Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 - High-Performance USB MIDI Wireless Keytar Controller with Professional Software Suite Included,Black

This keytar is super funI currently use it with my laptop running Ableton & the response of the keys is quite goodI practice scales on weekdays & am getting my performance chops up to a more professional levelIt is lightweight & seems very portableSo far I’ve only used it with included USB power & USB MIDI connectivityIt comes with a strap which although plain is super useful for getting started right out of the boxI intend to use it live with a Waldorf Blofeld over standard DIN MIDI with battery powerI have the utmost confidence in this keytar for the task & I’ll try to update my review with how that all worked out after it happens

The Vortex feels lighter and much more ergonomic than my Roland Lucina AX09. The MIDI assign-ability of 8 sliders and 8 pads has made use on cover band gigs more flexible and capable than with Roland AX-1 and AX-09. The software editor for the Vortex is straightforward and easy to use. I’m currently using it in conjunction with Ilio Gig Performer (runs so much easier on computer processor than MainStage 3), the most recent firmware update for the Vortex, my MacBook Air with 8gb ram, Kontakt, and some of the bundled software synths that come with the Vortex. I have had no crashes or MIDI panic situation in the few weeks I’ve used it. The ability to run on USB power or 4aa batteries is much appreciated as is the ability to connect wirelessly or through traditional 5pin MIDI cable. Will update as experience dictates. Very happy with the Alesis Vortex 2 to this point!UPDATES: 8/18/18 Discovered that fader messages, that transmit successfully with USB and wireless connection, do not transmit over standard 5 pin MIDI connection. Contacted customer support via support page this afternoon; standing by for a reply.8/21/18 Alesis customer support sends reply, suggesting I monitor and confirm MIDI output of the Vortex through a MIDI utility app. Turns out the Vortex 2 does successfully send fader messages over standard 5 pin MIDI. Whatever trouble I'm having is elsewhere in my MIDI configuration and not to do with the controller itself. So yeah, user error. So far, 10/10 for costumer support and I'm still very happy with the Vortex 2.9/4/18 Recently played in a situation with all band members using wireless monitor setups, sound and lights running on its own wireless network, wireless mics and instrument signal transmitters, in a shopping area that also was sure to have a lot of wireless action. I experienced some wireless interference that showed in the loss of two or three note-off signals in the span of total of 2 hours and 20 minutes of playing between three sets. Would advise the programming of at least one pad to MIDI panic in every preset, or be near enough to hit it on the computer.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:I wish I had read through recent reviews before purchasing. It's a disgrace that the manufacturer has not pulled this product down. First, Alesis makes good quality hardware. I have other products from them. This Keytar is no different. It is a well designed piece of hardware. But nothing is loaded on it when it arrives. The software for setting presets and instruments is critical to it working. After logging into their portal and registering the Keytar, you are presented with software downloads. After downloading the Vortex 2 Preset Editor we found that the last time it was update was December of 2017 and the version was originally made in 2014 (11 years ago). It is 32bit and won't run on modern computers. We tried it on a 2024, 2019, and even a 2013 iMac. Even the 2013 iMac had to new of an operating system to run the software. They also give you a card in the box that references other 3rd party applications (Lite versions). They referenced version numbers that were several versions ago. So these boxes have been sitting in warehouses for quite some time. It would be one thing if they were being clearanced at 50% or more off, but they are still selling it for the $399 retail price. For those super tech savvy folks, it's possible that there may be other software out there you can make work. I could not find anything that didn't miss many features of the device. There were plenty of complaints on forums on the web. You don't have to take my word for it, but do yourself a favor and research it before purchasing. I am returning it, but they may stop taking returns at some point. Don't get stuck with a brick.

I got this because of the wireless option and sliders. It's lite and much cheaper than others out there. The editing sw needs to be updated. but works. It will not show up well with a 4K screen. So I have a 2nd monitor that zooms in and makes it work. the USB connection works great with Connectivity mioXL 8x12 MIDI Interface. I have it with a MIDI pedal board from Behringer. You can use that to really get the expression out of the midi interfaces that control a keyboard or multiple ones at the same time.

It has been my dream to own one of these for probably over 3 years, and with one purchase, my dream has come true. Other than putting me on my way to becoming the ultimate badass, this is actually the perfect item for me and my band, since it’s just a fancy midi keyboard. If you make any music electronically, or are just a huge music nerd like me, then I highly recommend this product.