Alesis ION or Roland SH 201?

Farshad · 19th March 2007

Hi guys,

I am thinking to pick up a new hardware synth and am interested in both Roland SH 201 and Alesis ION. I was wondering if you guys could provide me some feedback. Thanks in advance.

Cheers,

-Farshad

JohnNy C · 19th March 2007

Others will probably crucify me, but my ears don't lie to me. I owned the ION for over a year and really didn't like where it sits in the mix. It is truly a very versatile synth but the Alesis sound just haunts me. I am glad that I got rid of it. I listened to the SH201 demos and was astonished at how good it sounds for the House/Trance genres. May I suggest picking up a used Jp-8000. That is the original beast and they can be had for around $500 on the bay.

Farshad · 19th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

Others will probably crucify me, but my ears don't lie to me. I owned the ION for over a year and really didn't like where it sits in the mix. It is truly a very versatile synth but the Alesis sound just haunts me. I am glad that I got rid of it. I listened to the SH201 demos and was astonished at how good it sounds for the House/Trance genres. May I suggest picking up a used Jp-8000. That is the original beast and they can be had for around $500 on the bay.

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking about the Jp-8000 myself but the thing is I thought I like the USB connectivity and software version of the SH-201 as well since you could record the settings along your session.

-Farshad

JohnNy C · 20th March 2007

Yeah then jump for the 201. It seriously surprised me how it sounds. When it was announced I just brushed it off as a piece of junk, but its sonically stands on its own. I might have to go give it a test drive some time this week. Let us know what you decide to do.

kingofswing · 20th March 2007

I have used the Ion and Micron, and they do sound very analogish in a more accurate way. The sound range is pretty impressive, and is definately the most closest emulation of analog of all the VA's imo.

Great for pad sweeps and synth fx as well as some nice poly sounds of the 80s.

BTW to my ears the Ion comes pretty close to some of my Andromeda sounds, although not the same tone, pretty close though.

robd · 20th March 2007

I have an Ion, and I kind of wish I had something else instead. On the one hand, the routing is very versatile, and it it the most analog sounding VA I have heard. On the other hand, I can't really seem to get any sounds that have any balls out of it unless I run it through some kind of outboard analog distortion or filter. This makes it kind of boring for me, so I actually don't use it much. I would rather have a VA that, instead of trying to sound exactly like an analog, and not quite making it, takes advantage of it's digital nature to allow some digital sounds with some balls, or a real analog. Even though it's not nearly as versatile, I use my microcon more than the ion because it just sounds better. Almost the only thing I use the ion for right now is to run the oscs out through my sherman and use it as a monosynth. It sounds great when I do that.

Edited to add: I haven't heard that new roland, so I can't compare it, but if you go with that one, I recommend judicious application of spraypaint.

Farshad · 20th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by robd

Edited to add: I haven't heard that new roland, so I can't compare it, but if you go with that one, I recommend judicious application of spraypaint.

Interesting point. Based on my research, the Roland seems to be very close to analog synth, in terms of both sound and hands on tweakability.

On the other hand, many people rave aboth Alesis ION.

Cheers

ignatius · 20th March 2007

i'd buy a used nord lead before either of those synths. i don't care if the 201 sounds good i don't think i could look at it all day

i found the ion to sound very digital and thin. not that that isn't useful. it just depends on what you want it for. i haven't heard the 201. there's a review in sound on sound i think.

i'm sure you can get good sounds out either of them. have you been able to check them out yet? sitting and playing w/them at guitard center or your fav local shop might be the difference maker.

JohnNy C · 20th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by ignatius

i'd buy a used nord lead before either of those synths. i don't care if the 201 sounds good i don't think i could look at it all day

Haha an NL2r is the next piece of kit on my list. Like you said, it all depends what you want. Each synth has a distinct quality about it even if they are all VAs.

Stevil · 20th March 2007

dave smith evolver, microKorg & novation Xstation are also in that price range.

i like the supersaw & aux in on the SH-201

jazzy655 · 20th March 2007

i have the 201. i use it as my interace and controller too. most people dont realize you can connect it thru usb to a laptop and it's an all in one solution. i've had no problems using it on my macbook pro, both in OSX, and in windows xp using bootcamp.

On the synth side, its really good. I'm new to synths, so i like the hands on style they gave it. It is really good at making leads, but falls short when it comes to pads and anything delicate.

i'd buy it again, its a great value. dont let the looks stop you.

Farshad · 20th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevil

dave smith evolver, microKorg & novation Xstation are also in that price range.

i like the supersaw & aux in on the SH-201

I own Dave Smith desktop synth and love it. It sounds quite good. The reason I am looking for a new synth is that I thought I could get more hands-on control (I have already setup my MIDI controller for dave Smith). Supersaw is great too IMHO.

Cheers

Farshad · 20th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzy655

i have the 201. i use it as my interace and controller too. most people dont realize you can connect it thru usb to a laptop and it's an all in one solution. i've had no problems using it on my macbook pro, both in OSX, and in windows xp using bootcamp.

On the synth side, its really good. I'm new to synths, so i like the hands on style they gave it. It is really good at making leads, but falls short when it comes to pads and anything delicate.

i'd buy it again, its a great value. dont let the looks stop you.

Nice to hear you like it. I have been thinking about the USB feature as well. It's tempting if you can save your patched with your song.

Farshad · 20th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevil

dave smith evolver, microKorg & novation Xstation are also in that price range.

i like the supersaw & aux in on the SH-201

I forgot, I also like the MicroKorg but am waiting to get the new Korg R3 for that

.

Stevil · 25th March 2007

R3 looks nice. are those full size keys?

the mini keys on the microkorg took some getting used to & tweaked my playing style a bit, but thats not nessicarily a bad thing. real nice for lugging around to gigs.

JohnNy C · 25th March 2007

Yeah, the R3 has 37 full size keys. Looks like a pretty sweet synth. I know I love my Ms2kB.

GuruInSpace · 26th March 2007

ION

Luko · 26th March 2007

i was surprised by the sound of the 201

very clean and surprisingly phat (i was able to get some real nice sounds from some quick tweaking instore

for the price, and with aux in

JohnNy C · 26th March 2007

Ok, I went to Guitar Satan twice to try out all the new shizit that is out. The 201 sounds amazing for the cash. It is so bright and punchy. Definitely amazing for Leads, Basses, and those really resilient types of pads. If it wasn't so ugly and I had the room, I'd be buying one. I wonder if I could get the thing painted. Haha

Stevil · 26th March 2007

i was hoping theyd do a rack version of the 201.

JohnNy C · 27th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevil

i was hoping theyd do a rack version of the 201.

Me too. I really hope they decide to because I'd definitely get one. And please, I hope they re-design the damn thing.

Farshad · 27th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

Me too. I really hope they decide to because I'd definitely get one. And please, I hope they re-design the damn thing.

Yeah, I like the idea of a rack version and hope they keep the same simple and intuitive signal flow on it.

octatonic · 27th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnNy C

May I suggest picking up a used Jp-8000. That is the original beast and they can be had for around $500 on the bay.

This is exactly what I was going to say.

Farshad · 27th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by octatonic

This is exactly what I was going to say.

Given they ae both in the same price range, do you think JP 8000 has a better sound? i am asking because th eUSB connectivity on SH 201 is tempting too.

Stevil · 27th March 2007

Quote:

Given they ae both in the same price range, do you think JP 8000 has a better sound? i am asking because th eUSB connectivity on SH 201 is tempting too.

theyre both on my list, if it came down to an "all things equal' choice, i'd probably pick up a used jp. but the usb thing isnt a selling point for me.

Farshad · 27th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevil

theyre both on my list, if it came down to an "all things equal' choice, i'd probably pick up a used jp. but the usb thing isnt a selling point for me.

Have you tried the two side by side? I am very curious since if Jp 8000 sounds better I will definitely go for it. USB should come later

Stevil · 30th March 2007

Have you tried the two side by side?

actually i tried em about 5 years apart

Farshad · 30th March 2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stevil

Have you tried the two side by side?

actually i tried em about 5 years apart

LOL. Not bad at least you have some idea

So which one sounds better?

JohnNy C · 30th March 2007

I've owned the Jp and it sounds very powerful when in the right hands. The Sh is much brighter IMO but a little less versatile. It all comes down to preference. I personally would go with a Jp8000 simply because I like the original sound and interface over the new Sh.

Feinstrom · 31st March 2007

Why not look around for a used Yamaha AN1x? They are about 250 Euros in Germany, one of the cheapest VAs you can get, and one of the best sounding ones, if you ask me. Very analog-sounding, very warm, quite aggressive if you want it to. And after some hours of editing, you'll find the user interface is really intuitive.
I really didn't like the Ion (thin, digital, no balls), and I found the JP-8000 to sound very rolandish, but not as versatile as the AN1x.

My two cents.

19th March 2007	#1
Farshad Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,331 Thread Starter	Alesis ION or Roland SH 201? Hi guys, I am thinking to pick up a new hardware synth and am interested in both Roland SH 201 and Alesis ION. I was wondering if you guys could provide me some feedback. Thanks in advance. Cheers, -Farshad

19th March 2007	#2
JohnNy C Gear maniac Joined: Feb 2005 Location: NyC/Nj Posts: 213	Others will probably crucify me, but my ears don't lie to me. I owned the ION for over a year and really didn't like where it sits in the mix. It is truly a very versatile synth but the Alesis sound just haunts me. I am glad that I got rid of it. I listened to the SH201 demos and was astonished at how good it sounds for the House/Trance genres. May I suggest picking up a used Jp-8000. That is the original beast and they can be had for around $500 on the bay. __________________ I am every part of my Orchestra My Music, Studio, and More

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20th March 2007	#4
JohnNy C Gear maniac Joined: Feb 2005 Location: NyC/Nj Posts: 213	Yeah then jump for the 201. It seriously surprised me how it sounds. When it was announced I just brushed it off as a piece of junk, but its sonically stands on its own. I might have to go give it a test drive some time this week. Let us know what you decide to do.

20th March 2007	#5
kingofswing Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2006 Location: UK Posts: 1,145 2 Reviews written	I have used the Ion and Micron, and they do sound very analogish in a more accurate way. The sound range is pretty impressive, and is definately the most closest emulation of analog of all the VA's imo. Great for pad sweeps and synth fx as well as some nice poly sounds of the 80s. BTW to my ears the Ion comes pretty close to some of my Andromeda sounds, although not the same tone, pretty close though.

20th March 2007	#6
robd Lives for gear Joined: Oct 2005 Posts: 799	I have an Ion, and I kind of wish I had something else instead. On the one hand, the routing is very versatile, and it it the most analog sounding VA I have heard. On the other hand, I can't really seem to get any sounds that have any balls out of it unless I run it through some kind of outboard analog distortion or filter. This makes it kind of boring for me, so I actually don't use it much. I would rather have a VA that, instead of trying to sound exactly like an analog, and not quite making it, takes advantage of it's digital nature to allow some digital sounds with some balls, or a real analog. Even though it's not nearly as versatile, I use my microcon more than the ion because it just sounds better. Almost the only thing I use the ion for right now is to run the oscs out through my sherman and use it as a monosynth. It sounds great when I do that. Edited to add: I haven't heard that new roland, so I can't compare it, but if you go with that one, I recommend judicious application of spraypaint.

20th March 2007	#8
ignatius Lives for gear Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Sasquatch, OR Posts: 4,269	i'd buy a used nord lead before either of those synths. i don't care if the 201 sounds good i don't think i could look at it all day i found the ion to sound very digital and thin. not that that isn't useful. it just depends on what you want it for. i haven't heard the 201. there's a review in sound on sound i think. i'm sure you can get good sounds out either of them. have you been able to check them out yet? sitting and playing w/them at guitard center or your fav local shop might be the difference maker.

20th March 2007	#10
Stevil Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,193	dave smith evolver, microKorg & novation Xstation are also in that price range. i like the supersaw & aux in on the SH-201

20th March 2007	#11
jazzy655 Gear addict Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 434	i have the 201. i use it as my interace and controller too. most people dont realize you can connect it thru usb to a laptop and it's an all in one solution. i've had no problems using it on my macbook pro, both in OSX, and in windows xp using bootcamp. On the synth side, its really good. I'm new to synths, so i like the hands on style they gave it. It is really good at making leads, but falls short when it comes to pads and anything delicate. i'd buy it again, its a great value. dont let the looks stop you.

25th March 2007	#15
Stevil Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,193	R3 looks nice. are those full size keys? the mini keys on the microkorg took some getting used to & tweaked my playing style a bit, but thats not nessicarily a bad thing. real nice for lugging around to gigs.

26th March 2007	#17
GuruInSpace Lives for gear Joined: Dec 2003 Location: Space Posts: 588	ION

26th March 2007	#18
Luko Gear maniac Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Melbourne Posts: 155	i was surprised by the sound of the 201 very clean and surprisingly phat (i was able to get some real nice sounds from some quick tweaking instore for the price, and with aux in

30th March 2007	#27
Stevil Lives for gear Joined: Jun 2005 Location: Southern California Posts: 2,193	Have you tried the two side by side? actually i tried em about 5 years apart

31st March 2007	#30
Feinstrom Lives for gear Joined: Jan 2005 Location: Wallenhorst, Germany Posts: 1,002 1 Review written	Why not look around for a used Yamaha AN1x? They are about 250 Euros in Germany, one of the cheapest VAs you can get, and one of the best sounding ones, if you ask me. Very analog-sounding, very warm, quite aggressive if you want it to. And after some hours of editing, you'll find the user interface is really intuitive. I really didn't like the Ion (thin, digital, no balls), and I found the JP-8000 to sound very rolandish, but not as versatile as the AN1x. My two cents.