The new MIDI keyboard enables you to control your virtual instruments direct, without needing to touch your computer
New from Alesis comes the VX49 MIDI
controller keyboard. It's a 49-key affair, with a semi-weighted
keyboard, eight 360-degree knobs, four banks of eight velocity- and
pressure-sensitive pads and 4.3-inch, full colour screen. So far, so
par for the course in 2015… but what really makes the VX49 stand
out is its built-in VIP (Virtual Instrument Player) software.
Developed by Alesis's sister company
AKAI, Virtual Instrument Player gives you full control of all the
virtual instruments you have loaded into your DAW without ever
needing to take your hands off the keyboard. You can quickly flick
through patches in your plug-in library, making it quicker and easier
to find the sound you're after, and once you've selected an
instrument, VIP automatically maps its functions to the various
controls on the VX49. You can create 'multis' – chains of plug-ins
that can be saved for instant access later. And for live performance,
you can save banks of virtual instruments so that you can flick to
those needed for the next track at the touch of a button.
The VX49 is compatible with all leading
DAWs but comes with Ableton Live Lite supplied. Also bundled with the
keyboard are several virtual synths including Vacuum Pr, Loom, Hybrid
3 and Xpand! 2, the Velvet and Eighty Eight virtual pianos and the
Transfuser loop editor.
The Alesis VX49 will be available
before the end of the year, priced at $400 (European pricing still
TBC).
Find out more: Alesis.com
Tags: Alesis, AKAI, MIDI controller, controller keyboard, keyboard