ION Synthesizer Now ShippingAnalog modeling keyboard features 500 MIPS processing and 12-bit controllers
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July 20, 2003
The Alesis ION synthesizer is now shipping. Developed by the same team of engineers behind the Alesis Andromeda analog synthesizer, the Alesis ION is a high-resolution analog modeling synthesizer offering processing power and real-time control.
Built on a 500 MIPS processor (500 million instruction 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 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 a 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 NRPMS (Non-Registered Parameter Numbers). The result is increased 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 on the most recent controller in use. 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, stereo master multi-FX processor, and an internal universal power supply.
Developed by the same sound design team that 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.
For more information, visit their web site at www.alesis.com. | 
