Alesis ION

I have the first release of the OS. Everything works perfectly, and without any noticable flaws. Interface is really slick, everything is pretty obvious. I have only consulted the manual so far to determine how to split/layer parts. The manual is easy to follow.

The polyphony is 8 voices. Since i'm replacing a Roland JP-8000, that's exactly what i'm used to. Four part multi-timbral operation is nice, because i control external synths, and this way i can have one or two parts assigned to those midi channels. There is a tap tempo for the arpeggiators, lfo's, effects, etc. This is a beautiful thing. The extensive arpeggio patterns are nice, and the mod matrix is incredible! I only wish there were level knobs for the mod matrix on the front panel. But these settings are easy to access from the menu. There are lots of shortcuts which are nice, such as assigning split points by pressing & holding a button, then hitting the desired high-note, or low-note. Features aplenty make this synth an incredible value at $749!

This synth is, like all VA synths, designed to emulate subtractive synthesis. This means you have to create your own sounds. Though you can get close to simulating some acoustic instruments, the real selling point for this type of synth is it's ability to sound, well, synthetic! I can get great 60's transistor organ sounds, and with FM decent electric piano sounds. These are the only "real" sounds I ever emulate with VA. (because Farfs and Wurlys are heavy!)The ION has velocity & aftertouch, but I usually turn them off. Remember, we're going for synthetic, here! I'll give it a 9 because i have noticed distortion when using certain filter/effect combos. Speaking of filters, there are TONS of filter types available, and 2 filters are available simultaneously!

The ION appears to be built well, with a metal chassis, big chunky rubber knobs, and a minimal profile. (less things to break off!) I use three other synths on stage which in a pinch could back up the ION. (Novation K-Station, RedSound EleVAta, Yamaha DX-200) It's just not smart to gig without a backup. ever. I'm going to rate the ION a 10 based on it's build quality. I have faith that if I take care of it, it will last!

I tried e-mailing Alesis a few times, and they've always replied. Expect a few days wait for responses, but from what I hear, it's not that big of a company! Calling them directly is an option, and the person I spoke with on the phone was very helpful, and seemed to know what was going on!

So far I am extremely pleased with the ION. It's a very slick unit, and low priced to boot! Lot's of great features, excellent sound, and a unique charecter. It's OS is very intuitive, and the display is wonderful! I wish it had the following: Level knobs for Mod Matrix on front panel; Independant ModFX per part; A slot that spits out $100 bills every time you press a key. But taken as it is, the ION is tops. I would cry like a little girl with a skinned knee if it was stolen or lost. Fun to use, attractive, and fully-featured.

First off, I'm a guitarist who plays around with synths, so keep that in mind when you read on, I don't know the history or inner workings of a synthesisor inside and out, and I don't own any other VA or even analog synths. Also I'm not gonna waste time on specs, if your interested in this synth you probably already know them, if not check out www.alesis.com

Ok, first thing that strikes you is how killer this thing looks, lights are flashing and pulsing everywhere, the modwheles light up red as you move them, overall a very cool looking synth.

I really wasn't blown away with the presets in it, but once you figure out how to program the ION somewhate you can create most any kinda up patch you can imagine. I do have trouble getting good smoothe, evolving pads with the ION though, but that may be the norm a VA or analog synth, I'm not sure.

Editing pathches isn't terribly complicated, It did take about 2 days to really stumble on to most everything.

I'm really not big on manuals and only had to consult it a couple of times, but it seems pretty good.

The ion has a killer feature called the 'mod matrix' which allows your to re-route most any output from any stage to any other input, such as LFOs, filters, mod wheles, and many more.

It has no onboard sequencer, nor should you expect one, its just a synth, plain and simple. I use it with Cubase SX, works great, no probs.

One weak are are the effects, only flange, chorus, phaser and a vocoder. some reverb and real delays would be nice, but this isn't a big issue, for this bargin I guess we're lucky to get effects at all.

Of course theres no realistic sounds, its a VA synth. The quality seems excelent though.

I could see applications for this synth any any sort of music that facilitates analog sounding synths, from electronic to prog rock.

I am somewhat bummed out by the presets and the lack of smoothe creamy pads though, but maybe I should expect pads lie those in a VA synth.

The keyboard feels nice, not the best I've played but good.

Seems reliable. I would gig with it if I was a keyboardist. But I've only had it a few days, so I have to give it no opinion here

Haven't dealt with them for the ION, but I did try and contact them concerning another product with no replay to my emails. They also have a very slow to update website.

I like it so far. Im not a hard core analog freak but I like this synth for the most part. I may still play a few more since I have 45 days to return with www.musiciansfriend.com. But I doubt theres anything better in this price range.

If it got stolen or broken I would probably get somthing different unless I get really attached to it.