Alesis Ion...Low budget Andromeda???

[Henny P]

Was just curious to know if the Ion was in any way similar (on a lower scale) to the all might Andromeda sound wise.

I know the Andromeda is far more in depth and complex (It better be for the price tag on it!!!)than the Ion...but was the ion in any way based off Andromeda (kinda like how the microkorg is based off of the MS2000) or these pieces are going in two totally different directions with there sound? I'm dissapointed that my local Sam Ash has neither on display for me to play with.

 

[Array]

Was just curious to know if the Ion was in any way similar (on a lower scale) to the all might Andromeda sound wise.

I know the Andromeda is far more in depth and complex (It better be for the price tag on it!!!)than the Ion...but was the ion in any way based off Andromeda (kinda like how the microkorg is based off of the MS2000) or these pieces are going in two totally different directions with there sound? I'm dissapointed that my local Sam Ash has neither on display for me to play with.

The Andromeda is analog, the Ion is digital. They couldnt be any more different.

 

[I_watch_stars]

Andromeda is a psuedomodular "analog" (analog OSCs and filters with digital envs and tuning) beast and the last great analog polysynth. Ion is a "my first synth" level VA. This is not to say one is a "better" version than another, but they are two synths of very different calibers for two very different crouds.

As far as the analog/digital debate and as to which there is no end, please use the search function.

 

[Array]

You can turn off the digital tuning in the Andromeda...the whole thing is voltage controlled, just like the very first analog synthesizers.

Also, I wouldnt totally discount the Ion. It is about as "analog" sounding as any VA out there, and the modulation capabilities are far above most other VA's (the Waldorf Q being the exception). The only downside is the 8 voice polyphony.

 

[Henny P]

Thanks for the information Array and I watch stars...makes since and i have a clearer understand on the two.

Well the ion is more appealing price wise...and has great reviews of being one of the best VA synths on the market right now. My only thing is that I checked Alesis site but they have no audio demos to listen to, do you guys know of anyone that have any tracks produced using the Alesis Ion (or Micron). Preferably hip-hop or R&B track examples.

 

[Bluedays]

(...) Ion is a "my first synth" level VA.

I don't agree with that part!
don't be fooled by the price.. sure the dedicated-knobs interface makes it easier for the beginner, but in the hands of a good synth programmer, the Ion is a dangerous weapon!
microKorg, Micron (only from the price/interface point of view) and rompler stuff like JunoG, TR, MO would classify as a "my first synth".

...Also, I wouldnt totally discount the Ion. It is about as "analog" sounding as any VA out there, and the modulation capabilities are far above most other VA's (the Waldorf Q being the exception).

right on the money

The only downside is the 8 voice polyphony.

if it had 20+ polyphony it would easily cost $1000+
I think it was a smart move by Alesis (in a very competitive VA market) to lower polyphony yet keep professional features like 24bit balanced outputs/modulation matrix..

Well the ion is more appealing price wise...and has great reviews of being one of the best VA synths on the market right now. My only thing is that I checked Alesis site but they have no audio demos to listen to, do you guys know of anyone that have any tracks produced using the Alesis Ion (or Micron). Preferably hip-hop or R&B track examples.

it's an excellent VA! (and this is coming from someone who has owned a bunch!);

Aye, I have a demo/review here using only presets/no external effects.

PS there are demos on the Alesis website, they're not easy to find though! go here>

 

[AltheKiller]

you can also here some demo at musiciansfriend.com

 

[sensorium]

I had an Ion.....It was Ok, but my Nord Lead 3 killed it.