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Alesis VI49 49-key Keyboard Controller

49-key Semi-weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Aftertouch, 16 Backlit Pads, Two Wheels, 12 Assignable Knobs, and 36 Assignable Buttons
$229.00

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Alesis VI49 49-key Keyboard Controller
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Compact Controller with Full-size Keys and Aftertouch

Take in-depth control of your DAW and virtual instruments with the Alesis VI49 USB MIDI keyboard controller. This compact keyboard sports 49 semi-weighted, full-sized keys with aftertouch. The 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads use multicolor LEDs, so you can color code them for specific uses. Show your plug-ins who's the boss with 12 illuminated, assignable knobs and 36 buttons. Dedicated transport controls make recording with your DAW quick and easy. It also includes Ableton Live Lite 9 and a Software Preset/Parameter utility. Call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more information on the Alesis VI49 USB MIDI keyboard controller.

Alesis VI49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller at a Glance:
  • A compact keyboard with tons of functionality
  • All of the controls you need, right where you need them to be
  • USB and MIDI outputs provide compatibility with all of your gear
A compact keyboard with tons of functionality

The Alesis VI49, with its 49-note semi-weighted keyboard, is ideal for two-handed performing - while remaining portable. The VI49 gives you a bevy of controls, including pitch and mod wheels, transport controls, and a massive selection of pads, buttons and encoders. You have everything you need to take command of your DAW and virtual instruments in the studio or onstage. The flexibility and functionality of the Alesis VI49 USB MIDI keyboard controller is something we at Sweetwater know most keyboard players will appreciate.

All of the controls you need, right where you need them to be

The Alesis VI49 USB MIDI keyboard controller puts a wide selection of controls at your fingertips. First, there are the semi-weighted keys themselves, all 49 of which give you aftertouch control. You also get 16 RGB backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads let you tap out rhythms and trigger loops, plus the VI49 features a full transport section for running your DAW. Above the keys are 12 illuminated, assignable knobs and 36 illuminated, assignable buttons that can be programmed to control the parameters of your favorite virtual instruments. Add that to the pitch and modulation wheels and you have a controller that is ready to take on any project.

USB and MIDI outputs provide compatibility with all of your gear

Whether you use a MIDI keyboard or a computer running virtual instruments for your sounds, the VI49 controller will integrate perfectly with your synth rig. That's because Alesis outfitted it with both a 5-pin MIDI output port and a fully class-compliant USB port, which gives you plug-and-play computer connectivity. The Alesis VI49 lets you take command of your DAW and Virtual Instruments like never before.

Alesis VI49 USB MIDI Keyboard Controller Features:
  • Compact USB controller for controlling plug-ins and virtual instruments
  • Full-sized, semi-weighted keys with a square front and aftertouch
  • 16 velocity and pressure sensitive multicolor backlit pads
  • 12 illuminated, assignable knobs and 36 buttons
  • Dedicated transport controls for recording
  • PitchBend and Modulation wheels
  • USB bus powered
  • Includes Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition
The Alesis VI49 is a powerful, affordable USB MIDI keyboard controller!

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 49
  • Type of Keys: Full-size, Semi-weighted
  • Aftertouch: Yes
  • Pads: 16
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend, Mod Wheel
  • Encoders/Pots: 12 x Knobs
  • Dedicated Transport Control: Yes
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (sustain pedal)
  • MIDI I/O: Out
  • USB: 1 x Type B
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered / 9V DC power supply (sold separately)
  • Height: 2.8"
  • Width: 33.9"
  • Depth: 10"
  • Weight: 11 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: VI49

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Marc Rebillet Uses It

Amazing weighted keys and great velocity-sensitive pads which makes beat-making so much more fun. You can route the knobs to pretty much any parameter in the DAW of your choosing, great for any genre if you're creative enough.
Rated 5/5

Great Board!

The keys were easy to play and everything sounded great!
Rated 4.5/5

Really a great MIDI controller, after getting past some initial frustration

Plug-and-play, it's pretty good right from the start... but all the switches and knobs were a large part of the reason why I wanted it. Unfortunately, after downloading the software I had no luck getting it to work, which really upset me! Online help is very poorly organized and answers are either hard to find or entirely non-existent... and emailing Alesys support is also a VERY frustrating experience. The only information I could find on my own, and what was given by Alesys in response to my queries, was that the software was not compatible with the lastest version of MacOS at the time, and they recommend not upgrading your OS! ENTIRELY UNACCEPTABLE as a policy.

However, given that I am a patient and tenacious person, I kept trying things, and digging for answers, and after a few days I discovered that the MIDI input and output devices to be configured were named backwards, and that the software actually does work perfectly fine with any version of MacOS once you realize that you have to configure it in a way that makes no sense! Hahaha
Rated 4.5/5

Great Controller!

I've been very impressed with this controller, the semi weighted keys have a great feel, the pads are very responsive, not to mention it linked up with my DAW (Logic Pro X) as soon as i plugged it in, no need to download any drivers, I would totally recommend this gem to anyone on a moderate budget!
Rated 2.5/5

Alright controller, squeaky keys.

Keys feel good, I like the semi-weighted action. Even though they swing much more to the synth-action side than the actually weighted side. Knobs work. Buttons, meh. Pads feel good, good velocity sensitivity. Pretty limited with what you can do to program unless you know python and can code a sweet script for it. The one that comes with Ableton for this keyboard is super lame. All you get is mix-capability lol. You'll have to make your own user config file if you want the blue hand.

Now for what I absolutely blessed loathe about this keyboard: SQUEAKY KEYS!! Music is supposed to be meditative. What's the point of good feeling keys if some of them squeak when you press them? And no you're not going to be playing loud enough all the time that you can't hear it, nor will you be playing with headphones on all the time. And yes, you will hear the squeak. The squeak moves to and from different keys with time. The squeak will surprise you when you least desire it. The squeak will haunt your otherwise very mindful and melodic soft jam sesh to the point that when you think about playing this keyboard, you won't want to. Other reviews in other locations about the inter webs have noted this caveat as well.

Good keyboard minus the squeak. And I've had this keyboard for over a year and the squeak is still there.
Music background: All
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