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I liked this synth so much, I bought a 2nd one. It's very easy to program sounds with it's extensive control surface. The oscillators sound great (especially while using the analog drift function in the voice edit menu, and it also has waveform shape morphing), the envelopes are fast and punchy (there are 3 different slopes for attack, decay and release as well as an envelope loop function), and there are plenty of filter models to choose from. The modulation capabilities are very comprehensive (lots of mod sources and destinations). This thing excels at leads, basses, pads, and sound effects. It has a large easy to read LCD display, so there's very little menu diving. There is also VST editor software for this synth out there, but you don't really need them to program this synth. The onboard effects section is not very good (no delay or reverb), but you would be lucky to find an effects section on a vintage analog synth. I use outboard effects and it sounds great. The keybed feels like a toy, because the keys aren't weighted and there's no aftertouch, but it does support aftertouch. Some of the buttons can be dodgy, and require a hard press to trigger them. Also be sure to never plug/unplug an audio cable with the unit turned on, as the outputs have a cheap electronic component that can short out. The preset sounds are cheesy, but there are a few that sound really interesting. For the price, it's far better than an Access Virus or Waldorf Q (which can cost upwards of 6x what the Ion costs). A similar priced synth would be the Roland SH 201 or Microkorg which both have fewer preset sounds, a much more limited control surface, and can require editor software to get under the hood for deeper sound programming. From my experience the sound programming structure is very similar to a Waldorf synth. It can sound just like a Minimoog, TB 303, or Jupiter, but a synth will only sound as good as the sound designer behind it. In capable hands this synth can rock the house!Read full review
I've owned the Alesis ION in the past and ever since I sold it I missed it. I have owned a number of synthesizers including the Yamaha AN1x and the Nord Lead and I can say that every-time I am on another synth I am always missing the features that the ION offers. Number one is the adjustable knobs that never loose the current value. Meaning the the values do not jump every-time you adjust something. This is great when playing live because you won't have a jump in the sound. Another is the mod matrix. When taken time to learn this is very powerful and can make an endless amount of sounds. The only thing lacking a bit is the sound. I know this is the most important but it doesn't sound terrible, it just lacks a range that other synths such as the Nord Lead excel in. But it is a trade off because you get control and a lot of tweakablity. Effects wise it lacks too, the effects aren't great but run this synth through a reverb or distortion and you'll get something really good, not to mention add a bit of low end to the eq to give it some bass. It lacks in the low end. All in all I can say it is not a mistake to own this synth but it should be known that this should be owned with another, it is not an end all synthesizer. The build is fantastic and the keys are pretty good although not great. The body is solid solid and the knobs are nice thick rubber. Feels very firm. The mod wheels are the best I've seen on any synth and have the ability to assign two mod wheels is a gigantic plus. Lastly I must say it offers a pitch envelope which can be used as a mod source. This synth has the best interface, next to the Nord Lead. This definitely has the best way to name patches. If you're a sound designer don't miss out on buying this synth!Read full review
The Alesis ION is a strong virtual analog (VA) piece. Now that they are discontinued, they average $500, and for that price,, its a steal. Two products are stripped-down descendants of its sound gen engine, the Alesis Micron and Akai MINIAK, neither of which offer anywhere near the great interface and experience as on the ION. Sound wise, it has a character all it's own; unmistakably VA, leaning heavily toward the supercrisp lows and crystal highs. Overall,I've found the ION to be kind-of bright, not super-lush or super-warm - cuts nicely in a mix, which can be great, but it always wants to take the limelight. Takes some effort to program sounds that sit properly in the background, This is my second ION, and I also have a MINIAK (size reasons), as well as nearly ever VA introduced since the Nord Lead 1 and a representative of most of the high-end analog polys from the sequential prophet 5 on (only thing missing is a CS-80).. While the ION will never replace any of my "real" analog pieces, it certainly has a character that is worth having, especially for the price point. Built decently well, lots of control, good feedback from the display, and sized right physically for most applications. Comparing directly to everything else would be beyond the scope of this mini-review, but I believe the ION stacks up well against similarly priced competition, and, for the interface alone, deserves a look. (Personal Favorite VAs that I own : John Bowen Solaris, Radikal accelerator, Novation Supernova II (better than Ultranova IMHO), and the Nord lead series)Read full review
I recently purchased my ion after selling of a collection of top older analog instruments. Space reduction was the primary reason for selling my most cherished collection including a custom modular. I am blown away by the sound of this instrument! I honestly believed a digital synth would never approach true analog sound this closely. The instrument does have some issues, but the lack of effects for me is not one of them. I would rather my money go to the sound engine, filters and a diverse mod matrix. The Ion has all three big time. The DSP sound engine is amazing as are the filters. Hats off to the the design team at Alesis! Even the keyboard, though not weighted is OK... Its not claiming to be weighted. It does not feel like a Voyager keyboard, not many do, but when compared to some of the heralded synths of old, Arp odyssey, Micro Moog, Octave Plateau Cat, early Rolands & MaxiKorg to name a few, it will more than do. Its about the sound, control and ease of use... IMHO Home run! ESPECIALLY FOR THE $!!!Read full review
Only one speaker works on the keyboard but when plugged in to my amp it's good. Thanks'
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
In perfect condition, even the original dust cover!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This thing excels at odd noises. It blooms when you add a computer patch librarian like Sound Diver or Unisyn & hit randomize patch options. The intimacy and vibrancy and sheer oddity of both short and evolving tones is notable & still prized by sound designers.
Verified purchase: No
Great to store your own sounds and creations. Thanks
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I bought the Alesis Ion because i was interested in a VA, and i read a lot of positive reviews on the web. This is a great synth, but you need to learn the synth basics and go deep to get the best sound of it.
simple, totaly awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!