I would go as far to say, while both the ION and MS2k are similar inside (dsp types, emulating a VA synth) they do work different. I have both. I prefer the MS2k to work out sounds and act as a midi controller these days. The ION is not good as a midi controller (the encoders are way out of range of most of what you wish to control). Other areas is the way they behave. They each has some positive points and a few negatives. They are different.
I had my MS2k longer than the ION, so my bias might be major factor. I do not like the way ION works or forces you into the small display for a lot of the functions. The documentation is lacking (sysx and full midi docs) so it use to a computer system is limited. Not the same for the MS2k. When the docs come out, I see a lot of tools coming forth to help this out some.
I do like the 4 channels of midi I can feed the ION, opposed to the 2 (trick) channel on the MS2k. I respect the ION for forcing me to control all my parameters via midi (due to the bad encoders on the ION). That has been a learning experience. I do like the filter controls on the ION.
I found both benefited from being further processed with outside filters and effects. Such as the filter queen, eq killer, dsp1024 and so forth. They both work well together as well. I been able to deal with both (which was my intention when I purchased the ION, to complement the MS2k). I do find myself using the MS2k more due to the ION as well.
My ION is in the shop for repairs, second full day there now. I can only say that one needs to review and listen as well as check out the interface of any synth. For me, I do not have the time to learn a deep menu to do a simple thing. Like pan (MS2k, there is a knob almost dead center, ION, deep in the mod matrix (deep to me) no knob). I deal with the pan issue via midi.
I use my MS2k as a midi controller for items like the Arturia MMV, VST synths, Chameleon and so forth. Not a one of them will work with the ION. So don't be fooled by knobs on the surface. I bet the An1x will work fine with the MS2k too. Hind sight, perhaps that would have been a better way to go.
ION and MS2k do not sound alike at all. I can get something similar but it is not the same. With my ears, I say the ION has a thinner sound than the MS2k. The more I work with the ION, I do learn more tricks with it. Maybe in a few years (I had my MS2k for almost 3 years now) I will be able to use them both without much effort. All you read, is based on my experience with them.
Dale
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