Akai Miniak

Based on what is still probably one of the best virtual analog architectures the Miniak is simply the Alesis Ion/Micron with a better build quality than the Micron and with excellent pitch/mod wheels instead of those horrible horizontal modulation sliders on the Micron.

This little thing is built like a tank. The architecture is like nothing else. Virtually every parameter uses high-resolution control so nothing "steps" like so many analog modelers do. The architecture uses thousands of steps instead of the inadequate 128 steps provided by MIDI continuous controllers which is how most other synths are designed. Most modern digitals still and even some D.S. analogs! use low-res 128 step controls because it's less costly and easier to design.

Stunning filters! This is certainly one of the most elaborate digital filter implementations ever put into a synth! 20 different filters, some meticulously modeled on classics like the Oberheim 2 pole, the Moog 4-pole, Roland Jupiter and TB, while others are vocal formants, comb filters, and other crazy stuff like a 48db/octave 8 pole low pass! You can even run your signal through TWO 8 pole low pass filters in series if you like. The second filter can even be locked to the first filter cutoff frequency with an offset based on fractions of an octave. And yes, it runs at a 1000 Hz as well.

There's also a dedicated FX LFO than can run up to some rather high speeds when tempo sync'd creating yet more modulation possibilities. 3 variable curve envelopes that can be LFO's if you wish! Great features like exponential/linear curves, looping with multiple triggering options and absolute sustain timing make these envelopes far more capable than most.

A 12 channel modulation matrix with a huge source/destination selection. The key to creating evolving, living sounds lies here. FM and Sync. Here again the architecture lets you get very experimental.

The FM offers 3 linear and 3 exponential algorithms allowing OSC 2 and 3 to effect OSC 1. The sync on the other hand provides hard sync or soft sync (reverses OSC direction to avoid transients) allowing OSC 1 to affect OSC 2 and 3. As you can imagine this allows for some outlandish feedback to be created. The kind of stuff that usually requires patch cables. Finally, there is a limited effects section, although far more extensive than you find on a Moog Model D. :-)

Analog drum machine patterns - Arpeggiator - Step sequencer - Rhythm sequencer with analog drum sounds - 1000 slots for patch storage - Flag any preset as a favorite - .