Alesis Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer
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Nostalgiac style meets modern technology.
The Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer takes you back to the look and style of the popular 80's keytars but beefed up with the USB/MIDI technolgy of today. A Best of NAMM 2012 Winner (Gear Guruz), the Vortex eliminates the barrier between you and your audience by giving you the freedom to move around the stage and take the lead. With an extensive layout of touch-sensitive keys and velocity-sensitive pads on its pearlescent white body, and radical pitch and modulation controls on its neck, the Vortex empowers you to rule the stage.
The Vortex is the first keytar to include a MIDI-assignable accelerometer. Now, you can get out from behind your keyboard stand and be just as visual as guitarists and singers with an instrument that will respond to your motion. You’ll be able to create incredible volume swells, amazing pitch bends, vibratos, filter cutoffs and more with a simple tilt of the Vortex’s neck in the heat of the moment during live performances.
Keys, Control, and More
The Vortex includes even more features never before found on any keytar: both traditional MIDI and USB MIDI are onboard, empowering you to use the Vortex with all of your software instruments and synths on Mac, PC, and iPad*. You'll have a virtually unlimited palette of sounds, ready to command with one of the most exciting keytar controllers ever.
The Vortex comes ready for instant performance, automapped for today’s most popular software synths and DAWs. Plus, you can customize and create your own mappings for virtually any MIDI software.
Full Expression
Breathe new life into every performance with this incredibly expressive keytar. The Vortex’s neck controls are laid out ergonomically: Your thumb controls a volume slider and pitch-bend wheel while your fingers command nine front-facing controls that include a MIDI-assignable touch strip, and buttons for octave selection and sustain. Large transport and patch-select controls are centrally located on the Vortex’s body for instant access, and synth lovers will be happy to know that the Vortex’s 37 velocity-sensitive keys feature aftertouch to enable instant creative flourishes.
These ergonomic designs were included because with controllerists in mind, those of you who want to perform without limitations to your movement or sound set. The Vortex is bus powered when connected to a Mac or PC, and can also be powered by 4 AA batteries (sold separately) when used with MIDI modules and iOS devices including the iPad. Standard strap pegs are located on the Vortex's neck and body, and an adjustable strap is included.
*Connection to iOS devices requires an Apple USB adapter, sold separately as part of the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit. iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Features
- Dynamic, shoulder-worn performance keyboard with attention-grabbing looks
- First USB keytar controller—works with all of your software instruments & synths on Mac, PC, & iOS devices
- USB and traditional MIDI jacks for use with virtually any synth, sound module, or other MIDI hardware or software
- Embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer for performance parameter control by tilting the neck
- Thumb-controlled volume slider and pitch bend wheel on neck
- Finger-controlled MIDI-assignable touchstrip, sustain, and octave-control buttons on neck
- 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for compact, yet complete melodic range
- 8 velocity-sensitive drum pads/sample triggers enable you to create beats or trigger clips
- Large transport & patch-select controls for instant access
- Includes strap; standard guitar strap pegs are compatible with virtually any strap
- Bus powered when USB-connected to Mac or PC; battery compartment for use with MIDI modules and iOS devices
- Includes:
- Adjustable strap
- USB cable
- Software disc
- Quickstart guide
Suck your audience in with the Vortex. Order today!
Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer Specifications:
- Class-compliant USB 1.1 MIDI I/O
- 5-pin DIN MIDI output
- Powered via USB, four AA batteries (sold separately), or DC power adapter
- Dimensions: 2.2"H x 35.1"L x 10.6"W
- Weight: 6.5lb.
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Alesis Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer:
In all fairness not meant to be a production device. Also, laptops typically have only one powered usb port as they are designed to run at low wattage. On a desktop with a 500w psu all can be powered so know your devices before bashing.
This thing is a blast to walk out and connect with people. Keep mixing it up while you walk to the bar for a cold one and suck up the adulation.
Pros
- You Feel Like A Rockstar
Cons
- Not Functional
- Poor Quality
Best Uses
- Just for fun
Comments about Alesis Vortex USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer:
I was really excited to get this keytar all year long since it was unveiled at NAMM, so I ordered one as soon as it was available. My excitement however, quickly turned to frustration and within an hour of me having the Vortex in my hands I was trying to sell it. Here's why...
1) It doesn't always work on USB power. I tried it on 3 different computers and on each one only 1 USB port recognized the Vortex properly. This is probably because the USB cable it comes with is ridiculously long so the USB port has trouble powering the unit. Powering the Vortex with batteries probably solves this problem but still it kind of stinks that you either have to limit yourself with a shorter cable or spend money on batteries.
2) The modwheel at the top controls pitchbend and the touch strip controls a parameter you assign to it. WHY? As soon as you pick this thing up you naturally want to bend notes with the touch strip, so I don't know why it's set up backwards. Using the modwheel feels really wonky and awkward to bend, it's OK on a regular keyboard but not on a keytar because the touch strip is for that! There's probably a way to ghetto rig the touch strip to control pitchbend but seriously why, you shouldn't have to.
3) Why is the modwheel even there? It should be a squeezy bar underneath the touch strip like it is on a regular keytar. I kept squeezing the touch strip when I was playing this thing and I kept forgetting there's nothing there.
4) The guitar hero tilt function is broken. When you tilt the Vortex the amount of tilt doesn't correspond to the value it sends out. It just sends out a bunch of random numbers from 1 to 127, so if you assign it to a knob in Kontakt it just makes the knob freak out and twist out of control. It's pretty much useless and no, I didn't get a defective unit because it does the same thing in all the youtube videos.
5) The drum pads are neat but you really have to smack them to get them to work. Also, the quality of the actual keys is not great, they feel clunky and make a lot of noise.
If a really simple keyboard controller is what you're looking for then this will probably do the job, but I would really recommend spending a little more if you can and buying one of the keytars Roland offers. Those are much more playable (pitch bend touch strip and squeezy bar feel right) and the build quality is more like a real instrument. Hope this review helps you make a purchasing decision that's right for you, thanks and good luck!
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