Review MIDI keyboard Alesis V25. 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 V25 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 full-size keys
- Square front keys
- 8 speed-sensitive backlit pads
- 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons
- Octave up and down buttons allow you to access the full keyboard range
- Pitch and modulation wheels
- Visual information through illuminated knobs and buttons
- USB-powered and USB MIDI connectivity for Mac and PC
- Includes USB cable, Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download)
Also 8 backlit velocity-sensitive pads that will help you play different percussion rhythms and other samples you want to use in your favorite DAW.
It has 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons, very useful for different functions like controlling more precisely the parameters of the DAW or a plugin you are using. It also has pitch bend and modulation wheels.
Finally, it is USB powered and includes Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download).
Now that we have seen the features of this Alesis V25 keyboard watch these related videos to learn more.
Posts you may be interested in
- Ranking with the best midi keyboards
- My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
- Best MIDI Software to work with.
- MIDI Basic Guide.
- Midi Keyboards by Brand.
Alesis V25 vs Arturia MiniLab MKII
What will you find in this post?
The Alesis V25 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €75/£66/$73 while the Arturia MiniLab MKII has a price of €91/£82/$9, that could change according to the store where you see your price.
- While the Alesis V25 has 25 full-size keys with sensitivity, the MiniLab MKII, offers 25 mini keys with sensitivity.
- The Alesis offers 8 backlit and sensitive pads, 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons, octave up/down buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels; when the MiniLab MKII offers us 16 assignable knobs (2 of them are clickable), 8 sensitive and backlit pads, and also touch sliders for pitch bend and modulation.
- The connections for both are: USB, Input, Input for sustain pedal. And the Arturia has CV/Port output, Sync input/output and MIDI output.
- The Alesis V25 includes Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download), while the MiniLab focuses on production using DAWs, including the licenses for: Analog Lab Lite with 500 sounds in V-Collection 5 quality, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano (software requires a download from manufacturer’s website).
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Alesis V25 | Arturia MiniLab MKII |
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We have two different MIDI controllers with very similar functions, however, one difference is that the Alesis has 25 full-size keys, while the Arturia has 25 mini keys. Both have assignable knobs, the Alesis 4 and Arturia have 16 (2 of them are clickable) and also sensitive backlit pads, both have 8 pads. The Alesis also has 4 assignable buttons. Both also include licenses for different DAWs. I would go for the Alesis because of the size of its keys.
And here is a video of the Arturia MiniLab MKII
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia MiniLab MKII review.
Alesis V25 vs Alesis VI25
The Alesis V25 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €75/£66/$73 when the Alesis VI25 is priced at €139/£122/$137. Having a difference of 64 Euro, we will see your face to face:
- While the Alesis V25 has 25 full-size keys with sensitivity, the Alesis VI25 offers 25 full-size keys with sensitivity and semi-weighting, having a better quality of touch on the keys.
- The Alesis V25 offers 8 backlit and sensitive pads, 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons, octave up/down buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels; while the Alesis V25 offers 16 backlit and sensitive pads, 24 buttons and 8 assignable knobs, and also wheels for pitch bend and modulation.
- The connections of both are: USB, Input, Input for sustain pedal, Input for power supply. And the Alesis V25 has 5-pin MIDI output offering flexible MIDI connectivity.
- Both include Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download).
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Alesis V25 | Alesis VI25 |
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By its name we can notice that the Alesis VI25 is the big brother of the Alesis V25, improving it in almost all its functions, the same 25 keys with square front, but with aftertouch and counterweight. Instead of 8 pads, we now have 16 pads. The Alesis V25 has 4 knobs and 4 buttons, while the Alesis VI25 has 24 buttons and 8 knobs. In the other functions they are very similar. If you have the budget go for the Alesis VI25.
And here is a video of the Alesis VI25 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis VI25 review.
Alesis V25 vs Alesis Q25
The Alesis V25 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €75/£66/$73 and the Alesis Q25 has a price of €58/£51/$59, but it is so small that depending on the store it can change. Let’s go face to face:
- They both have 25 full-size keys that are speed-sensitive (intensity in MIDI). The ones on the V25 have square fronts, the ones on the Q25 are synthesizer types.
- The Alesis V25 offers 8 backlit velocity-sensitive pads, the Alesis Q25 does not offer any pads.
- The Alesis V25 offers 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons, the Alesis Q25 does not offer these options but offers an assignable Volume/Data Entry fader for the control of different parameters.
- Both offer octave up/down buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels. Both are USB-powered, which means they do not require an external power supply.
- The Alesis V25 includes the Ableton Live Lite software license and the Alesis Q25 includes Ableton Live Lite and Alesis Edition.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Alesis V25 | Alesis Q25 |
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We have a comparison of MIDI controllers, very similar, where if you use the assignable pads, knobs and buttons, you are better off buying the Alesis V25 (which personally would be my choice) or if you only want to use a MIDI keyboard the Alesis Q25, is your best choice.
And here is a video of the Alesis Q25
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis Q25 review.
Alesis V25 vs Alesis V mini
The Alesis V25 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €75/£66/$73 when the Alesis V mini has a price of €50/£51/$51. The Alesis V mini is the younger brother, of the Alesis V25. Let’s see the face to face:
- While the Alesis V25 has 25 full-size keys with sensitivity, the Alesis V mini, offers 25 mini keys with sensitivity.
- The Alesis offers 8 backlit and sensitive pads, 4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable btones, octave up/down buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels; while the Alesis V mini offers 4 sensitive pads, 4 assignable knobs, and also wheels for pitch bend and modulation, as well as sustain buttons.
- The connections for both are: USB input, input for sustain pedal.
- The Alesis V25 includes Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download), while the Alesis V mini includes the V mini software editor (license by download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech (license by download).
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Alesis V25 | Alesis V mini |
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In this comparison, we have the Alesis V25 that we have already analyzed before, and a new member of the family the Alesis V mini, which is the youngest brother of all. It has 25 mini keys, 4 pads, 4 assignable knobs and pitch bend and modulation wheels, as well as sustain buttons. The Alesis V mini, is for beginners of music production, who have a limited budget or do not want to spend on a more expensive keyboard, also its size is very compact, for users who do not have much space to produce.
And here is a video of the Alesis V mini keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis V mini review.
Alesis V25 vs Nektar Impact LX25+
The Alesis V25 MIDI Keyboard is €75/£66/$73 and the Nektar Impact LX25+ is priced at €79/£70/$81, but the difference is so small that this may vary, depending on which shop you ask.
- Both have 25 full size keys that are speed-sensitive (intensity in MIDI). Those of the Alesis V25 have square fronts.
- Both offer 8 sensitive, backlit pads.
- The Alesis V25 offers 4 assignable knobs, 4 assignable buttons, octave up/down buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels. And the Nektar Impact LX25+ offers a 30mm fader (very useful for mixing), 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable buttons, 6 transport buttons (rec, play, ect), octave buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels. Also extended transport controls, including click, go to locator and more, useful in any DAW.
- Both are USB powered, no external power supply is needed. And they have a sustain/footswitch input.
- The Alesis V25 includes Ableton Live Lite software (download) and xpand!2 by Air Music Tech software (download), and the Nektar Impact LX 25+ includes Bitwig 8-Track software download.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Alesis V25 | Nektar Impact LX25+ |
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In our last comparison, we have a very interesting face-to-face, the Alesis V25 that we have already analyzed before, and the Nektar Impact LX25+ that has some more functions that are really useful for better general control in our DAW. In fact the Nektar Impact LX25+ is the best option with a price increase of less than £15, which is really worth paying.
And here’s a video of the Nektar Impact LX25+ keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Nektar Impact LX25+ 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 possible range of notes, 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 offered by most MIDI controllers, 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 MIDI controllers with relatively cheap prices, and with moderate functions. However the MIDI controller we recommend in this post is the Nektar Impact LX25+ due to its great set of control functions, among others, we have 1 fader, pads, encoders, buttons all of them assignable, plus transport buttons, and other excellent functions for the total control of a DAW we prefer, thanks to its integration and compatibility with the best and most popular DAWs in the market.
Where to buy the Alesis V25 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 better price.
- He’s got a 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
