Chapter 6: Programs; What Is A "Program; How The Micron Makes Sound; The Oscillators - Alesis Micron Reference Manual

Programs
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What is a "Program"?

A Micron program is a sound built from the Micron's internal
oscillators, filters, and envelope generators. The Micron's
programs cover the gamut of classic analog synthesis sounds. If
you've heard it before, you will probably find it amongst the
Micron's presets.

How the Micron Makes Sound

The Micron generates sound by emulating, or "modeling," the
behavior of an analog synthesizer. Oscillators generate the raw
sounds. The oscillators are then fed into the filters, which in turn
are fed into the amplifiers.
As the signal moves through that basic path, you are able to adjust
the mix of the signal at several points, apply various modulations
and envelopes, and add effects. 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. You may have heard that
what you perceive as "sound" is simply vibrating air molecules
hitting your eardrums. That vibration has to start somewhere, and
in the Ion, it comes from the oscillators. By varying the frequency of
the vibration, the oscillators can produce different pitches, which
are heard as musical notes. By adjusting the waveform type and shape,
the oscillators can produce various harmonics, which are heard as
different timbres. Each of the Micron's voices contains three
oscillators.
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