Alesis V49 MKII 49-Key USB-MIDI Keyboard Controller

The Alesis V49 keyboard controller is a high-quality instrument that is easy to set up, easy to play. It took me less than 5-minutes to get started. The pads mapped themselves to whatever vst I was using in Sonar Platinum; I haven't used the knobs or buttons yet, but I'm happy they're there when I need them. The blue led lights look really cool,too. Mostly, I love that I just plug this controller in and Im ready to play- no fuss, easy-peasey. I'd buy it again, and recommend it to anyone who needs a new controller. At this price, it's silly not to have one.

I'm an old dude. After watching some you tube videos I decided to build a simple virtual organ. The Alesis USB Keyboard and pad controllers suited my budget and technical requirements and now I can play a beautiful old organ, with the aid of some brilliant audio sampling by Milan and brilliant virtual organ software by Hauptwerk.

A Step Up from the Q49

Although I'd had keyboard lessons while growing up, I am not a keyboard player. I use keyboard for composing songs and arrangement lines in MIDI production, however. I had owned the Alesis Q49 (purchased from MF), whose internal power supply died after 15 months (common problem in USB keyboards, apparently). Meanwhile, the Q49 was discontinued, succeeded by the V49, so . . . The V49 has eight assignable drum pads, which do come in handy for writing basic drum parts. The keys are nicely-sized, and formed like piano keys at the front edge, with a sense of "weight" to them, like a piano's, though not quite. I prefer them to the springy-feeling keys of the Q49. To some people, especially inexperienced players, the V49's keys might feel stiff, or not responsive enough - ... MoreAlthough I'd had keyboard lessons while growing up, I am not a keyboard player. I use keyboard for composing songs and arrangement lines in MIDI production, however. I had owned the Alesis Q49 (purchased from MF), whose internal power supply died after 15 months (common problem in USB keyboards, apparently). Meanwhile, the Q49 was discontinued, succeeded by the V49, so . . . The V49 has eight assignable drum pads, which do come in handy for writing basic drum parts. The keys are nicely-sized, and formed like piano keys at the front edge, with a sense of "weight" to them, like a piano's, though not quite. I prefer them to the springy-feeling keys of the Q49. To some people, especially inexperienced players, the V49's keys might feel stiff, or not responsive enough - which is remediable by using the utility software downloadable from Alesis. The keyboard comes with its velocity sensitivity set to "4," and after setting it to "1," it was much more to my liking. I really hope that the internal power supply dies while the keyboard is still under warranty, this time.

Beautiful, affordable, and functional

The Alesis V49 MIDI controller is my first MIDI keyboard. I wanted something functional, aesthetically appealing, and fairly simple that would enhance my recordings. I typically would create my MIDI tracks with a piano roll in Reaper, but found it to really be lacking a human element.Since purchasing this item, I have discovered it to be very useful in my workflow. I no longer have to sit in a MIDI editor for an extended period of time to have lifeless recordings. The simplicity of use out of the box is great. I plugged it into my computer and within 5 minutes had it set up and playing some VSTi's out of my studio monitors.It get's more complicated when you want to go about programming the drum pads and assorted knobs. In fact, the included documentation (which ... MoreThe Alesis V49 MIDI controller is my first MIDI keyboard. I wanted something functional, aesthetically appealing, and fairly simple that would enhance my recordings. I typically would create my MIDI tracks with a piano roll in Reaper, but found it to really be lacking a human element.Since purchasing this item, I have discovered it to be very useful in my workflow. I no longer have to sit in a MIDI editor for an extended period of time to have lifeless recordings. The simplicity of use out of the box is great. I plugged it into my computer and within 5 minutes had it set up and playing some VSTi's out of my studio monitors.It get's more complicated when you want to go about programming the drum pads and assorted knobs. In fact, the included documentation (which was sparce) did not provide this information. I've gone online and I'm sure I could figure it out in time, but it just seems very tedious and over-the-head of a novice when it comes to setting up MIDI controls. This lack of instructions is disappointing and renders part of the buy useless until I have time to figure it out.That said, some knobs work right out of the box. In particular the pitch and mod wheels, which is one of the reasons I wanted this as well, to create expressive recordings unattainable in a MIDI editor. They work very well and are fluid.The velocity component of the keyboard is hit-and-miss. It is not as sensitive as I would have liked. At times a light push of the keys can trigger a far louder sound than expected. Considering the price, the sensitivity isn't "that" bad at all, but there are better options on the market no doubt.Overall, what I wanted was an affordable and relatively easy to use MIDI keyboard for home studio recording purposes. It fits my studio perfectly and is aesthetically pleasing. The 49 keys are great. Not too small and not to larger, plus there is an easy to use set of buttons that allows you to shift octaves for more range on the fly. I would have liked more instructions to be included, but can't help but praise this item as it works very well for the relatively low cost.I bought through Musicians Friend because they offered a free set of AKG headphones with the purchase.

Compact and sturdy, but bad velocity sensitivity

I am happy with the build and feel of this keyboard. It is very sturdy, I like the square edge of the keys, and don't mind the slightly stiffer feel. I am not happy with the velocity sensitivity, nor the options to adjust it. No matter what option (there are 8 when you use the editor) there is a problem with loud notes suddenly jumping out, which is very unnatural. I also do not like how when using the editor, I cannot hear the changes as they are being made, but rather, have to make the changes first, save them, then send them to the keyboard to hear the difference. That is an inconvenience, but the velocity problem (and options) are a much bigger problem. Knowing this, I'd probably look harder for something better.

Feedback about the Vortex

While the instrument itself is fantastic, the Vortex-1 DVI is so stupid, pathetic, frustratingly FUBAR that it made the entire experience VERY NEGITIVE. Downloading with Promo code FUBAR, Installing with license FUBAR!!! It took hours over a week and a half to iron out all the details and gent Vortex-1 DVI to work!!!!!!!! I have NEVER had a purchase/software install process be more Fuc#ed up!! The other two software packages they offered install and performed flawlessly! But the main SONiVox Vortex-1 DVI installation and licensing process was Totally FUBAR (Fu@k Up Beyond Recognition) that cost me over a week of BS to correct and get working!! In closing I would say the Vortex is totally cool, two of the software packages were totally cool, but SoniVox, SUCKED BIG ... MoreWhile the instrument itself is fantastic, the Vortex-1 DVI is so stupid, pathetic, frustratingly FUBAR that it made the entire experience VERY NEGITIVE. Downloading with Promo code FUBAR, Installing with license FUBAR!!! It took hours over a week and a half to iron out all the details and gent Vortex-1 DVI to work!!!!!!!! I have NEVER had a purchase/software install process be more Fuc#ed up!! The other two software packages they offered install and performed flawlessly! But the main SONiVox Vortex-1 DVI installation and licensing process was Totally FUBAR (Fu@k Up Beyond Recognition) that cost me over a week of BS to correct and get working!! In closing I would say the Vortex is totally cool, two of the software packages were totally cool, but SoniVox, SUCKED BIG TIME!!!!! NEVER MEET A SOFTWARE COMPANY WHERE THEIR PRODUCTS INSTALLATION?ACTIVATION MORE MY FU IN MY ENTIRE LIFE!!! This feedback is coming from a high end super computer/server troubleshooting specialist!!

Great Little keyboard

First off I am a guitar player with a brief understanding of piano. That being said this is great little keyboard. The keys feel alot like a full size piano. The drum pads work but take a while to get a feel for them. It just worked right of the box. Ive not attempted to program the knobs but the keys and the pitch and modulation wheel work plug n play. Paired with a loop machine and a small mixer ive had hours of fun on a small budget

Keys are unresponsive

My experience with this product has been frustrating and very disappointing. When I first plugged it in I had to poke the keys very forcefully to get any response from this device. I downloaded the V49 editor software hoping that would help me fix the problem, but my Norton Antivirus kept rejecting the exe file. I posted a request for help on the Alesis support website last week - no response. So, I called them on the phone, waited 45 minutes on hold, and a technician told me there was nothing wrong with the V49 Editor software, and that I should try again to load the software and reset the velocity on the keys to "1". When I finally got the V49 Editor installed, I reset the velocity for the keys from 4 to 1 - and this made a marginal improvement - but the keyboard ... MoreMy experience with this product has been frustrating and very disappointing. When I first plugged it in I had to poke the keys very forcefully to get any response from this device. I downloaded the V49 editor software hoping that would help me fix the problem, but my Norton Antivirus kept rejecting the exe file. I posted a request for help on the Alesis support website last week - no response. So, I called them on the phone, waited 45 minutes on hold, and a technician told me there was nothing wrong with the V49 Editor software, and that I should try again to load the software and reset the velocity on the keys to "1". When I finally got the V49 Editor installed, I reset the velocity for the keys from 4 to 1 - and this made a marginal improvement - but the keyboard sensitivity at 1 is still unacceptably unresponsive. I also have discovered that the V49 seems to default the velocity on the keys back to 4. So I have to keep resetting the velocity. I really tried to make this work out of customer loyalty to Alesis because I have one of their other products - which I am very happy with - their SR-16 drum machine. However, I am throwing in the towel on this V49 - I am going to return it.

This is pretty bad

I bought this as a temporary solution for a "pop-up" studio setup, didn't really feel the need to purchase a second Axiom. It's plug and play, and looks nice, but good gracious: make sure you allocate enough time in your sessions to go back and re-ediit your midi performances. The velocity is all over the place. Literally. The only benefit this controller has is to save you time from clicking in midi notes by hand...though you spend that time going back to edit the random velocities it generates so I'm not sure how much time you're actually saving. If price is a concern for you, you're better off getting a better brand with less keys and just going nuts on your octave buttons. Seriously.

Wonderful Controller

The questions above are a "bit" misleading as the product does not actually generate "sound". It is a controller that directs other software/devices to generate sound. It does this quite well of course but what I really love about is the tactile response of the VERY lifelike keyboard and the pad layouts for percussion! GREAT little product.