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Alesis Micron
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chguigoz59 chguigoz59

«  Frankly though this little machine! »

Published on 10/09/11 at 08:37
In summary:
8 analog modeling synth voice multitimbral
3 oscillators, 2 filters, three envelopes, three LFOs and a Modulation Matrix.
FM synthesis possible, unison mode, portamento, modulation generator, sequencer, effects including vocoder.

UTILIZATION

It is a very full synth at the edition with five assignable knobs, two straight.
The edition is not very complicated but better be familiar with analog synthesis and all the technical terms that go with it.
Indeed, there are a lot of menus, and also directly accessible by the keyboard, but it's a real synth with extensive possibilities and worthy of a true modular, with few exceptions!
I find the manual very well explained especially well translated, which is not always the case!

SOUNDS

I'm looking for first purely synthetic sounds and analog types, I'm ready!
Having in my possession a SH101 for fifteen years, I took my first steps in trying to be as close as possible to a HS in config. I got no worries.
I was surprised that sound very close I managed to get the Micron!
I programmed a sound enough techno by emulating the PWM HS 101 and it's really almost like the real! There's just the filter that is not really perfect because not emulated in the micron. For this I chose between the MG 4 poles or 4 poles according to the JP sound.
I also had (and what a con to have sold) a Minimoog.
Here too, the astonishment, the Micron sounds great and moog type filter is a success! The bass is deep and sharp without being aggressive.
I have not tried going further but it's really not bad!
Even building a sound from a single oscillator (without Unison), a filter and an envelope, the sound is already thick with good bass and a good offense.
It does really well, I am very pleased and surprised in this respect especially after being disappointed with many other modeling and virtual machines.
The modulation matrix is ​​really great, it can modulate almost anything with anything and it's really flexible and comprehensive level possible. For example, it also helps to get as close as possible to the configuration of a real analog synth.
For example, the SH:
On a 3 micron envelopes: one for the amplitude, the second for the filter and the third for the pitch.
But one has only sh 101 and can adjust everything. Thanks to the matrix, it is easy to assign the envelope No. 1 on the filter. So the shell will act on the amplitude and filter the same time. For the PWM, you can assign an LFO or envelope WaveShaper on the oscillator and presto, you're done. etc etc. .. It's really cool and flexible.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought a week ago this synth a bit of nostalgia to find the pleasures of analog sound.
I have liked to buy real but at what cost!
The good reviews of this machine and its affordable price also led me to buy it and I'm really not disappointed.
I love the most:
- The sound is very close to a true analog
- Three oscillators whose waveforms are adjustable (Waveshape), that's great!
- Very good filters and congratulations to Alesis for the Moog filter (mg 4 poles)
- Very versatile and extensive sound level, the modulation matrix
- Lots of possibilities, there's enough to create fun and especially full of sounds and patterns.
- The sequencer and the arpeggiator phrases Recorder
- The effects, not demented but very correct and not metal (very important especially for the reverb) So it does it well and it is very useful.
- Assigning buttons very easy modulation
- The manual easy to understand and well structured

What I like least
-Again and again (as with any digital machine) some artifacts in the envelope at the end especially when you release the note.
- Pitch bend the wrong place, I would have completely left the synth
-Back and sides of the synthetic plastic while the body is metal. Be careful not to walk too much without protection. I'll flyer mine.
-Some would say that there are not enough buttons. It is true that with a dozen knobs and more, would have been better but given the price ...