Personally, I think it sucks how you'll need to open up this software to write these changes down to the keyboard since other models such as the M-Audio Oxygen 25 will allow you to make these changes on the keyboard itself. This is where Alesis made its compromise in order to keep the V25 affordable.
There's a total of 8 velocity curves you can use, and the instructions on how to do so are all detailed on the Alesis website - play around and see which one suits your playing style, or simply use curve #8 if you prefer to use a flat velocity no matter how hard you press it.
All you really need to do is to install the V-Series Editor software that comes with the unit and adjust the velocity curves. Some customers have complained about the sensitivity of the keys. Be warned though: some people are not used to this, and actually prefer the springy feel that other keyboards have. Other MIDI keyboards have a springy, plastic-y feel to them due to the lack of semi-weighted keys, and the Alesis V25 is one of the few models who offer this at a very good price. Personally speaking, I love the feel of semi-weighted keys.
The V25 features semi-weighted keys, so playing on it will feel similar to playing on a real piano as the keys have some pushback when you press on it. The Keys The keys on the Alesis V25 are full-sized and semi-weighted, which makes it incredibly fun to play melodies with.įirst of all, the keys. If all you want to do is play some music, you won't need to install any software - however, if you need to customize certain parameters (as you'll read about later) then you'll want to install the V-Series Editor software. I tested it out on both a Microsoft Surface 3 and a Macbook Pro, and the unit had no problems getting detected. The keyboard itself is plug-and-play - meaning, all you'll need is to plug it in your computer's USB and your DAW shouldn't have any problems detecting it.
Even though it's a lot bigger than other mini MIDI keyboards (such as the Akai MPK Mini MK2), it's still relatively portable and wouldn't add any significant weight to your setup if you're bringing it along to a gig or on the plane. Out of all the 25-key MIDI controllers that I've tried, this one is probably the lightest I've handled at just 5.4 pounds. The first thing I noticed with the Alesis V25 is how lightweight it is.
Quick Summary Key Features The Alesis V25 is a lightweight MIDI keyboard that's compact enough for most home studio desks. So of course, I HAD to take a closer look at this keyboard and determine if it would be the right MIDI controller you're looking for. The price point was very attractive too, and it's probably one of the cheapest 25-key MIDI keyboards I've seen on the market right now. Despite the fact that it doesn't get as much attention as other brands like M-Audio, Akai, or Novation does, all of its available features actually looked pretty solid on paper. When I was looking around for the latest 25-key MIDI controllers that have been released recently, I came across the Alesis V25. The problem? It's easy to get lost in confusion when deciding which model to buy. That's it.For aspiring and beginner producers, one of the most important pieces of equipment for your home studio is no doubt a MIDI keyboard controller that you can use to play out your melodies and compose beats with. I get a window that shows my available "Instruments" are: I do track>Insert Virtual instrument on new track. So the video I'm watching asks me place a virtual instrument on the track I watched the midi tutorial and this is where I have issues I clicked and enable + messages for my V49Īll are showing disabled * not sure why I'd enable my midi for output? Output Device = Philips, FTV Audio device *Again, choose this since that is what worked on Aria player Input Device = Microphone(Realtek High Deffinition Audio) In case you are wondering about the Philips, FTV Audio device, My desktop is output through HDMI to my HDTV.Īudio system = WASAPI(WINDOWS 7/8/Vista) * I picked this since this option worked on my Aria player. In it's options:Īudio Dev = Philips, FTV (Intel(R)Display Audio I'm able to play my v49 midi through the Aria Garritan Instant Orchestra. I also have Garritan Instant Orchestra that I just installed. My intent is to use my midi keyboard for input on midi tracks.
I received an Alesis V49 midi keyboard for Christmas and am trying to get up and running on Reaper 4 using their trial, full version.