![Novation Launchkey 61 [MK3] MIDI Keyboard Controller - Seamless Ableton Live Integration. Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Arpeggiator — for Music Production](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71UnP72AqNL._AC_UL140_SR140,140_.jpg)
I've owned this keyboard for over 3 years, and so I thought I'd offer some insight on this controller for anyone on the fence.
First off, do yourself a favor and download the Alesis VI editor so you don't have to deal with the onboard LCD to reprogram your buttons, knobs and keybed. It makes reprogramming every button a breeze. The (free) editor alone is almost worth 5 stars on its own.
PROS:
-Keys feel nice
-Drumpads feel VERY nice - usually keyboards with drum pads usually have a feeling that the drum pads were added as an afterthought. These drum pads, on the other hand, are very responsive and durable. My MPD218 - a dedicated drumpad midi controller - only feels slightly better than these.
Almost every control is reprogrammable on the keyboard within reason. You can't send CC commands from the keybed, but pretty much everything else is fair game. I can have each individual button mapped to different commands. For instance, button 1 might be a momentary CC, button 2 a program change, button 3, on/off CC, etc. Same with the drum pads, which can send CC commands and notes. In Ableton, the keyboard has the appropriate LED feedback.
-Preset slots make using this keyboard for different uses/setups a breeze. Again, DOWNLOAD THE ALESIS VI EDITOR to make your life easy for modifying presets.
-Reliable - this keyboard has been with me through 2 moves, a couple drops, and 3 years. Hasn't missed a beat .
- It even has a 5 pin midi out port if you want to use it to control other 5 pin midi devices.
CONS:
- Some of the knobs have a slight jitter that appeared about a year ago. For example, say I turn knob 1 to have a CC value of 120. The keyboard might send 119, 120, 121, 120, etc. all in succession, several messages a second. Not the biggest deal in the world as it hold the value within 1 or 2 CC values, but kind of annoying when you want to set a knob and be done with it. I also don't like the constant moving on certain knobs as it can cause a little more strain on my computer if I'm already pushing it to the limits. That being said, setting each knob at 0 or 127 fixes the issue so it's not a constant thing when I have the midi controller plugged in.
- This is really nitpicky one, but I'm unable to control the LED feedback on the controller no matter what I've tried. Sending midi out messages to the computer doesn't seem to do anything visually with the LEDs. Again, this is very nitpicky, and the LED feedback is automatic with Ableton, but I like more custom control. And one of the DAWs I use, Gig Performer from Deskew, doesn't automatically incorporate the LED feedback on this keyboard.
Overall, this is a buy and I highly recommend this keyboard. It was a steal back when I purchased in March 2019, and even now the price is a little higher, it's still a great value. Durable, reliable, customizable. Good on Alesis for the quality product.
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From the manufacturer
The Building Blocks of Professional Music Production
The Alesis VI25 is an advanced USB/MIDI keyboard MIDI controller that lets you take command of your music software with a series of pads, knobs, and buttons.
With 25 velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys with aftertouch and Octave Up/Down buttons, you can expand the keyboard to the full melodic range and play bass lines, chords, and melodies.
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25 Full-Sized Keys and 16 Pads16 velocity-sensitive RGB trigger pads allow you to launch clips or finger drum with exceptional response and colorful visual feedback. Plus, pitch and modulation wheels expand the expressive capabilities of your performance. |
Integration Made EasyVI25 was designed to seamlessly and effortlessly integrate with your music software. A single USB connection to your Mac or PC provides both power and MIDI functionality, allowing you to plug right into your computer and start making music. |
Full On-Board ControlVI25 also features 8 assignable knobs and 24 assignable buttons for manipulating effect plugins and virtual instruments: open and close filters, adjust volume levels, activate effects, tweak parameters, and more. |
Premium Software Suite Included
With VI25, artists and producers are given a virtually unlimited range of creative and versatile options with a specifically tailored MPC Beats software bundle for Alesis hardware, plus pro-grade virtual instrument software by Air Music Tech. Combining MPC Beats , Ableton Live Lite 9 and Xpand!2, this amazing recording software suite provides core tools for any artist, musician or singer-songwriter to create, record and share all their ideas across the world at any time.
From the brand
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PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES SINCE 1984
Alesis has revolutionized the music industry with their ground-breaking studio recording, electronic percussion, keyboard and live sound gear. Our passion for innovation is unmatched, and we are dedicated to creating gear that empowers musicians, producers and engineers at all skill levels to unleash their full creative potential at home, on-stage and in the studio.
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| Customer Rating | (1463) | (4711) | (550) | (36) | (1645) | (3527) |
| Price | Unavailable | $146.19 | $109.00 | $109.00 | $249.00 | $59.00 |
| Sold By | — | Amazon.com | GearNuts | Streamline Audio Video | North To South | Amazon.com |
| Item Dimensions | 12.4 x 24.6 x 4.53 inches | 6.96 x 12.48 x 2.28 inches | 14 x 8.7 x 2 inches | 8.66 x 13.98 x 1.97 inches | 11.77 x 19.25 x 3.62 inches | 16.44 x 0.72 x 4.2 inches |
| Item Weight | 7.00 lbs | 1.98 lbs | 2.20 lbs | 2.98 lbs | 6.09 lbs | 1.00 lbs |
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Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2022
Size: 61 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 26, 2023
Size: 25 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2021
Size: 61 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
I've played keys for several years, but always on technically borrowed equipment. This is the first large keyboard I've ever owned, and so far I love it!
Pros:
- Dimensions are PERFECT for me (shoutout to the absolute GODSEND in the reviews who provided accurate dimensions, I'll repeat them: 40¼" x 10" x 2¼" (3" with knobs) or 1023mm x 253mm x 58mm (75mm with knobs), as you can see it slots beautifully onto my desk!
- Love the semi-weighted keys, it hits the balance of feeling sturdy while staying agile
- Mod and pitch wheels feel SUPERB; just the right amount of resistance to aid precision without compromising speed, and the material is just.... Mmmm yes
- Drum pads feel great, perfect material and just the right amount of travel (almost none but just enough for a bit of passive haptic feedback)
- Aftertouch!!! It's not poly, and the range is kinda small (i.e. it goes 0-127 quickly) but definitely usable and better than nothing!
- The lights OOF just gorgeous! My whole aesthetic mostly consists of black body with dark blue lights, and as you can see this fits perfectly. Love it!
Cons:
- Knobs have too much resistance for my taste. They feel great and can be super precise, but forget about any really quick adjustments.
- Button clicks are INSANELY loud. Not sure who in their right mind would put that anywhere but especially on a MUSIC controller where sound (or lack thereof) really matters. Wouldn't want to use them in performances or anywhere near live mics.
- Lights as far as I know are one-way, non programmable. I was hoping this could replace the NanoKontrol 2 I use with MainStage, where each patch can send updates to the button lights and keep them in sync, but this doesn't seem to be the case. Same goes for drum pads, those lights seem to be hard-coded to reflect velocity, in both brightness and color. That's all fine, but seems like something that wouldn't be too hard to add.
- Bootup animation is fun but a bit long... Takes almost 7 seconds every time from powerup to ready. Not awful but not preferable.
- The controller software... Oh boy. What a mess. Didn't work at all on my MacBook Pro (kept crashing when I select preset) and even when it did work on my PC it's still a clunky design. Gets the job done eventually.
Conclusion:
Despite the cons I love this keyboard! Not to mention how (relatively) inexpensive it was! I've only been using it for a couple weeks, so if anything happens I'll update this review. Overall highly recommend, especially for home studio!
Pros:
- Dimensions are PERFECT for me (shoutout to the absolute GODSEND in the reviews who provided accurate dimensions, I'll repeat them: 40¼" x 10" x 2¼" (3" with knobs) or 1023mm x 253mm x 58mm (75mm with knobs), as you can see it slots beautifully onto my desk!
- Love the semi-weighted keys, it hits the balance of feeling sturdy while staying agile
- Mod and pitch wheels feel SUPERB; just the right amount of resistance to aid precision without compromising speed, and the material is just.... Mmmm yes
- Drum pads feel great, perfect material and just the right amount of travel (almost none but just enough for a bit of passive haptic feedback)
- Aftertouch!!! It's not poly, and the range is kinda small (i.e. it goes 0-127 quickly) but definitely usable and better than nothing!
- The lights OOF just gorgeous! My whole aesthetic mostly consists of black body with dark blue lights, and as you can see this fits perfectly. Love it!
Cons:
- Knobs have too much resistance for my taste. They feel great and can be super precise, but forget about any really quick adjustments.
- Button clicks are INSANELY loud. Not sure who in their right mind would put that anywhere but especially on a MUSIC controller where sound (or lack thereof) really matters. Wouldn't want to use them in performances or anywhere near live mics.
- Lights as far as I know are one-way, non programmable. I was hoping this could replace the NanoKontrol 2 I use with MainStage, where each patch can send updates to the button lights and keep them in sync, but this doesn't seem to be the case. Same goes for drum pads, those lights seem to be hard-coded to reflect velocity, in both brightness and color. That's all fine, but seems like something that wouldn't be too hard to add.
- Bootup animation is fun but a bit long... Takes almost 7 seconds every time from powerup to ready. Not awful but not preferable.
- The controller software... Oh boy. What a mess. Didn't work at all on my MacBook Pro (kept crashing when I select preset) and even when it did work on my PC it's still a clunky design. Gets the job done eventually.
Conclusion:
Despite the cons I love this keyboard! Not to mention how (relatively) inexpensive it was! I've only been using it for a couple weeks, so if anything happens I'll update this review. Overall highly recommend, especially for home studio!
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Lorenzo F.
Ottima tastiera pianistica, buoni i controlli.
Reviewed in Italy on March 5, 2017Size: 61 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
Eduardo Hoppe
Excelente custo benefício
Reviewed in Brazil on January 8, 2023Size: 49 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
Nic V.
Great presentation, with a few hiccups
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 24, 2021Size: 49 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
Marc
Perfekter Einstieg, wer Ernsthafte Musik machen will
Reviewed in Germany on July 5, 2022Size: 49 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
Marc
Reviewed in Germany on July 5, 2022
Möchte ich mich zur Alesis VI 49 äußern.
Erst mal möchte ich mich zum Positiven äußern, die Drum Pads an der Seite machen wirklich Spaß.
Die farbliche Beleuchtung am Rand gibt ein schönes Visuelles Feedback.
Sie fühlen sich rutschfest und angenehm an.
Auch, wenn die Anschlag Dynamic hier etwas zu wünschen übrig lässt.
Je nach Stärke der Berührung leuchten die Pads Blau, Grün oder Rot am Rand auf.
Blau bedeutet dann, die geringste Anschlag stärke und Grün ist dann Ideales Mittelfeld und Rot maximaler Anschlag. Aber das ist relativ nebensächlich, denn meistens korrigiert man im Nachhinein im Midi Editor bei den Velocity Einstellungen nach. Bis es eben passt.
Was aber dem Workflow und dem intuitiven Arbeiten damit erst mal nicht schadet.
Keiner der eine HiHat oder eine Snare live einspielt kommt um die kleine Nacharbeit drum rum.
Da geht’s schlicht um Rhythmus, und der steht über der Präzision der Anschlagdynamik bei einem Drum Pad.
Bei der Klaviatur sieht es da schon anders aus.
Für mein Gefühl ist sie unpräzise, die Tasten bieten zwar ein guten widerstand aber bei der Erkennung wie Stark oder sanft eine Note nun angeschlagen wurde erkennt die Alesis VI49 doch etwas ungenau.
Für Musiker, die von Hause aus hart anschlagen und für die, die Melodie Vorrang hat, tut dem das kein Abbruch aber spätestens, wenn man mal ganz sanft etwas zartes einspielen möchte, wie Glöckchen.
So kommt man um ein nach justieren der Velocity nicht drum herum.
Generell kann es helfen der Velocity einen festen Wert ab 80 vorzugeben.
Denn entweder wird es zu soft oder zu hart in die DAN übermittelt.
Auch das Spaltmaß zwischen den einzelnen Tasten könnte wirklich besser sein.
Aber es lässt sich noch händeln und damit arbeiten.
Trotz kleiner Kinderkrankheiten, würde ich sie aber Empfehlen.
Ja richtig gelesen, Empfehlen wer Harte EDM oder Drums einspielen möchte.
Oder wem es einfach um einfache Melodien oder Basslines geht. (HipHop, Techno, EDM)
Der wird hier auf seine Kosten kommen.
Denn 16 Drum Pads und einen angenehmen widerstand bei Halbgewichteten Tasten.
Lassen darüber hinweg sehn, schließlich bekommt man beides für nicht mal 200 Euro.
Über die mitgelieferte Software, schreib ich nichts. Ich arbeite seit 15 Jahren mit Samplitude.
Und bis auf Cubase, werde ich da auch keine DAW Experimente mehr machen.
Win 10 Pro 64Bit
ASUS ROG STRIX B550-A GAMING
Ryzen 5800X
Crucial Ballistix 2x8GB - DDR4-3000 CL16
DAW: Magix Samplitude Pro X6 Suite getestet
und Magix Samplitude Music Studio 2020 getestet
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kc204
Surprised!
Reviewed in Canada on January 16, 2022Size: 49 KeysPattern Name: ControllerVerified Purchase
kc204
Reviewed in Canada on January 16, 2022
The dials are really “pro” - they feel rubber like and solid / smooth.. buttons can be customized and have dual function in “roll” mode (tap a tempo and have pad notes auto repeat based on 1/6 tempo parameters and what last u play). The pads feel solid but are not as responsive as id like. There are different Colours answer volumes based on velocity, but I haven’t been able to do it consistently without error. Better as a composition / clip trigger than a pad instrument..
But everything else is great! Install the Xpand keyboard software (free) at the Alesis page (u enter the serial # then they give u a bunch of stuff). ***Make sure to install the Xpand2 (main program) first thing to make your keyboard usable. It’s at alesis.com/softwaredownload
I’m pretty are you need this basic controller setup software (Xpand) or something equivalent to be able to use this as a standalone instrument (with your computer) or inside a DAW program and be able to use any virtual instruments or plugins you may have. There’s was also a huge discount on VIP which allows you to play the keyboard outside of a (complicated) DAW program and use any plugins or vst files that you can obtain! It cost me $40 instead of $100 but opens up this keyboard to full use without needing a program like Ableton (of which a trial IS included - so either way you will be able to play). I didn’t NEED it, but it opens up extra functionality and is a great live performance environment (vs Ableton or Reaper).
A midi instrument controls what you already have on your computer.. I would recommend seeing what software you can use to get crazy sounds, as a $60 midi keyboard can in theory do exact thing what a $850 one does! This feels like a happy medium: simple enough but still high quality with midi out and a pedal input and 49 fullkeys and 16pads and 8knobs, bunch of small buttons.. but it still “feels” like a piano keyboard. I got it used for $220 and at that price this is an AMAZING find! The box was kind of “worn” but the device looked like it has never been touched!
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