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Alesis Ion
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excess official excess official
Published on 05/11/09 at 11:33
Characteristics superior to those of a Nordlead2X
(See other reviews for a detailed description)

Very nice finish

Very good ergonomics of the synthesizer,
which simplifies the control of the synthesis.

Synthesis type "fm" is located simplified three oscillators, but not necessarily obvious to understand.

49 keys, that's enough for many styles of play
The keyboard is light, it is a choice, but although different it is not worth finishing it with a DX7
The after touch is customizable, so do not worry about it!

Large creative possibilities in perspective ... enough to have fun a good time!

UTILIZATION

The manual is clear if you get it in French ...

It is very well done to understand the overall structure of the synthesizer,
but it does not fit enough in the important details: The modulation matrix and the vocoder (though two strengths of the synthesizer), the FM also.

The many included filters distinguishes it from other synths of this type (his third strong point), and again these filters are very interesting to press on the FM (they become even more expressive!).

Its waveforms are not static, they can be "inclined" to sound otherwise.
It is quite unusual!

It is a powerful MIDI controller, only through the editing software ION / MICRON, unofficial and paying unfortunately! but here, it far exceeds some control pad!

The sequencer is needed quickly, sufficiently comprehensive and yet simple (very inspiring for a bass line)

Synthesizer extremely accurate, very responsive!

SOUNDS

The sounds! ! ! well it's still the main

This synthesizer driven easily, according to his wishes ...
It adapts to large musical horizons by mixing ably additive (or subtractive? To check) and FM synthesis (simplified).

This is an analog modeling synthesizer, some very thick filter (moog filter emulation and Oberheim among others ...) and a unison mode "full" (all channels simultaneously, up to 8) complete its characteristics, the Ion can sound More FM or analog depending on the programming that we approach

Benefit it provides: the use of hand, creating complex sounds, but limits the polyphony

OVERALL OPINION

Recommended for those (and those) who wants to learn the additive and the basics of FM synthesis,
Ideal for testing and programming, the studio where the scene (endless knobs very pleasant play of light on three wheels "huge!")
immediately accessible (a good range of patches (sounds) pre-programmed)

Solid and stylish, however it sounds differently from analog.

Attention, it is only available currently used (information on).
But the investment is worth it!