Alesis Micron 37-Key Analog Modeling Synth

Feature:
The sequencer, drum machine, full sized keys and ample screen put the Alesis Micron head and shoulders above its main competitor, the Microkorg. For a virtual analog keyboard, I couldn't ask for a better feature set. Lots of new instruments try and fail to be the new all-in-one, but for many electronic genres, this synth really can do everything you will need.

Quality:
This keyboard is solid as a rock. I have a good story illustrating this. I was backstage at a show recently where I encountered a Microkorg perching daintily atop a big keyboard amp. I later saw its owner delicately picking it up and slowly sliding it into a gig bag like it was made of glass. Don't get me wrong - we should all treat our instruments with such care and respect. However, if you've held the Microkorg, you know it's somewhat toy-like in its construction. Granted, this "retro toy box" look is a big part of its aesthetic appeal, but the Micron can really take some bumps and knocks in stride due to its aluminum housing. I have beaten the crap out of mine (tossing it onto the bed, letting it fall to the floor, storing it under other equipment, jammed out on it way too hard) and it still looks new. The main navigation knob or click wheel (a term normally reserved for Ipods, I know, but it works the same way) is the one exception to the instrument's otherwise unmatched durability. The sliders and pitch/effects wheel are rubberized and sturdy.

Value:
There are drum machines that sell for close to $400. The Micron has dozens of sexy analog drum sounds and an easy to use rhythm sequencer. There are keyboard controllers of a similar size for close to $200. The Micron has full sized keys. There are keyboards that don't sound nearly this good with way fewer instruments and less sound sculpting capability for close to double the price of the Micron. It is the best value in the electronic music world right now.

Desirability:
I thought the Microkorg was the cooler-LOOKING synth until I saw them next to each other in person at Guitar Center. Now I definitely think the Micron is the sexier of the two. Based on looks/physical alone... Microkorg pro's: Wood side panels just like the big boys. Microkorg con's: Cheap looking wood, flimsy sliders and knobs, mini plastic toy keys, lightweight fragile build, tiny number-only display. Micron pro's: Durable oldschool red side panels, rock-solid knobs and sliders, pulsating LED tap tempo button, ample alphanumeric display, metal casing. Micron cons: Heavier. I need to dedicate an entire new paragraph to the pitch bend/effects wheel. It's a very durable, rubberized spring-loaded wheel (that is, it returns to the center after bending). The coolest feature of the bend wheel - it has an intense red degree-sensitive backlight. That means that the further you bend, the brighter it glows. The pitch bend wheel is definitely the Micron's most aesthetically pleasing physical feature. So sexy, and I didn't even mentioned the backlit navigation buttons.

Sound:
The sounds on the Micron are second to none in its price class. With fat basses, screaming leads, singing sines, really deep pads and old school analog drums, the sounds will definitely impress you. Some of the programs get a tad farty on the low end, but as with most instruments, every sound in this box has its "money" octave(s). Non-musicians will ask me if it's "like... a toy keyboard" before they hear the sounds it produces. The Micron is a little nerd with a huge soulful voice.

Ease of Use:
Navigating the Micron can be a bit tedious compared to the more button-laden interfaces of larger workstations. There is a lot of turn - click - turn - turn - click involved to use the sequencer and drum machine, especially. However, everything works and is explained in the manual, so it's worth the small amount of extra time it takes to get the hang of the interface. For example, if I was composing similar sequences, I could record a 4-5 track song on the Micron in about the same time it would take me to do it on my Korg Triton. Maybe a minute longer.

Support:
The best kind of technical support is the kind you do not need. Ever.

Overall:
If you have more money than you know what to do with, it's obvious that there are better synths out there. (Does the name Moog do anything for ya?) For $400-600, however, there is literally nothing better on the market. I will never sell it, even if I upgrade. The sound, the polyphony, the sequencer, the knobs, the two sliders, the pitch bend wheel, the full-sized keys, the alphanumeric display (albeit small), the sturdy build and aluminum housing, the drum machine, the backlit buttons, the ease of use, the portability. It's the best. If you're debating between this and the Microkorg, stop reading and buy the Micron. You won't regret it. Do it today.

Feature:
If you buy this keyboard you will find that the designers at Alesis really took time to pack this keyboard full of features while keeping it small and compact. With only 2 sliders and 5 knobs they have magiacaly packed every feature you could ever want inside a 37 key synth.

Quality:
I am very pleased with the quality of this product. It is made out of some sort of metal, and although it is small, it feels very sturdy. I was surprised with the weight of the product, as well. It's much heavier than I dreamt it to be. I dont see this as a problem. It more so, reassures me that it is well made, and ready for accidental abuse.

Value:
This is a great value for your money. I got mine for $320.00 because the store I got it from was having a huge sale. But even for $400, I see this as a steal. This keyboard is most certainly worth saving for, it's just sweet that you won't have to save for long.

Desirability:
How good or bad this item looks should be, and is a matter of opinion. Decide for yourself.

Sound:
I think you will agree when I say that sound is everything. That being said, this keyboard is amazing. When I opened this up, I was absoloutly blown away by its clarity. The sound remains pristine no matter what octave you are playing in. Overall, this a really great sounding keyboard.

Ease of Use:
All I can say is that people give that main knob too much static. It works absolutly fine. And if those people would just take a quick glance through their manual's, they would soon find that there are much easier and quicker ways to access your sounds. The first octave of keys are labeled with the different programs (such as Keys, Leads, Favorites, Ect.) By holding down your main knob and pressing the desired key, you will immediatly be taken to that folder. Then you must navigate through that folder by way of the knob. Not so hard. If you are smart about the way you navigate the keyboard, you will have no problem reaching the sounds you need quickly.

Overall:
This is most certainly the keyoard to buy. Even if I were offered some of the more expensive models of present day synths, I would still choose this keyboard. It's very important to me and so easy to use. I fell in love with this keyboard. I can't get sick of it. It's a great buy, loads of fun, and reliable. I highly suggest this keyboard as a first, second, or last installment to your collection. It will not dissapoint you.