Alesis Vortex

$367.40 Price Tier: Standard

3.5 (13)

2 Critic Reviews

2 Reviews

Newer option

Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

$221.00 - $449.00

4.5 (3)

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Page last updated Jun 26, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 26, 2026.

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4.0 (5)

$367.40 2 available New

$327.30 2 available Used

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Average Price: $347

Standard/Professional

$200

$501+

Price Tier

In the MIDI Keyboard Controllers category, Alesis Vortex is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Standard

High-end

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Description

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Unleash your creativity with the Alesis Vortex, a dynamic MIDI Keyboard Controller designed for musicians who demand versatility and expressiveness in their performances. This controller offers a unique blend of portability and functionality, making it an ideal choice for both live performances and studio sessions. Featuring a velocity-sensitive keybed with aftertouch, the Vortex provides an intuitive playing experience that captures every nuance of your performance.

The onboard accelerometer introduces a new dimension to your music by allowing motion-controlled pitch bends and modulation effects. With USB MIDI and traditional MIDI ports, the Vortex seamlessly integrates with your favorite software and hardware instruments. Customizable drum pads and faders ensure that you can tailor your setup to suit your individual style, while dedicated transport and octave buttons offer quick access to essential functions.

Whether you're triggering samples, controlling your DAW, or performing live, the Alesis Vortex is equipped to handle any musical challenge. Its lightweight design and battery power option make it perfect for musicians on the go. With its array of controls and expressive capabilities, the Vortex is not just a controller—it's an extension of your musical imagination.

Key Features:

37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch
Built-in accelerometer for performance control
USB and MIDI connectivity for versatile integration
Customizable drum pads, faders, and buttons
Dedicated transport and octave controls
Lightweight design with a battery power option
Compatible with most music software and hardware instruments

Videos

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Sweetwater

Alesis Vortex Keyboard Controller Demo — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Alesis Vortex Review by THEORY BKz

Beat Konductaz

Reviews

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PROS

Fun and engaging for live performances
Attractive price point compared to competitors
Includes fantastic built-in sounds
Offers significant hardware features and customizable lights
Full-sized keys provide a better playing experience
Wireless option available for increased flexibility
Software editor improvements enhance user experience
Easy to set up and use right out of the box

CONS

Learning curve for programming and advanced setups
Some users prefer the key feel of the previous model
Battery lid design could be more secure (based on previous model feedback)
Complexity increases with additional modules for advanced users

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis Vortex.

Use cases and applications

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The Vortex excels in portability and wireless use when paired with tablets; however, it needs a nearby connection to manage sound changes, limiting stage freedom.
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Owners have used it wirelessly with phones and iPads using a phone port to USB-A converter, highlighting its adaptability with mobile devices.
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Ideal for those who use a laptop for gigs, as the wireless MIDI feature integrates seamlessly without the need for additional audio devices.
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User experience

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Attempts to use MIDI learn led to mapping issues, such as the volume slider being incorrectly set to master volume, indicating potential learning curve challenges.
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The Vortex's lightweight build and 37-key size make it more manageable onstage compared to larger models like the Roland Ax.
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Owners frequently experience stuck keys, which can occur both during wireless and USB connections, leading to performance disruptions.
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Software and compatibility

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Bluetooth and USB connections offer varying latency levels, with iOS devices like iPads providing a smoother integration using apps like AUM for virtual instruments.
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The outdated control software hasn't been updated since OS 10 on Mac, complicating MIDI pad redefinition without running older operating systems.
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GarageBand is noted as less effective without live transposition features, but custom MIDI presets on the Vortex can partially mitigate this limitation.
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SynthOne and Korg iM1 apps are favored for pairing, offering comprehensive control and emulation, with SynthOne being a free FM synth option.
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Features and functionality

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Users note the Vortex Wireless 2 is MIDI-only and requires external devices like phones or tablets to generate sounds, as it lacks onboard sound capabilities.
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The drum pads require significant force to trigger effectively due to default velocity sensitivity, limiting their practical use during live performances.
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The blue LED at the neck is notably bright, leading some users to cover it with tape to prevent it from being a distraction onstage.
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The wireless MIDI function can become unreliable, with some users noting the dongle is recognized but fails to transmit signals after a month.
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Build quality

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Issues with the pitch bend wheel mechanism failing have been reported, affecting long-term durability.
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Value and pricing

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Uses only four generic batteries, offering longer battery life and easier battery management compared to the Roland Ax-Edge's eight specific rechargeable batteries.
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Comparisons

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The Alesis Vortex is smaller and lighter compared to the Roland Ax-Edge, making it more portable and easier to manage in a gig setup.
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Critic Reviews

macProVideo.com

macprovideo.com

The Alesis Vortex keytar is a nostalgic nod to the 80s with its retro design and ample control features. While its plastic build might not be everyone's cup of tea, it offers solid construction and a robust array of controls, including pads and a ribbon controller. Power flexibility and a striking appearance make it an intriguing choice for adventurous performers, though it's undeniably a niche product. The Vortex won't revolutionize the keytar market but delivers a unique performance instrument that stands out for those craving a blast from the past.

neutral

Full Review

Alesis Vortex - First Review: What's inside? (Tear Down) - Practical Usage

practicalusage.com

The Alesis Vortex is a versatile and hack-friendly keytar that offers decent construction for light gigging and studio use. Its 37-key layout, while slightly restrictive, complements the right-hand playing style, and the numerous programmable controls enhance customization. However, the build quality is not flawless, with some loose connections and non-sticky tape, suggesting room for improvement in quality assurance. The lightweight plastic keys may feel too light for some, and the mushy buttons could affect durability. The device's internal space is a boon for DIY enthusiasts, allowing for expansion and modification. Overall, while not without its flaws, the Vortex offers a solid entry point for those interested in a customizable keytar experience.

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3.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 13 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

mvrasicci

289

about 7 years ago

Alesis Vortex makes a great keytar at a great price...

Alesis was the first manufacturer to officially call their MIDI handheld keyboard, the Alesis Vortex, a "keytar" in 2012 and I bought one as soon as it came out. This is a fun MIDI keyboard that allows me to stand where I want when I jam live. The price is very attractive and they even make a wireless one for anyone that wants even more flexibility. For my purposes, the Vortex's 6.5 lbs. and full-sized keys make this a better keytar solution for my use compared to more expensive ones.

professor_greybeard

144

almost 9 years ago

Vanity

I bought this because I liked the look of it and convinced myself I would use it a lot. I don't but I still like it, it's straightforward to set up and use out of the box but more complex if you want to do more than use one module with it, I have three modules, you can do lots of clever splits and so on with it, but the most I've done it to be able to change midi channel with a button push and set a specific sound to be triggered by a pad. So I've not done a lot.

Roles:

Bassist Keyboardist

Genres:

Rock Blues Progressive rock

Artist usage

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Ben Thornewill

Keyboardist

Jukebox The Ghost

Verified via Photo

Ben has used at least two Alesis Vortex keytars - a black one and a white one - for moments such as the Jumpstarted solo. On stage, he tends to point out how often they do not work, perhaps justifying the speedy replacement rate.

Michel St-père

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Mystery