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

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.

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.

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.

This is a bare bones device with almost no documentation or help, and completely unresponsive support. Almost all videos that exist, to the extent there are any, apply to the first version of the Vortex Wireless, which is totally different and has been discontinued.There is no midi controller mapping available for download - you have to work that out yourself. On the Vortex itself, There are no midi buttons to logically map to loop control ideas. Too many sliders and variable outputs that you might map to sound parameters, and not enough easily accessible buttons with which to do control actions like loop start/stop.There is no getting started guide. The version of Ableton it comes with is Lite, which doesn't allow for the Looper. (You have to spend at least $99 for the Intro version, and more likely $349 for the standard version).My impression is that this company is not doing so well, and they have thrown this device out into the market to see what sticks.UPDATE:Downgrading my review to 1 star since NONE of the software available for this device works on current operating systems. Alesis is too slow to release updates, so now their software is *incompatible* with any Mac or Windows machine you would buy now. Just pass this by - it's an utter waste of money.

My son purchased this with his own money. He is a very happy 14 year old. He connected it to his computer and showed me all the sounds it can make. My fave is the guitar sound. His comment to that, "if I wanted to play guitar, I would've bought one mom" lolHe loves it and with watching youtube lessons, he can play some nice tunes.

This works great….maybe a little too great as I’ve gotten a headache everyday since it came in from my husband playing it. Either way he loves it, it works great and cheap batteries work in it super well as he uses it wirelessly and 4 cheap batteries has lasted him about 8hours+ now