If you’re looking for a reliable MIDI keyboard controller, the Alesis V61 is exactly what you need. I’ve been using this keyboard for a while now, and I’ve got some insights to share that might help you. Stick around to find out if this keyboard is the right fit for your musical needs!
Before we dive in, let me show you the main image of the Alesis V61 to give you a better idea of its look.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- The 61 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys are perfect for playing Virtual Instruments. They are not too stiff and offer a great playing experience.
- The 8 backlit pads are great for beat production and clip launching. They are fun to use and provide a good learning opportunity for beginners.
- This MIDI Controller also comes with a premium software suite. This includes Ableton Live Lite and Xpand2, adding great value to the product.
- The mod and pitch wheels offer smooth and expressive control during performances.
- Alesis is a trusted brand known for quality audio and musical equipment, providing reliability and peace of mind.
What Can Be Improved
- The velocity sensitivity can be problematic, with occasional high-velocity notes occurring at inconvenient times. Adjusting them using the V61 editor helps, but it’s not a perfect solution.
- Assigning the knobs and buttons to parameters can be confusing. This is particularly true for beginners using popular DAWs like Garageband.
Quick Verdict
Overall, the Alesis V61 is a solid MIDI keyboard controller with plenty to offer. The full-sized keys, backlit pads, and premium software suite make it a great choice for beginners and intermediate users.
However, the velocity sensitivity and knob/button assignment issues may be a drawback for some. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-packed MIDI keyboard at a reasonable price, check out the Alesis V61 on Amazon to see if it fits your musical needs.
Unboxing – What’s Inside?
I purchased the Alesis V61 on Amazon because I needed a reliable and affordable MIDI keyboard controller for my music production setup. The delivery was incredibly fast, arriving at my doorstep in two days.
Inside the box, I found the 61-key USB MIDI keyboard controller and a USB cable for connectivity. The bundle also included a quick start guide to get me up and running quickly.
Specifications
- Brand: Alesis
- Model Name: V61
- Special Feature: Velocity Sensitive Keys, Keyboard Controller
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Number of Keys: 61
- Color: Black
- Supported Software: Ableton Live
- Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 44.1 x 4.53 inches
- Item Weight: 7.48 pounds
- Date First Available: April 14, 2014
User Guide
The quick start guide included in the box was extremely helpful in setting up my Alesis V61. It provided clear instructions on connecting the keyboard to my computer. It also guided me on how to use it with my music production software.
For more in-depth information, I referred to the user guide available on the manufacturer’s website.
Features – What We Found
Full-Sized, Velocity Sensitive Keys
As a musician, having 61 full-sized, velocity-sensitive square-front keys on the Alesis V61 MIDI Keyboard Controller is a game-changer.
The keys are perfectly designed for playing Virtual Instruments, offering a responsive and natural feel. Whether performing live or recording in the studio, the keys provide an authentic playing experience that enhances my creativity and performance.
Plus, the velocity sensitivity adds a dynamic element to my playing. It allows me to express myself with varying levels of force.
Pro tip: Use the octave up and down buttons to access the full keyboard range. This gives you even more flexibility and control over your performances and recordings.
Backlit Pads for Beat Production
The 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads on the Alesis V61 are perfect for beat production and clip launching.
They provide tactile feedback and visual cues. This makes it easy to create and trigger rhythmic patterns.
These pads are a game-changer for my music production workflow. They allow me to tap into my creativity and lay down beats with precision. The illuminated pads add a visually dynamic element to my setup, creating an engaging performance experience.
Check out the product link to see the backlit pads in action.
Assignable Knobs and Buttons with Visual Feedback
The 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons on the Alesis V61 interface seamlessly with my music software. This provides hands-on control over parameters and functions.
The illuminated buttons and knobs offer visual feedback, making it easy to see and adjust settings in real time. This level of control and visual feedback enhances my music production experience. It allows me to make precise adjustments and creative tweaks with ease.
Pitch and Modulation Wheels for Expressive Control
With the pitch and modulation wheels on the Alesis V61, I have expressive control at my fingertips.
These wheels enable me to add nuanced pitch bends and modulation effects to my performances. The result is an expressive and dynamic element to my playing. Whether adding subtle pitch variations or dramatic modulations, these wheels give me the creative control to elevate my music.
Pro-tip: Experiment with different modulation settings to add depth and emotion to your playing.
Premium Software Suite Included
Investing in the Alesis V61 gives you a powerful MIDI keyboard controller and a premium software suite. This includes the following:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Xpand2 virtual instrument software by Air Music Tech
- MPC Beats
These professional-grade software tools expand your creative possibilities, giving you access to various sounds, effects, and production capabilities. This software suite gives you everything you need to bring your musical ideas to life.
Our Review, Score and More
Our Score: 91.0
As a musician and aspiring music teacher, I have found the Alesis V61 a fantastic addition to my musical setup.
The 61 full-sized, velocity-sensitive keys are perfect for playing virtual instruments, and I have found them to be just as responsive as an acoustic piano. The 8 backlit pads are great for beat production and clip launching. And even though there have been some reports of double triggering, I have found them to be quite functional for my needs.
Additionally, the 4 assignable knobs and buttons provide seamless visual feedback. Plus, they allow me to interface with my music software with ease.
Including Ableton Live Lite, Xpand2 virtual instrument software, and MPC Beats in the professional software suite has been a game-changer. It offers me the tools I need to bring my musical ideas to life.
If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable MIDI keyboard controller, I highly recommend the Alesis V61. You can find it here.
The keyboard’s build quality is impressive, and the premium software included makes it an exceptional value for the price.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to expand your musical abilities or a professional seeking a reliable MIDI keyboard controller, the Alesis V61 is worth considering. I have enjoyed using it with my DAW, which enhanced my music production workflow. Don’t hesitate to give it a try!
Overall, the Alesis V61 has exceeded my expectations and become essential to my music-making process. Its features, functionality, and affordability make it a standout product in the MIDI keyboard controller market.
I have found it to be reliable, intuitive, and well-suited for a range of musical applications. With a 4.6 rating and over 6000 ratings on Amazon, it’s clear that many others have also had positive experiences with this keyboard.
Best Combination
When investing in the Alesis V61 – 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller, consider adding the M-Audio SP-2 Universal Sustain Pedal to your setup.
This sustain pedal is designed for use with MIDI keyboards, digital pianos, and other piano-like devices. It provides piano-style action for expressive playing.
The M-Audio SP-2 allows you to sustain notes and chords, enhancing the overall musical experience when using your MIDI keyboard.
By incorporating the M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal with the Alesis V61 MIDI Keyboard Controller, you’ll have a more versatile and dynamic setup. Ultimately, this gives you greater control over your music production and live performances. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in how you play and create music.
Consider adding the M-Audio SP-2 Sustain Pedal to your cart along with the Alesis V61 MIDI Keyboard Controller. This is sure to take your musical expression to the next level.
Alternatives To Consider
When purchasing a MIDI keyboard controller, it’s important to explore all available options to find the perfect fit for your needs. While the Alesis V61 is a great choice, there are alternative products that offer unique advantages worth considering.
If you’re looking for a MIDI keyboard with different features, you might want to check out the Similar Product 1. This alternative product offers a broader range of assignable knobs and buttons. Thanks to this, you have greater flexibility in your music production process.
On the other hand, if portability is your main concern, Similar Product 2 might be a better fit for you. Its lightweight design and compact size make it perfect for musicians on the go.
For those who prioritize a comprehensive software suite, the Similar Product 3 comes with a professional software package that rivals the one included with the Alesis V61. This can be a game-changer for your creative process.
Additionally, if you’re interested in a MIDI keyboard controller with a unique set of backlit pads, the Similar Product 4 is worth considering for its innovative approach to pad design.
Lastly, for musicians who seek a keyboard with a different key count, the Similar Product 5 is better. It has different keys that may better suit your playing style and preferences.
Ultimately, purchasing a MIDI keyboard controller depends on your specific needs and preferences. Exploring these alternative products can help you make an informed choice that aligns with your musical goals. You can find reviews of other music production tools on DLK Music Pro.
