Alesis V25 MKII USB MIDI Controller

Alesis V25 MKII USB MIDI

Alesis V25 MKII, a 25-key studio keyboard and music production controller.
This versatile USB MIDI controller comes equipped with everything needed to take your ideas from concept to final production – synth-action keys that are springy and responsive, velocity-sensitive pads, assignable knobs, Octave and Transpose buttons for accessing the full piano range, Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels for added expression, and an Arpeggiator with 6 modes for creating unique melodies and inspiring creativity. There’s also a sustain pedal input for truly expressive control. Plug in the V25 MKII, and instantly turn your PC or Mac into a full-featured music production studio.

The Alesis V25 is a powerful, intuitive MIDI controller that lets you take command of your music software with a series of pads, knobs, and buttons. With 25 full-size velocity-sensitive keys and Octave Up/Down buttons, you can expand the keyboard to the full melodic range and play bass lines, chords, and melodies. V25 also features four assignable knobs and buttons for manipulating effect plugins and virtual instruments: open and close filters, adjust volume levels, activate effects, tweak parameters, and more. Eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads allow you to launch clips or finger drum with exceptional response, and pitch and modulation wheels expand the expressive capabilities of your performing.

The Alesis V25 MKII boasts a sleek and modern design that is both visually appealing and functional. The controller features a black matte finish with blue LED backlighting for the pads and buttons, giving it a professional and futuristic look. The layout is intuitive, with all controls easily accessible and logically arranged.

The build quality of the V25 MKII is impressive for its price range. The chassis is made of durable plastic, which keeps the unit lightweight yet sturdy. The keys are semi-weighted, providing a good balance between the feel of a traditional piano and the responsiveness needed for electronic music production. The pads are velocity-sensitive, offering a tactile and responsive feel that is ideal for finger drumming and triggering samples.

The V25 MKII comes bundled with a suite of software, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, and virtual instruments from AIR Music Tech. This provides a complete out-of-the-box solution for music production.

The Alesis V25 MKII excels in terms of performance, offering a responsive and reliable experience for both studio and live use. The keys feel solid and provide a good balance between playability and portability. The velocity sensitivity is well-calibrated, allowing for expressive playing dynamics.

The pads are equally impressive, with a good level of sensitivity and responsiveness. Whether you’re finger drumming or triggering samples, the pads register hits accurately and consistently. The RGB backlighting is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, as it provides visual feedback on pad activation and velocity levels.

The assignable knobs are smooth and offer a good amount of resistance, making precise adjustments easy. Mapping the knobs to various parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments is straightforward, and the knobs respond quickly to input changes.

The 8 velocity-sensitive RGB pads are another highlight of the V25 MKII. These pads are ideal for finger drumming, triggering samples, or controlling various functions in your DAW. The pads are large and responsive, with a good level of sensitivity that captures the nuances of your playing.

The RGB backlighting not only adds a visual appeal but also serves a functional purpose by providing feedback on velocity levels and pad activation. This is particularly useful in live performance settings or low-light environments. The pads can be customized to suit your workflow, making them a versatile tool for any producer or performer.

The V25 MKII features 4 assignable knobs that can be mapped to control various parameters in your DAW or virtual instruments. These knobs are smooth and offer a good amount of resistance, making precise adjustments easy. The ability to customize the knobs.

The keybed of the Alesis V25 MKII is one of its standout features. The 25 semi-weighted keys offer a good balance between the feel of an acoustic piano and the light touch required for fast electronic music performance. The keys are full-sized, which is a significant advantage over mini-key controllers in the same price range, providing a more comfortable playing experience.

The velocity sensitivity of the keys is well-implemented, allowing for expressive playing dynamics. This makes the V25 MKII suitable for a wide range of musical styles, from classical and jazz to electronic and hip-hop. The absence of aftertouch might be a limitation for some advanced users, but it is not a deal-breaker considering the overall capabilities of the controller.

The overall user experience with the Alesis V25 MKII is highly positive. The setup process is quick and easy, with the controller being recognized by most DAWs and software without any issues. The included software bundle provides a comprehensive set of tools for music production, making it easy for beginners to get started and for experienced producers to expand their setup.

The layout of the controller is intuitive, with all controls easily accessible and logically arranged. The keys, pads, and knobs all feel solid and responsive, making the V25 MKII a joy to use. The RGB backlighting adds a nice visual touch and provides useful feedback during performance.