Alesis V49 MKII review

The V49 MKII is a plain 49-key controller for people who mostly want to play notes and tap drums. Alesis lists 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, eight LED-backlit pads with Note Repeat and Full Level, four MIDI-assignable knobs, pitch and mod wheels and octave buttons. An arpeggiator with six modes, tap tempo, time division, gate and swing gives some creative help. It is USB-powered and plug-and-play on Mac or PC, with a 1/4 inch sustain input. The bundle includes MPC Beats with seven expansion packs, an editor for remapping controls and adjusting key and pad response, and a 30-day Melodics Premium trial. Compared with the Launchkey 49 it has fewer controls, no screen, no faders and no listed custom DAW scripts, so mixing still happens with the mouse. Alesis's page showed no US price in our check. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not test it.

Who it is for

Beginners who want full-size keys and pads with a short list of controls.

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive synth-action keys
• Eight velocity-sensitive, LED-backlit pads with Note Repeat and Full Level
• Four MIDI-assignable knobs
• Arpeggiator with six modes, tap tempo, gate and swing
• Pitch and mod wheels and a 1/4 inch sustain input

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Full-size keys in a lightweight design
• Strength: Short control list is easy to learn
• Strength: MPC Beats with seven expansion packs and a Melodics trial included
• Weakness: No faders, screen or 5-pin MIDI out listed
• Weakness: Only four knobs for DAW control
• Weakness: No custom DAW scripts listed

Key facts

• Keys: 49 full-size synth-action
• Pads: 8 LED-backlit, velocity-sensitive
• Knobs: 4 MIDI-assignable
• Connections: USB, 1/4 inch sustain input
• Software: MPC Beats, 7 expansion packs, editor

Where it ranks

Alesis V49 MKII is No. 9 in our Best Midi Keyboards verdict.