Review MIDI keyboard Alesis VI61. 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 VI61 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.

• 61 semi-built keys with full-size aftertouch with square front
• 16 speed-sensitive trigger pads with RGB backlighting for rhythm production and clip release
• Interface with 48 buttons and 16 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 offering 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 €249 and offers 61 semi-built keys with full-size aftertouch with square fronts that allow you to play and compose different musical ideas.

It also features 16 speed-sensitive trigger pads with RGB (RedGreenBlue) backlighting for rhythm production and clip release, a 48-button interface with 16 assignable knobs with your music software, and pitch and modulation wheels for precise and creative control.

It is USB powered so it has a USB port, and does not need an external power supply. It also offers a 5-pin MIDI output. It has Plug and Play support, which means you can use it without installing drivers, but just connect it to the computer that is recognized by the DAW.

In addition the Alesis VI61 includes the Ableton Live Lite software (download), Xpand! software, and the Alesis VI61 is also available as a USB port 2 software from Air Music Tech (download).

Now that we have seen the features of this Alesis VI61 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 VI61 vs Alesis V61

The Alesis VI61 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €249 and the Alesis V61 is priced at €144/£122/$142. Let’s look the face to face:

• Both offer us 61 keys with sensitivity, but in the Alesis VI61, they are semi-heavy, having better quality and feel when playing the keyboard.
• Both offer back-lighted velocity-sensitive pads (intensity in MIDI language), in the Alesis V61 they are 8, and in the Alesis VI61, they are 16.
• We also have assignable knobs and buttons, in the case of the Alesis V61 it is 4 knobs and 4 buttons, and in the Alesis VI61, it is 48 buttons and 16 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 V61 also features an LED display.
• Both can be powered via USB (USB port) and the Alesis VI61 has a 5-pin MIDI output offering flexible MIDI connectivity.
• Both include the Ableton Live Lite software license (download), Xpand! software, and the Alesis VI61 2 software (download).

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

In the first comparison, we have two models of the brand Alesis, which are very similar, but at the same time, we notice that one is a superior model, because of a greater number of functions. The Alesis V61 would be the younger brother, and the Alesis VI61 would be the older brother. If you are interested in the best functions and have the budget go for the Alesis VI61, if not the same the Alesis V61 is a good controller for its price.

And here is a video of the Alesis V61 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Alesis V61 review.

Alesis VI61 vs Novation Launchkey 61 MK2

The Alesis VI61 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €249 while the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 is priced at €275/£249/$277, but the difference is so small that this may vary depending on where we ask. This is your face-to-face:

• Both offer 61 keys with sensitivity, the Alesis V61 has square fronts.
• The Alesis Vi61 offers 16 sensitive backlit pads, 16 assignable knobs and 48 assignable buttons, octave up and down buttons and pitch and modulation wheels.
• The Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 offers 16 backlit RGB and sensitive pads, 2 Launchpad control buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 9 faders, transport control (play, rec, stop, pause, etc), transpose buttons, pitch and modulation wheels, mode buttons and 8 Mute/Solo buttons.
• Both can be powered by USB (USB port) and have a sustain pedal input.
• The Alesis Vi61 includes the Ableton Live Lite software licenses (download), Xpand! software, and the Alesis Vi61 software 2 software (download) and the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 include the Novation V-Station software, Bass Station, Loopmasters sample pack and Ableton Live Lite.

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

This comparison again includes two teams of very similar functions and performance, the Alesis VI61 that we have already discussed and on the other hand the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 that has a slight number of more functions including the faders and transport controls. However, the Alesis VI61 stands out in its weighted keyboard and its large number of buttons and knobs. The one that best meets your needs will be the best choice.

And here’s a video of the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 review.

Alesis VI61 vs Novation Impulse 61

The Alesis VI61 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €249 and the Novation Impulse 61 which is priced at €321/£295/$325. Let’s go to the face-to-face:

• Both offer 61 keys with sensitivity, the Alesis V61 has square fronts.
• The Alesis Vi61 offers 16 sensitive backlit pads, 16 assignable knobs and 48 assignable buttons, octave up and down buttons and pitch and modulation wheels.
• The Novation Impulse 61 offers 8 backlit Drum Pads, 9 55mm faders, 9 assignable buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys (rec, play, pause, stop) and modulation-pitch wheels.
• Both can be powered by USB (USB port) and have a sustain pedal input. The Novation also has an expression pedal input.
• The Alesis Vi61 includes the Ableton Live Lite software licenses (download), Xpand! 2 software (download) and the Novation Impulse 61 includes the Xcite+ Software Pack, Ableton Live Lite

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

In this comparison, we have the Alesis VI61 that we have already analyzed before and on the other hand, the Novation Impulse 61 that offers 61 semi-heavy and aftertouch keys, 8 Drum-Pads, 9 faders, 9 buttons, 8 knobs, 6 transport keys, and modulation-pitch wheels, that offers a greater number of functions than the Alesis VI61, so we can say that it is a better model, that would also have an increase in its price, that is worth paying.

And here is a video of the Novation Impulse 61 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 61 review.

Alesis VI61 vs M-Audio Code 61 Black

The Alesis VI61 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €249 and the M-Audio Code 61 Black is priced at €240. Here’s your face-to-face:

• Both offer 61 keys with sensitivity, the Alesis V61 has square fronts.
• The Alesis Vi61 offers 16 sensitive backlit pads, 16 assignable knobs and 48 assignable buttons, octave up and down buttons and pitch and modulation wheels.
• The M-Audio Code 61 Black offers 16 fully assignable speed-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• Both can be powered via USB and have a sustain pedal input. The M-Audio Code 61 Black also has a volume pedal input.
• The Alesis Vi61 includes the Ableton Live Lite software license (download), Xpand! software, and the M-Audio Code 61 Black 2 software (download) and the M-Audio Code 61 Black 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 two good controllers, on the one hand, the Alesis VI61 which we have already discussed above, and the M-Audio Code 61 Black which offers 49 full-size keys, 16 fully assignable speed-sensitive trigger pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons and pitch bend and modulation wheels. As in previous comparisons, the M-Audio has more features than the Alesis, and the advantage of the latter is its semi-weighted keyboard. Depending on what you need, you’ll make the best choice.

Here’s a video of the M-Audio Code 61 Black keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Code 61 Black review.

Alesis VI61 vs Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

The Alesis VI61 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €249 when the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII has a price of €875/£789/$867. Let’s see the face to face:

• The Alesis VI61 offers 61 keys with sensitivity with square fronts, the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII offers an 88 counterbalanced Fatar keyboard with hammer action, a high-quality keyboard.
• The Alesis Vi61 offers 16 sensitive backlit pads, 16 assignable knobs and 48 assignable buttons, octave up and down buttons and pitch and modulation wheels.
• The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII offers 16 illuminated pads with chord memory function, 9 faders, 9 knobs, and pitch and modulation wheels.
• Both can be powered via USB and have a sustain pedal input. The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII also has a volume pedal input. It also offers 3 assignable 6.3 mm jack pedal inputs
• 3.5 mm mini-jack CV input
• Tone and door output 3.5 mm mini-jack
• Output Mod 1 and Mod 2 3.5 mm mini-jack
• USB connection
• Input for 9 — 12 V DC power supply 1.0 A
• The Alesis Vi61 includes the Ableton Live Lite software licenses (download), Xpand! software, and the Alesis Vi61 software 2 software (download) and the Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 and Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII includes the software package containing: Analog Lab 4 with 6000 synthesizer sounds, Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Wurli V, Arturia VOX Continental V and Arturia Piano V.

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

In our last comparison, we have the Alesis VI61 that we have already analyzed before and on the other hand, we have the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII that offers a Fatar keyboard with 88 weighted keys with hammer action, 16 illuminated pads with chord memory, 9 faders, 9 knobs, and tone and modulation wheels. And as we can notice it has more functions than the Alesis VI61, so it is the best option, with a very big increase in its price, but for the functions and quality, it offers it is worth it.

And here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 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 note range, 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 that the controllers demand, a kind of value for money.

In this post, we find MIDI controllers at an average of 300 euros, and the product that we catalog as excellent for beginners with a limited budget is without a doubt the Novation Launchkey 61 MK2 thanks to its 61 keys and other control functions, which among others we find: pads, knobs and faders, all of them assignable, apart from other functions, which make this a MIDI controller to start with.

Where to buy the Alesis VI61 keyboard

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.

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 Best price.
• Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalogue and information.

 

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