A flexible USB-powered MIDI controller with all the tools you need to carry your creative ideas from conception to completion is the Alesis V49. Alesis V49 gives all its essential production tools, from bedroom rhythms to home studio productions. This device is suitable for beginners, experts, and hobbyists. This is an enticing alternative for beginners due to its simplicity and easy-to-navigate nature.
Table of Contents
- General Overview of Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
- Alternatives
- Features
- Sounds
- Specifications
- Pros
- Cons
- Competition
- Alesis VI49 MIDI Keyboard Controller vs Alesis v49
- Alesis Q49 MKII-Controller vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
- Alesis Vortex Wireless High-Performance Controller vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
- Nektar 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboard vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 Keyboard vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
- Conclusion
- You Might Also Like-
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Overview of Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller
With various pads, knobs, and buttons, the Alesis V49 is a powerful, user-friendly MIDI controller that gives you full control over your music-making software. You can extend the Alesis V49 keyboard to its full melodic range and play bass lines, chords, and melodies thanks to its 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys and Octave Up/Down buttons.
Four assignable knobs and buttons are also included in Alesis V49 for controlling effect plugins and virtual instruments. These controls may be used to open and close filters, change volume levels, activate effects, tune settings, and more. Pitch and modulation wheels increase the creative potential of your performance, while eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads enable you to unleash clips or finger drums with an amazing response.
| Features | Rating |
| Performance and sounds | 9.4 |
| Connectivity | 9.5 |
| Build Quality | 9.5 |
| Value for money | 9.4 |
Alesis V49 was made to easily and smoothly work with your music program. You can plug immediately into your computer, start playing music and get power and MIDI capabilities from a single USB connection to your Mac or PC. The layout of the knobs, buttons, and pads allows for a straightforward workflow while all of them glow to offer real-time visual feedback.
Additionally, the small form of the V49 makes it simple to integrate this potent MIDI controller into any size studio. Xpand and Ableton Live Lite 9 are included with the Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller. 2 by AIR Music Tech, two innovative pieces of software that let you use your computer to record, compose, and play. With the help of the fluid audio/MIDI environment of Ableton Live Lite 9, you can quickly record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas.
The cutting-edge virtual instrument Xpand! 2 has a selection of high-quality sounds that range from acoustic instruments to futuristic synths. You may use Alesis V49 to make or perform music straight out of the box thanks to the combination of these strong music platforms.
Electronic Music Production: A Step-By-Step Guide A flexible USB-powered MIDI controller with all the tools you need to carry your creative ideas from conception to completion is the Alesis V49 MKII.
Alesis V49 MKII gives all its essential production tools, from bedroom rhythms to home studio productions. In the realm of MIDI controllers, Alesis via the V49 midi keyboard has long served as an influential manufacturer.
In this review, we’ll exclusively focus on the Alesis V49 MIDI controller keyboard. To better assist you in making a choice, we’ll go over all of its essential characteristics and even compare it to products like the Alesis VI49 and M-Audio Oxygen 49 (among others). At least for a controller of this size, the Alesis V49 is about as basic as they get.
In comparison to many other comparable devices that tout a 4-octave range, the keyboard is one of the company’s most cheap controllers ever. You would wonder if this keyboard has any quality behind it given its incredibly low price, but Alesis hasn’t let us down in this case, it turns out. It is a modern and unique piano.
Due to its smaller housing compared to the VI series, which has multiple buttons and knobs above the keys, the keybed itself is a 49-key, a full-sized arrangement that really occupies around 90% of the space on the complete keyboard. Alesis chose a more practical and useful design approach when it came to aesthetics as opposed to opting for a more flashy appearance, possibly like the Arturia KeyLab controllers do.
This style of appearance might not be to everyone’s taste, especially for people who frequently play live, but that wasn’t Alesis’ original intent. There are plenty of additional choices that might be better suited for live-oriented gamers. There are eight LED trigger pads on the V49, which may be utilized for drum sequencing, pattern and loop triggering, or even just playing programming chords.
Additionally, the manufacturer has included 4 lighted buttons and 4 backlit knobs, which are both readily assignable to certain bespoke purposes in a DAW.
One of the largest differences between the two keyboard controllers stands in sharp contrast to the bigger and more flexible configuration of the Alesis VI25. The V series has lost some weight, making it even more portable and lightweight. As a result, it may be especially well-suited for people with limited room or those who don’t want to experiment too much with sound design.
The minimalist design theme is carried over to the keyboard’s back. There is a sustain pedal jack and a USB MIDI for power and MIDI-through. Fair enough, because you won’t be connecting this keyboard directly to a hardware synth or set of speakers, that’s basically all you’d ever need. Its goal is much more firmly rooted in working with a DAW to compose music.
We’d even argue Alesis intended for this keyboard to be really transportable, at least in terms of 49-key norms. If you have adequate room for 4 octaves worth of keys, this keyboard may be simply transported on the road thanks to its simple design, absence of cords, and other simple characteristics. The Alesis V49, as was already noted, is primarily intended to be a hassle-free MIDI controller for composition and production, and fortunately, it truly shines in this regard.
- MIDI Keyboard with 49 full-sized, velocity sensitive square-front keys, perfect for playing Virtual Instruments
- 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads for beat production and clip launching
- 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons interface with your music software. Seamless, visual feedback via illuminated buttons and knobs
This keyboard should work with just about every DAW you can imagine straight out of the box, and when tested on Logic X, we discovered that the device was instantly identified and ready to use. From there, customizing the knobs, buttons and other features was simple, and we encountered no problems using it with any of the roughly a dozen VST applications we tested it with.
All things considered, this is one of the simplest keyboards to set up and begin using immediately and as a result, it can be a great initial investment for someone who wants to start composing music with MIDI. The simplicity combined with the fact that there aren’t many other keyboard controllers with this many keys at this price range makes this a very appealing option for novices.
Alternatives
- Roland JUNO DS61 has 8-Track Pattern Sequencer w/Non-Stop Recording
- Roland JUNO DS88 comes with 128 Note Polyphony.
- Korg Minilogue is a 16-Step Polyphonic Step & Motion Sequencer.
- Roland JD-XI has a Gooseneck mic with a built-in Vocoder & AutoPitch.
- Yamaha MX881 has 106 voices and 61 drum kits.
Features
- For home studio producers, piano learners, and desktop DJs, the USB Powered Alesis V49 MIDI keyboard transforms any PC, Mac, or iOS device into a feature-rich production studio.
- The 49 Eight velocity-sensitive illuminated rhythm pads with complete level and note repeat controls are combined with full-size, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys in a layout that is simple to integrate into your workspace.
- With four MIDI-assignable knobs for virtual instrument and DAW control, as well as octave and transpose buttons that provide access to the whole keyboard range, you may create sample sounds or backing tracks.
- There is Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels for more expressiveness, as well as a 6-mode Arpeggiator for invoking original tunes and fostering creativity.
- Start the MPC Beats Software Suite and Melodics’ 60 piano lessons, as well as simple point-and-click MIDI editor software that allows for complete control customization, allowing immediate creation.
- It utilizes an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to function with iOS devices (sold separately) 6.35mm Sustain pedal input; USB 2.0, for usage with Mac/PC applications (Windows 7–10; macOS High Sierra-Big Sur).
Also check: Best Beginner Digital Pianos & Keyboards 2023
Sounds
Since more manufacturers are starting to provide them in the box as a free download, bundled sounds are becoming more and more significant when picking a MIDI controller. To achieve this, Alesis collaborated with Air Music Technology, a German business, to integrate their flagship program, Xpand! 2, with the V49.
Since firms without their own software solutions are under increasing pressure to include them in their offerings, it is a recognized variable that bundled software is unpredictable in terms of quality. Xpand! 2 is a very well-liked synthesis program that offers some of the highest-quality synthesizer sounds available, which is fantastic news for potential V49 customers. The application contains more than 2500 distinct preset patches split across numerous pads, strings, leads, drums, basses, and keys, each able to be further broken down by genre and type.
For someone looking for a cheap package that gets them started without needing anything else besides a computer and a DAW, these premium sounds add yet another layer of immense value. They sound fantastic right out of the box. There are undoubtedly many other extremely good synth VSTs available—hundreds of them, in fact. The library in Xpand! 2 is still impressive, and we were especially taken aback by the variety of genres the presets covered.
Specifications
- There are eight velocity-sensitive illuminated rhythm pads with complete level and note repeat controls combined with 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys in a layout that is simple to integrate into your workspace.
- The Alesis v49 has four MIDI-assignable knobs for virtual instrument and DAW control, as well as octave and transpose buttons that provide access to the entire keyboard range, you may create sample sounds or backing tracks.
- There are pitch Bend and Modulation wheels for more expressiveness, as well as a 6-mode Arpeggiator for invoking original tunes and fostering creativity.
- Start MPC Beats Software Suite and Melodics’ 60 piano lessons, as well as simple point-and-click MIDI editor software that allows for complete control customization, enabling immediate creation.
- It utilizes an Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter to function with iOS devices (sold separately) USB 2.0, to be used with Mac/PC software (Windows 7-10; macOS High Sierra-Big Sur); 6.35mm Sustain pedal input.
Pros
- Superb hardware for a plastic controller; pleasant to play; fantastic keybed; bundled software that is excellent and diverse.
- The Alesis v49 offers amazing value for the price.
Cons
- Not as adaptable as controllers with more features.
- It’s somewhat pricey.
Competition
Even though Alesis has long been one of the top manufacturers of MIDI controller keyboards, they haven’t been immune from competition. Today, there are numerous companies producing high-quality products at almost every price point, including the lower price bracket where the v49 falls. Depending on your unique requirements, a number of Alesis solutions can be a better choice for you. Let’s look at a few options so you can eventually pick which is best for you.
Also Check: The Top 12 Yamaha Keyboards – Review and Guide
Alesis VI49 MIDI Keyboard Controller vs Alesis v49
With various pads, knobs, and buttons, the Alesis VI49 is an advanced USB/MIDI keyboard MIDI controller that gives you complete control over your music program. Bass lines, chords, and melodies may all be played using the VI49’s velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with after-touch and Octave Up/Down buttons, which allow you to use the keyboard’s complete melodic range. 12 assignable knobs and 36 assignable buttons are also included in VI VI49 for controlling effect plugins and virtual instruments.
These controls can be used to open and close filters, change volume levels, activate effects, tweak parameters, and more. You may fire clips or finger drums with amazing responses and colorful visual feedback with 16 velocity-sensitive RGB trigger pads.
Additionally, pitch and modulation wheels increase your performance’s capacity for expression. Requirements – Mac: OS X 10.7, 10.8, or 10.9 (Software Requirements: OS X 10.8 or 10.9), PC: Windows 7 or Windows 8; Multicore Processor; 2GB RAM, Available USB Port on the device includes Xpand! 2.
- MIDI Keyboard with 49 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with after touch. USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI Out offer flexible MIDI connectivity
- Manipulate plugins and virtual instruments with hands-on controls. With VI49, you can open and close filters on virtual synthesizers, adjust volume levels in your mix, activate effects, and much more
- 16 velocity-sensitive trigger pads with illuminated RGB feedback for beat production and clip launching. Pitch and modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control
Alesis Q49 MKII-Controller vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
Core Keys Control, Simplified with the Alesis Q49 MKII! You cannot afford to choose the incorrect tool for the job when the inspiration for a tune strikes and it is time to create music. A straightforward USB MIDI keyboard controller with 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive synth-action keys is required—the Alesis Q49 MKII.
This USB bus-powered MIDI controller comes with all you need to record your performance on Mac, PC, or iOS devices, down to the smallest nuance of your delivery. Important Control. Don’t waste time typing or clicking on the computer to enter your performance. All of the controls you need to help you create your playing character are on the Q49 MKII. Easily accessible Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels can be used to provide emotion and expression. Want to leave that note up a little while longer?
Connect a sustained pedal (not included) to your instrument to add the necessary human touch to your melody. Additionally, there are controls for STOP, PLAY, RECORD, and Directional Transport, allowing you to use your music-making software without ever taking your hands off the Q49 MKII. Need even more power? You can MIDI map the onboard volume slider to any required DAW or virtual instrument parameter.
- Music Production and Beat Maker Essential – USB powered MIDI controller with 49 full size MIDI keyboard velocity-sensitive keys for studio production, virtual synthesizer control and beat production
- Complete Control - Octave / Transpose buttons to access the full piano range; Pitch bend and modulation wheels; Assignable volume knob and transport controls for tactile DAW and virtual synth control
- Universal Compatibility - Complete compatibility with any music production app that accepts a MIDI controller including Ableton Live, Cubase, Logic, MPC Beats and more
Alesis Vortex Wireless High-Performance Controller vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
Improved Wireless Freedom With the new Alesis Vortex Wireless 2, take back the stage and perform with a keytar untethered. The updated Vortex Wireless 2 offers comprehensive MIDI controller functionality in a chic and stage-ready keytar design with a stunning gloss-black finish. It has improved ergonomics for better playability, more robust housing, and an updated control layout.
This versatile MIDI keytar controller connects wirelessly to your computer and works well with well-known plugins, DAWs, and virtual instruments. The PC and Mac-compatible USB dongle establish a dependable, wireless connection using a single USB port for optimum stage and studio mobility. Control and connectivity on board.
With 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, 8 RGB illuminated velocity-sensitive drum pads, a row of 8 backlit faders, and 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, you can take control of the stage. Additional performance options are provided by a set of neck controls. You can adjust sounds with the MIDI-assignable touch strip and MIDI-assignable accelerometer, develop melodic ideas with the octave range buttons, and turn on sustain while still using your right hand for playing. Vortex Wireless features USB-MIDI and conventional MIDI Out connections in addition to a variety of networking choices.
- Command the Stage - 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact size with complete melodic range
- Get Creative - Eight RGB backlit velocity-sensitive trigger pads enable you to create beats or trigger clips and eight back-lit faders control volume or any other assignable virtual instrument parameters
- Express Yourself - Embedded MIDI-assignable tilt sensor performance control with on/off button and Thumb-controlled volume slider and reversible pitch-bend wheel
Nektar 61 Key MIDI Controller Keyboard vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
14 MIDI-assignable buttons, Nektar DAW Integration for the majority of popular DAWs, 61 expressive synth-action keys, on-board pitch bend and modulation wheels for performances, 61 Premium MIDI Controller, Bitwig 8-Track DAW included.
- Compact Design: The compact design is comfortable in front of a computer and delivers powerful functionality not even found on more comprehensive controllers
- Dynamic: The Impact GX61 are dynamic and expressive instruments, tailored to composition & performance with your computer music system. They are compatible with any music software for Windows and Mac OS and their no-fuss interface is a great entry into the world of Nektar controllers
- Transport Extended: Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of Impact GX. Essential tasks like transport activation or track navigation are highly repetitive � and reaching for the mouse every time, can kill any seed of inspiration
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 Keyboard vs Digital Piano Alesis v49
Player Experience Only With the Keystation 49 MK3, a keyboard controller from M-Audio that replaces the venerable Keystation 49 II, you may explore the realm of limitless computer-based music composition and performance. The Keystation 49 MK3 compared to the M audio key station 88 Nk11 is a fully functional, robust MIDI keyboard controller designed for music sequencing and virtual instrument playback on Mac or PC.
The core of Keystation 49 MK3 is an entirely new premium keybed that offers a beautifully natural, player-centric response and 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys that ensure that every fine detail of your performance will be authentically captured. Keystation 49 MK3 includes expertly-located octave range buttons for unrestricted access to the full keyboard range. Whether it’s lead lines, extended chords, or sub-heavy bass lines, Keystation 49 MK3 covers it all in a format that keeps you focused on what’s happening – your performance!
- Ultimate Expression - 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys provide a natural feel that captures every subtle nuance of your performance
- Total Control - Volume fader, transport and directional buttons for easy control of your software, plus ergonomically-designed pitch and modulation wheels, Octave up and down buttons and sustain pedal input for expressive performances
- Immediate Creativity - Easy plug-and-play connection to your Mac or PC—no drivers or power supply required; compatible with iOS devices via the Apple to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)
Conclusion
The tiny, plastic housing of the Alesis V49 MIDI controller houses a lot of functionality. When you consider the size of other 49-key controllers, the controller represents one of the most significant choices for people searching for a powerful controller with 4 octaves of range, and its mobility really emerges as a killer feature.
The Alesis V49 strikes a balance between both that we believe will appeal to a wide range of players, from beginners looking for a good “jumping-in” point to experienced producers looking for something lightweight and hyper-functional. There are keyboards with additional functionality, as well as those with an even smaller footprint. The Alesis V49 is a practical, understated MIDI controller that comes with some excellent software.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Alesis V49 Worth It?
For those who are accustomed to this, the semi-weighted keys are a positive thing. If not, it will take some time for you to become used to how it feels. Some people dislike semi-weighted keys. All we can advise is to persist because it will be worthwhile.
The Alesis Recital Pro is also excellent and highly functional to operate. With its various piano functions, the Alesis Recital Pro genuinely shone out in one area. Compared to the Roland FP-10, it offers more playing modes, which increases its flexibility, especially when combined with the extensive selection of effects and greater polyphony.
2. What Does Alesis V49 Come With?
Ableton Live Lite 9 and Xpand! 2 by AIR Music Tech, two innovative pieces of software that let you record, create, and perform using your computer, are included with V49. With the help of the fluid audio/MIDI environment of Ableton Live Lite 9, you can quickly record, remix, improvise, and edit musical ideas.
3. Does Alesis V49 Work With Logic?
The best beginner MIDI controller is the Alesis V49. The Alesis V49 is one of the greatest inexpensive MIDI keyboards for Logic Pro X even if it has a very basic design. You may customize the curves to fit your style with the 49 full-size keys with square fronts and customizable sensitivity that it features.
4. Is Alesis V49 Class Compliant?
This is so that you may connect your computer to the keyboard plug and play since Alesis equipped it with a 5-pin MIDI output connector and a fully class-compliant USB port.
5. Is Alesis a Chinese Brand?
Alesis is presently owned by the tycoon Jack O’Donnell-owned inMusic Brands Corporation, which is based in Cumberland, Rhode Island. Alesis goods are made in China after being created in the United States.
