A muscular DSP engine, cutting-edge synthesis technology, and fabulous sounds in a high-performance analog modeling synth.

Sounds from a dream team of the world's best sound designers and amazing sonic versatility are well represented in the 49-key Alesis ION Analog Modeling DSP Synthesizer. It comes with more than 500 presets, all of which can be used for user patch storage.

Each voice has three oscillators with continuously variable wave-shapes, multiple flavors of FM, and oscillator sync. 16 filter types, any two of which can be used simultaneously in series, parallel, or stereo configurations. Import external signals through balanced 24-bit analog inputs and run through the ION's filters, effects, and 40-band vocoder.

Revolutionary ergonomic user interface is designed to be grabbed, tweaked, and played. Thirty infinitely adjustable control knobs on high-resolution pots, not encoders. Large 160x160 graphic LCD presents a simple and intuitive navigation system. With 49 velocity-sensitive keys, pitch bend wheel, two mod wheels, and inputs for assignable sustain and expression pedals. Sturdy all-metal chassis and internal switching power supply.

Alesis ION Analog Modeling DSP Synthesizer Features:

• 512 preset programs, all user rewritable
• 4 parts multitimbral
• 8-voice polyphony
• Powerful, 500 mips dsp sound engine
• 3 oscillators with continuously variable wave shapes
• Linear and exponential oscillator FM
• 16 filter types
• 2 filters available simultaneously
• 3 ADSR envelopes
• 2 IFOs with multiple waveforms available simultaneously
• Arpeggiator, syncable to MIDI clock
• Ultrafast modulation matrix
• 4 mono/stereo insert effects available simultaneously
• Stereo master multi-FX processor
• Full-featured 40 band vocoder
• 30-360° high-resolution parameter knobs
• High-resolution graphic LCD
• 49 velocity-sensitive keys
• One pitch and 2 modulation wheels
• Balanced, stereo analog inputs
• 4 balanced, analog outputs
• 24-bit A/D/A converters
• Internal universal power supply

You've never seen this kind of sheer synth power for anywhere near this price. Make the wise decision, buy today.

Alesis ION Analog Modeling DSP Synthesizer

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Average of 17 User Ratings

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A great starting point

Posted by CtrlBurn from Raleigh, NC on Feb 21, 2007

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Electronic

Alesis Ion: This is a really great synth for people who don't have a lot of cash but want to learn how to use oscillators, filters, envelopes, etc. It probably isn't the best as far as sound quality, but it's very giggable, and it's a lot of fun to play with. I've had mine over a year and haven't had any problems, so it seems durable. It's been an invaluable learning tool because it has so many controls that are very intuitive and right at my fingertips.

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The best of both worlds - analog and digital

Posted by Boris Ivanov from Montclair, NJ on Jul 14, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Jazz, Funk, Experimental

This little keyboard has WORLDS of sounds in it. The presets are great, and the best thing is that they can be tweaked in any way imaginable and you have the option to save or not save. I play experimental jazz and funk, built on improve, and I find that I can improvise with the knobs and settings live and it sounds amazing. The sound is very warm and alive, and your ears refuse to believe it is not digital. In essence you get the best of both worlds - analog sound with digital user interface. I am fairly new to synthesis, and this keyboard seemed very confusing at first, but I was really surprised with the learning curve. Everything is very logical here and easy to understand. In short, if you can't afford a moog or an andromeda, and you want that warm analog sound and versatility, go with this one. Looks really cool too, lights lights lights!

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Disappointed

Posted by Caribou Rocker from Louisville, KY on Jul 1, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock

I have owned the Ion for 6 months. It sounds great for my use but I have returned it for replacement of the main output transistors and it has gone out again. Product support has not responded like they should have in my opinion.

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Nostalgia Returns

Posted by Anonymous Musician from Wilmington, DE on Jun 30, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: N/A

Reviewer's Play Style: Rock, Blues, Jazz

I bought this keyboard mainly for the nostalgic value it gave me. My influences are ELP, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Cars, and even Edgar Winter Group. I have written songs that I wanted to emulate the sounds these bands made and got it right on with this board. If you want to bring back these sounds and more this is the board that does it with ease. (No adjustments and experimentation necessary) I'm thrilled with it.

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Ion... not what I hoped for.

Posted by Red Sea Radio from Harrisburg, PA on Jun 28, 2006

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician, Producer

Reviewer's Play Style: Electronic Alternative

First, let me say, the sounds are GREAT. But MIDI implementation is poor. I've had experiences with sudden parameter changes, lock-ups, and software glitches. I use this mostly for studio, with Logic, so if the MIDI implementation is poor, it's of little use to me. The sounds are great, mind you. If you're intending to play live, go for it, it's great for that. But if you need a solid MIDI capable synth for your studio, don't bother. Carefully read reviews here and elsewhere to determine a keyboard's strength's and weaknesses. Some may say I just got in over my head. However, I strongly feel if ease of use is not a strong point, then a product will only cost time and energy that would otherwise be spent creatively. Even the most experienced synth user can agree that the reason for owning it isn't to delve deep into arcane aspects of an-overly complicated instrument, but to make music with the sounds you want to create. My advice, check out the competition.

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Alesis ION Analog Modeling DSP Synthesizer

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