Review MIDI keyboard Alesis Vortex Wireless 2. 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 Vortex Wireless 2 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.

• Controller with an acceleration sensor
• Portable Performance-Keyboard with shoulder strap
• 37 keys with sensitive dynamics and Aftertouch
• Eight Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB lighting
• Eight illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment
• Programmable tilt sensor with On/Off switch
• Volume controller
• Pitch-Bend Wheel
• Touchstrip
• Sustain switch and octave on the handle
• USB connection
• Standard 5-pin DIN MIDI connection
• USB cable-free connection with Mac or PC
• Powered by USB port or 4 AA batteries
• Size: 89,4 x 25,4 x 7,4 cm
• Weight: 2.9 kg
• Software: Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro and Xpand!2 from AIR Music Technology, TimewARP 2600, as well as Ableton Live Lite

This MIDI keyboard usually costs around €222/£195/$219 and offers 37 keys with sensitive dynamics and Aftertouch that with its Keytar design (from KEYboard and GuiTAR) will allow us to play and compose different musical ideas. It is worth mentioning that it can also be used on a table or surface. We found that the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 has a USB wireless receiver, so it can be used without cables.

In other control functions we found: Eight Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB illumination, Eight illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment, octave up/down buttons, sustain button, volume controller, pitch bend wheel and more.

Connections: USB connection and MIDI output. Close to these are the shoulder strap pins. And it includes the software licenses: Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro and Xpand!2 from AIR Music Technology, TimewARP 2600, as well as Ableton Live Lite

Now that we have seen the features of this Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 keyboard look at 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 Vortex Wireless 2 vs Akai LPK 25 wireless

The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €222/£195/$219 while the Akai LPK 25 wireless is priced at €55/£49/$58. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers 37 sensitive full-size keys with aftertouch. The Akai LPK 25 wireless offers 25 mini-sensitive keys.
• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers 8 Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB illumination, 8 illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment, octave up/down buttons, sustain button, volume control, pitch bend wheel and more. When the Akai LPK 25 wireless offers arpeggiator buttons, octave up/down, tap tempo and Bluetooth connection.
• In connections, the Alesis integrates USB connection and MIDI output, while the Akai has a USB connection and sustain pedal input. Both have the ability to be used wirelessly, via a Bluetooth connection.
• The Alesis includes the following software licenses: Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro and Xpand!2 from AIR Music Technology, TimewARP 2600, as well as Ableton Live Lite. And the Akai LPK 25 wireless includes PC and Mac compatible editing software.

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

In our first comparison, we have two slightly different but relevantly similar MIDI controllers. On the one hand, the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 which offers 37 sensitive full-size keys with aftertouch, Eight Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB illumination, Eight illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment, Octave up/down buttons, Sustain button, volume controller, Pitch bend wheel. And on the other hand, the Akai LPK 25 wireless, a more minimalist controller, offering 25 speed-sensitive mini keys, arpeggiator buttons, octave up/down, tap tempo and Bluetooth connection.

The similarity is that both have a wireless function, i.e. they can be used without cables, thanks to their Bluetooth connection. However, the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 outperforms the Akai in every way, having more keys and more and better control functions, so the price goes up because of what it offers. The best option will be the Alesis, but if the Akai meets your expectations and needs, go for it.

And here is a video of the Akai LPK 25 wireless keyboard

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

Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 vs M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII

The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €222/£195/$219 when the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII is priced at €205/£177/$203. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:

• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers 37 full-size sensitive and aftertouch keys. The M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII offers 88 full-size keys with sensitivity.
• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers 8 Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB illumination, 8 illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment, octave up/down buttons, sustain button, volume control, pitch bend wheel, and more. When the M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII offers: modulation and pitch bend wheels, octave buttons, transport buttons, and a volume fader.
• In connections, the Alesis integrates USB and MIDI output, and Bluetooth connection, while the M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII integrates a sustain pedal and expression pedal input, an external power input, MIDI output, and USB connection.
• The Alesis includes the following software licenses: Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro and Xpand!2 from AIR Music Technology, TimewARP 2600, and Ableton Live Lite. And the M-Audio Keystation 88 MKII includes the Ableton Live Lite software licenses and the SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble plug-in.

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

In this comparison, we have two different MIDI controllers in most functions. On the one hand the already analyzed Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 with its features and functions that we already know, and on the other hand the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII that offers 88 keys with somewhat minimalist functions, we only find modulation and pitch bend wheels, up and down octave buttons, transport buttons (rec, play, pause, stop, etc) and a fader for the volume.

If we need a MIDI controller for the stage, the Alesis will be our best option thanks to its Keytar design and its Bluetooth connection that allows it to work without cables. If, on the other hand, you need a MIDI controller with 88 keys that is usually in one place, the M-Audio will be your best choice. Both are good for what they offer.

And here’s a video of the M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII

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

Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 vs Novation Impulse 49

The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €222/£195/$219 and the Novation Impulse 49 is priced at €223/£205/$228, but the difference is so small that this may vary, depending on which shop you ask. Let’s go to this interesting face-to-face:

• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers 37 full-size sensitive and aftertouch keys. The Novation Impulse 49 offers 49 full-size sensitive, semi-sensitive and aftertouch keys.
• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers Eight Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB illumination, Eight illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment, octave up/down buttons, sustain button, volume control, pitch bend wheel and more. When the Novation Impulse 49 offers 8 backlit pads, 9 assignable faders, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys, octave up/down, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• In connections, the Alesis integrates USB connection and MIDI output, and Bluetooth connection while the Novation Impulse 49 integrates USB connection, sustain and expression pedal inputs, and MIDI input and output.
• The Alesis includes the following software licenses: Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro and Xpand!2 from AIR Music Technology, TimewARP 2600, as well as Ableton Live Lite. And the Novation Impulse 49 includes Xcite+ Software Pack licenses, with Ableton Live Lite.

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

In this comparison, we have on the one hand the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2, and on the other hand, the Novation Impulse 49 which offers 49 full-size keys with sensitivity, semi-weight and aftertouch, 8 backlit pads, 9 assignable faders, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys, octaves up/down, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

Very similar to the last comparison, if we need a MIDI controller for the stage, the Alesis will be our best choice thanks to its Keytar design and its Bluetooth connection that allows it to work without cables. If, on the other hand, we need a stable MIDI controller, and perhaps with a greater number of control functions, the Novation Impulse 49 will be our choice.

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 Vortex Wireless 2 vs M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4

The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €222/£195/$219 and the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 is priced at €155/£133/$154, with a difference between them of $67. Let’s go head to head:

• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers 37 sensitive full-size keys with aftertouch. The M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 offers 61 full-size keys with sensitivity.
• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers Eight Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB illumination, Eight illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment, octave up/down buttons, sustain button, volume control, pitch bend wheel and more. When the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 offers 8 pads, 9 assignable faders, 8 assignable knobs, 4 transport keys, octaves up/down, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• In connections, the Alesis integrates USB and MIDI output, and Bluetooth connection, while the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 integrates USB and sustain pedal input.
• The Alesis includes the following software licenses: Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro and Xpand!2 from AIR Music Technology, TimewARP 2600, as well as Ableton Live Lite. And the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 includes licenses for Ableton Live Lite and SONiVOX Twist Synth.

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

In this comparison, we have on the one hand the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2, and on the other hand, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 offering 61 full-size keys with sensitivity, 8 pads, 9 assignable faders, 8 assignable knobs, 4 transport keys, octaves up/down, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

Again, if you need a MIDI controller for the stage, the Alesis will be your best choice thanks to its Keytar design and its Bluetooth connection that allows it to work without cables. If, on the other hand, we need a stable MIDI controller, and perhaps a larger number of control functions, the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 will be our choice.

Here is a video of the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 review.

Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 vs Arturia KeyLab Essential 61

The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €222/£195/$219 and the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 is priced at €239/£215/$239, with a small difference of €17. The face-to-face:

• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers 37 sensitive full-size keys with aftertouch. The Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 61 sensitive full-size keys with aftertouch.
• The Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 offers Eight Pads with dynamic sensitivity and RGB illumination, Eight illuminated faders for volume or parameter adjustment, octave up/down buttons, sustain button, volume control, pitch bend wheel and more. When the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 offers 1 pushable encoder, 8 sensitive pads, 9 assignable knobs, transport keys, octave up/down, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
• In connections, the Alesis integrates USB connection and MIDI output, and Bluetooth connection while the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 integrates USB connection, sustain pedal input, external power supply input and MIDI output.
• The Alesis includes the following software licenses: Hybrid 3, Loom 2, Vacuum Pro and Xpand!2 from AIR Music Technology, TimewARP 2600, as well as Ableton Live Lite. And the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 includes Arturia Analog Lab 2 software, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano.

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

In this comparison, we have on the one hand the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2, and on the other hand, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 which offers 61 full-size keys with sensitivity and aftertouch, 1 pressable encoder, 8 sensitive pads, 9 assignable knobs, transport keys, octaves up/down, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.

Again, if you need a MIDI controller for the stage, the Alesis will be your best choice thanks to its Keytar design and its Bluetooth connection that allows it to work without cables. If on the other hand we need a stable MIDI controller, and with a larger number of control functions, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 will be our choice.

Here is a video of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 keyboard

If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 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 with an average price of 180 euros, and as a star product we can nominate the M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4 which is a very balanced MIDI controller, offering 61 keys and certain control functions: pads, knobs and faders all assignable, as well as transport buttons and auto-mapping function, which allows you to assign a function to each button of the controller. We also have a sustain pedal and certain licenses that are highly valued by beginners.

Where to buy the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 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