Alesis ION Analog Modeling Synthesizer

ALESIS ION Details

Ion: State-of-the-Art Analog Modeling at an Affordable Price
Developed by innovative Alesis engineering and DSP technology, the Alesis ION is a high-resolution analog modeling synthesizer offering breakthrough processing power, real-time control, and great value.

Built on a 500 MIPS processor platform (500 million instructions per second), the ION offers continuously variable wave shapes, plus sync and FM synthesis. 16 filter types are included, along with two LFOs, Sample & Hold, and an Arpeggiator—all of which sync to MIDI clock. The ION has 8-voice polyphony with 3 oscillators per voice, and is 4-part multi-timbral. A powerful and intuitive modulation matrix is built in, as well as a 40-band vocoder that does not use up any polyphony.

The ION features an ergonomic user interface with 3 variably-illuminating control wheels and 31 amply spaced control knobs. The knobs are 360 degree potentiometers with 12-bit resolution, yielding 32 times the resolution of a typical MIDI controller, yet still compatible with the latest sequencers via NRPNs (Non-Registered Parameter Numbers). The result is extraordinary precision—void of any undesirable digital artifacts—and a very “analog” sound throughout the entire frequency range.

A 160x160 graphic display provides instant visual feedback as a parameter is edited. The ION keyboard contains 49 velocity-sensitive keys, 4 analog outputs and 2 stereo analog inputs (all balanced and using 24-bit conversion), 4 individual insert effects, a stereo master multi-FX processor, and an internal universal power supply.

Developed by a world-class sound design team, many of whom programmed the flagship Andromeda synthesizer, the ION’s 512 user-rewritable presets cover a variety of genres, including many exciting new tonalities, as well as classic synth emulations. New sounds will also be available from the Alesis website, as will a Flash demo of the ION.

ALESIS ION Specs

 

Ion Specifications

Sound Engine

Sound Generation: Alesis proprietary DSP Analog Modeling

Polyphonic Voices: 8, each with 3 oscillators, 2 multi-mode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, programmable effects send and modulation matrix.

Program Memory: 512 Preset Programs, 64 Multi-timbral Setups, all user-rewritable Effects: 4 Drive Effects (1 each per Part) plus Master Effects (Shared)

Audio Input

Input Connectors: 2 Balanced 1/4” TRS jacks

Maximum Input Level: +5.2dBu (1.41VRMS) = -0dBFS

Input Impedance: 10kW

Audio Output

Output Connectors: 4 Impedance-Balanced 1/4” TRS jacks, º” TRS Headphone Jack

Maximum Output Level: +18dBu (6.15 VRMS) = -0dBFS

Output Impedance: 1kW

Audio Performance

Signal To Noise Ratio: >95 dB A-weighted, Ext In to Main or Aux Out

THD+N: < 0.005%, External In to Main or Aux Out

Frequency Response: 20-20kHz ± 0.20dB, External In to Main or Aux Out

Power Consumption: 12 Watts max (100-240VAC/50-60Hz)

Physical

Keyboard: 49 keys (velocity, release velocity sensitive)

Real-Time Controllers: 30 360-degree Parameter Knobs, 2 Assignable Modulation Wheels, Assignable Pitch Wheel

Pedal Jacks: Assignable Exp pedal jack, Sustain pedal jack

MIDI Connections: MIDI In, MIDI Out, MIDI Thru

Audio Outputs: Main L/R , Aux L/R, Headphone (1/4” TRS)

Dimensions (WxHxD): 33.0” x 3.75” x 13.0” / 838.20 x 95.25 x 330.20mm

Weight: 20 lbs / 9 kg

ALESIS ION Downloads

	Ion Downloads	File Size
	Ion Firmware v1.06 This is version 1.06 of the Ion Firmware. Created by Alesis - 9/2004	272KB
	Ion Firmware v1.05 This is version 1.05 of the Ion Firmware. Created by Alesis - 2/2004	270KB
	Ion Firmware v1.03 This is version 1.03 of the Ion Firmware. Created by Alesis - 11/2003	265KB
	Ion Firmware v1.02 This is version 1.02 of the Ion Firmware. Created by Alesis - 8/2003	263KB
	Ion Firmware v1.00 This is version 1.00 of the Ion Firmware. Created by Alesis - 6/2003	259KB
	Ion/Micron Program Decoder v1.00 This is a command line utility to convert Ion and Micron programs from sysex files to editable text files, and vice versa. The utility runs under Microsoft Windows, as well as on any operating system with Perl installed, such as Mac OS X and most Linux installations. Source code is included. Disclaimer: This program is given as specification for Ion/Micron programs. It is not a complete Ion/Micron program/librarian/editing solution. Please refer to the included readme.txt file for more information. Created by Alesis - 8/2004	545KB

Ion Setups and Sound Banks
Ion Setups v1.01 This is the file that contains the 64 setups designed for the v1.01 sound banks. Created by Alesis - 8/2003	3KB
Ion Bank v1.01 - Red This is version 1.01 of the Red Bank. Created by Alesis - 8/2003	15KB
Ion Bank v1.01 - Green This is version 1.01 of the Green Bank. Created by Alesis - 8/2003	16KB
Ion Bank v1.01 - Blue This is version 1.01 of the Blue Bank. Created by Alesis - 8/2003	15KB
Ion Bank v1.01 - User This is version 1.01 of the User Bank. Created by Alesis - 8/2003	16KB

 

ALESIS ION Documentation

Click here for manual (pdf)

Click here for Quick Start Manual (pdf)

Click here for Program Chart

 

MP3 demos

ION downloads

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