source

Comparisons

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The Ion's flexibility in layering is highlighted as superior compared to the Hydrasynth, which offers only 1 or 2 parts, making the Ion more versatile for complex sounds.
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The Ion's DSP architecture, with one custom chip per voice, is unique compared to other synths, enhancing its sound potential.
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Software and compatibility

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The Hypersynth editor allows for PC editing, enhancing usability, though it's available only for Windows.
Source

Setup and maintenance

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To fix dead encoders, users recommend using contact cleaner through a specific access hole, twisting the knob multiple times for restoration.
Source

User experience

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Despite its age, the Ion's dedicated DSP (9 chips) contributes to its powerful sound capabilities, allowing each voice its own DSP, a feature often missing in newer models.
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0 0

Owners have reported that the Alesis Ion's motherboards can fail, with some users experiencing multiple dead units over time.
Source
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Some owners find the Ion's encoder-based interface challenging, leading to eventual sales due to incompatibility with user preferences.
Source
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One owner likens the Ion's sound to being "tinny," suggesting a revisit might change perceptions.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The Ion can be effectively paired with a Waldorf Pulse 2 to create exceptionally rich and powerful sounds.
Source
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There is a notable preset, "fat2compose," from the Micron that can be transferred to the Ion for enhanced sound options.
Source

Critic Reviews

Alesis Ion

soundonsound.com

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 20 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

io_perplesso

327

almost 7 years ago

A great classic

First the bad news: the keyboard is a disaster and the built-in effects are pretty useless. Moreover, the display is flat with the panel surface, so the player cannot see it if seated. The remaining is just fabulous: it's a VA, but the quality is very good, very low aliasing, and the voice is fat enough. The modulation matrix is great, and so the 3 OSC controls (with a very useful "in tune" led). All pots except the volume are endless potentiometers. I've replaced the factory Fatar TP/7 keyboard with a very better Fatar TP/9 (same connectors), and added channel aftertouch with a small MIDI encoder module installed inside the instrument and connected (in thru mode) between MIDI IN jack and motherboard input. Now my ION weighs some 2kgs more, the keys protrude of 5mm at front, but it's a joy to play.

Roles:

Keyboardist

Genres:

Electronic Rock Blues

jimmarchi1

41010

7 years ago almost 7 years ago

lol

thegreykeyboards

243

over 8 years ago

The secret sauce

One of the greatest synths ever made and I will never get rid of it. It's almost knob-per-function, except that it's got even deeper parameters than that. The mod matrix is amazing. TWO MOD WHEELS?! The multi-mode filters can run in parallel or series, and they both recreate classics and have their own unique modes.

On my rig, the main output responds to the volume knob and goes to the mixer. The aux output level is set in the menus and goes to the Line 6 Pod XT. That way I can blend distortion with the dry signal.

The only problem -- it's old. PLEASE, ALESIS, MAKE A NEW ONE! I want USB patch editing and empty presets to make my own voices. And reverb!

k_g_b_

363

over 7 years ago

Beatiful design, complete with flaws beneath the surface

This is an excellent synthesizer. The sound sculpting possibilities are nearly limitless, with three oscillators, many filter models, FM, blah blah blah. The list goes on. It sounds very high-fi, with perhaps a bit less bass response than I would like. It reminds me a bit of the MS-2000, but a bit warmer, or closer to sounding like a real analog synth. I couldn't truly fall in love with the Ion because the stereo outs are off-balance. The left channel is always louder than the right, even after a factory reset. Some of the encoders on my unit also jumped values, which makes it hard to have fun tweaking.

io_perplesso

327

5 years ago about 5 years ago

Hi, the ION suffers of a frequent output FET issue. https://gearspace.com/board/electronic-music-instruments-and-electronic-music-production/424758-alesis-ion-output-problem.html