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
Don't miss these
More
  • NAMM 2026: as it happened
  • Best NAMM tech gear
  • Joni's Woodstock
  • 95k+ free music samples
  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
Latest in Midi Controllers
Akai MPK Mini IV
“Jam-packed with features and functionality that will serve more experienced users well, and simple enough to use that pretty much anyone could pick it up and start making music with”: Akai MPK Mini IV review
 
 
oxi
"We didn't want to make just another controller": OXI Instruments' E16 is a sleek and portable MIDI controller that's more powerful than it looks
 
 
Serato and AlphaTheta launch Slab for Serato Studio
AlphaTheta and Serato launch Slab, the first hardware controller for Serato Studio
 
 
Ableton Push 3 deals on Cymber Monday
If you were wondering if the deals aren't as good this year, then this saving on Ableton Push 3 Standalone is all the proof you need
 
 
Popumusic PartyStudio
Popumusic’s PartyStudio is “the world’s first wireless MIDI synthesizer speaker”
 
 
TempoPad C16
Meet Synido’s TempoPad C16, the minty fresh MIDI pad controller that’s functional, flexible and a whole lot of fun
 
 
Latest in News
Pitbull
“Know you’re about to have the time of your lives”: Pitbull fans will attempt to break a world record in July
 
 
Nile Rodgers and John Mayer
How the gift of a divisive Rolling Stones album scuppered the chance of a collaboration between Nile Rodgers and John Mayer
 
 
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 08: Michael Stipe attends Netflix's "Goodbye June" New York screening at Whitby Hotel on December 08, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Stephanie Augello/Getty Images)
Michael Stipe returns to Springfield to sing a rewritten version of one of REM's biggest hits
 
 
PARIS, FRANCE - FEBRUARY 15: Raye performs live on stage at Accor Arena on February 15, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kristy Sparow/Getty Images)
Producer Mike Sabath on starting Raye’s “outrageous” second studio album at an Airbnb
 
 
NEW YORK, NY - JUNE 16: Billy Steinberg performs onstage at the Songwriters Hall of Fame 42nd Annual Induction and Awards at The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel - Shubert Alley on June 16, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall of Fame)
Tributes paid to Billy Steinberg, one of the defining songwriters of the '80s and '90s, who has died
 
 
look mum no computer
The UK’s shock Eurovision 2026 entrant is none other than Look Mum No Computer
 
 

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...