Alesis, headquartered in Rhode Island, has long been a prominent player in the world of MIDI controllers, challenging industry giants like Akai and M-Audio. They have earned a reputation for delivering top-notch, user-friendly MIDI controllers at budget-friendly prices, catering to music producers worldwide. In this Alesis V49 Review, we will delve into the Alesis V49 Review MIDI controller, exploring its outstanding features and advantages. Additionally, we will compare this keyboard with its competitors, namely the M-Audio Oxygen 49 and Alesis VI49, to assist you in making an informed decision.
The Alesis V49 Review MIDI controller stands out for its remarkable design and functionality. Crafted with precision, this controller is specifically engineered to seamlessly integrate with Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs). What sets the V49 apart is its compact design, making it exceptionally portable. Even if you are working on a MacBook Pro, transporting the Alesis V49 is hassle-free, fitting comfortably into a standard suitcase.
Let’s take a comprehensive look at Alesis’s entire lineup of MIDI keyboards and evaluate how the Alesis V49 Review compares in terms of storage space. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at its efficient use of space, a testament to its thoughtful design. Whether you are a professional producer or a beginner, the Alesis V49 is tailored to meet your needs. Stay tuned for a detailed exploration of its features and benefits, allowing you to make a well-informed choice for your musical endeavors.
Design
The design of the Alesis V49 Review is noteworthy, although it doesn’t break new ground, it exudes a sense of craftsmanship and care. Its aesthetic is elegantly minimalist, featuring a sleek matte black exterior complemented by a variety of cool-blue backlit buttons, pads, and knobs. This combination not only enhances its visual appeal but also makes it striking in a dimly lit room. Remarkably, for a controller in its price range, these design elements lend it an air of professionalism, making it feel like a mature and sophisticated device.
Beyond its visual charm, the V49’s construction aligns seamlessly with its aesthetics; it feels robust and durable, promising longevity. In summary, the Alesis V49 Review stands out as a solid and well-crafted MIDI controller, offering a blend of style and substance that caters to both beginners and professionals alike.
Expressive Features of Alesis V49 USB Keyboard Controller
- Equipped with full-sized, synth-action keys featuring a square front for enhanced usability.
- 8 backlit pads that are both velocity and pressure sensitive, offering a responsive touch.
- 4 illuminated knobs and 4 buttons that are assignable, providing versatile control options.
- Includes PitchBend and Modulation wheels, offering precise pitch and modulation adjustments.
- Powered through USB connection, eliminating the need for external power sources.
- Comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition, enhancing its functionality for music production tasks.
Performance
Beyond its impressive appearance, the real question lies in its performance, and it certainly delivers! Adapting to the control layout might take a little time, but the learning curve is far from frustrating. Once you’re acquainted with the setup, it becomes a user-friendly tool to navigate.
The keys exhibit exceptional responsiveness, comparable to higher-end controllers, making it an ideal choice for piano players due to its full-size keys. The knobs and wheels, while sturdy, offer a satisfyingly accurate and smooth user experience. Moreover, its performance is consistent across various platforms and Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), ensuring excellent compatibility across the board.
Pros and Cons of Alesis V49
Pros
- An outstanding keybed that provides an enjoyable playing experience.
- A high-quality product, especially considering it’s made of plastic.
- Comes with a complimentary bundle of synth VST plugins.
- Offers excellent value for the price.
Cons
- It lacks flexibility and adaptability compared to its competitors within the same price range.
- The printer cable protrudes noticeably.
- The software is challenging to learn and navigate.
Keyboard Functionality
The Alesis V49 Review boasts a synth-action keyboard, making it perfect for two-handed performances while maintaining portability. This versatile keyboard provides a wide range of controls, including pitch and mod wheels, transport functions, and an extensive array of pads, buttons, and encoders. With these features, you have complete control over your virtual instruments and plug-ins, whether you’re in the studio or performing live. At Sweetwater, we recognize that the flexibility and functionality of the Alesis V49 USB MIDI keyboard controller will be highly valued by keyboard players.
Conclusion
The Alesis V49 Review is widely regarded as a visually striking piece of technology. Featuring full-size keys and a simplified feature set, it caters to a specific niche, serving a focused purpose. Despite lacking some advanced features, it stands out as a niche controller. Considering its budget-friendly price, it offers functionality and versatility, making it an excellent option for beginners in search of their first MIDI keyboard controller.
Alesis vi49 Review
I’ve observed a significant transformation in the quality, presentation, and marketing strategies associated with this brand, and I must admit, I’m genuinely impressed. Specifically, the VI series has been gaining attention since its initial launch, and rightfully so. These keyboards come at a more affordable price point compared to their competitors, such as Akai, yet they offer nearly all the same features. What’s more, they boast an exceptionally appealing design. I dare say, they rank among the best MIDI keyboards currently available in the market.
Keyboard Functionality
The Alesis VI49 is a semi-weighted keyboard that strikes a perfect balance between performance and portability. Designed for two-handed playing, it offers exceptional mobility. With an array of controls, including transport functions, pitch and mod wheels, and a wide variety of pads, buttons, and encoders, the VI49 equips you with everything you need to take charge of your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and virtual instruments, whether you’re in the studio or performing live. The flexibility and functionality of the Alesis VI49 USB MIDI keyboard controller are aspects we, at Sweetwater, are confident most keyboard players will truly appreciate.
Main features of the Alesis VI49
- Equipped with full-sized, semi-weighted keys for a professional playing experience
- Features square front keys with aftertouch for enhanced control and expressiveness
- Includes 16 pads that are both pressure and velocity sensitive, with multicolor and backlit capabilities
- Offers 12 assignable knobs and 36 illuminated buttons for versatile customization
- Comes with dedicated transport controls for seamless navigation and operation
- Includes modulation and pitch bend wheels for precise musical articulation
- Features one sustain input for extended sustain capabilities
- Equipped with an internal clock for syncing, tempo adjustments, and rolls
- Powered via USB, ensuring convenience and easy setup
Pros and Cons of Alesis vi49
Pros
- Enjoy the fantastic feel of semi-weighted keys that are both comfortable and enjoyable to play
- Boasts a remarkable total of 64 assignable buttons, knobs, and pads, offering extensive customization options
- Features a sleek and minimalist design, adding a touch of sophistication to your setup
- Effortlessly integrates with popular Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs), ensuring seamless compatibility for your music production needs
Cons
- Connections seem somewhat delicate, at least from my experience
- Pads lack the sensitivity I desire
Design
We observed a consistent trend of backlit colors in our Alesis V49 Review of the Akai MPK249. Alesis has maintained their reputation for durable product builds, making this MIDI keyboard a solid investment if you’re looking for a long-lasting option, spanning 3-4 years. While the keys and pads might not match the superior quality of models from Akai or Novation, opting for the Alesis model allows you to save a few dollars. However, this slight compromise in quality shouldn’t deter you, especially if you’re on a budget. The presence of full-sized and semi-weighted keys, along with aftertouch functionality, adds significant value to this keyboard.
Performance
We encountered no issues while using this MIDI keyboard with well-known programs like Logic Pro. Considering it comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite (Alesis Edition), seamless mapping was expected, given the standards of the current decade. The Alesis V49 Review offers extensive functionality, providing comprehensive control over your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and virtual instruments. Whether you prefer mapping with the keys, knobs, or buttons, the options are abundant. Recording is also quite convenient, thanks to the responsive controls. Alesis appears to have meticulously chosen the features for this device, leaving little room for complaints.
COMPARISON BETWEEN ALEXIS VI49 VS ALESIS V49 REVIEW
In our comparison, we’ll be evaluating the Alesis V49 Review alongside its predecessor, the V49. When the V49 was initially launched, it received significant praise, but one major drawback was the complete absence of pads. This omission disappointed many users, especially given that numerous comparable products included this feature.
Alesis has clearly learned from this feedback, as the Alesis V49 Review addresses this flaw by incorporating 16 velocity-sensitive touch pads. Presently, finding a new V49 in stores has become quite challenging. Unless you are specifically seeking the most budget-friendly option, downgrading to the V49 might not even be worth considering given the enhanced features of the VI49.
Which one Suit’s is better
The choice of the right MIDI controller depends entirely on your specific needs and requirements. If your goal is to create straightforward beats and play basic melodies, the V49 model is an excellent choice. It is ideal for utilizing the controller as a virtual piano, playing chords, and even for learning how to play the piano. However, it offers limited control over effects.
On the other hand, if you are delving into advanced sound engineering and design, and you need to handle multiple layers of effects and processing simultaneously, having a MIDI controller with a wide array of controls becomes crucial. In this scenario, investing in a controller like the VI49, which offers extensive control options, is highly beneficial.
Of course, cost considerations play a significant role in your decision-making process. The VI49, with its advanced features, comes at a higher price point. You must weigh the benefits of these additional features against the premium you need to pay for them. If you anticipate utilizing the advanced controls and features extensively, then the VI49 is undoubtedly a worthwhile investment.
Ultimately, the best MIDI controller for you depends on your intended usage and budget. Consider your specific requirements, evaluate the features offered by different models, and make an informed decision based on what aligns most closely with your musical aspirations and technical needs.
CONCLUSION
Approaching my decision to buy the VI49, I had some reservations. I had always perceived Alesis as being overshadowed by Akai, a brand I considered superior. Alesis had indeed launched various products in the past, but I had never seriously considered them. At the time, other brands seemed to offer exactly what I needed, so I never bothered to explore what set Alesis apart from the rest.