Alesis Micron Reference Manual
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Alesis Micron Reference Manual

8-voice analog modeling synthesizer
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Summary of Contents for Alesis Micron

  • Page 1 Reference Manual...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Connecting AC Power ... 7 Making Audio Connections... 7 Connecting the Foot Pedals ... 7 Chapter 2: First Session ... 9 A Tour of the Micron ...9 The Micron’s Top Panel ...9 Volume... 9 Real-time controllers... 9 Performance buttons ... 10 Display ...
  • Page 4 Store your changes! ... 54 Exiting setup editing ... 54 Chapter 6: Programs ... 55 What is a “Program”? ...55 How the Micron Makes Sound ...55 The Oscillators ... 55 The Pre Filter Mix... 56 The Filters ... 56 The Post Filter Mix... 56 Output...
  • Page 5 Loading Programs, Rhythms, Patterns, and Setups via MIDI ... 108 What’s a bundle? ... 108 Compatibility with Alesis Ion programs... 108 Sharing programs between the Alesis Micron and the Alesis Ion ... 109 Updating Software Via MIDI ... 109 All Notes Off... 109...
  • Page 6 The [store] button is dimly lit. What does this mean? ... 117 How do I send the individual notes of a pattern or rhythm through MIDI? ... 117 A note is stuck on! How do I make my Micron turn it off?... 117 How do I use the vocoder? ... 117 Recovering from a Crash ...

  • Page 7: Introduction

    MIDI, try to check the site once in a while for updates and extra goodies. We hope and trust that you’ll find the Micron to be an inspiring instrument that you can turn to again and again for new ideas, new sounds, and new inspiration.

  • Page 8: Unpacking And Inspection

    ● This instruction manual ● A warranty card Please log on to the Alesis website at www.alesis.com to register your new Micron synthesizer. This will help us give you the best support we possibly can. How to Use This Manual We’re sure you’d like to jump in and start using your Micron...

  • Page 9: Connection Diagram

    Connection Diagram Connecting AC Power Before making any power connections, make sure the Micron’s power switch is turned off. Then plug the adapter into the Micron and into a wall outlet. Making Audio Connections • Stereo outputs. Connect two cables from the Micron’s left and right outputs to two inputs of an amp or mixer.
  • Page 10 Connections This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 11: Chapter 2: First Session

    The Micron’s Top Panel Volume The (volume) knob on the far left-hand side of the Micron raises and lowers the volume. If you don’t hear anything as you play the Micron, check the (volume) knob’s setting. Real-time controllers...

  • Page 12: Performance Buttons

    Pressing one of these buttons– [programs], [setups], [config], [patterns], or [rhythms] – puts you into one of the Micron’s primary modes of operation. Turning the control knob then cycles through options. Pushing the control knob allows you to edit these options.

  • Page 13: Navigating With The Transparent Control Knob And Its Buttons

    Use the transparent control knob to the right of the display and its surrounding circle of buttons to navigate through the Micron’s options. Most Micron functions involve pressing the buttons and then turning or pushing this knob.

  • Page 14: Play The Programs

    First Session Play the Programs The Micron’s basic sounds are called “Programs.” Try playing some of these programs now. Find the [programs] button on the right side of the top panel. Press it; then spin the control knob. Notice how the programs are organized by category–first basses, then leads, then pads, etc.

  • Page 15: Switch Octaves

    Switch Octaves While the Micron is a compact unit, all of its sounds span the full 128-note MIDI range. Use the [octave] buttons to the left of the display to transpose the keyboard up and down to cover that range.

  • Page 16: Explore The Built-In Patterns

    First Session Explore the Built-in Patterns The Micron features a powerful pattern sequencer with lots of editing capabilities. We’ll discuss the editing features later. For now, let’s get our feet wet playing some patterns. Press the [patterns] button to the left of the display.

  • Page 17: Explore The Rhythms

    First Session Explore the Rhythms Rhythms combine drum/percussion programs with specifically designed rhythm patterns. Press [rhythms]. Turn the control knob to cycle through different rhythms. ● To play a rhythm Press and hold any key from the bottom of the keyboard up to the middle G#.

  • Page 18: Explore The Setups

    These presets will give you a good sense for some of the different possibilities you can create on your own. The Micron was designed to make it easy to compose and modify your own Setups. Try creating your own setup. Follow these steps: Go into Programs and find a bass sound you like.

  • Page 19: Record Some Phrases

    Record Some Phrases You don’t have to be in Patterns mode to create a pattern. At any time, the Micron can capture your playing and use it as a pattern. The patterns that you capture in real time are called “phrases.”...

  • Page 20: Connect External Instruments

    MIDI, and other more advanced features. But if you want to throw this manual on the fire now and simply enjoy playing your Micron, no one will blame you. You’ve got the basics well at hand. See page 65 to learn about the Micron’s filter...

  • Page 21: Chapter 3: Patterns

    Patterns Playing Patterns Patterns are repeated melodic figures that you trigger from the keyboard. Press [patterns] near the control knob. To cycle through different patterns, turn the control knob. The pattern will change, with the current pattern name shown in the display. Press a key to play a pattern.

  • Page 22: Pattern Types: Arpeggios And Sequences

    A sequence, on the other hand, already has a melody line built in. So, all you have to do is hold down a single key, and the Micron will play back that melody relative to that key. Pressing another key will transpose the sequence.

  • Page 23: Editing Patterns

    [store] to save your changes. Patterns Store your pattern The [store] button will light once you have edited a pattern. Press [store] after you’re satisfied with your edits. Otherwise, your changes will be lost when you turn off your Micron.

  • Page 24: Send To Setup

    . The setup’s existing part is split in two at a particular key. As with the split low option, the Micron prompts for a note on the keyboard at which to execute the split. The pattern is then sent to the upper part of the split.

  • Page 25: Start New Setup

    So, if you record a four-bar pattern and change its length later to ¼ bar, the Micron will only play a fraction of your pattern, but it will remember the whole thing. If you want to change the length...

  • Page 26: Grid

    Four Beats per Bar All Micron patterns have four beats per bar. You can still create odd- meter rhythms. It just takes a...

  • Page 27: Real-Time Recording

    [patterns] button and hit the highest note on the keyboard. This is a shortcut to the “Clear pattern?” option. See page 27. The Micron records not only the keys you play, but all movements of the sliders and pitch wheel. These controller movements don’t even need to be recorded at the same time as the keys.

  • Page 28: Step Editing

    If the pattern type is set to “arpeggio,” the pitch will not actually be used when the pattern is played back, since the Micron will play the pattern over whatever notes you hold down. But if you later set the type to “sequence,” your recorded pitches will reappear.

  • Page 29: Clear Controllers

    d. Editing velocity Place the cursor under the note that you want to edit and press the control knob. Turn the control knob to increase or decrease the velocity. You can remove the note by turning the velocity down to zero.

  • Page 30: Pattern Name

    15. Send MIDI sysex? Choose this option to send the pattern to a computer or other MIDI storage device using the Micron’s (MIDI OUT) port. This allows you to back up your patterns to your computer, or share them with your friends or over the internet. See page 107 for details on what Sysex is and how to use it.

  • Page 31: Store A Copy

    18. Store a copy? Unlike many synths, the Micron does not have fixed “banks” of programs, patterns, and so on, each with a predetermined number of storage locations. Instead, you may freely create and delete patterns at any time, just as you would on a computer.
  • Page 32 Patterns This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 33: Chapter 4: Rhythms

    Rhythms Playing Rhythms Press the [rhythms] button next to the control knob. Press and hold any key on the left side of the keyboard to play a rhythm. Play the keys on the right side of the keyboard to play individual drum sounds.

  • Page 34: Editing Rhythms

    When you’re satisfied with your work, press [store] to save your changes. Store your rhythm The [store] button will light once you have edited a rhythm. Press [store] after you’re satisfied with your edits. Otherwise, your changes will be lost when you turn off your Micron.

  • Page 35: Send To Setup

    . The setup’s existing beat is split in two at a particular key. As with the split low option, the Micron prompts for a note on the keyboard at which to execute the split. The rhythm is then sent to the upper beat of the split.

  • Page 36: Start New Setup

    So, if you record a four-bar rhythm and change its length later to ¼ bar, the Micron will only play a fraction of your rhythm, but it will remember the whole thing. If you want to change the length...

  • Page 37: Record Rhythm (Real-Time)

    However, you frequently will want to wipe out the notes for just a single drum, leaving the other drums intact. Holding down a black key will make the Micron wipe the notes of the last drum played (the drum shown on the display).

  • Page 38: Drum A Through Drum H

    Rhythms 7. Drum A through Drum H Turn the control knob clockwise to access the Drum A settings. Each drum holds lots of options: ● Change the drum program. ● Edit the level. ● Edit the pan position. ● Edit the drum’s pattern, including the placement and velocity of each note.
  • Page 39 After pressing the key, the cursor will automatically advance one step. Rhythms Time display The Micron displays time as “bar:beat:tick”. There are four beats in a bar, and 120 ticks in a beat. Three-step beats land on 0, 40, and 80.

  • Page 40: Add

    Rhythms b. Removing notes To remove a note, press any black key on the right side of the keyboard. The step will be erased, and the cursor will advance one step. The note is only removed from the drum that is displayed on the screen; all other drums are not affected.

  • Page 41: Clear Rhythm

    11. Send MIDI sysex? Choose this option to send the rhythm to a computer or other MIDI storage device using the Micron’s (MIDI OUT) port. This allows you to back up your rhythms to your computer, or share them with your friends or over the internet. See page 107 for details on what Sysex is and how to use it.

  • Page 42: Delete Rhythm

    14. Store a copy? Unlike many synths, the Micron does not have fixed “banks” of programs, patterns, and so on, each with a predetermined number of storage locations. Instead, you may freely create and delete rhythms at any time, just as you would on a computer.

  • Page 43: Chapter 5: Setups

    [programs], [patterns], or [rhythms], the setups that reference them will reflect those changes. Polyphony considerations The Micron allows you to stack together more sound sources than its engine can play. If you find this happening, consider restricting the key ranges of...
  • Page 44 Setups Setup options (1 of 2): Take a moment to cycle through these options. Press [setups] and turn the control knob to select a setup to edit. Then press the control knob to enter edit mode. Turn the control knob clockwise to cycle through the various parts.
  • Page 45 Setups Setup options (2 of 2): Turn the control knob further to cycle through all of the beats. Beats are labeled “Beat A,” “Beat B,” “Beat C,” etc.–just like parts. After the last beat, you can add a new beat. Keep turning the control knob clockwise to cycle through screens dedicated to the effects.

  • Page 46: Parts

    Program You can make the program dependent on this part’s pattern, shown on the Micron as (pattern’s pgm). If you do so, the setup will change programs automatically as the pattern is changed. Alternately, you can specify that the part use a particular program.
  • Page 47 Remember that you can set these keys across the entire MIDI note number range, not just the Micron’s 37 notes. Remember that you can always use the [octave] buttons to adjust the note range of the Micron’s keyboard.
  • Page 48 Latching is especially useful when you have more parts than you have hands, or if your parts don’t all fit within the Micron’s three- octave key range. If your bassline and pad parts are latched, you can simply let them play on their own while you use both hands to play the lead, and then return to them when it’s time for a chord...
  • Page 49 The two parts will otherwise be identical. If you choose to split a part, the Micron will prompt you to select the key on the keyboard where the split should occur. To select the split point, turn the control knob or play a key.

  • Page 50: Use As

    Setups 2. Use as Suppose you come across a rhythm that would fit perfectly in your setup, but the snare drum doesn’t sound right. You could edit the rhythm, but that would affect all other setups using that rhythm. Instead, what you’d like to do is just swap out that particular drum within this particular setup.

  • Page 51: Beats

    4. Beats Once you are past the part screens, you reach the beat screens. a. Rhythm Choose the rhythm to use for this beat. All of the information for the rhythm–the sounds, panning, relative levels of the different sounds, and so forth–will be included. Another way of setting the beat’s rhythm is to bring it over from Rhythms mode.
  • Page 52 Latching is especially useful when you have more parts than you have hands, or if your parts don’t all fit within the Micron’s three- octave key range. If your bassline and pad parts are latched, you can simply let them play on their own while you use both hands to play the lead, and then return to them when it’s time for a chord...

  • Page 53: Add

    The two beats will otherwise be identical. If you choose to split a beat, the Micron will prompt you to select the key on the keyboard where the split should occur. To select the split point, turn the control knob or play a key.

  • Page 54: Fx Balance, Fx Type 1, Fx Type 2

    Setups 6. FX Balance, FX Type 1, FX Type 2 Choose an effect to apply to the setup, or turn the control knob all the way to the left (or double-click the control knob) to bypass the effects. If you do choose an effect, the editable parameters associated with that effect will be shown in subsequent screens.

  • Page 55: Send Midi Sysex

    You can even play other setups without losing your edits. Just hit the [setups] button and turn the control knob. You can always come back to your edited setup, just as you left it. The Micron doesn’t discard your edits until you start editing a different setup.

  • Page 56: Store Your Changes

    Setups Store your changes! Be sure to press the [store] button after you’re satisfied with your changes. Otherwise, your changes will be lost when the Micron is powered down. Exiting setup editing You can exit setup editing at any time. Simply press any of the other buttons encircling the control knob, including the [setups] button a second time.

  • Page 57: Chapter 6: Programs

    In this way, the Micron can generate a virtually limitless variety of sounds. Let’s take a quick look at the Micron’s signal path, from start to finish. The Oscillators The oscillators are where sound is born.

  • Page 58: The Pre Filter Mix

    Each of the Micron’s voices contains two filters, and each filter can be one of eighteen different types, each with its own character and sonic flavor.

  • Page 59: Output

    The sound is getting near the end of its journey, but still has one more processing stage to go through. In the output stage, the Micron allows you to apply a drive effect, to give the sound a final push and add some compression, distortion, or other amplification effect.

  • Page 60: Modulation

    Fortunately, the Micron is willing to lend you a helping hand—twelve of them, in fact.

  • Page 61: The Envelopes

    This is the amp envelope. However, envelopes are useful in all sorts of mod routes, which is why you can hook up any of the Micron’s envelopes to any modulatable program parameter.

  • Page 62: Editing Programs

    Programs Editing Programs 1. Revert-to-Stored? / Unrevert-to-Edited? If you have edited a program, you may revert back to the original version. Once you are on this page, press the control knob to revert. Go back to your edited state by pressing the control knob a second time to unrevert.
  • Page 63 . The setup’s existing part is split in two at a particular key. As with the split low option, the Micron prompts for a note on the keyboard at which to execute the split. The program is then sent to the upper part of the split. Every note above the one you select will use this new program, up to that part’s high key setting.

  • Page 64: Start New Setup

    One note at a time. polyphonic Up to eight notes at a time. Unison one voice/note The Micron’s voices are distributed evenly amongst up to eight simultaneously held keys. two voices/note Each key triggers two voices, thereby halving the available polyphony down to four.
  • Page 65 Programs Portamento Set the amount of “glide” between notes: No portamento. legato only Portamento will occur only if you play a second key before lifting up the first key. always Portamento will occur even if there is no overlap between the lifting of one key and the playing of another.
  • Page 66 AnlgDrft Set the amount of simulated analog drift, up to 100%. Analog synthesizers have circuits that drift out of tune over time. Adding a touch of drift can increase the realism of the Micron’s analog emulation. Osc Sync Set how the oscillators synchronize to one another.
  • Page 67 Programs FM Type A. Linear FM types lin 2 > 1 Oscillator 2 is added to the phase of oscillator 1. Linear FM is the style used by typical FM music synthesizers. Modulating a sine wave with another, higher-frequency sine wave produces a fundamental frequency with a variety of overtones, and this can be used to reproduce the sounds of many physical musical instruments.

  • Page 68: Oscillator Parameters

    Programs 6. Oscillator parameters These parameters are repeated for each of the Micron’s three oscillators. Waveform sine Smooth and pure sound. tri/saw A triangle wave, a sawtooth wave, or anything in between. A triangle wave has a fuller sound than a sine wave, whereas a sawtooth wave has a harsh sonic character.

  • Page 69: Pre-Filter Mix Parameters

    Transpose Transposes the pitch up or down over a +/- seven-semitone range. Pitch Transposes the pitch over a +/- 99.9-cent range. PWhlRange Sets the range of the pitch wheel, from 0 semitones (off) to +/- 12 semitones (one full octave). 7.

  • Page 70: Filter Parameters

    Compare its sound to the mg or rp filters. lowpass al_8pole Unique to the Micron. 8 poles give this filter an extremely steep cutoff. bandpass ob_2pol Modeled on the bandpass output of the ob multi-mode filter.
  • Page 71 Unique to the Micron. The comb filter creates multiple resonant peaks and notches that are not harmonically related. phase warp Unique to the Micron. This is based on an analog phaser effect. Eight allpass filters in series create four harmonically related notches in the frequency response.

  • Page 72: Post-Filter Mix Parameters

    Programs Keytrk (Key tracking) Set whether the filter frequency rises and falls to match the keys you play or stays constant regardless of the keys you play. A setting of 0 means the filter frequency will remain constant across the keyboard. If the key track parameter is set to +100, the filter tracks the keyboard perfectly, and with enough resonance, can be played as if it were an oscillator.

  • Page 73: Output

    To jump to the output category, hold down the [programs] button and press the key labeled “output.” Two Effects modules The Micron contains two independent effects modules. You can choose one effect from each module. FX1 contains pitch-based effects–chorus, flangers, phasers, and a 40-band vocoder.

  • Page 74: Fx1 Effects

    This selects between the two LFO shapes. Range: LFO Tempo Sync This selects whether the LFO rate is synchronized to the Micron’s tempo. When “follow tempo” is selected, the LFO Rate parameter is displayed as a multiple of the Tempo. Range: 0 - 100% 0 –...
  • Page 75 This selects between the two LFO shapes. Range: LFO Tempo Sync This selects whether the LFO rate is synchronized to the Micron’s tempo. When “follow tempo” is selected, the LFO Rate parameter is displayed as a multiple of the Tempo. Range: –100% to 0 to +100%...
  • Page 76 This selects between the two LFO shapes. Range: Tempo Sync This selects whether the LFO rate is synchronized to the Micron’s tempo. When “follow tempo” is selected, the LFO Rate parameter is displayed as a multiple of the Tempo. Range: –100% to 0 to +100%...
  • Page 77 Range: G. Tempo Sync This selects whether the LFO rate is synchronized to the Micron’s tempo. When “follow tempo” is selected, the LFO Rate parameter is displayed as a multiple of the Tempo. Range: –100% to 0 to +100% 0 –...
  • Page 78 This selects between the two LFO shapes. Range: Tempo Sync This selects whether the LFO rate is synchronized to the Micron’s tempo. When “follow tempo” is selected, the LFO Rate parameter is displayed as a multiple of the Tempo. Range: 0 - 100% 0 –...
  • Page 79 40-band vocoder A vocoder uses two sets of band-pass filters (filter banks) to impart the characteristics of one sound source onto another. The analysis filter bank determines the level of the input at several different frequencies. These levels are used to modulate the output levels of the corresponding frequencies of the synthesis filter bank.
  • Page 80 Programs Analysis Signal In This selects which signal is sent to the analysis filter bank. Range: Audio In Stereo G. Analysis Mix This adjusts how much of the analysis signal is mixed into the output. Range: Effects Send, Audio In Right, 0 - 100%...

  • Page 81: Fx2 Effects

    Delay takes the original signal, waits a specified period of time, and then plays it back, over and over. Mono delay sums the Micron’s input to mono before applying the delay effect. The result is a less complex but more “focused”...
  • Page 82 Range: D. Sync The delay can either follow the Micron’s tempo or can occur according to a fixed number of milliseconds. When “follow tempo” is selected, the Delay Time parameter is displayed as a multiple of the Tempo.
  • Page 83 Split Left/Right Delay This stereo delay allows you to set the left and right delay times independently. Unlike the other delays, it does not allow for tempo synchronization. Left Delay Time This is the amount of time that the left-channel delay waits before regenerating the sound.
  • Page 84 Programs Hall Reverb Reverberation simulates acoustic spaces, providing a dense set of echoes similar to those generated by a room’s walls, floor, and ceiling. Hall reverb simulates the reverb of a concert hall (which you can think of as an extremely large room). Diffusion The higher the diffusion, the more “washy”...
  • Page 85 Plate Reverb This reverb algorithm mimics the behavior of plate reverb units. A plate reverb is a large (roughly 3 foot x 6 foot) and thin (roughly 1/64 inch) steel sheet, with a driver attached at its center to vibrate it and contact microphones attached further away to pick up the resulting vibration.

  • Page 86: Envelopes

    The Micron allows you to model this behavior by specifying a sustain time. This is the amount of time it takes for the envelope level to drop from the sustain level to zero.
  • Page 87 Programs Velocity (Keyboard Velocity Tracking) This parameter determines the extent to which the note velocity, or how hard you hit the key, affects the envelope. When set to 0%, the envelope always comes out full-strength, regardless of how lightly you hit the key. When set to 100%, the amplitude of the envelope directly matches the velocity, and very light keystrokes will result in very weak envelopes.
  • Page 88 Freerun setting. Sus Pedal (Sustain Pedal) The Micron treats the sustain pedal as if you are holding notes down on the keyboard, keeping notes within the sustain section of the envelope as long as the sustain pedal is held down.

  • Page 89: Low Frequency Oscillator (Lfo) Settings

    “unipolar” (rising and falling in the >= 0 range) or “bipolar” (rising and falling through both positive and negative values). The Micron’s LFOs are bipolar. You can make them act like unipolar designs by programming a counteracting positive offset in the modulation matrix.
  • Page 90 Programs Reset mono The LFO is shared between the voices of a program. It may be at any point in its cycle when the first key is pressed. New voices will “ride” that LFO, joining other voices at the exact same point in the LFO’s cycle.

  • Page 91: Sample-And-Hold (S&H) Settings

    13. Sample-and-Hold (S&H) settings The first three settings–TempoSync, Rate, and Reset–operate identically to the LFO settings listed above. Here are the additional S&H settings: Input The Input to the Sample & Hold determines the source of the S&H values. If the source is continuously active, like an LFO, there will be an endless supply of new values for the Sample &...

  • Page 92: Track (Tracking Generator)

    Programs 14. Track (Tracking Generator) The tracking generator lets you create your own curves for the modulation sources. This allows for non-linear effects. For instance, as a source increases in amplitude, the destination can be affected first negatively, then positively, and then negatively again. The inputs for the tracking generator–like those for the S&H generator–are the same as the Modulation Matrix’s modulation sources (discussed later).

  • Page 93: Mod (Modulation Routing)

    After the last modulation route, you can add a new route, up to the maximum twelve routes. To remove a mod route, double-click on “Dest.” The Micron will ask, “Remove mod?” Push the control knob to confirm. Programs Quick access to editing...
  • Page 94 Programs Mod sources Here are the inputs to the modulation matrix: Source (none) Aftertch Env 1 Env 2 Env 3 ExpPedal Keytrack KeytrackXt LFO1 Saw LFO1CSaw LFO1 Sin LFO1CSin LFO1 Sqr LFO1CSqr LFO1 Tri LFO1CTri LFO2 Saw LFO2CSaw LFO2 Sin LFO2CSin LFO2 Sqr LFO2CSqr...
  • Page 95 Mod destinations Here are the possible destinations for the modulation matrix: Destination Pitch PtchNar FM Amnt Osc1Pit Osc1Nar Osc1Shp Osc2Pit Osc2Nar Osc2Shp Osc3Pit Osc3Nar Osc3Shp Osc1Lvl Osc2Lvl Osc3Lvl RingLvl NoisLvl ExInLvl Osc1Bal Osc2Bal Osc3Bal RingBal NoisBal ExInBal F1F2Lvl PortaTm UnsnDtn Flt1Frq Flt1Res Flt1Env...
  • Page 96 Programs Flt1Pan Flt2Pan PfltPan DrivLvl PgmLvl FxMix Fx1 A Fx1 B Fx1 C Fx1 D Env1Amp Env1Rat Env1Atk Env1Dcy Env1STm Env1SLv Env1Rel Env2Amp Env2Rat Env2Atk Env2Dcy Env2STm Env2SLv Env2Rel Env3Amp Env3Rat Env3Atk Env3Dcy Env3STm Env3SLv Env3Rel LFO1Rat LFO1Amp LFO2Rat Program output level Effects amount See equivalent Effect parameters Scales the amplitude of the envelope’s output - thus affecting the amount...

  • Page 97: Category

    S/H Rat S/H Sm S/H Amp 16. Category Place the program in one of the Micron’s pre-defined categories. 17. Program name Since programs are listed alphabetically, creative naming can help you move smoothly from one program to another. Turn the control knob to select a position (1 – 14) to edit. Then press the control knob to edit that position.

  • Page 98: Send Midi Sysex

    Sysex is and how to use it. 20. Store a copy? Unlike many synths, the Micron does not have fixed “banks” of programs, patterns, and so on, each with a predetermined number of storage locations. Instead, you may freely create and delete programs at any time, just as you would on a computer.

  • Page 99: Store Your Changes

    Store your changes! Be sure to press the [store] button after you’re satisfied with your changes. Otherwise, your changes will be lost when the Micron is turned off. However, keep in mind that you don’t lose any changes when you switch to other modes, so feel free to browse through patterns or setups without storing your program.
  • Page 100 Programs This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 101: Chapter 7: Configuration

    1. Contrast Adjust the LCD screen’s contrast. If you happen to turn on your Micron and the screen is blank, it’s possible that your contrast setting was somehow turned down. Since contrast is the first of the config options, you should be able to get to it even when navigating blindly.

  • Page 102: Velocity Curve

    Turn the control knob clockwise once to edit the keyboard’s local control setting. Options are “on,” “off,” or “off + send ptns.” By default, local control is set to “on.” Set to “on,” the Micron functions normally–the keyboard, pitch wheel, sliders, footswitches, and pedal all play the Micron.
  • Page 103 If you employ a MIDI patch bay to route controllers and sound sources, you will probably want to set local control to off. The Micron also has a special “off + send ptns” mode which actually sends out complete pattern data (all notes, velocities, control change information) rather than one simple command to start and stop a stored pattern within the Micron.

  • Page 104: Midi Channel

    Your options will differ depending upon the setting chosen earlier in MIDI mode: ● If the Micron is set to “single-channel” mode, you will be able to select the MIDI channel. ● If the Micron is set to “multi-channel” mode, you will be able to select the MIDI channel for the first part.

  • Page 105: Midi Sync

    Micron’s tempo normally, using the [tap] button and the control knob. When MIDI sync is set to “ext MIDI sync,” the Micron accepts incoming tempo information from external MIDI devices such as sequencers. When it receives such information, the tempo from the external device controls the tempo setting in the Micron.
  • Page 106 Config This page intentionally left blank.

  • Page 107: Chapter 8: Midi

    What is MIDI? MIDI is the communication standard for electronic musical instruments. You can use MIDI to: ● Record what you play on your Micron synthesizer into a sequencer or computer. ● Play back sequences from a sequencer or computer on your Micron.

  • Page 108: Sound Module

    MIDI Controller. With this setup, you can use your Micron to “play” another MIDI instrument (synthesizer, sound module, drum machine etc.). Connect a MIDI cable from the Micron’s (MIDI OUT) jack to the MIDI IN of the device you want to control.

  • Page 109: Saving Programs, Setups, Rhythms, And Patterns Via Midi System Exclusive

    MIDI Sequencing. This setup allows you to use your Micron with a MIDI sequencer or a computer with a MIDI interface. Attach one MIDI cable from the MIDI OUT of the sequencer or computer to the (MIDI IN) jack of the Micron. Attach another cable from the Micron’s (MIDI OUT) jack to the MIDI IN of the sequencer or computer.

  • Page 110: Loading Programs, Rhythms, Patterns, And Setups Via Midi

    For example, a setup can depend on patterns and rhythms that are stored on your Micron. If you send a setup to a friend and his Micron doesn’t have the patterns and rhythms that your setup uses, the setup might not sound the same.

  • Page 111: Sharing Programs Between The Alesis Micron And The Alesis Ion

    Sharing programs between the Alesis Micron and the Alesis Ion Sending programs from the Micron to the Ion Connect the Micron’s (MIDI OUT) port to the Ion‘s MIDI IN port. Send programs using the Send SysEx screen from within the Micron’s [programs] mode.
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  • Page 113: Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions

    Frequently Asked Questions There are category labels (“bass”, “lead”, “pad”) above the keys. How do I use them? Hold down [programs] and press a key. Turn the control knob to hear other programs in the category. There are program parameter labels (“voice”, “osc”, “filter”) above the keys.

  • Page 114: How Do I Record A New Pattern

    Frequently Asked Questions How do I record a new pattern? 1. Press [patterns], and scroll all the way to the left, to “* Empty Pattern”. 2. Push the control knob, scroll all the way to the right, and choose “Store a copy?” 3.

  • Page 115: How Do I Split And Layer The Keyboard

    How do I split and layer the keyboard? You need to create a setup. Micron was designed to make splitting and layering as easy as possible. Follow this procedure: 1. Press [programs], and find a program that you like. 2. Push the control knob, turn to “Start new setup?” and push again.

  • Page 116: How Can I Quickly See Which Programs Are In Which Setup Parts

    Frequently Asked Questions How can I quickly see which programs are in which setup Parts? Hold down [setups] and press keys, starting with the A above middle C (labeled “voice”). Pressing the A key will show you Part A, the B key will show Part B, and so on. To browse through Beats, go an octave higher.

  • Page 117: How Do I Set Which Midi Channels My Micron Is Using

    Next, enter the bank and patch numbers into your sequencer. If this doesn’t seem to work, you may need to check your sequencer’s “bank select method”. Micron uses the standard MIDI bank select protocol, wherein the bank number is equal to cc 32, plus 128 times cc 0.

  • Page 118: How Do I Set The Tempo

    ● Hold down the [tap] button and turn the control knob to set the tempo precisely. ● Connect your PC to your Micron via MIDI, and tell your PC’s sequencer to send MIDI clock or MIDI timing messages. You can then set the tempo in your sequencer, and Micron will follow it.

  • Page 119: The [Store] Button Is Dimly Lit. What Does This Mean

    The dimly-lit button is a reminder to check the other modes before turning your Micron off for the night. How do I send the individual notes of a pattern or rhythm through MIDI? Press [config], scroll to the “Kbd: Local control”...

  • Page 120: Frequently Asked Questions

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  • Page 121: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting If you experience problems while operating your Micron, please use the following table to check for possible causes and solutions before contacting Alesis customer service for assistance. Symptoms The display does not light up when the ON/OFF switch is turned on.

  • Page 122: Recovering From A Crash

    To return to normal operation, turn the Micron off and on again. Restoring the Factory Defaults You can restore the Micron to its factory default state at any time. Turn the Micron off. Then, hold down the [programs], [setups], and [octave down] buttons and turn the Micron back on again.
  • Page 123 Index Add drum to rhythm ... 42 Add notes ... 41 All Notes Off command...117 Analog Drift (AnlgDrft) ... 70 Andromeda ... 5 Arpeggios ... 24 Beats (setups)... 53 Beats, add (setups) ... 55 Bundle, sysex ...116 Chorus ... 79 cleaning ...127 Clear pattern (rhythms) ...
  • Page 124 Frequency Modulation ... 71 FX1 Effects... 79 FX2 Effects... 86 Global transposition ...107 Global tuning...107 How the Micron makes sound ... 59 Ion ...5, 116, 117 Compatibility with ...116 Key track, filter... 76 keyboard splits... 51 Keyboard Velocity Curve ...108 Knobs (setups) ...
  • Page 125 Parts (setups)... 48 Patterns...16, 23 add part... 27 Clear ... 31 Controllers, Clear ... 31 Delete... 32, 44, 57 Grid ... 28 layer ... 26 Length... 27 Name...32, 56 Program ... 27 Real-time recording ... 29 Revert-to-Stored / Unrevert-to-Edited... 25 Send MIDI SysEx ...
  • Page 126 Index Reverb, Hall ... 89 Reverb, Plate... 90 Reverb, Room... 90 revert ...126 Rhythms...17, 35 Add notes ... 41 add part... 38 Drums A-H... 40 Edit Pattern... 41 Grid ... 38 layer ... 37 Length... 38 Note velocity, changing... 42 Record (real-time) ...
  • Page 127 Index Vocoder ... 84 Voice parameters... 68 Waveform... 72 Write Protection... 111, 127 X/Y/Z knobs...11, 14...
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  • Page 129: Specifications

    Specifications Sound Engine Sound Generation: Alesis proprietary DSP Analog Modeling Polyphonic Voices: 8, each with 3 oscillators, 2 multi-mode filters, 3 envelope generators, 2 LFOs, programmable effects send and modulation matrix. Effects: Drive Effects plus two effects modules Audio Input...
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  • Page 131: Warranty/Contact Alesis

    In all cases disputes concerning this warranty shall be resolved as prescribed by law. To obtain warranty service, the purchaser must first call or write ALESIS at the address and telephone number printed below to obtain a Return Authorization Number and instructions concerning where to return the unit for service.

  • Page 132: Alesis Contact Information

    Warranty/Contact Alesis made only by a duly authorized Alesis service representative in the country of sale. For warranty information in all other countries please refer to your local distributor. Alesis Contact Information Alesis Distribution, LLC Los Angeles, USA E-mail: support@alesis.com Website: http://www.alesis.com...

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