Feature:
The thing really reminds me of my Moog Source in looks and design. It has a super futuristic look that never outdates and that flat, rectangular30 degree slope down the the keys look. This just looks different. Honestly, its looks arereally one of the reasons I bought it as I have a soft spot for my old Moog Source and wish I never sold it back in the day. I don't miss my Memorymoog, Ob-8 or SH-101 like I do my Source. When I saw this thing I knew I had to have it. once I heard it, I was just flat out floored. Like the source it has sub menus and a Main data knob that controls the parameter change. Still, very easy to use in comparison to the depth of my VirusTI

Quality:
I have bumped this thing around alot and NO problems on fireup yet. I am not partial to the big red plastic side panels with the ALESIS name molded into them...some kind of major product endorsement that you cant black out when On stage unless you use a major amount of duct tape, but then again, why do they do that on TV anyway? Leave the damned name on the unit for the world to see what the musician is using! So what if Korg or Roland didn't pay the network...screw the network, I wanna see the gear name! Anyway, I on a tangent...black side panels would have really put a wicked accent on the polished stainless face of the micron. I used to LOVE the fat MOOG name emblazoned on the Source's stainles back plate.

Value:
Forget the competition in this price range. This thing kicks the crap out of my cheesy little microKorg with it's tiny little keys and cheap build quality, which I paid the exact amount for as the Micron...er.. save for the Vocoder built into the Korg, which is cool..The Korg has no reverb, chorus, flange etc. like the Micron and believe it or not, it is longer so it won't fit into my backpack like the micron. Korg does run on Batteries, though and the Micron has

Desirability:
I have it and when I saw it for the first time *not knowing it even existed), I purchased it, even thoush I HATE Guitar Center with a friggin passion as their customer service here in SF literally sucks....and to buy it straight out when I was just browsing is a lot for me because I am adamant about NEVER buying from the SF guitar center again. I just go in to peruse products and buy elsewhere. I love ZZounds service and policy, so i am sold but alas I stray again from the subject matter. Again the Micron doesn't have the overall multifaced wicked sound of my VirusTi but again it isn't a 2000 dollar synth either. In the pads area, this baby brings me to tears....I'll never sell it.

Sound:
Comparing this to my VirusTI isn't fair as the virus is just too powerful and editable. I love this synth, thought and will keep it forever. The sounds it creates (along with the luscious effects-especially the reverbs) are just so unique. I do dream pop downtempo electronica and for me, the micron just floats. I truly believe that it sounds better than my old Oberheim OB-8 and Moog Source did....just not a raw as the oscillators in micron don't meander out of tune as much as they are not true analog. Still, they sound pristine. Better than my old Memorymoog?.....well I won't go there..I have a soft spot

Ease of Use:
Really simple if you know synths. I am subjective here because to beginers, it could just be a pain to program. No ADSR, OSC, Filter or Modulation sliders or knobs like on my Roland JP8000-so I have to say the more knobs buttons on the face of a synth, the easier it is to change it's sound immediately. The less, the more difficult. I put the Micron in the middle here just for poserity since my Korg Prophesy is just an out and out PITA to program and it's Japanglish user manual is hard to interpret. Alesis is a US company whose product team wrote a clear, concise and beginer friendly manual for the unit, rather than a dictionary preface explaining the basis for synthesis etc etc...which is useles unless you are taking a college course in electronic modular systems. Don't know why product engineers and technicians write some of the Japanese manuals rather than hiring competent end users. Alesis manuals are succint and easy to read. Love em

Support:
Haven't had to use, but I know they would get back if I called and was nice. Alesis is that kind of company and I really love their products ever since my old Alesis drum machines and sequencers I used to use

Overall:
As I said before, I won't the mistake I did with my Moog Source. Can you believe I sold it for 200 dollars back in '89 cause I needed money for rent? Geez I should of panhandled for the cash or moved back in with mom and kept the Moog.

• User: a customer from yahoo.com
• Submitted: 2/9/2008
• Style of Music: downtempo electronica producer (Ie dZhizan & Kamien, Bent, Roksopp etc)
• Location: San Francisco, CA USA

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.

• User: a customer from aol.com
• Submitted: 12/30/2007
• Style of Music: Breakcore, Indie, Metal, Rock, Classic Rock
• Location: Sturgis, MI, USA

Feature:
More features than any comparable product in its price range, and more than a lot above it as well. My cat really enjoys sleeping on this thing as well, its kinda weird.

Quality:
Very soundly made, pretty rugged actually. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and deal with, and makes it more difficult to damage on the whole. I would use a backup if someone gave one to me, but I don't feel the need for it on my own. The only slight problem I've had is a little noise on the volume pot, which can be easily taken care of, I just haven't bothered.

Value:
You can get these for fairly cheap, and if its not to your taste, easily resell on eBay or some other such place. Has a high resale value, better than the Micro Korg, and for good reason. The value of this thing can't be matched, really. It does so much so well and costs so little.

Desirability:
I'll give it a 9 here just because it does look a bit like a toy. I would have chosen blue for the casing, if there were such a choice, but whatever.

Sound:
I'm just giving this tens throughout because for the price, and considering the competition, it is the best. Its very tweakable, has more features than I can personally put to use. And I've made serveral recordings with it now - there isn't a bad sound in the thing. Well there may be a few but they're easy to avoid. I haven't even had a chace to use the vocoder yet. The bases can be totally booming, the rhythm programs have a lot of repetitious settings, but sound absolutely great - good as any drum machine I've used. I rarely even use any of the effects, the sounds are so great. This thing does look like a toy, and its a highly recommendable beginner's synth, but its no joke either.

Ease of Use:
It is extremely easy to use in various ways. The single control wheel thing which operates nearly every part of the Micron can be a bit of a chore to use at times, that is true. But its not hard, it just takes a bit of spinning the damn thing around to cycle through the settings. Then you can store favorite sounds together for ease of access.

Support:
Haven't had to deal with the company at all, but Alesis generally makes quality stuff. I'll give them a 10 for making a product that hasn't needed any help or repair for about 2.5 years now.

Overall:
I would probably just replace it with another if anything happened to it. Until they come out with the Micron V 2 anyways! I hope such a thing is on the horizon, but even if it isn't, this thing is a classic. It allows me to make more music than I would be able to make without it, and better music than I would be making without it. Its perfect for my home recording studio as it gives me great synth sounds, rhythms, bass, etc to go with my guitar playing. Cycling through the programs gives me ideas for songs, and just playing with it like an actual toy is fun as well. Its a lot less intimidating than some of the larger and more elaborate synths are, it just says "play with me" as it sits there on its stand thing. I can't believe this is getting reviews comparable to the Micro Korg, I think the Micron blows them away in every category other than looks. Sturdier, more features, better, deeper sound, sequencing, drum machine. Kicks boo-tay.

• User: a customer from aim.com
• Submitted: 11/18/2007
• Style of Music: rock/pop/dance/dirge
• Location: nyc

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.

• User: a customer from temple.edu
• Submitted: 4/16/2007
• Style of Music: Electronica, Hip Hop, Pop
• Location: Philadelphia, PA, United States

Feature:
Fairly bare bones though there are knobs and faders to tweak and it does allow for some interesting voice shaping.

Quality:
It is well made and durable.

Value:
For the price and portability...great!

Desirability:
Seems to draw attention for the sound compared to it's small size.

Sound:
Very good analog sounds and drum patterns. Tends to the electronic and Dance styles.

Ease of Use:
Not very easy to program although for a keyboard this size, what did you expect. Wish there was a computer editor to go with it.

Support:
I've worked with the company before on earlier products and they ahve been helpful. Haven't had to deal with them on this model.

Overall:
It's worth it...especially if you only need a limited amount of true analog sounds.

• Submitted: 4/11/2007
• Style of Music: Rock, R&B, Jazz
• Location: Missouri

Feature:
A computer based editor would be nice. But cheap is why I bought it. If it makes it more expensive, forget it.

Quality:
I received B-stock and could not find even a smudge. However it feels like someday that control knob might spin right off.

Value:
You cant beat it for the dough.

Desirability:
It's small. That may not be sexy but it's easy to live with.

Sound:
Every thing I wanted.

Ease of Use:
Programing is laborious. No way to key in parameter values. You have to spin the control knob around and around. Also, you can not map progs to another location. Since I wanted to play the Micron with my proteus SE to thicken the brass and sax etc. I had to reprogram the sounds into the apropriate program locations. It took forever but now I just plug and chug.

Support:
Not yet. And I hope not.

Overall:
This is the only analog synth I want. I use it live for mono mini-Moog leads and horn and string / pads etc. midi'ed with a sample playback module.

• User: a customer from sbcglobal.net
• Submitted: 6/23/2006
• Style of Music: Rock
• Location: Chicagoland, IL USA

Feature:
Sound Engine _Eight voices of industry-leading analog-modeled sound (8 voice polyphony) _Three oscillators per voice, with continuously variable wave shapes, sync and FM _Two multimode filters per voice, with 20 classic and unique filter types _Three envelopes, two LFOs, and sample and hold per voice _Twelve-route modulation matrix, with 114 sources and 78 destinations _One insert drive effect per voice _Two master effects processors, with reverb and delay _Full-featured 40-band vocoder Sequencing _Programmable pattern sequencer and arpeggiator _Programmable drum rhythm sequencer _Realtime or step recording, with controller motion _Live realtime phrase capture -- one-button record and loop Setups _32-part multitimbral -- up to 32 programs per setup _Up to 26 simultaneous patterns or drum rhythms per setup _Quick splitting and layering Presets _Over 500 preset programs, with space for 400 more _Over 200 preset pattern sequences and 250 preset drum rhythms, with space for hundreds more _Fully compatible with Ion programs.

Quality:
For it's size it has a very solid construction. The sliders seem a tad flimzy but other than that it seems like a solid little powerhouse and seems to be a trust worthy machine considering it pretty much does everything it's Big Brother the Alesis ION can do. Great little anologue synth.

Value:
If your someone looking for Ambient-House-Trance or General Electronica sounds or even Sound Effects; then this little Powerhouse is awsome. If your someone who needs a keyboard to help with Rock, Jazz or Pop your better off in getting a workstation. An inexpensive awsome Workstation is the new Korg TR (61 or 76 key based).

Desirability:
For its size you cant expect a sexy looking synth. With that in mind for its size and what it can do it looks perfect.

Sound:
I was skeptical to buy this keyboard due to its size but I needed a small board to accompany my Korg MS200 and my (soon to be) Korg TR Workstation and I must admit that under the hood of the micron is a powerhouse of a machine. The sounds are great. Some are cheezy yet tweakable to your hearts desire and other souns are simply impressive and rich. It's perfect for my style (Ambient & General Electronica).

Support:
Never really dealt with them on a serious note. I had a couple questions that I emailed them and they responded within 3 days-I think-and answered my basic questions. Other than that I hear that their product knowledge and warranty policy isin't the greatest but that's just from some of my own research from other reviewers. So far Ive owned an Alesis QS7 and this Micron & the customer support for me has been up to par so far-so this review I am basing on my personal experience with Alesis.

Overall:
I have a Korg MS2000 (Korg Microns Big Brother) and I think it's better than the MS2000 surprizingly. When I first opened the package I thought 'oh man did I make a mistake'. Then I played with it and was shocked to see what this little bugger can do.

• User: a customer from mail.com
• Submitted: 1/2/2006
• Style of Music: Electronica (Rock as well)
• Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Feature:
Audio In and pedal inputs and a full size keyboard puts the micro korg to shame.

Quality:
Feels good to play, if I turn it on, it's hard to turn off. Reminds me of exploring a Mini Moog for the first time. Sound

Sound:
it is everything I expected and more. one of the more playable keyboards I have ever owned. Amazing for it's size. Will have to give the Ion a closer look.

Overall:
It will be one of my favorites for a long time. Complements my other keyboards. Very portable. Could see myself playing live with only this board, even at this size. Big sound.

• Submitted: 6/10/2005
• Style of Music: ART
• Location: fl

Feature:
Stuffed full of features: 500 voice presets, 500 more user, hundreds of patterns and programmed drums, performances, and with a couple of button pushes and knob twists, becomes a great controller keyboard. Really good synth keyboard feel, feels perfect with the internal voices, has good dynamics over midi.

Quality:
I paid $300 for this used; and it's $400 new. Look at the prices of the other compact analog synths; this is a steal; it's well built, but I have had a couple of bad experiences with Alesis, so we'll see how it holds up.

Value:
This is a complete steal. There are voiceless controllers that cost more. Want knobs? Add a UC-16 or -33.

Desirability:
I would add this to any touring rig. It's a cool little silver board with bright red ends that will blow people away with the huge and dynamic sounds coming out of it's tiny size.

Sound:
For the money, this is the best analog board I could buy. I had read about it, but five minutes playing it in my local music store and I bought it. Huge, fat, evolving sounds, great drums and patterns, for so little cash.

Support:
Not needed so far; past experiences with other products were just ok.

Overall:
I have a lot of soft-synths; I have a Yamaha Stage Piano. I'll be getting a bread and butter synth like a Kurzweil PC. But I don't expect to ever need a better analog keyboard. This one handles it.

• User: a customer from hotmail.com
• Submitted: 4/23/2005
• Style of Music: Blues
• Location: Penngrove, CA

Feature:
I like the three main parts of this synths interface, and all of them are useful in music making. Programs are all the tones you can play, patterns are more for electro-influenced music, and setups are all of the micron's power rolled into one.

Quality:
The quality of this synth is very good. The body, the full sized keys, and all of the knobs except the main knob are super solid. Some have complained about the durability of the main knob, and yes it is weaker than the other knobs. However, if you treat your instruments with care, then this isnt a problem. I have a feeling people really crank on the knob during a stage preform to look "cool". As long as you don't really wrench it, it won't be a problem. Also, i have been carrying it around in my car without any gig bag, and iv'e had no problems. This really is a well built synth.

Value:
Compared to its' Korg counterpart, the Micron should be in anyone's studio who wants a great sounding, well built, compact synth with full sized keys. The Micron has 500 onboard programs compared to the MicroKorg's 128, and both retail at the same price of 400 dollars

Desirability:
I couldn't think of a more appealing looking synth other than the Clavia nords. The micron doesn't pretend to be a vintage moog, like the MicroKorg does (wood side panels.) It's practical, and good looking.

Sound:
The sound of the Micron is among the best of any VA synth i have come across. The tones sound great when pumped out of my Roland KC-60 40 watt amp, and even better out of PA's. The micron has a lot of moog emulated tones,synth pop sounds, and even industrial basses.

Support:
I have had no problems, but Alesis is friendly company, and their tech support is very accessible.

Overall:
I don't see myself in the market for another synth for a long time.. I might get a master midi contoller, but nothing with its own sound engine.

• User: a customer from niu.edu
• Submitted: 4/14/2005
• Style of Music: Synth Rock/New Wave
• Location: DeKalb, IL

Feature:
lots of presets, bass/lead/keys/pads ect. ect. features "electro" drum