Review MIDI keyboard Alesis V mini. Where to buy it?

Alesis is a company founded in the United States in 1980 that designs and markets electronic musical instruments, digital audio processors, audio mixers, drum amplifiers, digital audio interface amplifiers, recording equipment, drum machines, professional audio and electronic percussion products. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Alesis V mini keyboard, then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.

• 25 speed-sensitive ‘mini’ keys
• 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads
• Pitch and modulation wheel
• Sustain buttons
• 4 assignable knobs
• System requirements: Mac with OS X 10.8 or later / PC with Windows 7 or later
• Requires an available USB port
• Includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license per download) and xpand!2 (license per download)

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €50/£44/$51 and offers 25 mini-size velocity-sensitive keys, which in its 2-octave range will allow us to play many musical figures.

It also offers 4 backlit velocity-sensitive pads, pitch bend, and modulation wheels, sustain buttons, and 4 assignable knobs, which will allow you to have moderate control over the DAW you are using.

It’s USB powered, so no external power supply is needed. The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini software editor (license by download) and xpand!2 (license by download).

Now that we have seen the features of this Alesis V mini keyboard watch these related videos to know more.

Posts you may be interested in

• Ranking with the best midi keyboards
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• MIDI Basic Guide.
• Midi Keyboards by Brand.

Alesis V mini vs Akai MPK mini Mk2

The Alesis V MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 and the Akai MPK mini MK2 is priced at €79/£70/$81. Let’s go to the face-to-face:

• Both offer 25 mini-size keys with sensitivity, the Akai’s synthesizer action.
• The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
• The Akai MPK mini Mk2 features a thumbstick for pitch and modulation, 8 MPC pads with note repeat, an arpeggiator button and 8 assignable control knobs.
• In connections, both are USB powered and the Akai has an additional input for a sustain pedal.
• The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the Akai MPK mini MK2 includes a complete production software package (downloads): Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Wobble and Akai Pro MPC Essentials.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison we find the Alesis V mini, a MIDI controller with moderate functions, such as pads, pitch bend and modulation wheels, sustain knobs and buttons, as well as its 25 sensitive mini keys. On the other hand, the Akai MPK mini MK2 offers a 4-way thumbstick, high-quality MPC (Midi Production Center) pads, and knobs, not to mention its 25 mini synthesizer action keys. As you can see they are similar controllers, however, due to the quality of the pads and sustain pedal input, the Akai has a certain advantage over the Alesis, of course, there is also a relevant difference in money between them. If you have the budget go for the Akai MPK mini MK2.

And here’s a video of the Akai MPK mini MK2

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai MPK mini Mk2 review

Alesis V mini vs Akai LPK 25

The Alesis V mini MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 while the Akai LPK 25 is priced at €42/£37/$42, but the difference is so small that this may vary from store to store.

• Both offer 25 mini-size keys with sensitivity.
• The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
• The Akai MPK mini Mk2 offers an arpeggiator button, a sustain button, octave up/down buttons and tap tempo.
• When connected, both are USB powered and the Akai is plug and play.
• The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the Akai LPK 25 includes a software editor for Mac and PC included

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

Again we have a comparison of the Alesis V mini, with another Akai product, this time the LPK 25, which is a very minimalist MIDI controller with 25 keys and buttons for arpeggiator, sustain, octave up and down and tap tempo. Although it also has the advantage that it is compatible with almost any DAW and is very portable, it can fit in a suitcase or even a pocket. If you are interested in something minimalist and portable the Akai LPK 25 will be your choice, if not for a few more euros the Alesis V mini offers more control functions.

And here is a video of the Akai LPK 25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai LPK 25 review

Alesis V mini vs Miditech Midistart Music 25

The Alesis V mini MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 when the Miditech Midistart Music 25 is priced at €58/£51/$60, but the difference is so small that this can vary. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• Both offer 25 keys with sensitivity, the Alesis has mini-size keys, and the Miditech has full-size keys.
• The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
• The Miditech Midistart Music 25 offers a joystick for Pitchbend and Modulation, and octave +/- buttons.
• When connected, both are powered via USB.
• The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the Miditech Midistart Music 25 includes a Magix Samplitude SE software editor.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this interesting comparison we have the already analyzed Alesis V mini, and in front of it is the Miditech Midistart Music 25 that has 25 normal size keys, a joystick for pitch bend and modulation, and up and down octave buttons. If you want a keyboard with pads and knobs the Alesis will be your choice, if you are interested in the full-size keys the Miditech will be the best for you.

And here is a video of the Miditech Midistart Music 25 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Miditech Midistart Music 25 review.

Alesis V mini vs M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4

The Alesis V mini MIDI keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51, while the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 is priced at €125, let’s go face to face:

• The Alesis V mini offers 25 mini-size keys, and the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 has 49 full-size sensitive keys.
• The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
• The M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 features 8 sensitive pads, 8 freely assignable rotary knobs and 9 freely assignable faders, plus a transport button and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• When connected, both are powered via USB.
• The Alesis V mini includes the Air Music Tech V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 includes Quickstart Guide, Ableton Live Lite (Software) and Sonivox Twist (Software).

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In this comparison, we have our Alesis v mini on one hand, and on the other a keyboard that is twice as expensive and is the M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 that offers 49 full-size sensitive keys, 8 pads, 8 rotary knobs, and 9 faders, all of which are assignable. Both are controllers, but at the same time very different, and depending on your needs you can see which one suits you best.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Oxygen 49 MK4 review.

Alesis V mini vs Akai APC Keys 25

The Alesis V mini MIDI Keyboard is priced at €50/£44/$51 while the Akai APC Keys 25 is priced at €72/£64/$73. Let’s see the face-to-face:

• Both offer 25 mini-size keys with sensitivity. And the Akai has synthesizer action.
• The Alesis V mini offers 4 speed-sensitive backlit pads, a pitch bend and modulation wheel, sustain buttons and 4 assignable knobs.
• The Akai APC Keys 25 offers a 5×8 clip launch matrix with RGB lighting for clip status indication, an octave and sustain switch and 8 assignable faders.
• When connected, both are powered via USB.
• The Alesis V mini includes Air Music Tech’s V mini (license by download) and xpand!2 software editor (license by download) and the Akai APC Keys 25 includes software packages (download versions): Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3 by AIR Music Tech, SONiVOX Twist Spectral Morphing Synthesizer, Toolroom Records Artist Launch Packs.

Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare

In our last comparison, we have again the Alesis V mini, and on the other side the Akai APC Keys 25, a MIDI controller oriented towards the Ableton Live DAW, with its functions compatible with this audio software. It features 25 mini keys, a 5 x 8 clip launch matrix, i.e. 40 small illuminated pads, an octave and sustain switch and 8 assignable faders. If you work with Ableton Live, this will be a very good tool. If not, you can still work with other compatible DAWs.

And here’s a video of the Akai APC Keys 25

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Akai APC Keys 25 review.

Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?

While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.

In this post we have very cheap MIDI controllers with few functions, somewhat minimalist, however, the star product of this post is undoubtedly the Akai MPK Mini MK2 that because of its price offers excellent functions and features, that among others has: a 4-way joystick for pitch bend and modulation, 8 MPC (MIDI Production Center) pads of great quality and 8 assignable knobs, besides its sustain pedal connection and licenses that add in this product to make it an excellent option for beginners. Don’t hesitate to take it with you if you have the chance.

Where to buy the Alesis V mini keyboard

Thomann

• Free Shipping.
• Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
• 100% reliable payment.
• A leader in trouble-free shipping.
• Usually the Best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.

Amazon

• Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
• Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
• Sometimes a better price.
• He’s got worse stock than Thomann.

Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:

• Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
• Akai MPK mini Mk2
• Akai MPK miniplay
• Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
• Arturia MiniLab MKII
• Roli Beatmaker Kit
• Novation Impulse 25
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white
• Alesis V25
• CME Xkey Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
• Akai APC Keys 25
• Akai LPK 25
• M-Audio Code 25 black
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
• Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
• Alesis V mini
• Arturia MicroLab Black
• Akai LPK 25 wireless
• Akai MPK mini Limited Black
• Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
• M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
• Korg nanoKEY Studio
• Swissonic EasyKey 25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 black
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
• Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
• Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
• Nektar Impact LX25+
• Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
• Alesis Q25
• Akai MPK 225
• Korg microKEY 25
• Miditech Midistart Music 25
• Alesis VI25
• Korg nanoKEY 2 white
• Arturia MicroLab Blue
• Nektar SE25
• Korg microKEY Air 25
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
• Midiplus X2 mini
• Icon iKeyboard 3X
• Keith McMillen K-Board
• CME Xkey 25 silver
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
• Alesis V49
• Arturia Keystep Black Edition
• Swissonic EasyKey 49
• Arturia Keystep
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
• Nektar Impact LX49+
• M-Audio Code 49 Black
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
• M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
• M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
• Novation Impulse 49
• Nektar Impact GX 49
• Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
• M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
• Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
• Roland A-300 Pro
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
• Alesis VI49
• Midiplus AK490
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
• M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
• Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
• Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
• CME Xkey 37 LE
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
• Korg microKEY 49 MkII
• IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
• Miditech Midistart Music 49
• Roland A-49 Black
• Korg microKEY 37 MkII
• Swissonic ControlKey 49
• Roland A-500 PRO
• Nektar SE49
• Korg microKEY Air 37
• Korg microKEY Air 49
• Roland A-49 White
• Nektar Panorama T4
• Miditech Garagekey mini
• Miditech Minicontrol-32
• Midiplus X3 mini
• Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
• Icon iKeyboard 4X
• Miditech i2-mini 32
• Midiplus X4 mini
• Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
• Icon iKeyboard 5X
• Acorn Masterkey 49
• M-Audio Code 61 Black
• Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
• Nektar Impact GX 61
• M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
• Alesis V61
• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
• Swissonic EasyKey 61
• M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
• Roland A-800 Pro
• Korg microKEY Air 61
• GSi DMC-122
• Nektar Impact LX61+
• Alesis VI61
• Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
• Icon iKeyboard 6X
• Acorn Masterkey 61
• Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
• Midiplus X6 mini
• Korg microKEY 61 MkII
• Midiplus X-6 II
• Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
• M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
• Kawai VPC1
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
• Swissonic ControlKey 88
• Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
• Nektar Impact LX88+
• Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
• Midiplus Stage 88
• Studiologic Numa Concert
• Icon iKeyboard 8X
• Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
• Midiplus X-8 II
• Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case