Alesis V49 Review

Budding music producers won’t have to wait until the pandemic is over to make great music with the Alesis V49.

This MIDI keyboard controller is a great option for beginners.

While it comes with fewer keys than others, it eliminates the functions that first-time users won’t be able to make most of for their first time.

It’s the perfect springboard to learning how to make great music at home.

This Alesis V49 review will help you learn about its features, pros, and cons to see if it's the perfect keyboard controller for your needs.

Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Alesis is a company known for making quality yet affordable products for modern musicians to complete their music studio needs.

The Alesis V49 is a 49-Key USB-MIDI keyboard controller.

It is an intuitive and powerful MIDI controller to help make the most of your chosen music app or software.

It also features multiple buttons, pads, and knobs aside from its 49 keys.

The keys are full-sized and velocity-sensitive. It is the perfect number of keys to play two-handed piano parts effortlessly.

The V49 also has an adjustable octave button, enabling you to expand the keyboard's complete melodic range.

It will also allow you to play melodies, bass lines, and chords.

Who Is This Product For?

Professional music producers, aspiring music producers, or even the unassuming music enthusiast can use the Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller.

It’s simple but versatile, which makes it easy for a beginner to use.

Still, it can very much cater to the needs of professional music producers who prefer a simpler MIDI keyboard controller option without the hefty size and price tag.

What’s Included?

The Alesis V49 will be delivered in a box that comes with the V49 unit, USB cable, user guide, safety and warranty manual, software downloadable cards, and a downloadable V Editor Software.

However, it does not include an Alesis Sustain Pedal, so you need to purchase it separately.

Here's an unboxing video to have a quick overview of what you’ll get:

The most common alternative for the Alesis V49, especially with the double-trigger issues, is the Akai MPK Mini Mk2.

For those who already started with the V49, transitioning to the Akai would be a lot easier.

The Akai MPK Mini Mk2 also has octave up and down buttons.

It also has an onboard arpeggiator that lets you adjust range, modes, and resolutions to create beautiful melodic lines.

Like the Alesis V49, the Akai MPK Mini Mk2 is also a plug-and-go software with a USB-MIDI.

The single USB connection provides both the power and MIDI connection to a MAC or PC.

The Akai also has software included in the purchase.

M Audio Keystation 49 III

Another optional alternative for the Alesis V49 is the M Audio Keystation 49 III.

This USB MIDI Controller also has 49 full-size velocity-sensitive keys, making it feel like natural piano keys.

You can also use the M Audio on both MAC and PC. It also has iOS compatibility.

The M Audio Keystation 49 III also comes bundled with the SONiVOX Eighty-Eight Ensemble, which is great for making great compositions.

The M Audio lacks the keypads that both the Alesis V49 and Akai MPK Mini Mk2 have.

The M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 may be quite pricey and a higher jump from the Alesis, but its features are outstanding.

All keys are semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive, and feature aftertouch for a true piano feel.

The beatmakers are backlit, all 16 of them, and are also velocity-sensitive.

You will also find that the Note Repeat feature of the M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 to be quite useful for soundboard triggering, beat production, and clip launching, to name a few.

Like the other M-Audio keyboard controllers, this model also features pro tools included in the package.

It looks professional and great for professional music makers.

For beginners, it may be better off to start with the more basic models, but this is certainly an upgrade to go for in the future.

Roland A-49 MIDI Keyboard Controller

If brand names like Alesis, Akai, and M-Audio are new for you, the Roland A-49 is also a good alternative to add to the list.

It is lightweight and easy to use. Plus, it doesn’t have as many customizable buttons as other brands do.

The Roland A-49 only has two knobs and two switches compared to the four to eight knobs found in other models and brands.

It does have the classic Roland look to it, complete with the pearl white and black finish.

You can use this keyboard controller with a Mac or PC and even an iPad.

When it comes to tagging this unit along, it is designed for mobile use, so its lightweight design makes it easy to lift and carry.

AKAI Professional MPK249 MIDI Keyboard Controller

Lastly, the AKAI Professional MPK249, which features 49 semi-weighted keys, 16 pads, and assignable MPCs.

This model from AKAI is also expandable, so you can extend the original 16 MPC pads to accommodate a total of 64 pads.

The Akai Pro MPK249 also has an inclusive production software package that is compatible with both Mac and PC.

Of course, a model this good comes with a hefty price tag, but it’s a good investment for professional users.

Alesis V49 Review: The Verdict

For beginners and those with a limited budget, the Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller is a great unit to start with.

Thanks to the company's response, the recent firmware update has solved the double-trigger issues that this model seems to have.

While the Alesis V49 may be a bit more expensive than certain similar models from Akai and M Audio, you can still get a plethora of software and capabilities that enable you to make great music compositions.

For its price, the Alesis V49 MIDI Keyboard Controller already has great software included with its purchase, so making music can happen as soon as you open the box and set it up.