Skip to main content
MusicRadar MusicRadar The No.1 website for musicians
UK EditionUK US EditionUS AU EditionAustralia SG EditionSingapore
Sign in
  • View Profile
  • Sign out
  • Artist news
  • Music Gear Reviews
  • Synths
  • Guitars
  • Controllers
  • Drums
  • Keyboards & Pianos
  • Guitar Amps
  • Software & Apps
  • More
    • Recording
    • DJ Gear
    • Acoustic Guitars
    • Bass Guitars
    • Tech
    • Tutorials
    • Reviews
    • Buying Guides
    • About Us
More
  • Seven Nation Army
  • Avril Lavigne
  • Prince and The Beatles
  • 95k+ free music samples
Don't miss these
Kids hands on a beginner keyboard
Keyboards & Pianos Best keyboards for beginners 2025: Get started with our expert pick of beginner keyboards for all ages
Man playing Roland TD716 electronic drum set in a studio
Electronic Drums Best electronic drum sets 2025: Top picks for every playing level and budget, tested by drummers – plus video and audio demos
Sennheiser in ear monitors on a lit up dj controller
Studio Monitors Best budget in-ear monitors 2025: My pick of cheap in-ears for every type of musician
Yamaha CSP-255 review
Keyboards & Pianos Best digital pianos for beginners 2025: 8 beginner-friendly pianos handpicked by a professional piano and music gear reviewer
Yamaha PSR-E360
Keyboards & Pianos "Despite being aimed at beginners, the keys offer a surprisingly nice bounce and tactile response, making the instrument accessible and enjoyable for new players": Yamaha PSR-E360 keyboard review
akai mpk
Tech Akai unveils MPK Mini IV with pitch and mod wheels, new keybed and full-size MIDI output
Roland V-Drums VAD 5 series
Drums Roland's big V-Drum 3 and 5 series drop adds 6 kits to its e-drum range, including V71-lite modules and on-trend acoustic-look options
Modal Electronics
Synths With the Carbon 8X, Modal Electronics has completed its three synth families so that it has an instrument for every kind of user, and there’s still more to come
modx m
Tech Yamaha's MODX M synth squeezes the power of the Montage M into a more affordable package
Zildjan Alchem-e Kit
Drums Zildjian Alchem-e Kits at Drums Week 2025: The feel of real drums meets limitless electronic expression – redefine your sound
Alesis Nitro Ultimater
Electronic Drums Alesis's new 9-piece Nitro Ultimate electronic drum kit is its new flagship, and the hi-hat is the star
Native Instruments
Dj Gear “Everything you need at your fingertips”: Native Instruments launches its new generation of Traktor controllers with the MX2
novation
Tech Novation launches Play, a free plugin for Launchkey Mk4 owners
k20
Tech "We asked ourselves, what if we could rebuild the legendary K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but using today’s technology?": Kurzweil's K2061 and K2088 synths are now shipping
focusrite
Tech Scarlett 16i16 & 18i16: Powerful and portable interfaces with pro-grade sound and a bundle of creative tools
  1. Tech
  2. Midi Controllers

Alesis releases new V and VI keyboard controllers

News
By Will Groves ( Future Music, Computer Music ) published 6 November 2014

All the models in both ranges also feature trigger pads

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

Alesis VI25

Alesis VI25

Alesis has released its V and VI keyboard controllers, all of which also feature trigger pads. Announced at NAMM 2014, these are available as of now.

The V series keyboards offer velocity-sensitive keys with 8 drum/trigger pads, while the VI range adds semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and 16 multi-colour illuminated pads.

Each of the V and VI series keyboards also ships with Ableton Live Lite, Xpand!2 from Air Music Tech and an accompanying software editor.

You can find out more about each of the new keyboards in our gallery, starting with the Alesis VI25 (pictured above).

Alesis V and VI press release

The performance-oriented V Series offers expressive hands-on control for the software musician. The step-up VI Series provides increased control for the keyboard performer. Both series include a Software Preset/Parameter utility that makes setup a snap.

The new Alesis V Series (V61, V49, V25) combine velocity-sensitive keys with eightdrum/trigger pads, allowing virtual instruments to be played with dynamic expression. Cool blue LEDs illuminate the pads—as well as the four assignable knobs and buttons—for positive visibility. Assignments may be made quickly via the MIDI Learn feature. Octave shift keys provide access to the entire note range. A single USB cable provides both a power and data connection to nearly any computer.

The VI Series (VI61, VI49, VI25) add semi-weighted keys and aftertouch. The pad count hasbeen increased to 16, with multi-color illumination. This layout provides intensivecommand over the clip trigger workflow of top DAW and compositional software. The internal clock offers drum roll, tempo, and sync capabilities. An optional power supply and a standard MIDI output allow for stand-alone use.

Alesis V Series Highlights:

  • Full size, flat-front keys (25, 49, or 61)
  • Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels
  • 8 Pads with blue LED illumination
  • 4 Assignable knobs and buttons
  • Sustain pedal input
  • USB MIDI

Alesis VI Series Highlights:

  • Full size, flat-front keys (25, 49, or 61)
  • Semi-weighted keys with Aftertouch
  • Pitch Bend & Modulation Wheels
  • 16 Pads with Multi-color LED illumination
  • VI25: 8 knobs, 24 buttons
  • VI49: 12 knobs, 36 buttons
  • VI61: 16 knobs, 48 buttons
  • Transport and Present up/down buttons:
  • Sustain pedal input
  • USD MIDI, MIDI Out

Alesis VI25 Specs

  • 25 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
  • 16 multi-color RGB backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
  • Designed for hands-on control of your DAW as well as plug-ins and instruments
  • 8 assignable knobs; 24 assignable buttons
  • Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
  • Seamless visual feedback; LCD screen and illuminated buttons/knobs
  • Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
  • Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software
Page 1 of 6
Page 1 of 6
Alesis VI49

Alesis VI49

  • 49 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
  • 16 multi-color RGB backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
  • Designed for hands-on control of your DAW as well as plug-ins and instruments
  • 12 assignable knobs, 36 assignable buttons
  • Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
  • Seamless visual feedback; LCD screen and illuminated buttons/knobs
  • Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
  • Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software
Page 2 of 6
Page 2 of 6
Alesis VI61

Alesis VI61

  • 61 full-sized, square-front, semi-weighted keys with aftertouch
  • 16 multi-color RGB backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
  • Designed for hands-on control of your DAW as well as plug-ins and instruments
  • 16 assignable knobs, 48 assignable buttons
  • Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
  • Seamless visual feedback; LCD screen and illuminated buttons/knobs
  • Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
  • Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software
Page 3 of 6
Page 3 of 6
Alesis V25

Alesis V25

  • 25 full-sized, square-front keys
  • 8 LED backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
  • Perfect for controlling plug-ins and virtual instruments
  • 4 assignable knobs; 4 assignable buttons
  • Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
  • Seamless visual feedback via illuminated buttons/knobs
  • Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
  • Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software
Page 4 of 6
Page 4 of 6
Alesis V49

Alesis V49

  • 49 full-sized, square-front keys
  • 8 LED backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
  • Perfect for controlling plug-ins and virtual instruments
  • 4 assignable knobs; 4 assignable buttons
  • Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
  • Seamless visual feedback via illuminated buttons/knobs
  • Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
  • Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software
Page 5 of 6
Page 5 of 6
Alesis V61

Alesis V61

  • 61 full-sized, square-front keys
  • 8 LED backlit pads respond to both velocity and pressure
  • Perfect for controlling plug-ins and virtual instruments
  • 4 assignable knobs; 4 assignable buttons
  • Pitch & Mod wheels deliver expressive, creative control
  • Seamless visual feedback via illuminated buttons/knobs
  • Single USB cable provides both power and MIDI data
  • Includes Ableton™ Live Lite Alesis Edition & MIDI editor software
Page 6 of 6
Page 6 of 6
Will Groves
Will Groves
Social Links Navigation
Editor-in-chief

I'm lucky enough to be MusicRadar's Editor-in-chief while being, by some considerable distance, the least proficient musician on the editorial team. An undeniably ropey but occasionally enthusiastic drummer, I've worked on the world's greatest music making website in one capacity or another since its launch in 2007. I hope you enjoy the site - we do.

All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more. image
All-access artist interviews, in-depth gear reviews, essential production tutorials and much more.
Get the latest issue now!
More Info
Read more
akai mpk
Akai unveils MPK Mini IV with pitch and mod wheels, new keybed and full-size MIDI output
 
 
Roland V-Drums VAD 5 series
Roland's big V-Drum 3 and 5 series drop adds 6 kits to its e-drum range, including V71-lite modules and on-trend acoustic-look options
 
 
Modal Electronics
With the Carbon 8X, Modal Electronics has completed its three synth families so that it has an instrument for every kind of user, and there’s still more to come
 
 
modx m
Yamaha's MODX M synth squeezes the power of the Montage M into a more affordable package
 
 
Zildjan Alchem-e Kit
Zildjian Alchem-e Kits at Drums Week 2025: The feel of real drums meets limitless electronic expression – redefine your sound
 
 
Alesis Nitro Ultimater
Alesis's new 9-piece Nitro Ultimate electronic drum kit is its new flagship, and the hi-hat is the star
 
 
Latest in Midi Controllers
akai mpk
Akai unveils MPK Mini IV with pitch and mod wheels, new keybed and full-size MIDI output
 
 
Novation Launch Control XL 3
“New look, features and MIDI out – this is a big update we truly rate”: Novation Launch Control XL 3 review
 
 
Arturia MicroLab Mk3
“A quality, backpack-friendly controller that's under £50”: Arturia MicroLab Mk3 review
 
 
nektar
"The MIDI keyboard that goes beyond MIDI": Nektar introduces Mk3 versions of its Impact LX range of MIDI controller keyboards
 
 
microlab mk3
Arturia upgrades its MicroLab MIDI keyboard with new keybed, sustain input and USB-C - and slashes the price
 
 
Superbooth 2025
12 new instruments and effects you need to know about from Superbooth 2025
 
 
Latest in News
Ritchie Blackmore and Jeff Beck
“He would always put himself down”: Ritchie Blackmore remembers Jeff Beck
 
 
Harley Benton Halloween raffle
If you could have €500 worth of Harley Benton gear, what would you choose?
 
 
Armin Van Buuren piano
“I feel a freedom behind the piano”: Armin Van Buuren on his surprising new musical direction
 
 
slower fragments
This free plugin captures the "evocative warmth and warped textures" of half-speed tape recordings
 
 
Deals of the week
MusicRadar deals of the week: The early Black Friday sales are here - score big on Gibson, PRS, Universal Audio, Casio and more
 
 
Loveday
"Artists have always been resourceful”: Emerging artist Loveday on why she’s turning to OnlyFans
 
 

MusicRadar is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site.

Add as a preferred source on Google
  • About Us
  • Contact Future's experts
  • Terms and conditions
  • Privacy policy
  • Cookies policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Careers

© Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. All rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.

Please login or signup to comment

Please wait...