Alesis V61 61-Key Keyboard Controller main image

Alesis V61 61-Key Keyboard Controller image 2

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Alesis V61 61-Key Keyboard Controller

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$65.47 to $172.72 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (26)

10 Reviews

Find out who is using Alesis V61 61-Key

3 community setups

5 wishlisted

71 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 2 stores. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.6 (5946)

$172.72 Used

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5.0 (2)

$65.47 1 available Used

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Average Price: $119

Budget/Beginner

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Alesis V61 61-Key Keyboard Controller is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creative potential with the Alesis V61 Keyboard Controller, a versatile tool designed for both budding musicians and seasoned producers. This 61-key MIDI controller offers a perfect blend of intuitive functionality and expressive control, making it a staple in any studio setup. With full-sized, square-front keys, the V61 provides an authentic playing experience that rivals traditional keyboards, while its compact design ensures it fits seamlessly into any workspace.

The V61 features 8 LED-backlit, velocity-sensitive pads, ideal for triggering samples or finger drumming, and 4 assignable knobs and buttons that allow you to dynamically shape your sound. Meanwhile, pitch and modulation wheels give you additional expressive options, letting you bend notes and add vibrato with ease. The octave shift keys extend your range, ensuring every note is within reach, while the illuminated controls offer clear feedback in low light environments.

Whether you're crafting beats or composing symphonies, the Alesis V61 provides a straightforward USB connection for power and MIDI communication, making setup a breeze. Plus, with its user-friendly MIDI Learn feature, mapping controls to your favorite virtual instruments is quick and effortless. This controller is the perfect companion for any digital audio workstation, unlocking a world of musical possibilities.

Key Features:

61 full-sized, square-front keys
8 velocity-sensitive, LED-backlit pads
4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons
Pitch and modulation wheels
Octave shift buttons for full range access
Single USB cable for power and data connection
MIDI Learn feature for easy mapping

Product specs

Brand	Alesis
Model	V61 61-Key USB MIDI Controller with Beat Pads
Finish	Black
Year	2017 - 2022
Categories	Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Key Size	Full Size
Keyboard Action	Synth Action
MIDI I/O	USB MIDI
Number of Keys	61 Keys
Number of Pads	8 Pads

FAQs

What software is compatible with the Alesis V61?: The Alesis V61 comes bundled with Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition and Xpand!2 by AIR Music Tech, making it compatible with these and other popular DAWs that support MIDI, such as Logic Pro and FL Studio.
Is the Alesis V61 suitable for beginners?: Yes, the Alesis V61 is suitable for beginners due to its intuitive layout, full-sized keys, and included software, which provides a great foundation for learning MIDI control and music production.
How does the Alesis V61 connect to a computer?: The Alesis V61 connects to a computer via a single USB cable, which provides both power and MIDI data transfer, making setup straightforward and convenient.
Can the Alesis V61 be used for live performances?: Yes, the Alesis V61 is well-suited for live performances with its 61 full-sized keys, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, and pitch/modulation wheels that offer expressive control over your virtual instruments.
What type of keys does the Alesis V61 have?: The Alesis V61 features 61 full-sized, square-front synth-action keys, providing a responsive and comfortable playing experience for both studio and live settings.
Are the pads on the Alesis V61 velocity-sensitive?: Yes, the Alesis V61 has 8 LED backlit pads that respond to both velocity and pressure, allowing for dynamic and expressive beat-making and performance.

Videos

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John Mike

Don’t Know If I Like This…| Alesis V49 Midi Controller Review! |

John Mike

Alesis VI61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Demo by Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Alesis V61 KEYBOARD CONTROLLER UNBOXING and recording TEST

federico maio art

Alesis V61 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller Overview

AlesisVideo

Alesis V61: powerful inexpensive MIDI controller

Ronan Conroy

Reviews

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PROS

Compact design, fits easily on a desk
Enhances composition and songwriting workflow efficiently
Sturdy and well-built, with solid-feeling keys
Includes modwheel, 8 pads, and 4 knobs for control
Plug and play simplicity
Replaces other MIDI keyboards effectively
Good for beginners and still useful for experienced users
Useful for learning music theory and creating melodic pieces

CONS

Lacks weighted keys, affecting emotional nuance in playing
Inconsistent velocity sensitivity

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis V61 61-Key Keyboard Controller.

Features and functionality

0 0

The MIDI channel cannot be changed directly on the Alesis V61; it requires the use of the included software for adjustments.
Source
0 0

The pads require a stronger press to activate, which may impact performance for those who rely heavily on pad use.
Source

User experience

0 0

The semi-weighted keys are reported to be quite stiff, which might not meet everyone's expectations for "semi-weighted" feel.
Source
0 0

Owners who have both full pianos and 61-key digital keyboards find 49 keys sufficient for most tasks, rarely needing to use transpose features.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

The Alesis V61 requires a MIDI host, such as a DAW on a computer, for MIDI over USB functionality, making it unsuitable for direct hardware synth connections without additional equipment.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Some owners report the USB port on the back can become loose within a month, risking connection issues with laptops.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Compared to the Nektar LX+, Alesis V61 keys are faster, with more travel distance and quicker recovery, offering a different playing feel.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

For budget-conscious buyers, the Alesis V series is considered a great option despite some build quality concerns, with better key feel than similarly priced competitors.
Source

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 10 Reviews and 26 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

enigma_ix

over 4 years ago

Good feeling and not too large

Perfect controller to put on your desk! Modwheel + 8 pads + 4 knobs, simple and enough.

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Electro House

nat_roberts

182

over 5 years ago

Love This Midi Keyboard

This has taken composition and songwriting workflow to another level. Plug and play.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Jazz Alternative rock

pkennethk

26900

5 years ago over 5 years ago

Glad you're loving it. I'm seeing these used more and more. How do you like the key feel?

nat_roberts

182

5 years ago over 5 years ago

Hey pkennethk dunno if you’ll see this but in answer to your question. The keys aren’t weighted so feel a bit cheap/clunky. They are velocity sensitive which is nice, and it’s a full key rather than the thin synth type key. None of this is a real issue for me though and it does a great job.

pkennethk

26900

5 years ago over 5 years ago

@nat_roberts. Sorry to hear the keys feel a bit clunky, but if it's not impeding your music making, then no harm no foul. Thanks for response!

jakec

122

about 6 years ago

Beautiful Keyboard

Feels super sturdy and very well built. Keys are screwed in and feel very solid. Great MIDI controller for the price.

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Bassist

Genres:

Electronic Pop Indie pop

zak_putnam

over 8 years ago

All You Need

It's all you need, but if you want more emotion in your recordings, this does not have weighted keys which leaves your playing sounding a little lifeless. Velocity also tends to be all over the place.

kyladial

almost 10 years ago

dope first keyboard

had a smaller arturia midi keyboard and when i got this one it replaced it right away now i cant work without it its a good first keyboard and even now i still use it.

amelia_crowe

193

over 8 years ago

Fantastic

I went to pick up a new keyboard at GC one day and tried all of them. I brought this one home and have loved it ever since. It's especially useful for when I'm making chord stacks, or wanna lay down a quick beat.

Roles:

Singer Keyboardist Composer

Genres:

Electronic Dubstep Neurofunk

fadex

about 10 years ago

Awesome keyboard

This is my first keyboard, and I have nothing bad to say about it. Works like a charm - good pressure pads, good keys (mabye a little stiff) and high quality knobs.

victus

105

almost 9 years ago

Strong powerful and minimalist 61 key midi

My purchase of this product was to learn more about music theory and I feel like a 61 key MIDI keyboard would help me; as well as creating more Melodic Based pieces in some of my tracks.