Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $40
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
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Budget
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Description
Dive into the vast ocean of sound with the Alesis Micron Synthesizer, where digital precision meets analog soul. This compact powerhouse packs a punch, emulating the rich, warm voicings of its analog predecessors with unparalleled finesse. With three oscillators offering eight voices each, and an array of filters, envelope generators, and LFOs, the Micron stands as a beacon for musicians seeking depth, versatility, and portability in their sonic explorations. Whether you're crafting intricate soundscapes or driving synth lines, the Micron synthesizer is your gateway to achieving unparalleled auditory alchemy.
Key Features:
- Three oscillators with eight voices per oscillator
- Two multimode filters
- Three envelope generators
- Two LFOs for extensive modulation possibilities
- Compact 37-key layout for portability without sacrificing playability
Product specs
| Brand | Alesis |
| Model | Micron |
| 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 | 37 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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How many voices of polyphony does the Alesis Micron Synthesizer have?
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The Alesis Micron Synthesizer features 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, layered soundscapes.
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Is the Alesis Micron suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Alesis Micron is suitable for live performances, thanks to its compact size, robust build, and versatile sound engine that allows on-the-fly sound manipulation.
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What type of keyboard action does the Alesis Micron have?
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The Alesis Micron features a synth action keyboard, which offers a smooth and responsive feel ideal for playing fast passages and expressive synth lines.
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Can the Alesis Micron be integrated with other MIDI equipment?
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Yes, the Alesis Micron can be integrated with other MIDI equipment, as it includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through ports for seamless connectivity with external gear.
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What are the standout features of the Alesis Micron's sound engine?
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The Alesis Micron's sound engine is known for its powerful virtual analog synthesis, offering a wide range of sounds and effects, including reverb, long delay, and a pattern sequencer.
Videos
gearwire
Alesis Micron Walkthru, Part One
Reviews
PROS
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Remarkably complex sounds and patterns
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Durable, solid build quality
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Offers huge database of sound combinations
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Features legendary filter designs
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Versatile with multiple layers, timbres, and split/layering capabilities
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Strong user base and decent VST editors
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Portable with full-size keys
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Latch memory looper function for creative arpeggios
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Affordable with great potential for its price
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Effective analog drum sounds
CONS
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Programming can be difficult
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Small screen limits ease of use
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Real-time controls may feel lacking
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Mod sliders and buttons can deteriorate over time
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Some models have output problems and headphone jack issues
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Limited drum samples to analog sounds
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis Micron Synthesizer.
Comparisons
Use cases and applications
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The Micron excels in creating sawtooth poly patches with mapped controls for cutoff, resonance, and filter amount, offering practical sound design foundations.
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The Micron is favored for its deep synthesis capabilities, especially when combining sync and FM modes for unique sound design.
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Software and compatibility
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The Micron can load patches from the Ion, expanding its sonic possibilities with shared sound engines.
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iPad MIDI templates like Lemur and MidiDesigner offer alternative control options for those who prefer touchscreen interfaces over the Micron’s limited physical controls.
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Ctrlr software with the MINIAKmicron panel is recommended for easier parameter control and randomization, though initial setup requires using the Micron's interface.
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User experience
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Default XYZ knob mappings often include FM, Ring Mod, and Panning, which may not exploit the knobs' full potential.
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Owners find the interface cumbersome, especially when naming patches, requiring extensive knob twirling and clicking.
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Some users find the phrase recorder finicky, as it inexplicably adds silence at the end of phrases, impacting usability.
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Owners often re-map the Filter Cutoff to the X knob on their favorite patches for more intuitive live performance control.
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Mods and upgrades
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MicronAU software is recommended for easier sound design by visually organizing parameters, simplifying the editing process.
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Owners have dealt with the Micron’s JFET issues by removing them, accepting output popping as a trade-off for fixing damaged outputs.
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Some enthusiasts install sockets for FETs due to a known circuitry flaw that causes them to burn out, allowing easier replacements.
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Features and functionality
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The arpeggiator acts as a flexible mini-sequencer with complex modulation routing, surpassing the MicroKorg's capabilities despite interface challenges.
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The Alesis Micron offers 4-part multi-timbrality, which is rare for synths under $1000, enhancing its versatility in live and studio settings.
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The Micron is praised for its ability to sustain/release sounds after patch changes, which is advantageous for live performance transitions.
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Value and pricing
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Microns are available second-hand for as low as $100-$200, offering a budget-friendly option for those seeking deep synthesis capabilities.
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Build quality
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Despite its sturdy appearance, the Micron's casing is plastic with metallic paint, which can scratch and show wear over time.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 3 Reviews and 50 Ratings
146
First synth purchased for my 80's cover band project.
Great sounding virtual analog portable with full size keys. I love how much power it has but programming is a pain. I love the horizontal pitch wheel but the mod sliders are crap and the buttons are too small and over time can stick requiring lots of pressure to make them work. Most Microns have output problems and mine is included. Luckily it's only the right out so I don't have to fix it right away. Also my headphone jack has a high pitch hum and should be replaced. I got this for $175 on ebay.
5455
Like this guy
I got this while on tour and our other rig broke down. Sturdy as HELL. Survived several US tours and a particularly drunken European tour. Tho I can now clearly say I have definitely not been exploiting all the great lil' noise makers I've got. I have yet to really dive into this as I essentially just needed something that could to the 3-4 sounds we needed for our sets.
Maybe my favorite thing about this website- I drag every thing back out and revisit it. This was under a end table. Da fuck?
Anyone with clever isights on this guy please drop a comment. I'll be putting this guy thru the paces now.
120
A great first synth!
This was my first keyboard synth and has been very reliable and durable over the years. On top of that it has a strong user base and decent vst editors making it a great synth to build new sounds with. the latch memory looper function is awesome when making your own arpegios and not needing to be frustrated with quantizing.
Artist usage
Add artist
An Alesis Micron is seen just to the left of Tom’s head on a coffee table in Tom’s studio.
Daron used the Alesis Micron Synth together with a Roland VP-330 in 2005 and 2006 for Old School Hollywood and War?.
In the photo, Tale Of Us can be seen using an Alesis Micron Synthesizer, positioned on the left.
Zach Johnson can be seen using the Alesis Micron Synthesizer during his time with the band "I See Stars." In an interview, Johnson mentioned that the Alesis Micron was the first synthesizer he ever owned.
Album Usage
The Alesis Micron Synthesizer has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Alesis Micron Synthesizer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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