The Alesis ION is a 49-Key Analog Modeling synthesizer with 8 Voices of polyphony and 30 real-time parameter control knobs. Each voice is backed by 3 independent Oscillators, 3 Envelope Generators, 2 Filters and 2 LFO's, all of which provide substantial sonic girth and texture. All wave shapes are continuously variable, and an FM Synthesis Mode menu is included as an alternative color in the Oscillator parameter group.
There are 512 completely programmable preset programs available with the ION, which include both uncanny emulations of the much-loved synths of yore, and a variety of more current-sounding pads, ambiences and soloistic patches ranging from the radio-friendly to the truly bizarre.
There is a separate multi-effects group for insertion on each of the ION's 4 multi-timbral parts, in addition to a stereo Master Effects group. An Arpeggiator is a trendy inclusion, accompanied by 32 preset patterns that basically explore the available timing, tuning, and note-order options buried within it. The presets may be heavily modified, but not over-written. The Arpeggiator accepts MIDI Clock sync, and transmits over MIDI as well to other keyboards or computer-based sequencers.
The 4 outputs, designated as Main and Auxiliary pairs, are assigned to balanced 1/4" jacks. The sheer quantity of real-time parameter control knobs and wheels allows for some seriously exotic performance possibilities, both on stage and in the studio, and the high-resolution, 360° knob potentiometers are very precise and sequencer-friendly.
Make no mistake, the ION is a synthesizer with lots of expressive nuance, depth, and precision in programming, serving healthy portions of analog fat; it's not a preset playback instrument with a spreadsheet's worth of polyphony and drum kits forever, and it wasn't built to be one. If you already have a few of those in the rack, and you'd like to affordably access the synth side of sound creation, try an ION. It sounds expensive.