Alesis Andromeda A6 (2000–2010)
16-voice, 16-part multi-timbral analog synthesizer with dual filters per voice and extensive physical control.
Overview
The Alesis Andromeda A6 is a 16-voice, 16-part multi-timbral polyphonic analog synthesizer. It was introduced in 2000 at the Winter NAMM show as a flagship meant to put Alesis back in the professional synth market. The audio path is pure analog, with digital control on top. Axel Hartmann designed it, and it was one of the most complex and ambitious analog synths ever made. The voices are built on Curtis CEM3396 chips. Each voice has two oscillators, a noise generator, a mixer, a multimode filter, three VCAs, and five envelope generators. The keyboard is a 61-note semi-weighted unit with velocity and aftertouch, plus pitch and modulation wheels and a ribbon controller.
Specifications
| Production Years | 2000–2010 |
| Polyphony | 16 voices |
| Timbrality | 16-part multi-timbral |
| Oscillators | 2 VCOs per voice, each with a sub-oscillator |
| Oscillator Waveforms | Sine, triangle, pulse, up saw, down saw |
| Oscillator Features | Hard and soft sync, FM, ring modulation, white and pink noise |
| LFO | 3 dedicated LFOs plus Sample & Hold per voice |
| Synthesis Type | Analog Subtractive |
| Filters | Two per voice: 4-pole 24dB/octave Moog-style low-pass and 2-pole 12dB/octave SEM-style multimode (low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, notch), routable in series or parallel |
| Envelopes | 5 per voice (3 dedicated, 2 assignable) |
| Modulation Matrix | 16 slots with 47 sources and 98 destinations |
| Effects | Analog distortion; digital effects including reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, phaser, pitch-shifting |
| Arpeggiator | Up, Down, Up/Down, Random with MIDI sync |
| Sequencer | 16-track, 192 ppq resolution, up to 20,000 notes memory |
| Keyboard | 61-note semi-weighted, velocity and aftertouch sensitive |
| Controllers | Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, ribbon controller |
| Interface | 72 knobs, 144 buttons |
| Display | 240 x 64 pixel backlit LCD |
| Program Memory | 256 preset, 128 user programs, 256 setups, 16 songs |
| Memory Card Slot | PCMCIA-format |
| External Control | MIDI In, Out, Thru (16-part multitimbral); CV/Gate In |
| Audio Outputs | 2 main (L/R), 4 individual, plus dedicated output per voice |
| Audio Inputs | 2 external inputs |
| Headphone Output | 1 x 1/4" (6.35mm) jack |
| Footswitch Inputs | 2 assignable (supports sustain, expression, foot controllers) |
| Power Supply | Built-in internal (BA02 Power Supply) |
| Voltage | 100–230(250)V, 50–60Hz |
| Power Consumption | 30 W |
| Dimensions | 40.1" x 4.8" x 16.1" (1019 mm x 122 mm x 409 mm) |
| Weight | 21 kg (47 lb) |
| Case/Body | Metal and plastic, silver color |
Design
The Andromeda A6 uses custom ASIC chips for its oscillators and filters. The two filters per voice are modeled after a 12dB/octave Oberheim SEM multi-mode filter and a 24dB/octave Moog 904 low-pass filter. The VCOs include pitch correction to help tuning stability. Inside there are several circuit boards: Front Panel Left (with the microprocessor), Main, Digital Main (with the ADC), and Analog Master. The keybed is a Fatar. The four analog outputs (Main and Aux) have output mute circuitry. The front panel has 72 knobs and 144 buttons, backed by a deep menu system, and the LCD has contrast adjustment. Memory is backed by a CR2032 3V lithium battery.
Context
The Andromeda A6 was introduced in 2000 as Alesis' flagship synthesizer, aimed at getting the company back into the professional synth market. It sat at the high end of a mostly budget-oriented Alesis lineup. Alesis was acquired by inMusic Brands (Numark) in 2001, during the Andromeda's production run. The synth was recognized as one of the great analog synth designs of all time. People praised its rich, organic, and powerful analog sound and its deep programming. Artists who used it include BT, Air, Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and Klaus Schulze.
Market
The Andromeda A6 was discontinued in 2010. Known problems include tuning instability, often linked to the CEM3396 chips or the power supply, and occasional dead voices. Repairs can be complex because of the custom ASICs and the dense internal construction. Build quality is generally good, with a solid metal chassis, though some of the plastic components are considered less sturdy. The original price was US$3,000.
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