Review MIDI keyboard Alesis VI49. 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 VI49 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.

• 49 semi-built keys with full-size aftertouch with square front
• 16 speed-sensitive trigger pads with RGB backlighting (RedGreenBlue) for rhythm production and clip release
• Interface with 36 buttons and 12 assignable knobs with your music software
• Pitch and modulation wheels provide precise and creative control
• Seamless visual information via LED display and illuminated buttons + knobs
• USB MIDI port and 5-pin MIDI output offer flexible MIDI connectivity
• USB powered
• Plug-and-Play support for Mac and PC
• Includes USB cable, Ableton Live Lite software (download), Xpand! 2 software (download)

This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €185.00 and offers 49 half-backed keys with full-size aftertouch with a square front, allowing you to have 4 a 4-octave keyboard to express yourself in the best possible way.

It also features 16 speed-sensitive trigger pads with RGB backlighting for rhythm production and clip release, an interface with 36 assignable buttons and 12 assignable knobs with your music software, and pitch bend and modulation wheels that provide precise and creative control.

When connected, it is powered via USB, so no other external power source is needed. 5-pin MIDI output is also integrated. And it’s Plug and Play for Mac and PC.

Finally, we can mention that it includes Ableton Live Lite software (download), Xpand software! 2 software from Air Music Tech (download).

Now that we have seen the features of this Alesis VI49 keyboard watch these related videos to know more.

Posts you may be interested in

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• MIDI Basic Guide.
• Midi Keyboards by Brand.

Alesis VI49 vs Alesis V49

The Alesis Vl49 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €185 while the Alesis VI49 has a price of €91/£79/$91. Since the Alesis V49 is a superior model we found a difference of 90 Euro, let’s see its face to face:

• Both offer us 49 keys with sensitivity, but in the Alesis VI49 they are semi-heavy, having better quality and feel when playing the keyboard.
• Both offer speed-sensitive backlit pads (intensity in MIDI language), in the Alesis V49 they are 8, and in the Alesis VI49 they are 16.
• We also have assignable knobs and buttons, in the case of the Alesis V49 it is 4 knobs and 4 buttons, and in the Alesis VI49 it is 36 buttons and 12 knobs.
• Both offer pitch bend and modulation wheels that allow you to change the height of a note while playing.
• Both share visual information through the illuminated knobs and buttons, while the Alesis Vl49 also features an LED display.
• Both can be powered via USB (USB port) and the Alesis VI49 has a 5-pin MIDI output offering flexible MIDI connectivity.
• Both include the Ableton Live Lite software license (download), Xpand! software, and the Alesis VI49 2 software (download).

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

As we can see if there are significant changes in both models, and the price increase is worth it, both for the function of semi-weighted keys, as well as the increase in control devices more that offers us the Alesis VI49, so if the budget gives you, go for it. For its price, the Alesis V49 is not a bad option either.

And here’s a video of the Alesis V49 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis V49 review.

Alesis VI49 vs Novation Launchkey 49 MK3

The Alesis VI49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €185 when the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 is priced at €222/£205/$224. Let’s go to the face-to-face:

• Both offer us 49 keys with sensitivity, but in the Alesis VI49 they are semi-heavy and with a square front, having better quality and feel when playing the keyboard.
• The Alesis VI 49 offers 16 speed-sensitive RGB backlit pads (intensity in MIDI language), we also have 12 knobs and 36 buttons, both assignable and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Novation Launchkey 49 MK 3 offers 16 RGB backlit sensitive pads, 8 assignable faders and a Master fader, buttons for octave up / down, arp / scale / fixed chord, play/stop / record/loop, and so on, plus pitch bend and modulation wheels that allow you to change the height of a note while playing.
• Both share visual information through the illuminated knobs and buttons when the Alesis Vl49 also has an LED display and the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 has 2 16-digit displays.
• Both can be powered via USB and both have a 5-pin MIDI output offering flexible MIDI connectivity.
• The Alesis includes the Ableton Live Lite software license (download), Xpand! software, and the Alesis MK3 2 software (download) while the Novation includes Ableton Live Lite, Serato Sample LE, AAS Session Bundle, XLN Addictive Keys (1 of 4 virtual keyboards selectable), Klevgrand R0Verb and DAW Cassette, Spitfire Audio LABS-Expressive Strings.

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

In this comparison we have two MIDI controllers of different brands and prices, and also with well marked differences. On the one hand the Alesis VI49 that has moderate functions that we have already commented, and on the other hand the Novation Launchkey 49 Mk3 that includes a 49-key keyboard, pads, faders and a great amount of buttons with many functions. Although they are very similar models, the fact that the Novation Launchkey offers faders (which in mixing processes, are very useful) gives it a great advantage, now the Alesis VI49 offers semi-balanced keys which is also an advantage for it. So according to what you need most you will make your choice.

And here is a video of the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 49 MK3 review.

Alesis VI49 vs M-Audio Code 49 Black

The Alesis VI49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €185 and the M-Audio Code 49 Black is priced at €199, but the difference is so small that this may vary from store to store.

• Both offer 49 keys with sensitivity and aftertouch, but the Alesis VI49 is semi-heavy and has a square front, giving you a better quality and feel when playing the keyboard.
• The Alesis VI 49 offers 16 speed-sensitive RGB backlit pads (intensity in MIDI language), we also have 12 knobs and 36 buttons, both assignable and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The M-Audio Code 49 Black offers 4 assignable zones for splits and layers, 1 assignable XY control pad for HID control, 16 fully assignable speed-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, transport buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• Both share visual information via the illuminated knobs and buttons, when the Alesis Vl49 also has an LED display and the M-Audio Code 49 Black has 1 6-digit display.
• Both can be powered via USB and both have a 5-pin MIDI output offering flexible MIDI connectivity. The M-Audio Code 49 Black has an external power input, which is not included.
• The Alesis includes the Ableton Live Lite software license (download), Xpand! software, and the M-Audio Code 49 Black 2 software (download) while the M-Audio includes Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 and Loom by Air Music Technology.

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

In this comparison we have a pair of MIDI controllers from two different brands and with very similar prices, on the one hand the Alesis VI49 that we have already analyzed before, and the M-Audio Code 49 Black that has a lot of control functions, starting with its 49-key keyboard, going through its XY Control Pad and also the pads, knobs, faders and buttons. It really is a complete controller. If you want a better quality keyboard go for the Alesis VI49 and if you want more control features the M-Audio Code 49 Black is for you.

And here’s a video of the M-Audio Code 49 Black keyboard

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

Alesis VI49 vs Novation Impulse 49

The Alesis VI49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €185 when the Novation Impulse 49 is priced at €223/£205/$228. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• Both offer us 49 keys with sensitivity and aftertouch, but in the Alesis VI49 they are semi-heavy and have a square front, having better quality and feel when playing the keyboard.
• The Alesis VI 49 offers 16 speed-sensitive RGB backlit pads (intensity in MIDI language), we also have 12 knobs and 36 buttons, both assignable and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The Novation Impulse 49 offers 4 assignable zones for splits and layers, 1 assignable XY control pad for HID control, 16 fully assignable speed-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, transport buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• Both share visual information through the illuminated knobs and buttons when the Alesis Vl49 also has an LED display and the Novation Impulse 49 has 1 LCD display.
• Both can be powered via USB and both have a 5-pin MIDI output offering flexible MIDI connectivity. The Novation Impulse 49 has a MIDI input and an expression pedal input.
• The Alesis includes the Ableton Live Lite software license (download), Xpand! 2 software (download) while the Novation includes Xcite+ Software Pack, with Ableton Live Lite.

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

In this comparison we have again the Alesis VI49, which we have already analyzed this time against the Novation Impulse 49, which offers 49 semi-weighted keys and with Aftertouch, very similar to those of the Alesis. 8 Pads, 9 Faders, 9 buttons, 8 knobs, 6 transport keys and pitch bend and modulation wheels. Same as the previous comparison, if you want to have a better quality keyboard go for the Alesis VI49 and if you want to have more control functions the Novation Impulse 49 Black is for you.

And here is a video of the Novation Impulse 49 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 49 review

Alesis VI49 vs M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII

The Alesis VI49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €185 while the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII is priced at €169/£155/$169, but the difference is so small that this may vary from store to store. This is your face-to-face:

• The Alesis VI49 offers 49 keys with sensitivity and aftertouch is semi-heavy and a square front, having better quality and feel when playing the keyboard. The M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII offers 88 full-size speed-sensitive keys
• The Alesis VI 49 offers 16 speed-sensitive RGB backlit pads (intensity in MIDI language), we also have 12 knobs and 36 buttons, both assignable and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• The M-Audio Keystation 88 Mk II offers transport and directional buttons to operate DAWs and software, Pitch Bend controls, Modulation and Octave controls.
• Both share visual information via illuminated knobs and buttons, while the Alesis Vl49 also features an LED display.
• Both can be powered via USB and both have a 5-pin MIDI output offering flexible MIDI connectivity. The M-Audio Keystation 88 Mk II has a sustain pedal input as well.
• The Alesis includes the Ableton Live Lite software license (download), Xpand! 2 software license (download) while the M-Audio Keystation 88 Mk II includes Ableton Live Lite, including the SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble plug-in as well.

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

In our last comparison we have the Alesis VI49 that we have already analyzed before, and the M-Audio Keystation, which offers a grand piano keyboard of 88 keys, as well as offers transport buttons and pitch bend, modulation and up/down octave controls, it doesn’t have many functions but for the price it has we can’t afford more. In conclusion, if you want more control, the Alesis VI49 is for you, and if you need a keyboard with more range, the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII will be your choice.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII review.

What is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a 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.

And the controller that we can mention as the best value for money is the M-Audio Code 49, which for a fair price we have a great number of control functions, which among others, we have: a Control pad XY, trigger pads, encoders, faders, buttons all of them assignable. In addition to transport buttons and other functions make this an excellent MIDI controller for beginners.

Where to buy the Alesis VI49 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
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• IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
• Akai APC Keys 25
• Akai LPK 25
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• Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
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