[3] Leveraging his ability to design custom integrated circuits, Barr's company was able to introduce technologically advanced products at prices within the realm of most project studios.

In 1986, Alesis produced the first 16-bit professional effects processor priced below $1000, the MIDIverb, which had a 12-bit A/D converter and MIDI control.

In 1997, Alesis Semiconductor was formed, again taking advantage of Barr's custom integrated circuits to produce and market chips for the audio industry.

A series of chips was introduced that ranged from digital signal processors for audio effects to analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters.

By 2001, however, the company's business suffered as market trends changed, and on April 27 of that year, Alesis filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.