Alesis Introduces Andromeda, Real Analog Synthesizer

Alesis's New Andomeda
(Click for a close-up)

February 6, 2000 -- Alesis Corporation is proud to unveil the Alesis A6 Andromeda, a real polyphonic analog synthesizer. Designed to uphold the legacy of classic American synthesizers, Andromeda offers 16 true analog voices and 16-channel multitimbral functionality with full MIDI implementation. In contrast to the myriad analog-modeling synths on the market today, Andromeda offers more voices, a more powerful voice engine, and the natural variability of real analog sound.

"Our goal, " says David Bryce, Alesis marketing manager - synthesizer products, "was to build the most powerful polyphonic analog synth to date. Whether you grew up with analog keyboards or are just getting into pure analog sound, Andromeda will be a necessary addition to your arsenal."

Audio/Video Clips
File	Format	Size
Video Tour from Live@Winter NAMM	RealVideo	N/A
Interview with Michael Peake of Alesis	RealVideo	N/A
Audio Clip 1	MP3	264K
Audio Clip 2	MP3	145K
Filter/Mellotron Sample	MP3	184K
Using the LFO and Sub-Oscillator	MP3	170K
Q&A Session	MP3	1498K

The keyboard's extensive voice design includes two oscillators per voice with five waveforms each, and two sub-oscillators. To achieve the rich and resonant sound so characteristic of analog synths, Andromeda features 2-pole multimode and 4-pole lowpass classically derived resonance filters.

Andromeda compliments this true analog sound with an intuitive hands-on interface (72 knobs and 144 buttons) that allows for real-time control during performances. Andromeda uses custom application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) developed by Alesis Semiconductor to produce its sound. A team of engineers led by company president and founder Keith Barr was able to reduce the discrete analog components used in the early synthesizers to a couple of inexpensive and highly reliable analog integrated circuits.

"Andromeda represents genuine innovation," said Jim Mack, Alesis vice president of sales and marketing. "Technology developed at Alesis Semiconductor generates an analog synth voice on a custom chip the size of a guitar pick, replacing what would otherwise be a huge array of circuit boards. The customer gets authentic analog sound with more power than any other analog polysynth has ever achieved."

Andromeda is packed with features designed to appeal to today's musicians, including MIDI-syncable LFOs, an arpeggiator and an analog-style step-sequencer. It's 640 x 240 backlit graphic LCD display provides actual rather than relative values (time, frequency, BPM, etc.) and high-resolution graphics. An extensive audio input/output array gives the user maximum routing flexibility. The synthesizer also has high quality digital effects (including reverb, chorus, echo, and more) and a dedicated analog distortion circuit.

Andromeda's 61-note synth-weighted keyboard features velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. Andromeda has multiple keyboard modes, portamento with nine slopes, and legato functions. In addition to the standard pitch and mod wheels, Andromeda also has a large ribbon controller, which offers multiple, assignable functions, and allows for greater tactile control of real-time parameters. Internal program memory features 256 preset and 128 user-defined programs. Andromeda also has a PCMCIA-format memory card slot to save and recall custom programs and mixes.

For more information, visit Alesis at www.alesis.com.