Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 | High-Performance USB/MIDI Wireless Keytar Controller with Professional Software Suite

My 3rd Alesis Vortex - had the original white non-wireless, the black Wireless-II which I gifted to my son, and now this one. Packed with features, great quality. Would happily have paid $1000 back in the day for a wireless keytar!

So many cool sounds!

37 full-size keys with velocity and channel aftertouch in a lightweight keytar body. All plastic but sturdy enough for home use - I have seen some played on stage but I'd be skeptical about how long it could stand up to being on the road. Enough other controls (as well as the velocity and aftertouch) to make it very expressive though; a pitch bend wheel as you'd expect and a modulation ribbon (which can have three easily selectable assignments, a sustain button and an accelerometer - all user-definable. Then there are 8 sliders and 8 drum pads and again, all these can be assigned to MIDI CCs or Notes or whatever using the associated config app. Only if you use Windows though. The Alesis website says the MacOS version of the app is being developed/tested but I wouldn't hold your breath as it's said that for years now. So, a great controller for your home studio if you have a Windows PC with which to configure it basically.

Used on stage weekly but with some issues. First of all it operates on the 2.4 ghz band. If you're using in-ear systems on 2.4 ghz or the venue has strong wifi - you will have problems. I have experienced stuck notes too often. I even changed my IEM system to 5.8ghz to avoid this. Work around is to program at least one of the pads (I programmed all 8) to MIDI panic so I can quickly just slap any of the pads to release the stuck note. Battery life has been good with Lithium batteries - still on my first set, have bought rechargeables for the future due to cost. It's a good size unlike the Roland AX. It does rely on MIDI as it's just a controller. I've got mine paired up with a Roland Juno-D6 and it's plug and play. No need for a laptop, just set your midi channel to match the part on the keyboard and you're away. One other issue - this needs a Transpose function and doesn't have one. This caused me a problem on stage when somebody wanted to sing in a different key. Transposing on the receiving Juno D-6 does not transpose what is received from the Vortex. I look forward to the V3. Hopefully Alesis will include Transpose and upgrade the MIDI transfer from an antiquated and congested 2.4GHZ bang. CME do this over Bluetooth very effectively but switching to their solution requires power to their transmitter as the MIDI out 5 pin on this unit is not powered.

Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 – Limited Edition Red | High-Performance USB / MIDI Wireless Keytar i like the sounds and it plays Just Fantastic How do i get the Stand to put it on i can't find one Please help or it will go back in the Box lol Thank you.

This product is UNUSEABLE with the latest Mac operating systems. The basic program to actually set up the device is incompatible due to it being a 32 bit program. I checked all the requirements before I bought it. It has minimum requirements listed but no mention of maximum! A Christmas present, I spent 5 hours after Boxing Day trying to set up and work out what was wrong and how to fix it. Such a horrible stressful experience, ruined my post Christmas break. Managed to download all the other software but the one item you actually need to assign the buttons/pads can not be opened.

I gigged with this in February and it's a real joy. It's taken some time to get used to playing it as when you wear it, it's in an unnatural playing position, but after practice it's fine. Great features, functions and the wireless ability in it is great. Looks cool too!

Excellent product with amazing sounds.