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Average Price: $40

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$500

$1501+

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High-end

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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

How many voices of polyphony does the Alesis Micron Synthesizer have?

The Alesis Micron Synthesizer features 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play multiple notes simultaneously for rich, layered soundscapes.

Is the Alesis Micron suitable for live performances?

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.

What type of keyboard action does the Alesis Micron have?

The Alesis Micron features a synth action keyboard, which offers a smooth and responsive feel ideal for playing fast passages and expressive synth lines.

Can the Alesis Micron be integrated with other MIDI equipment?

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.

What are the standout features of the Alesis Micron's sound engine?

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.

gearwire

gearwire

Alesis Micron Walkthru, Part One

Video thumbnail for Alesis Micron Walkthru, Part One by gearwire

Alesis Micron Walkthru, Part One

gearwire

gearwire

Video thumbnail for Bad Gear - Alesis Micron - The Brick by AudioPilz

Bad Gear - Alesis Micron - The Brick

AudioPilz

AudioPilz

Video thumbnail for RS004 Alesis Micron: The Swiss Army Knife Synth by rejected synths

RS004 Alesis Micron: The Swiss Army Knife Synth

rejected synths

rejected synths

Video thumbnail for Synth Stuff Ep. 54 - Alesis Micron by tritonrecordings

Synth Stuff Ep. 54 - Alesis Micron

tritonrecordings

tritonrecordings

Video thumbnail for What's so special about the Alesis Micron? by Floyd Steinberg

What's so special about the Alesis Micron?

Floyd Steinberg

Floyd Steinberg

Video thumbnail for Alesis Micron Helps me Play SO MANY Parts at Once! (Live Set Composing) by Free Beat

Alesis Micron Helps me Play SO MANY Parts at Once! (Live Set Composing)

Free Beat

Free Beat

Video thumbnail for Alesis Micron Custom Presets Demo - NO TALKING - Sound Design - FM Synth Virtual Analog by pTr_new

Alesis Micron Custom Presets Demo - NO TALKING - Sound Design - FM Synth Virtual Analog

pTr_new

pTr_new

Video thumbnail for Alesis Micron / Ion / Miniak Custom Presets Sound Patches Demo NO TALKING (Virtual Analog) FM Synth by pTr_new

Alesis Micron / Ion / Miniak Custom Presets Sound Patches Demo NO TALKING (Virtual Analog) FM Synth

pTr_new

pTr_new

Video thumbnail for Adding the Alesis Micron into the Live Rig! by Free Beat

Adding the Alesis Micron into the Live Rig!

Free Beat

Free Beat

Reviews

PROS

  • Remarkably complex sounds and patterns

  • Durable, solid build quality

  • Offers huge database of sound combinations

  • Features legendary filter designs

  • Versatile with multiple layers, timbres, and split/layering capabilities

  • Strong user base and decent VST editors

  • Portable with full-size keys

  • Latch memory looper function for creative arpeggios

  • Affordable with great potential for its price

  • Effective analog drum sounds

CONS

  • Programming can be difficult

  • Small screen limits ease of use

  • Real-time controls may feel lacking

  • Mod sliders and buttons can deteriorate over time

  • Some models have output problems and headphone jack issues

  • 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

  • The Korg KingKorg and Roland System-8 are known for their filter emulations, but are often considered expensive alternatives to the Micron.

    Source
  • The Alesis Micron is often compared to the Akai MiniAK, which shares the same sound engine but has a different body.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Micron excels in creating sawtooth poly patches with mapped controls for cutoff, resonance, and filter amount, offering practical sound design foundations.

    Source
  • The Micron is favored for its deep synthesis capabilities, especially when combining sync and FM modes for unique sound design.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Micron can load patches from the Ion, expanding its sonic possibilities with shared sound engines.

    Source
  • iPad MIDI templates like Lemur and MidiDesigner offer alternative control options for those who prefer touchscreen interfaces over the Micron’s limited physical controls.

    Source
  • Ctrlr software with the MINIAKmicron panel is recommended for easier parameter control and randomization, though initial setup requires using the Micron's interface.

    Source

User experience

  • Default XYZ knob mappings often include FM, Ring Mod, and Panning, which may not exploit the knobs' full potential.

    Source
  • Owners find the interface cumbersome, especially when naming patches, requiring extensive knob twirling and clicking.

    Source
  • Some users find the phrase recorder finicky, as it inexplicably adds silence at the end of phrases, impacting usability.

    Source
  • Owners often re-map the Filter Cutoff to the X knob on their favorite patches for more intuitive live performance control.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • MicronAU software is recommended for easier sound design by visually organizing parameters, simplifying the editing process.

    Source
  • Owners have dealt with the Micron’s JFET issues by removing them, accepting output popping as a trade-off for fixing damaged outputs.

    Source
  • Some enthusiasts install sockets for FETs due to a known circuitry flaw that causes them to burn out, allowing easier replacements.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The arpeggiator acts as a flexible mini-sequencer with complex modulation routing, surpassing the MicroKorg's capabilities despite interface challenges.

    Source
  • The Alesis Micron offers 4-part multi-timbrality, which is rare for synths under $1000, enhancing its versatility in live and studio settings.

    Source
  • The Micron is praised for its ability to sustain/release sounds after patch changes, which is advantageous for live performance transitions.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Microns are available second-hand for as low as $100-$200, offering a budget-friendly option for those seeking deep synthesis capabilities.

    Source

Build quality

  • Despite its sturdy appearance, the Micron's casing is plastic with metallic paint, which can scratch and show wear over time.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Some users experience hardware issues such as pitch wheels not rebounding and volume pots causing signal distortion or crackling.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 50 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
craig_frost

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.

xaqary

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.

trevor_p_dericks

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
See how Kurniawan uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Kurniawan

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Kurniawan is seen using an Alesis Micron Synthesizer, which he borrowed from Zuma, as shown in the user-uploaded photo.

See how Steve Nieve uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Steve Nieve

Singer, Keyboardist

Elvis Costello & The Imposters

...
Verified via YouTube

Minute 01:10:23

Elvis Costello and The Imposters - March 8, 2018 - Port Chester (complete show) Larry Rulz Published on Mar 16, 2018 Recorded on March 8, 2018 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY.

See how Max Tundra uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Max Tundra

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Max has been spotted playing a Micron synthesizer live.

See how Brandon Burkhalter uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Brandon Burkhalter

Singer, Drummer

Polyphia

...
Verified via YouTube

He uses it in his video for emerald

See how Jon Pastir uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Jon Pastir

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Gospel

...
Verified via Last.fm

Seen playing a Micron in this pic

See how Sin Fang uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Sin Fang

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

He can be seen playing it on his KEXP performance.

See how Summer Heart uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Summer Heart

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Facebook

Summer Heart is talking about taking the Alesis Micron to rehearsal

See how The Sounds uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

The Sounds

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

The Sounds used the Alesis Micron Synthesizer extensively over four years, especially during performances of "Something To Die For," as seen in the YouTube video by hottopic titled "Hot Sessions: The Sounds 'Something To Die For.'"

See how Tendon Levey uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

Tendon Levey

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Tendonlevey

From the Tendon Levey website:

” I purchased an Alesis Micron in 2005 with the money that I had made from my painting job. I liked it alright, although I often wished that I would have picked up the microKORG instead, which was similarly popular and similarly priced at the time. I used the Micron mostly for my pre-Tendon Levey projects, since the main knob broke off in early 2007 while being driven around to and from band practice and that made it pretty difficult to change or customize the patches thereafter. I had to use a pair of pliers to get it to work, and even then I could only manage the organ sound as heard on Ear to the Oven and the keyboard sound (and vocoder) heard on The Gredients. In the summer of 2008 I accidentally hooked it up to the wrong adapter and it fried the synth.”

See how PBK uses Alesis Micron Synthesizer

PBK

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Phillip has, among other gear, a Micron synth, a KP2, a white Korg Nanopad (note that it has twelve buttons), a Nanokontrol, and an Alesis Performance Pad.

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.

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