Every home studio needs a decent MIDI controller to take advantage of the incredibly wide-ranging world of virtual instruments. With a controller alone, you could feasibly play and program a complete arrangement — we’re talking every instrument — on only a keyboard. Check out our Alesis V49 review to see whether this affordable MIDI controller is the ticket for your studio.
What Is the Alesis V49 MIDI Controller?
The Alesis V49 MKII is a 49-key MIDI keyboard complete with eight backlit pads, pitch and modulation wheels, four assignable knobs to operate plugin parameters, and a free suite of production software. While many controllers in this price bracket target portability as a primary feature, the V49 has full-size synth-action keys. The springiness feels more substantial and more “realistic” if you’re coming from an analog keyboard background, which is a nice touch — pun intended.
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The included software consists of MPC Beats with seven expansion packs; a MIDI editor application; and access to 60 free keyboard lessons to learn the fundamentals. Before diving into the specs in more detail, anyone shopping for an affordable full-size controller should definitely keep the Alesis V49 Midi Controller in mind.
Alesis V49 Keyboard Features & Specs
Design
The design is highly intuitive. It emphasizes access to the actual keyboard as opposed to any of the other features. The pads and other controls are conveniently situated at the top providing ample space for the full-size keys to live. Construction feels sturdy and substantial, especially at this price. The keys themselves feel roomy, certainly, but the overall length is just 32″. The V49 could easily be a desktop mainstay and not seem like it’s dominating all of the desk space.
Drum Pads
As for drum pads, we have eight LED-backlit buttons at the top of the keyboard. They’re velocity sensitive for precise drum programming, though they do feel a little on the smaller side. Overall, the pads get the job done, even if the furthest two are somewhat awkwardly close to rotary encoders.
Playability
Here’s where the Alesis V49 MKII shines. The 49 full-size synth-action keys are what sets it apart from many competitors. Keyboardists will love how natural it feels, and beginners or those just using the controller to program won’t feel cramped or uncomfortable. And even with full-size keys, it remains portable enough to carry on the run.
Price
The price is excellent. At the time of writing, the Alesis V49 MKII is $149. This price range is one of the most saturated for MIDI keyboards, so the Alesis isn’t just alone on an island. That said, we still really like this keyboard for its affordability.
How Does the V49 Stack Up When It Comes to Overall Performance?
It does exactly what any decent MIDI controller should. It’s plug-and-play over USB, so you’re immediately hooked into your DAW with ample control over virtual instruments and plugins. While we love how straightforward this controller is, that’s also a place of criticism. You could find a comparable controller with a broader range of features, like additional pads, faders, encoders, and other tactile controls for operating software. We recognize that may not be everyone’s priority, but it’s worth noting that, while the Alesis is great, it isn’t necessarily busting down doors in the controller world.
Our Take: The Alesis V49 Shines Bright in a Sea of MIDI
Options paralysis is a very real thing. When you’re looking at pages and pages of sub-$200 MIDI controllers online, it’s easy to feel discouraged about what’s quality and what’s crap. The Alesis V49 is definitely not rubbish; in fact, it’s a very nice and highly capable controller with awesome key feel and playability. Where it lacks in the variety of tactile control other keyboards offer, it makes up for it with simplicity and playability at the forefront.
As far as a final verdict in this Alesis V49 review, it’s easily one of the best choices for full-size keys in the $100 to $200 price bracket.
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