Pros
Sturdy build quality
Feels like full-sized piano keys
High-quality drum pads
Comes with an ableton live 9 lite key and other software
Good for learning MIDI and synth
Good for beginners and intermediates
Works well with DAWs like GarageBand and PreSonus Studio One Artist
Responsive pitch and mod wheels
Affordable price point
Cons
Velocity sensitivity issues
Keys are too heavy and unresponsive for some users
Drum pads may double-trigger
Main Product Advantages
9 Price
Excellent value for money considering its features, making it highly recommended for budget-conscious buyers.
8 Arpeggiator
The built-in Arpeggiator is a useful feature for creating automatic note sequences, adding more versatility to the keyboard controller.
8 Software Suite
Comes with a generous software suite including Ableton Live Lite and other Alesis software, which adds great value for users especially beginners.
8 Build Quality
Sturdy and well-built with a sleek design, the V49 MKII is robust and aesthetically pleasing.
7 Drum Pads
8 Full Level Pads are fun to use and a great learning opportunity for beginners, although they sometimes suffer from double triggering.
7 Pitch/Mod Wheel
Pitch/Mod Wheels are functional but have a narrower range and are physically smaller compared to other controllers like Novation synths.
7 Note Repeat
Note Repeat feature adds ease for repetitive note patterns, making it a useful addition especially for beat-making.
7 Ease of Setup
Generally easy to set up with most DAWs and works well right out of the box, although some users experience issues with certain software.
7 Portability
Relatively lightweight and compact for a 49-key controller, making it a good option for on-the-go music production.
6 Keys
49 Velocity Sensitive Keys have a nice weight and good feel but are not uniformly praised for their responsiveness.
Introduction
The Alesis V49 MKII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is a robust and versatile tool for electronic music production. It's designed to cater to musicians of all levels, providing a comprehensive suite of features that empower users to turn their musical ideas from mere concepts to final polished performances.
Key Features
The Alesis V49 MKII is equipped with 49 velocity-sensitive keys, ensuring that your performance is expressive and dynamic. The inclusion of 8 full-level pads provides additional flexibility for creating beats and triggering samples.
Arpeggiator Functionality
The built-in arpeggiator adds a creative spark to your melodies and chord progressions. This feature enables you to produce complex musical patterns effortlessly, enhancing your overall production quality.
Control Elements
With pitch and modulation wheels, the Alesis V49 MKII offers further expressive possibilities. These controls allow you to add subtle or dramatic changes to your sound in real-time, making your performances more engaging.
Additional Tools
The Note Repeat feature is a boon for beat-makers. It simplifies the creation of repetitive patterns, saving time and ensuring precision. Along with the software suite that comes bundled with the controller, including DAWs and virtual instruments, you have a complete production package at your fingertips.
Performance
Whether you are working on bedroom beats or home studio projects, the Alesis V49 MKII proves to be an indispensable production tool. Its user-friendly interface and premium features make it suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Conclusion
The Alesis V49 MKII USB MIDI Keyboard Controller is a highly capable and versatile tool for electronic music production. With its array of features and intuitive design, it effectively bridges the gap between initial musical inspiration and the final polished performance. It's a valuable addition to any musician's toolkit.
