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For Alesis VI25, 44 customer reviews collected from 1 e-commerce sites, and the average score is 4.

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24.1.2021

I've ruminated on how I was going to do this review and I'll be honest, at times I wanted to return it. This is a good MIDI keyboard, I can't say that from experience since it's my first one but from what I can tell it is a solid keyboard. It has its problems though, fortunately none of them are deal breakers.I could waffle on forever so I'm going to keep it brief, I have used FL Studio for over a decade and at this point I'm never going to switch it out for another DAW, having said that I was disappointed to find out that the VI49 does not function completely in FL. The transport buttons (play, pause, record etc) don't work with FL, you also can't get them to work since these buttons transmit CC MIDI signal which the FL interface doesn't read.Having said that I'm sure that these transport buttons would work in a plugin that did have specific transport function like a loop kit, but again these buttons SHOULD control the DAW in order to help minimize switching between KB+M in the middle of a performance. I noticed that in the MIDI settings there is an entry in the controller type for the Alesis Photon X25, but unfortunately none for the more recent controllers especially the VI49/61. What makes this stranger is that the octave buttons work fine, which makes me wonder why not the rest of the utility buttons? This is one primary reason why I originally wanted to return my VI49 for a keyboard that had more DAW functionality.While the key bed feels nice and with semi-weighted keys, it also feels like more of a real piano rather than a MIDI controller, again since this is my first MIDI keyboard I don't have enough experience to know about different key beds but more times than I'm battling with the stiffness of the key bed. Although the more time I spend with it the more it grows on me so it's a moot point but keep that in mind if you're looking for a plastic toy kind of feel which in most cases is a con in the long run.I've spent a good portion of the week scouring the net for solutions, reviews, and possible alternatives, but when considering other entry level MIDI keyboards you can't go wrong with VI49. Personally I'd like to have halved the amount of knobs and switched them for faders but that's just an aesthetic choice. When you look down and see 12 knobs with 3 buttons under each of them you don't even want to think about the chore of mapping them all. For reference the Novation Launchkey Mk3 and M-Audio Oxygen Pro seem to have better DAW functionality (and working DAW keys to boot) but the trade off is significant. Ultimately the Launchkey Mk3 has non-weighted 'hollow/plastic-esque' keys which according to the majority of website and YT reviewers is noticeable. The Oxygen Pro does have semi-weighted keys and aftertouch but it is plagued with faults and poor construction, check the product page on Amazon for the horror stories. The take away is this.I would have loved the touch pads of the Oxygen Pro, the utility buttons/functions of the Launchkey Mk3 and kept the key bed of the VI49, this is all hypothetical since I haven't tried the other two but after spending so long pouring over videos and pages it's conclusive that these are the pros and cons of each controller. Ultimately the most important thing to any single MIDI keyboard are the keys itself, so the Alesis VI49 takes priority. I'm hoping and praying that Alesis will sort out the FL Studio functionality, if those buttons worked then this would be a flawless MIDI keyboard. I would even be tempted to splurge out on the 61 key next and start my collection! Please Alesis get a patch sorted!
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29.8.2019

I bought this Vi61 to replace an ageing Alesis QX keyboard. I've had it a week but so far all is well and I'm very happy. On turn on it was immediately recognised by Windows 10 so it's plug and play without problem. Fit and finish is pretty much perfect and all the buttons, pads and knobs are functioning as they should. The knobs have a nice weight to them, the switches are a hard plastic, perhaps not the best quality but they work. My reason for choosing this keyboard was to gain more tactile control over the most used functions in my DAW, in front of which I spend my working days. Reviews had already assured me that the semi weighted action was OK and indeed it is for a 61 key controller at this price point.I've spent some time already using the editor program to make changes I want.The editor program itself is not well written, somewhat unfriendly and confusing. Each time you start it you have to re-choose your device midi in and out for some reason. There is no file drag and drop, Neither is there any visual feedback on the keyboard display when sending or receiving to the program. It's not nice to use at all. However it is versatile enough and you can make all the changes you need. Once all is finally setup as you want, you'll probably not use it again so it's no big deal. You can save setups to disc, and to any any of the keyboard's 24 on-board presets. I shall most likely only ever use one or two.For midi, each switch can be changed to either toggle, momentary or program change control, each knob to controller or aftertouch and each drum pad to note, toggle, momentary and program change controllers. You can choose from 8 keyboard velocity curves and if needed the keyboard can be split into zones. The transport controllers come set as you'd expect to momentary, but can be changed to toggle if wanted. The mod and pitch bend wheels' midi channels can also be changed as can the sustain pedal. I will not use the gimicky drum roll function (which can also be edited). Overall I'm really pleased with control available.The drum pads light up, 3 different colours according to how hard you hit them (completely unnecessary but some may like it)! The preset window, all the switches and tops of the knobs, and even the mod and pitch wheels light up blue, which is a great visual aid in a dark room. Out of the box, and value for money wise, I think this is an excellent controller keyboard. The keyboard action is better than my old device and I can see myself using this for years to come. I'll amend my review if anything nasty pops up over time, but so far I'd say if the specs fit your needs, buy without hesitation :)
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21.7.2018

I waited a week to try things out and give an tried and tested review.* Build QualityI was really impressed by the solid way in which the Vi61 was built. The case is sturdy, the knobs and buttons have a solid feel, with just enough resistance on the knobs to make transitions smooth. And the handy digital readout allows you to see exactly where you put the dial.The two wheels to the top left are really nice to the touch, with a lovely, grippy, rubberised finish to them. Both feel smooth and the pitch bend has a nice resistance to it.The 16 - yes count 'em 16 - pads on the left are much more sensitive than I thought they would be. The lights flash different colours to express how firm you are hitting the pads,which is useful. But even with the softest of taps you can trigger a sample or drum /high hat etc.* KeysThe keys are the size of piano keys, not typical synth keys. This means more room to be creative and less chance of hitting two unintended keys at once. For those used to the synth keys, don't worry, you'll get used to it real quick.The keys are semi-weighted, which means, rather than press the keys you push the keys, like you would a piano. The keys push back a little and you can get extremely expressive sounds from the velocity sensitive aspect.* Performance & IntegrationThis keyboard is plug and play, straight out of the box....but....obvious things like ensuring your DAW (music program) knows that you've plugged your new kit in almost go without saying, but to really get the most from this MIDI controller, you need to set it up with your DAW. There's a simple set of instructions on the Alesis website (didn't know if I could link) and you can ensure that your knobs and buttons are interacting with your VSTs (instruments).I'm using Presonus Studio One and everything interacts well.* In ConclusionI cannot think of one thing I don't like about this MIDI controller. The build, feel, ease of use and overall performance make this a no-brainer, especially in this price bracket.
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7.10.2017

What can I say; I've owned many master keyboards and none of them have been any good, especially when it comes to the key bed. This one however has excellent action for the price with good solid keys, whilst still remaining light and portable. It has software that allows you to map the many controls available, allowing it to do everything a more expensive controller can do. And it has after-touch, a rarity at this price point.I have yet to come across any negatives, except I wish there was an 88 key hammer action version. But I expect that would be more expensive. It's USB MIDI was plug and play with Windows 10 and I haven't experienced any drop outs.All in all for the price I don't think you'll find a better controller.Highly recommended.
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20.2.2016

Short review about the keyboard - be aware that it does ship completely unmapped, which is great for many reasons, but don't expect plug and play in the traditional sense. Also if you're an idiot (like me) be aware that the dimension length of 62.5cm is the actual keyboard length. The entire product is somewhat larger. Great feel to the thing. It's brilliant. Buy itOn the seller - these dudes were brilliant. DPD lost my first keyboard, and as soon as I mentioned it another was posted next day delivery, with a nice comment to dpd to try not to lose this one. Will buy from them again if I ever need anything. Thumbs up to them.

20.1.2019

I got this after a disaster with a cheaper, poorer quality purchase, returned as it did not work out of the box.I had read up a bit more for my next purchase and opted for the V125. Glad I did. As a music hobbyist it fits in well with my requirements. Full size piano keys as I am use to, programmable controllers, very good build quality and upto date drivers for my MAC. Plugged in and set off.What more can I say, except it works for me and I am more than pleased, especially after paying that extra and getting a class piece of kit.

1.9.2019

Having owned a bunch of midi controllers I am extremely impressed with my VI49. The feel on the semi weighted keys is really nice. The knobs and the modulation/pitch bend wheel feel nice and heavy, and I feel in control. There are better pads out there, but these work well, and I am now fully used to them and can blast away.I have played some older lines of the same model, and the one I just bought is better somehow.All in all a fantastic piece of kit for such a modest amount of money.

31.7.2018

This works. It needs patience to set up just like most MIDI controllers, integrates with Ableton well, but I prefer to use something different. Worth considering if you need something like this. I was glad I bought this instead of the 25 key version, the keys have great feel and I feel encouraged to use this just by the design and feel. Depending on your hands and fingers, you might need to adjust the sensitivity of the percussion pads to suit your own needs.

6.2.2020

A really impressive instrument, nicely built. I have just plugged it into my new iMac and it is ready to go. Or is it? Sadly none of the the included software is compatible with the latest MAC operating system. And so I am left with just the bare bones of this keyboard, and am unable to use all of the many features that make it a great keyboard.!It will be years before the software catches up.

21.5.2021

Can't say much except that I love this keyboard and the keys are just right for me.The only disappointment is that there are no dedicated transpose buttons. But, you can assign other buttons to do the job as a workaround.Fantastic quality keyboard. Well happy.

17.3.2017

Its so beautiful,the keys are semi lightweightthe blue light display is a really nice touchthe pads are also very good quality much like the Akai rangeI like the feel of the Macro controllersYou cant fault compact design, easy to travel with.

29.2.2020

I bought this to use with Logic Pro on the Mac. It was recognised instantly, no need for drivers. I'm really enjoying it so far. It's powered via usb, the keys are velocity sensitive and there is a large array of pads and configurable knobs.

1.8.2016

Amazon great service...the keyboard arrived well within time and properly packed.Great build...works right out of the box...the drum pad just feels great!If i were to buy another controller of my choice i would buy it all over again

8.1.2020

Brought this for my son, his main gripe was that it didn't come with a separate power supply, however he seems to like it so far, build quality seems good, would like a better instruction booklet

23.12.2018

Make sure you alter the velocity curve to suit your playing style. When I first played this there was a serious lag using VSTs with the default curve.

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