Alesis MICRON User Manual
micron
Reference Manual
Table Of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................ 5
Welcome! ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Unpacking and Inspection................................................................................................6
How to Use This Manual.................................................................................................... 6
Connection Diagram ................................................................................................................................................... 7
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 ...........................................................................................................................................................................10
Control knob circle ...................................................................................................................................................... 10
Key concepts.........................................................................................................................10
Programs........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Rhythms......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Patterns .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Setups ............................................................................................................................................................................. 10
Navigating with the transparent control knob and its buttons ............................................................................ 11
Play the Programs ..............................................................................................................12
Navigate through the programs................................................................................................................................. 12
Switch Octaves ....................................................................................................................13
Explore the Built-in Patterns...........................................................................................14
Explore the Rhythms..........................................................................................................15
Explore the Setups..............................................................................................................16
Record Some Phrases.........................................................................................................17
Connect External Instruments ........................................................................................18
Whew! .....................................................................................................................................18
1
Chapter 3: Patterns................................................................................ 19
Playing Patterns..................................................................................................................19
Using [latch] .................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Using [tap] ..................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Pattern Types: Arpeggios and Sequences ....................................................................20
Editing Patterns ..................................................................................................................21
1. Revert-to-stored? / Unrevert-to-edited?............................................................................................................. 21
2. Send to setup?........................................................................................................................................................... 22
3. Start new setup? ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
4. Pattern program ....................................................................................................................................................... 23
5. Length....................................................................................................................................................................... 23
6. Grid........................................................................................................................................................................... 24
7. Type ..........................................................................................................................................................................24
8. Span (arpeggios only) ............................................................................................................................................. 24
9. Order (arpeggios only) ........................................................................................................................................... 24
10. Real-time recording .............................................................................................................................................. 25
11. Step editing ............................................................................................................................................................ 26
12. Clear controllers? .................................................................................................................................................. 27
13. Clear pattern? ........................................................................................................................................................27
14. Pattern name ......................................................................................................................................................... 28
Table Of Contents
15. Send MIDI sysex?................................................................................................................................................. 28
16. Send syx bundle?................................................................................................................................................... 28
17. Delete pattern? ...................................................................................................................................................... 28
18. Store a copy?.......................................................................................................................................................... 29
Store your changes! ...................................................................................................................................................... 29
Exiting pattern editing.................................................................................................................................................29
Chapter 4: Rhythms...............................................................................31
Playing Rhythms .................................................................................................................31
Using [tap] ..................................................................................................................................................................... 31
Editing Rhythms .................................................................................................................32
1. Revert-to-stored? / Unrevert-to-edited?............................................................................................................. 32
2. Send to setup?........................................................................................................................................................... 33
3. Start new setup? ....................................................................................................................................................... 34
4. Length....................................................................................................................................................................... 34
5. Grid........................................................................................................................................................................... 34
6. Record rhythm (real-time)..................................................................................................................................... 35
7. Drum A through Drum H .................................................................................................................................... 36
8. Add?..........................................................................................................................................................................38
9. Clear rhythm? .......................................................................................................................................................... 39
10. Rhythm name ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
11. Send MIDI sysex?................................................................................................................................................. 39
12. Send syx bundle?................................................................................................................................................... 39
13. Delete rhythm?...................................................................................................................................................... 40
14. Store a copy?.......................................................................................................................................................... 40
Store your changes! ...................................................................................................................................................... 40
Exiting rhythm editing ................................................................................................................................................ 40
Chapter 5: Setups ................................................................................... 41
Playing Setups .....................................................................................................................41
Setup Components ..............................................................................................................41
Editing Setups......................................................................................................................41
1. Parts ..........................................................................................................................................................................44
2. Use as........................................................................................................................................................................ 48
3. Add?..........................................................................................................................................................................48
4. Beats.......................................................................................................................................................................... 49
5. Add?..........................................................................................................................................................................51
6. FX Type ................................................................................................................................................................... 52
7. Clear .......................................................................................................................................................................... 52
8. Setup name .............................................................................................................................................................. 52
9. Send MIDI sysex?................................................................................................................................................... 53
10. Send syx bundle?................................................................................................................................................... 53
11. Delete setup? ......................................................................................................................................................... 53
12. Store a copy?.......................................................................................................................................................... 53
Store your changes! ...................................................................................................................................................... 53
Store your changes! ...................................................................................................................................................... 54
Exiting setup editing .................................................................................................................................................... 54
2
Chapter 6: Programs .............................................................................55
What is a “Program”? .........................................................................................................55
Chapter 5: Program Parameters ........................................................55
How the Micron Makes Sound .........................................................................................55
The Oscillators ............................................................................................................................................................. 55
The Pre Filter Mix........................................................................................................................................................ 56
Table of Contents
The Filters ..................................................................................................................................................................... 56
The Post Filter Mix......................................................................................................................................................56
Output............................................................................................................................................................................ 57
Signal Flow Diagram ................................................................................................................................................... 57
Modulation............................................................................................................................58
The LFOs ...................................................................................................................................................................... 58
The Envelopes..............................................................................................................................................................59
Playing Programs ...............................................................................................................60
Editing Programs ................................................................................................................60
1. Revert-to-Stored? / Unrevert-to-Edited? ........................................................................................................... 60
2. Add to Faves? / Remove Fave? ........................................................................................................................... 60
3. Send to Setup? .......................................................................................................................................................... 61
4. Start New Setup?...................................................................................................................................................... 62
5. Voice parameters .................................................................................................................................................... 63
6. Oscillator parameters ............................................................................................................................................. 67
7. Pre-filter mix parameters ....................................................................................................................................... 68
8. Filter parameters .....................................................................................................................................................69
9. Post-filter mix parameters ..................................................................................................................................... 70
10. Output .................................................................................................................................................................... 71
11. Envelopes .............................................................................................................................................................. 72
12. Low Frequency Oscillator (LFO) settings........................................................................................................ 75
13. Sample-and-Hold (S&H) settings ...................................................................................................................... 77
14. Track (Tracking Generator) ................................................................................................................................ 78
15. Mod (Modulation Routing)................................................................................................................................. 79
16. Category ................................................................................................................................................................. 83
17. Program name....................................................................................................................................................... 83
18. Delete?.................................................................................................................................................................... 84
19. Send MIDI sysex?................................................................................................................................................. 84
20. Store a copy?.......................................................................................................................................................... 84
Store your changes! ...................................................................................................................................................... 84
Exiting program editing .............................................................................................................................................. 85
3
Chapter 7: Configuration ..................................................................... 87
Configuration.......................................................................................................................87
Configuration Parameters ................................................................................................87
1. Contrast .................................................................................................................................................................... 87
2. Tuning ...................................................................................................................................................................... 87
3. Transpose................................................................................................................................................................. 87
4. Velocity Curve......................................................................................................................................................... 88
5. Local Control........................................................................................................................................................... 89
6. MIDI mode ............................................................................................................................................................. 90
7. MIDI channel.......................................................................................................................................................... 90
8. MIDI sync................................................................................................................................................................ 91
9. Sysex: send all......................................................................................................................................................... 91
Chapter 8: MIDI ...................................................................................... 93
What is MIDI?.......................................................................................................................93
MIDI Connections ...................................................................................................................................................... 93
Saving Programs, Setups, Rhythms, and Patterns via MIDI System
Exclusive........................................................................................................................................................................ 95
Loading Programs, Rhythms, Patterns, and Setups via MIDI ............................................................................. 96
What's a bundle?........................................................................................................................................................... 96
Compatibility with Alesis Ion programs................................................................................................................... 97
Sharing programs between the Alesis Micron and the Alesis Ion ....................................................................... 97
Updating Software Via MIDI .................................................................................................................................... 97
All Notes Off................................................................................................................................................................ 98
Table Of Contents
MIDI Implementation Chart .....................................................................................................................................99
Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions .......................................101
How do I split/layer the keyboard? .......................................................................................................................... 101
What is a MIDI Sequence? ......................................................................................................................................... 101
Where can I get more Programs? .............................................................................................................................. 101
Are Micron programs compatible with Ion programs? ......................................................................................... 101
Appendix B: Troubleshooting ............................................................. 103
Recovering from a Crash ............................................................................................................................................104
Checking the Software Version ................................................................................................................................. 104
Cleaning Your Micron................................................................................................................................................. 104
Specifications..........................................................................................109
Sound Engine ............................................................................................................................................................... 109
Audio Input................................................................................................................................................................... 109
Audio Output ............................................................................................................................................................... 109
Audio Performance...................................................................................................................................................... 109
Physical .......................................................................................................................................................................... 109
Warranty/Contact Alesis....................................................................... 111
Alesis Limited Warranty.............................................................................................................................................. 111
Alesis Contact Information ........................................................................................................................................ 112
4
Introduction
Welcome!
Congratulations on your purchase of the Alesis Micron! The
Micron is a powerful, 8-voice Analog Modeling synthesizer based
on the award-winning sound engine of the larger Alesis Ion.
The Micron has every bit of sound-producing DSP horsepower
contained in the Ion along with a few tricks of its own. The
Micron’s front-panel interface is streamlined to give you full access
to its Analog Modeling power while meeting the demanding
requirements of real-time performance. Not only synth patches
but melodic patterns and drum beats also are available to you in
most cases simply by pressing a button and turning a knob. You
can create sophisticated rhythms combining up to ten different
sounds. You can create really rich setups combining as many as 26
different programs with anywhere from 0 to 26 different rhythms,
all simultaneously active.
This is an exciting time for analog-style synthesizers. After a
period of relative neglect brought on by the appearance of sampleplayback digital synths (which excel at realistic mimicry of various
sound sources), the unique sounds of analog-style synths have
been rediscovered. Analog Modeled basses dominate certain styles
of music, and other analog-type elements – from drums to leads to
pads – are frequently heard in contemporary popular music.
Alesis has been at the center of this resurgence. Our first product
in the line was our A6 Andromeda, a true analog synth considered
by many to be the most powerful non-modular analog synthesizer
ever made. Next came the Alesis Ion, praised as one of the most
powerful and best sounding Analog Modeling synthesizers ever.
Now, the Micron furthers this legacy, taking the Analog Modeled
synthesizer in yet another new direction.
Please be sure to register your Micron at the Alesis website,
www.alesis.com. And since the Micron’s operating system is
upgradeable via 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.
Sincerely,
The people of Alesis
For more effective service
and product update notices,
please register your Micron
online at:
http://www.alesis.com
/support/warranty.htm
5
p
Introduction
Unpacking and Inspection
The shipping carton for your Micron should contain the following
items:
● Micron synthesizer
● AC power adapter
● 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
quickly. To help you do this, refer to Chapter 1 for hook-up
instructions, and then read Chapter 2 – “First Session.” This will
get you playing in no time. If you have any questions, refer to the
Frequently Asked Questions in Appendix A on page 101.
Chapters 3 through 6 cover the main operating modes of the
Micron – the patterns, rhtyhms, setups, and programs.
For information on using the Micron along with other MIDI
devices, refer to Chapter 8 “MIDI.”
Near the end of the manual are troubleshooting tips and
specifications.
The names for all buttons, knobs, and wheels on the Micron are
formatted throughout the manual so as to be easily identified. Here
are some examples:
[setups] The top panel buttons are bolded and
[bracketed].
(m1) Wheels, knobs, sliders, and rear-panel jacks
are bolded and placed in (parentheses).
Parameters Editable parameters are bolded.
length Specific settings for various parameters are
italicized.
Helpful tips and advice are
highlighted in a shaded box
like this.
When something important
appears in the manual, an
exclamation mark (like the
one shown at left) will appear
with some ex
lanatory text.
6
1 Connections
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.
• Headphones. Plug a set of headphones into the
headphone jack on the rear panel.
Connecting the Foot Pedals
The Micron has two pedal jacks marked (sustain) and (expr).
Plug a sustain pedal (not included) into the jack marked (sustain).
(sustain) is designed to work with any standard momentary
footswitch. It doesn’t matter whether the footswitch is normally
open or closed, as long as you plug it in before powering up your
Micron; the instrument will calibrate itself.
(expr) is designed to work with a Roland EV-5 pedal or
equivalent.
WARNING: When connecting
audio cables or turning
power on and off, make sure
that the amplifiers in your
system are turned off or the
volume controls are turned
down. If you don’t do this,
you can create loud bursts of
sound that might damage
your speakers.
NOTE: If your sustain pedal
response is backward (i.e.,
notes sustain when your foot
is off the pedal), turn off your
Micron and make sure the
footswitch plug is fully
inserted into the (sustain)
jack. Then, turn the Micron
back on while keeping your
foot off the footswitch.
7
1
Connections
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8
2 First Session
A Tour of the Micron
In this session, we’ll:
● Explore the Micron’s top panel
● Define some key concepts.
● Play some of the Micron’s basic sounds (called programs).
● Learn different ways to navigate the Micron’s programs.
● Explore the built-in patterns.
● Capture and play back some phrases.
● Explore the Micron’s drum sounds and play some rhythms.
● Explore the Micron’s setups. Setups are where programs,
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,
suspect the (volume) knob’s setting.
Real-time controllers
The (m1) and (m2) sliders, (pitch) wheel, and (x/y/z knobs),
located on the left half of the Micron, provide real-time control of
the Micron’s sounds.
patterns, rhythms, and more all come together in powerful,
flexible combinations.
9
2
First Session
Performance buttons
The buttons in this cluster switch octaves, set the tempo, and
perform other performance-related functions.
Display
Information relevant to the current operation is shown here.
Control knob circle
These are the Micron’s most important controls – the control
knob and the buttons that surround it. 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.
Pressing the control knob allows for editing.
Key concepts
Here are the Micron’s most important concepts:
Programs
Programs are the Micron’s sounds, built from its oscillators,
envelopes, filters, modulation matrix, and other analog-style
components.
Rhythms
Rhythms are combinations of drum programs with patterns.
Think of a drum machine with its interchangeable sounds and
patterns. That’s pretty close to what rhythms are.
Patterns
Patterns are repeating melodic and/or rhythmic motifs. Arpeggios
and step sequences are examples of patterns.
Setups
Setups combine multiple programs, rhythms, patterns, and more.
They are the Micron’s most powerful and most sonically
sophisticated element.
10
2
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.
“Green Light/Red Light”
The buttons circling the control knob glow green when selected
and glow red when the control knob has been pushed (entering
edit mode).
The exception is the [config] button. [config] only glows red,
since it only performs editing functions.
At any one time, only one of the buttons will glow, indicating that
the Micron is operating within that mode.
“Turn”
Turn the control knob to cycle through various options.
“Push”
Push the control knob to edit the option displayed. Push again to
stop editing. See the following visual illustration:
First Session
11
2
First Session
Play the Programs
The Micron’s basic sounds are called “Programs.” Play 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.
Turn the volume up and listen to some of these programs.
Experiment with the (pitch) wheel, the (x/y/z knobs), and the
two sliders. Here are a few points to note:
● The (pitch) wheel glows progressively brighter as you turn it..
● The (x/y/z knobs) do different things depending on the
Program. Sometimes, they increase or decrease the quickness
of the attack. Sometimes, they change the tone by adjusting the
filter resonance. Each time you change Programs, the X/Y/Z
knobs reset to their original positions.
● The (m1) slider typically – but not always – adds vibrato.
● The (m2) slider typically – but not always – sweeps the filter
frequency, radically changing the tone.
Play some notes before, during, and after moving the (m2)
slider. You’ll most likely hear the classic analog synthesizer
“filter sweep” sound.
Navigate through the programs
Rotate the control knob enough, and you’ll pass through 13
categories of programs. At the end of the list, all of the programs
are presented alphabetically, regardless of category.
Using the [programs] + white key shortcut
Notice the red text just above the keyboard. This text corresponds
to the 13 categories and also includes the all, uncategorized listing.
To access a category instantly, hold down [programs] and then
press the associated white key.
12
2
Special categories
All
As we’ve already seen, the all category is an alphabetical listing of
all the Programs.
Recent
The Programs you’ve played recently are stored for you
automatically under the Recent category. They are still listed under
their primary categories. This is a duplicate listing to allow for
super-fast access. Note that you cannot directly edit this listing.
You need to select and then play the Programs you want to be
listed here.
Faves
● Adding Programs to Faves
When you find a Program you particularly like, add it to the Faves
(“Favorites”) category. In [programs] mode, press the control
knob to enter edit mode. You will be prompted to Add to faves?
Press the control knob once again to add the Program to the Faves
category.
Press the [programs] button again if you want to cancel this
action and exit the editing screens.
● Removing Programs from Faves
To remove a Program from the Favorites list, call up the program
and press the control knob. You will be asked, Remove fave? Press
the control knob to perform the action.
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.
Notice how one or the other [octave] lights glows progressively
brighter as you push it. This provides a visual indication of the
current octave setting.
Press both [octave] buttons simultaneously to return to the
default octave setting.
First Session
13
2
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.
Turn the control knob to cycle through various preset patterns.
Play the keyboard to hear them.
[tap]
Tap the [tap] button to the left of the display. Watch and hear
how [tap] controls the tempo. Note that the pattern’s tempo
immediately locks to the speed at which you tap.
To adjust the tempo with finer control (one-tenth of a beat per
minute), hold down the [tap] button and turn the control knob
left or right to slow down or speed up. The display will indicate
the current tempo.
[latch]
Press the [latch] button, also to the left of the display. Remove
your hands from the keyboard. The pattern keeps playing.
Press [latch] again to stop the pattern from playing.
14
2
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#. (These are the keys labeled from recent through all.)
● To play a rhythm’s individual drum sound
Press one of the white keys from middle A (labeled voice) upward.
The keyboard’s middle A corresponds to the rhythm’s Drum A.
The next higher note, B (labeled osc), corresponds to Drum B.
Proceeding higher, drums C, D, E, etc. are triggered. Any keys
higher than the rhythm’s highest note will do nothing.
● To play a rhythm hands free
Press any key from middle G# down on the keyboard. While
holding down that key, press [latch] to keep the rhythm going.
Press [latch] a second time to stop the rhythm.
● To change the tempo
Tap the [tap] button a few times, or hold down [tap] and turn the
control knob.
● To change to a different rhythm
Turn the control knob to change the rhythm. The newly selected
rhythm will begin to play once the last rhythm reaches the end of
its cycle. (To make the newly selected rhythm begin playing
immediately, press any key from all downward.).
First Session
15
2
First Session
Each rhythm’s sounds, relative sound levels, left/right panning,
rhythmic patterns, time signature, duration, quantization, and
name can be edited. (We’ll leave the editing for a later chapter.)
Explore the Setups
Press [setups] to explore this mode – the most sophisticated
mode of the Micron.
Setups combine the following elements:
● Multiple Programs.
● Multiple Patterns.
● Multiple Rhythms.
● Splits (like placing a rhythm on the left side of the keyboard, a
bass program in the middle, and a lead program up top).
● Latch on/off settings.
● Semitone transpositions.
● Level and left/right panning.
● Effects settings.
● Controller assignments.
Once you’ve mastered setups, you’ve mastered the Micron! In this
first session though, simply press the [setups] button, twirl the
control knob a few times, and listen to the various presets. Be sure
to play throughout the keyboard range to experience the various
splits, layers, and rhythm triggers. These presets will give you a
good sense for some of the different possibilities you can create on
your own.
16
2
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.
Press [programs] to enter Programs mode. Hold down the
[phrase] button and start playing a riff. As soon as you hit the
first note, the [phrase] button will start flashing, indicating that it
is recording what you play. You can release the [phrase] button
any time after you’ve played that first note.
When you are done playing the phrase, press the [phrase] button
again. The button will light, indicating that the Micron is ready to
play your phrase back. Press any key, and you’ll hear your phrase
loop to the tempo.
You can press the [phrase] button to turn phrase playback on or
off. To record a different phrase, just hold down the button and
start playing.
In Setups mode, it gets a little more complicated, since each part
can have its own phrase. But the basic idea is the same -- hold
down the [phrase] button and start playing. Whatever part or
parts you play on will get their own phrases. To record a phrase
and clear all of the other phrases, hold down [phrase] and start
recording when the button is unlit. To add the phrase to the
existing phrases, start recording when the button is
already lit.
A phrase is stored as a pattern named “* Phrase”, which appears
near the beginning of the patterns list. If you record a phrase that
you really like and want to keep, simply find the “* Phrase” pattern
and give it a new name. You will see how to do that in later
chapters.
First Session
17
2
First Session
Connect External Instruments
You can connect external audio sources – other synthesizers,
mixers, guitars, etc. – using the ¼-inch (audio in) jacks on the
back of the Micron. The jacks accept either balanced or
unbalanced cables.
Your external audio can be blended in with the Micron’s internal
sound-producing oscillators. The resulting combination is then
sent through the Micron’s filters and effects.
Use both jacks for stereo input. Use the (left) jack for mono-only
sources (in which case the input will be sent to both the left and
right channels).
A special group of programs – including vocoder programs –
exists just for use with the external inputs. These programs begin
with “*” and are accessible at the beginning of the sfx Program
category.
Whew!
We’ve covered a lot of material. Hopefully now you feel
comfortable navigating around the Micron. Future chapters will
cover editing, 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
parameters.
18
3 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.
The pattern continues playing as long as you hold down the key.
Using [latch]
Press [latch] to keep the tempo steady as you shift between notes.
Press [latch] again to stop the pattern from playing.
Using [tap]
Tap the [tap] button to increase or decrease the speed of the
pattern. To adjust the tempo with finer control, hold down [tap]
and turn the control knob. The display will indicate the precise
tempo.
Pattern options:
19
3
Patterns
Pattern Types: Arpeggios and
Sequences
A pattern can be set to one of two types: “arpeggio” or
“sequence”.
Arpeggios and sequences both respond to a keypress by playing a
series of notes over a programmed rhythmic pattern. The
difference lies in which notes they play.
An arpeggio loops over whatever notes you are holding down on
the keyboard. If you hold down a chord, the Micron will generate
a melody by playing each note of your chord individually.
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.
A pattern can easily be switched from an arpeggio to a sequence,
and vice-versa. The underlying rhythmic pattern is kept the same -
- all that changes is whether the pattern plays the notes you hold
down or the notes it was recorded with.
If the distinction is unclear, choose your favorite pattern, toggle its
“type” parameter between “arpeggio” and “sequence” (see page
24), and try playing it both ways.
Phrases versus Patterns
In Programs and Setups
modes, the Phrase button
lets you quickly record and
repeat a riff or melody line.
Phrases are designed to be
used “live”, when
inspiration strikes as you're
playing.
A phrase is nothing more
than a pattern that was
recorded using the Phrase
button. In fact, the most
recently recorded phrase is
stored as a pattern named
“* Phrase”. If you happen
to record a phrase that you
really like and want to hang
on to, simply find the “*
Phrase” pattern and give it
a new name.
20
3
Editing Patterns
Choose an existing pattern to edit by pressing the [patterns]
button and turning the control knob. Hold down any key to play
the pattern. (Use the [tap] button to change the tempo.)
Once you’ve found a pattern you want to edit, press the control
knob to enter edit mode. Turn the control knob to cycle through
the different options. Press the control knob to toggle in and out
of editing the current parameter.
Here are the pattern editing options:
1. Revert-to-stored? / Unrevert-to-edited?
If you have edited a pattern, you may revert back to the original
version. Press the control knob to revert.
Go back to your edited state by press the control knob a second
time to unrevert.
Use revert and unrevert often in order to compare your changes to
the original pattern. When you’re satisfied with your work, press
[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.
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Patterns
2. Send to setup?
Pressing the control knob at this option sends you to [setups]
mode and allows you to make this pattern a part of the lastselected setup.
If the setup does not have any parts, this pattern is automatically
assigned to the setup’s part A.
If the setup already has one or more parts, you will be able to add
the pattern in one of the following ways:
1. send to part. The setup's part will use this pattern.
Remember that a part uses both a program and a pattern. If the
part's program is set to “(pattern's pgm)”, then the pattern will
sound just as it does in Patterns mode. Otherwise, the setup will
play the pattern using the part's own program.
2. layer. The setup's existing part is duplicated, resulting in a new
part. The pattern is then sent to the new part.
3. split low. The setup’s existing part is split in two at a
particular key.
The Micron prompts for a note on the keyboard at which to
execute the split. The pattern is then sent to the lower part of the
split. Every note below the one you select will use this new pattern.
Every note including and higher than the note you select will use the
setup’s existing part.
The new part is assigned the next letter after the split part. For
example, if the setup contains parts A, B, C, and D, and part B is
the part that gets split, then part C will be the newly-added part.
All later parts’ letters are incremented by one.
To select the split point, turn the control knob or play a key. You
can use the [octave] buttons if your desired split point is outside
of the current key range.
4. split high. 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. Every note above the one you select will
use this new pattern. Every note including and lower than the note
you select will use the setup’s existing part.
Send to setup only allows the
option of sending the pattern
to the current setup.
Therefore, you may need to
jump out of pattern editing to
choose a setup before
returning to patterns and
following this procedure.
How part letters change
when “layer,” “split low,”
and “split high” are used
When parts are layered or
split high, the new part is
assigned the next letter after
the targeted part. All
subsequent part letters are
incremented by one.
For example, consider a
setup with four existent parts:
A
B
C
D
If we split part B, the result is
as follows:
A
B (low split of B)
C (high split of B)
D (formerly “C”)
E (formerly “D”)
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To select the split point, turn the control knob or play a key. You
can use the [octave] buttons if your desired split point is outside
of the current key range.
5. add part. The pattern is added as a brand new part. All other
part parameters are set to their default values.
3. Start new setup?
Pressing the control knob at this option creates a new setup named
with the pattern’s name and a “+” in front (e.g. “+Liner” and
“+Bobbetty”) and, if a setup with this name already exists, a
number at the end (e.g. “+Liner2” and “+Bobbetty2”).
4. Pattern program
Choose the program that the pattern will use to play its notes. In
order to quickly jump between program categories, you can hold
down the [patterns] button and press the white keys labeled with
category names.
Another way of setting the pattern’s program is to bring it over
from Programs mode. Press [programs] to enter Programs
mode, and find the program that you want. Then, hold down
[programs] and press [patterns], and the pattern’s program will
be set. This works in the other direction as well -- hold down
[patterns] and press [programs] to bring the pattern’s program
over to Programs mode, perhaps for some quick editing.
5. Length
Select one of 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2 or 4 bars.
The pattern will always play from the first note of the first bar. So,
if you select a value shorter than the current one, the latter parts of
the pattern will be truncated. If you select a value longer than the
current one and the latter part of the pattern does not contain any
notes, the new notes at the end of the pattern will be empty.
Patterns
Length and Grid quantizing
The Micron records your
playing at a very high
resolution. The length and
grid settings that you select
for playing back your
patterns are used to nondestructively quantize those
recordings.
So, if you record a four-bar
pattern and change its length
later to ¼ bar, the Micron
will only play a frac ti on o f
your pattern, but it will
remember the whole thing. If
you want to change the length
back to four bars at any time,
the complete pattern will still
be available.
Similarly, pattern rhythms
are quantized using the grid
setting, but the underlying
information remains
untouched. So, as you cycle
through different grid
settings, you’re likely to hear
different syncopations and
“feels” emerge.
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Patterns
6. Grid
Choose 8, 12, 14, 16, 20, 24, or 32 steps per bar, or choose
unquantized. Shortening the scale decreases the quantizing
resolution. You’re more likely to hear double notes and simpler
syncopations at low values.
Straight-ahead feels tend to result from using 8, 16, and 32 steps
per bar. Swing and shuffle feels tend to result from choosing 12 or
24 steps per bar. But you can create some pretty wild patterns by
using fractions of bars along with less obvious grid values, like 14
and 20.
7. Ty p e
Choose sequence or arpeggio.
8. Span (arpeggios only)
Choose a span ranging from single note – in which the note you
press on the keyboard will be the only note that plays – to one that
plays up, down, or up-and-down through 1, 2, 3, or 4 octaves.
9. Order (arpeggios only)
When you hold down more than one note, you can specify the
order in which they will be arpeggiated:
● The order in which they were initially pressed (called as played).
● Up. The arpeggiator plays the notes you are holding from the
bottom to the top. Once the top note is reached, the arpeggio
begins from the bottom again.
● Down. The arpeggiator plays the notes you are holding from the
top to the bottom. Once the bottom note is reached, the arpeggio
begins from the top again.
● Up+Down Incl. This mixes the up and down settings, playing up
the notes you are holding and repeating the top note and the
bottom note. The incl stands for inclusive.
● Up+Down Excl. This mixes the up and down settings, playing up
the notes you are holding without repeating the top note and the
bottom note. The excl stands for exclusive.
● Octave Jump. The arpeggiator plays the notes you are holding
but plays the first note in two or more octave registers before
playing the second note, which it also plays in two or more octave
registers, etc.
Four Beats per Bar
All Micron patterns have four
beats per bar.
You can still create oddmeter rhythms. It just takes a
little calculation and a
willingness to ignore the
tempo indications given by
the [tap] button.
For instance, one way to
create a ¾ feel is to combine
a length of ½ bar with a grid
of 24 steps. That will give
you a total of 12 steps to work
with.
Ignore the display’s “6 + 6”
grouping. Think “4 + 4 + 4”
instead.
Arpeggios or Sequences?
Arpeggios contain rhythm
and velocity
information.
Sequences contain not only
rhythm
information but also pitch
information.
Use arpeggios for computergenerated patterns.
Use sequences for melodies
and basslines
Octave Jump
To hear Octave Jump in
action, Span should not be set
to “single note.”
(relative volume)
and velocity
.
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10. Real-time recording
Once you've reached the “record” parameter, you'll hear the
metronome start to click. Use this "lead-in" time to get yourself
into the groove. (As always, if the tempo isn't right, you can use
the [tap] button to adjust it.)
Once you're ready to play, just start playing. The Micron will begin
recording from the first note of the pattern. Alternately, if you
don't want to play from the first note, you can push the control
knob to kick off the recording.
The pattern will loop continuously, so you can add to it each time
it comes around. When recording in real-time, remember that
playing will never erase anything you've already recorded. To wipe
out a section so you can replay it, hold down the control knob as it
gets played back.
To stop recording, turn the control knob or press a mode button.
You will often want to clear the entire pattern and start over. One
way of doing this is to hold down the control knob and wipe out
the pattern as you record. But a quicker way is to hold down the
[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, pitch wheel, and knobs. These controller
movements don't even need to be recorded at the same time as the
keys. A useful technique is to play the keys first, and then when
the recording loops around, play on the controllers to add some
life to your notes. If you do this, you will probably also be using
the “Clear controllers?” option as well, so you can revise your
controller movements until you're satisfied. See page 27.
Patterns
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.
Four-step beats land on
0, 30, 60, and 90.
Five-step be ats l and on
0, 24, 48, 72, and 96.
Changing the metronome
The metronome you hear
when recording is, in fact,
just another pattern. It is
named “* Metronome”, and
appears near the beginning of
the pattern list. You are free
to edit this pattern all you
like. For example, you can
choose a different program,
or put the clicks on eighth
notes or triplets instead of
quarter notes. A quick way of
disabling the metronome
entirely is to simply rename
this pattern and store it. You
can always bring back the
metronome later with another
rename.
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Patterns
11. Step editing
Turn the control knob to cycle through each step. You can
quickly jump to the first step of the pattern by holding down the
[patterns] button and pressing A above middle C (labeled “osc”).
Every aspect of the pattern is editable:
a. Adding and replacing notes and chords
Play one or more keys at any step to add (or replace) that
step’s entry. Pitch, velocity, and length will be recorded, as
will any controller and knob moves you make while the keys
are held down.
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.
The cursor will automatically move on to the next step.
b. Removing notes
To remove a note, place the cursor under any step and
double-click the control knob. The note, plus all controller
movements between this note and the next one, will be
removed.
c. Moving notes
To move a note, place the cursor under it. Then press and
hold down the control knob and turn it to the left or right.
Imagine that you are “dragging” the note.
Controllers and step editing
Remember that controller
movements are recorded
while a note is held down.
So, it is perfectly possible to
record a pitch bend while
step editing; just play the note
and turn the pitch wheel.
Removing multiple notes
To remove multiple notes at
once, place the cursor at the
right-most note you want to
remove. Then press down on
the control knob and turn it
all the way to the left before
releasing it.
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Patterns
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.
While you're editing velocity, you can play any key to hear
what the note sounds like at that velocity.
Note: Though the duration of the note is displayed in this
screen, it cannot be edited here.
e. Editing duration.
To edit the duration of a note, move the cursor to it and play
the note with the duration you desire.
The duration value cannot be edited directly, but a rough
indication of the duration can be seen on the upper right side
of the display.
Gauging note velocity and
duration on the display
As you place the cursor under
each note, the top right side
of the display will change.
Higher velocities are
illustrated with higher
Longer note lengths are
illustrated with thicker
Notes can overlap one
another, but that overlap is
not visible on the display.
bars.
bars.
12. Clear controllers?
Press the control knob to erase all slider, pitch wheel, and knob
movements from the pattern, but keep the notes. This is handy if
you recorded some controller movements that you're unhappy
with, and want to try another take without starting the pattern
from scratch.
13. Clear pattern?
Press the control knob to erase all notes and controller movements
from the pattern, but keep the basic pattern parameters. To
quickly jump to this option, hold down the [patterns] button and
press the highest note on the keyboard.
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Patterns
14. Pattern name
Since patterns are listed alphabetically, creative naming can help
you move smoothly from one pattern to another.
Turn the control knob to select a position (1 – 14) to edit. Then
press the control knob to edit that position. Edit either by turning
the control knob or pressing notes on the keyboard.
Press a key twice to toggle between upper and lower case.
Inserting and deleting characters
To insert a space in the name, navigate to the position at
which you want to add the space. Hold down the control
knob and turn it clockwise.
To delete a character, navigate past it, hold down the control
knob, and turn it counterclockwise.
In both cases, imagine that you are “dragging” the name
around.
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 95 for
details on what Sysex is and how to use it.
16. Send syx bundle?
Choose this option to send both the pattern and its program to a
computer or other MIDI storage device using the Micron’s (MIDI
OUT) port.
17. Delete pattern?
Delete the pattern using this function, if desired. You will be
prompted to confirm this action.
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