Thank you so much! :) I’m really hoping to get my website going before the end of summer, they will be available on there, just been facing some issues at home but I’m still on it ;)
Impressive patches! Also impressive that this little VA synth sounds better than many new and more expensive ones. Too bad the editing was a pain and the editors I had never worked ok. I kinda miss it sometimes
Thank you! It’s an extremely versatile machine once you get past the factory presets and start editing - it only takes a little getting used to the shortcuts! It’s a great synth and I agree - easily sounds better than some modern, more expensive ones
Niiiiice. Somebody is still giving the Micron some love and exposure. Great little synth. Sold my Micron to a kid who then fried it by plugging it into the wrong voltage, but I replaced the Micron with an Akai Miniak (definitely prefer the Miniak form factor), which I still have. Getting some decent software to program it helped massively. I spent a couple weeks last fall producing new patches, and I had a blast. GREAT sound engine, and I say it in almost every post. Alesis/Akai...wake TF up, build a 16-voice version of this (minimum) with an improved interface, and it would sell quite nicely, I'm sure. Look at what Korg just did with the KingKORG Neo, for almost $1000, and they didn't even increase the polyphony (it did already have 24 voices). And a really nice soundset presented here. Quite a few solidly organic sounding and usable patches. Danke for the post.
Thank you ever so much for such a nice comment, and yeah 💯 agree, the micron engine is something else.. so powerful and versatile - it’s literally one of my most favourite sound design tools, love it to bits… new video up aswell ;)
What makes the miniak easier and which software are you using to help program? Big fan of your RU-vid channel as well especially your dreadbox affiliations. I have a micron which I like and just recently got an iPad for some ios synths. I know there is a work around but seems like the miniak plays nicer with most of those iPad app programs?
@@andys6592 thank you for the nice comment :) I’ve never owned a miniak but from what I understand, internally they’re both the same. Exact same engine. They just look different. And instead of sliders you have mod wheels. I prefer the way the micron looks personally :) I don’t use VSTs but if I wanted to, I would probably buy a midi keyboard with lots of knobs, sliders, on and off switches, and assign those to parameters in the VST
@@andys6592 Hey Andy. Until I saw the "dreadbox affiliations" I wasn't sure who you were addressing. Thanks for the kind words. Will actually be starting back up the channel fairly soon. A busy couple years with work sort of forced the hiatus. Without software the Miniak isn't any easier to program than the Micron (both have the exact same interface and OS, but the buttons are moved around a bit), but I do enjoy playing the Miniak with the 3 wheels much more than the sliders on the Micron. Initially used some different software (not remembering the name, but I think it's free now...maybe on GitHub), but the editor I'm using now is from Hypersynth, the same folks who made the Xenophone hardware synth. The software isn't perfect, but it's SO much better than doing line-by-line edits from the synth itself. That and the software helps teach you the logical flow of the synth as well. Which, as I've read was intentional, is fairly similar to the Alesis Andromeda A6. And to "pTr_new," if you're creating these patches without an editor, then MASSIVE respect to you. As well as a talent for sound design, you would have a patience few could muster...I sure couldn't. Before I got the editor, I think I built maybe 2 patches from scratch, but mostly I just tweaked/altered existing patches.
@ptr_new that's impressive! You definitely put a ton of time into programming that synth. It's a beast of a synth but my time is limited with 3 kids and trucking but it makes me definitely want to hold onto it and keep working on it. I'm more of a pianist but trying to get more into programming synths and soundscapes.
I love this synth!!! Kinda wish they would make it again, so versatile with patch/pattern per key on the last os update… also your patches are some of the best I’ve heard!
Thank you for the kind comment :) I agree I wish Alesis came out with a new ION with all the features of the Micron - plus more features and improvements! I think it would be extremely popular if the price was kept reasonable
@@ptr_new Yeah, it even has the same number of modulation options. The only real difference apart from appearance (and maybe build quality?) is the gooseneck mic input on the top. But personally, I like the Micron better, especially in blue.
@@Overcrox yeah sound-wise they’re the exact same thing, not sure about the build quality, I think the micron is pretty solid - I’ve definitely seen way worse :)
That piano patch is truly incredible, wow. Also a big fan of Blade. That crispy screaming synth lead sound is one of my favorite things about this synth.
Thank you :) that piano is probably one of my greatest achievements along with the strings, acoustic guitar, choir, church organs and some awesome bells, but yeah those heavy synth sounds - the micron definitely shines at :) got some nasty filters in there haha
Thank you! I was very surprised how nice the strings came out, expecially when put next to that big brass sound! They would not sound the same on the Ion though without the reverb, which is an essential part of these sounds, but micron users will be able to try them out for themselves soon :) some very inspiring sounds!
Pretty unexpected sounds right? And there’s more in my latest video, some beautiful choir patches, enchanting bells, and some huge ambient pads! :) the micron is a crazy versatile synth… its one of my all-time favourites! :)
I bought a Micron in 2007, but sold it and got a Juno which was used in a rock band. The unit would be a lot of fun with your presets they’re spot on‼️
First new synth I drooled over in an actual shop, unfortunately as a student, my booze & drugs budget didn’t leave enough leftover 🤦🏻 Finally got one years later, love it. Far deeper than it looks same engine as the ion. Yes it hasn’t got all the hands on control but not as hard to work with as you’d think. Love the form factor, perfect size for a sat in bed jam. & you can really twist it up with the internal patch cords. Keep promising to treat it to a midi controller.
Honestly, it’s one of my absolute favourites - the amount of timbres you can get out of basic waveforms like Sine, Triangle and Square with the FM engine is unreal… I don’t think there’s another VA like it - I can’t praise it enough - it’s one of my primary sound design tools along with the Roland V-Synth V2 and the KORG Z1 EX :)
@@ptr_new nice 👍🏼 can even get decent percussion out it. Keep it quiet though so ebay prices stay down! 🤫 Always fancied the v synth thats a beast, im out of space though so i settled for the vp9000 - variphrase is awesome! Possibly at some point i may add the desktop/rack full v synth. Not in the near future though as im stilling paying off a prophet 12! Have you ever had much luck with the micron editor or hooking up a midi controller? Keep looking at the stereoping midi box for micron but costs more than the synth goes for, so its a tough call.
@@eyesintheskies oh yeah, if you check my previous video you’ll hear an entire arrangement where all sounds come straight from the micron, including the drums! :) tbh the prices are already going up haha, I think you can’t really get one for under £170 nowadays… they used to go a bit cheaper… I think people are realising how amazing the Micron is - but I still think it’s not as appreciated as it should be, considering that it sounds way better than most modern VAs that cost way more. It’s over 20 years old and still works great!!
@@ptr_new your right its a sleeper for sure, ridiculous ammount of modulation possibilities. 170 is about what i paid for mine , tempted to pickup a backup b4 they go up to much 🤔 because i really would miss it. I mean i have a couple top class synths which are great(no complaints!), but the micron fills a gap. Its quite often my goto when im a bit uncertain what i really want to do. Like the fact its virtual analogue but wasnt really trying to emulate anything . Tend to make some weird & wonderful patch then forget to save it 🤣. But always get something interesting out of it. Appreciate the vid u got some nice patches there 👌
@@eyesintheskies thank you! :) and for sure get a backup, I have two aswell just cause I love the sound and the sound-design capabilities so much… such a cool synth, they don’t make them like that anymore…
Thank you very much :) definitely go for it, they’re awesome synths!! Extremely capable, very versatile! They will be on my upcoming website indeed, I’ll be notifying subscribers as soon as we’re up and running, I’ve just not had the time to work on it for a few weeks unfortunately but I’m going to continue soon, not much to do now!
@@ptr_new thank you. I’m really looking forward to it. I have ordered a maniac and I can’t wait to load up. Some of the sounds. If there’s any way for me to show my appreciation, I certainly will. Keep me posted.
@@eurorail thank you so much that’s very kind of you to say, as soon as the website is up and running I’ll be letting the subscribers know - I’ve just run into some issues and dealing with some situations but should be out of them and back on it within the next few weeks :) I’ll keep you updated
@@the_musiccellar hiya, you will, it’s just the website making has come to a standstill due to personal issues but will be working on it again within the next few weeks and should be up and running mid summer, I’ll keep you updated :)
If you update the red one to the latest firmware then no difference, you get the same functionality, and yeah I’ll make some tutorials eventually, and these patches will be available on my upcoming website soon, I’ll be notifying subscribers as soon as :)
Thank you! All credit goes to the micron haha, it’s ridiculous how every time you think you’ve heard everything it can do, it does something new again :D it just never stops surprising me! I just use the front panel with the keys to do the editing, it’s pretty quick once you get used to it
I think folks would be grateful for a video announcement when the website goes live and purchase/download links are available. Really good stuff, very musical and useful. I’ve done some Micron programming, but I haven’t even tried to go out to the edges the way you have. That choir patch in particular is startlingly realistic coming from a VA synth.
@@KenHughes-c1d that sounds like a good idea! And thank you for the nice comment :) and yeah I’ve actually made some more choir patches since this video (presets that sound more like the Korg M1 choir, and the EMU Proteus choir, and some solo female vocals) I might make a video again soon :)
@@ptr_new im really impressed w the realism of these patches, far beyond any of the presets. id be very excited to utilize these next level patches with my band if thats cool with you. the band is "lespecial" if you care to check it out. please do let us know when you share them!
The orchestral presets won’t be, since the reverb is a huge part of the sound and without it they sound completely different unfortunately. The string sounds especially were built around the reverb
Any micron sound from you bring that (not just underrated but partly even ridiculed) synth on par with any gear ever created no matter what price tag or sound generation. That any data is even put in on the front panel is shocking. Worldwide there was only a single one before you but that one strictly programmed just realistic 🙄 (not any electronic) sound with an ion & other gear like moog modular, Andromeda, JP8/OB8 (the latter in concuntion with Polymoog's filter bank). That's already 16 years ago: I don't know if you remember Elhardt with his "Synthesized ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS - # 1 Stereo" video. That's in particular solely an ion & still visibile but his even more shocking "ion_Brass" unfortunately is deleted: Because disbelief he's got something like.a shitstorm. Anyway (not only) your same realistic string, choir & other sounds finally hold the flag high again like those obviously killer-synths so much deserve.
Wow thank you so much, that’s such a nice comment! I’ve actually just gone to check out that video - very cool sounds! Clearly the micron/ion/miniak are capable of way more than what most people use them for :)
@@ptr_newYes truly amazing. Elhardt even rivals samplers/romplers but on the other hand "only" making real instruments & none that even deviates a little from that is almost a little stubborn. To morph from acoustik to synthetik & back like f. e. the VP1 did & that on a true analogue basis, that were even more sensational. A question aopears to me. Do you use the same principle like Z1 to create the real strings with the micron? On Z1 I guess t's comb filtering.
@@Gerald_Daniel no I didn’t use the com filter for the legato string section patch, and yeah I love the challenge of getting unexpected sounds out of synths so that stuff is right up my alley :D
