Alesis Micron (2004)
Compact virtual analog synthesizer with the same sound engine as the Alesis Ion, released in 2004.
Overview
The Alesis Micron is a 37-key virtual analog synthesizer released in 2004, designed as a portable, affordable counterpart to the Alesis Ion. It shares the same analog modeling sound engine as the Ion and is compatible with Ion programs. Shaped like a packet of chewing gum and weighing 6 lbs, it features a minimalist interface with a two-line LCD, a single data knob, and limited physical controls. Despite its compact size, it offers 8-voice polyphony, three oscillators per voice, two multi-mode filters, and a full suite of modulation and effects including a built-in 40-band vocoder. The Micron includes an 8-track, 64-step sequencer, drum rhythm sequencer, and arpeggiator, with over 240 patterns and 300 rhythms included. An updated blue Micron SE model followed a year later, adding 8-part multitimbrality via firmware.
Specifications
| Keyboard | 37 keys, synth action, velocity and release velocity sensitive, no aftertouch |
| Dimensions | 22" x 9.5" x 2" |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
| Power Supply | 9V DC |
Design
The Micron features an aluminum housing and a simplified front panel compared to the Ion, with a push encoder (data knob), volume pot, and three assignable 360-degree knobs (x, y, z). Editing is done primarily via the data knob and LCD, supported by key shortcuts. The interface includes stereo inputs and outputs, MIDI In/Out/Thru, sustain and expression pedal inputs, and a headphone output. The sideways-mounted pitch wheel and modulation sliders have an unusual layout that takes adjustment but are described as durable. The unit houses a twelve-route modulation matrix with 114 sources and 78 destinations.
Context
Positioned as the "little brother" to the Alesis Ion, the Micron was designed for portability and affordability, targeting gigging and practicing musicians. It was re-cast from the Ion platform into a compact 3-octave keyboard, retaining the same powerful DSP-based virtual analog synthesis. Alesis released a firmware update (v1.1.0) enabling 8-part multitimbrality, with the updated blue Micron SE model offering this feature out of the box. Manuals and program charts remain available as free PDF downloads from Alesis.
Market
The Micron originally sold for around $600 USD and now trades for $200–$400 on the used market. Common issues include a failing DC power jack, erratic volume pot, and screen flickering leading to shutdown. The push encoder is heavily used and may wear out. Third-party support includes MidiQuest 12, which offers an editor/librarian. Despite interface criticisms, it’s valued for its sound quality and feature set relative to price.
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