Alesis ION Analog Modeling DSP Synthesizer
- Write a Review
- Product #702220
We're sorry—this item is unavailable.
Find a similar product below or contact our experts for a recommendation of great alternatives. Call us at 800-449-9128.
Similar Items:-
res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
-
res13052000951849967684526Arturia Analog Experience - The Factory Hybrid Synthesizer L... $228.65 - $269.00
res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
-
res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
-
res13052000951849967684526Hosa Stereo 1/4" Phone to 2 - Mono 1/4" Phone Insert Cable ... $7.99 - $10.99
res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
-
res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
- res13052000951849967684526
A muscular DSP engine, cutting-edge synthesis technology, and fabulous sounds in a high-performance analog modeling synth.
Sounds from a dream team of the world's best sound designers and amazing sonic versatility are well represented in the 49-key Alesis ION Analog Modeling DSP Synthesizer. It comes with more than 500 presets, all of which can be used for user patch storage.
Each voice has three oscillators with continuously variable wave-shapes, multiple flavors of FM, and oscillator sync. 16 filter types, any two of which can be used simultaneously in series, parallel, or stereo configurations. Import external signals through balanced 24-bit analog inputs and run through the ION's filters, effects, and 40-band vocoder.
Revolutionary ergonomic user interface is designed to be grabbed, tweaked, and played. Thirty infinitely adjustable control knobs on high-resolution pots, not encoders. Large 160x160 graphic LCD presents a simple and intuitive navigation system.
With 49 velocity-sensitive keys, pitch bend wheel, two mod wheels, and inputs for assignable sustain and expression pedals. Sturdy all-metal chassis and internal switching power supply.
Features
- 512 preset programs, all user rewritable
- 4 parts multitimbral
- 8-voice polyphony
- Powerful, 500 mips dsp sound engine
- 3 oscillators with continuously variable wave shapes
- Linear and exponential oscillator FM
- 16 filter types
- 2 filters available simultaneously
- 3 ADSR envelopes
- 2 IFOs with multiple waveforms available simultaneously
- Arpeggiator, syncable to MIDI clock
- Ultrafast modulation matrix
- 4 mono/stereo insert effects available simultaneously
- Stereo master multi-FX processor
- Full-featured 40 band vocoder
- 30-360° high-resolution parameter knobs
- High-resolution graphic LCD
- 49 velocity-sensitive keys
- One pitch and 2 modulation wheels
- Balanced, stereo analog inputs
- 4 balanced, analog outputs
- 24-bit A/D/A converters
You've never seen this kind of sheer synth power for anywhere near this price. Make the wise decision, buy today.
-
Interview with Richard Barbieri who plays a Roland...
Review Snapshot®
by PowerReviews(based on 17 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
Most Liked Positive Review
A tinkers synth!
Fantastic VA keyboard with only a few things lacking: aftertouch keyboard limited to 8 polyphonybut it seems Alesis put their money into the sound (and so I could live w/o the above.)Only...Read complete review
Fantastic VA keyboard with only a few things lacking: aftertouch keyboard limited to 8 polyphonybut it seems Alesis put their money into the sound (and so I could live w/o the above.)Only flaw I see in design is that the lcd screen is flat mounted and really needs to be tilted towards the keyboardist to make it more usuable (you have to be on top of it looking down to get a good view), but it's a minor issue.Other than that, the real power lies in setting up your own patches. It has a very warm psuedo-analogue sound, only really giving away it's digital nature when at its limits.(It also takes a little effort to update with sysex files, though it is possible-- you just have to hunt for the right sysex send (midiox ended up working best) program since the system is a little finicky.) Alesis support is great though.Other KB/VA to look at are the Novation K series. Similar but differnet sound and it doesn't lack the features missing from the Ion (though it doesn't have the same sound qualites either-- not better, just different and comparable due to price.)
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Ion... not what I hoped for.
First, let me say, the sounds are GREAT. But MIDI implementation is poor. I've had experiences with sudden parameter changes, lock-ups, and software glitches. I use this mostly for studio, with ...Read complete review
First, let me say, the sounds are GREAT. But MIDI implementation is poor. I've had experiences with sudden parameter changes, lock-ups, and software glitches. I use this mostly for studio, with Logic, so if the MIDI implementation is poor, it's of little use to me. The sounds are great, mind you. If you're intending to play live, go for it, it's great for that. But if you need a solid MIDI capable synth for your studio, don't bother. Carefully read reviews here and elsewhere to determine a keyboard's strength's and weaknesses. Some may say I just got in over my head. However, I strongly feel if ease of use is not a strong point, then a product will only cost time and energy that would otherwise be spent creatively. Even the most experienced synth user can agree that the reason for owning it isn't to delve deep into arcane aspects of an-overly complicated instrument, but to make music with the sounds you want to create. My advice, check out the competition.
Reviews
Reviewed by 17 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-10
Previous | Next »
Alesis Ion:This is a really great synth for people who don't have a lot of cash but want to learn how to use oscillators, filters, envelopes, etc. It probably isn't the best as far as sound quality, but it's very giggable, and it's a lot of fun to play with. I've had mine over a year and haven't had any problems, so it seems durable. It's been an invaluable learning tool because it has so many controls that are very intuitive and right at my fingertips.
This little keyboard has WORLDS of sounds in it. The presets are great, and the best thing is that they can be tweaked in any way imaginable and you have the option to save or not save. I play experimental jazz and funk, built on improve, and I find that I can improvise with the knobs and settings live and it sounds amazing. The sound is very warm and alive, and your ears refuse to believe it is not digital. In essence you get the best of both worlds - analog sound with digital user interface. I am fairly new to synthesis, and this keyboard seemed very confusing at first, but I was really surprised with the learning curve. Everything is very logical here and easy to understand. In short, if you can't afford a moog or an andromeda, and you want that warm analog sound and versatility, go with this one. Looks really cool too, lights lights lights!
I have owned the Ion for 6 months. It sounds great for my use but I have returned it for replacement of the main output transistors and it has gone out again. Product support has not responded like they should have in my opinion.
I bought this keyboard mainly for the nostalgic value it gave me. My influences are ELP, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Cars, and even Edgar Winter Group. I have written songs that I wanted to emulate the sounds these bands made and got it right on with this board. If you want to bring back these sounds and more this is the board that does it with ease. (No adjustments and experimentation necessary) I'm thrilled with it.
First, let me say, the sounds are GREAT. But MIDI implementation is poor. I've had experiences with sudden parameter changes, lock-ups, and software glitches. I use this mostly for studio, with Logic, so if the MIDI implementation is poor, it's of little use to me. The sounds are great, mind you. If you're intending to play live, go for it, it's great for that. But if you need a solid MIDI capable synth for your studio, don't bother. Carefully read reviews here and elsewhere to determine a keyboard's strength's and weaknesses. Some may say I just got in over my head. However, I strongly feel if ease of use is not a strong point, then a product will only cost time and energy that would otherwise be spent creatively. Even the most experienced synth user can agree that the reason for owning it isn't to delve deep into arcane aspects of an-overly complicated instrument, but to make music with the sounds you want to create. My advice, check out the competition.
Was very disappointed in this board. After all the hype, I purchased one but returned it. The sounds are so-so in my book. My board kept on having software glitches, and would mysteriously start changing parameters on it's own.I've owned many old and new keyboards before, but would not recommend this one at all.
at first when i played it in the store i thought it was amazing but i took it home and most of the presets are exactly the same. after a while i started learning more about it and was able to tweek them into awesome sounds. the presets are still good, but i only recomend this if you know at least a little about synthesis.
Wow! Alesis is the first company to understand that not everyone can afford a analog powerhouse(like their own A6), So they made the Ion . A digital DSP synth that sounds like the real deal. Finally I can recreate the sounds of the greatest keyboard players of all time(Wakeman, Emerson), as well as create trademark patches of my own. While I was not greatly impressed by most of the presets, I was able to mold them into powerfull sounds. Of course I could get into the easy interface and killer feel, but you have probably already read about that. Nice job Alesis! Now I think I'll go see what else I can do with this workhorse!!
Great synth to start making analog sounds. Create sounds from scratch. I love this synth!
very good modulation control.crisp analog sounds.Exelent synth for a buisnessonn the go.
