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Average Price: $249

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$501+

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Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 23, 2026.

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Description

USB/MIDI keytar controller with accelerometer.

It's time to experience unprecedented keytar performance with the Alesis Vortex. 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.

WHIP IT
The patent-pending 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 sweeps, and more by tilting the Vortex's neck in the heat of the moment during live performances.

VIRTUAL SYNTH INCLUDED
Perform right away: the Vortex comes with a premium virtual synth from Sonivox, which includes great-sounding pads, basses, leads, and drums. You also get Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition software for performing, recording, and sequencing music right out of the box.

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 your Mac or PC. 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 the most expressive keytar ever produced. 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.

POWER & CONTROL
The Vortex is for controllerists, for those who want to perform without limitations to their movement or their sound set. The Vortex is bus-powered when connected to a Mac or PC, and can also be powered by batteries when used with MIDI modules and iOS devices. Standard strap pegs are located on the Vortex's neck and body, and an adjustable strap is included.

Outrageous keytar performance in a pristine, pearl-white body-the Vortex is the perfect storm of stunning design and incredible performance capability.

VYZEX VORTEX PATCH EDITOR SOFTWARE
Make the most of your Alesis Vortex with the free Vyzex Vortex patch editor software. Clear, concise, and easy to use, this point-and-click patch editor software brings quick and precise programming to your Vortex patches. With Vyzex Vortex running on your Mac or PC, use the mouse and/or keyboard to quickly configure any parameter of any patch on your Alesis Vortex. Save and load all of your Vortex patches to and from your hard drive for easy backup. The Vyzex Vortex patch editor software allows both beginning and advanced MIDI users to easily achieve the full potential of their Alesis Vortex keytar.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Alesis Vortex Keyboard Controller Demo — Daniel Fisher

Video thumbnail for Alesis Vortex Keyboard Controller Demo — Daniel Fisher by Sweetwater

Alesis Vortex Keyboard Controller Demo — Daniel Fisher

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Alesis Vortex Wireless Keytar Controller Keyboard - Alesis Vortex by American Musical Supply

Alesis Vortex Wireless Keytar Controller Keyboard - Alesis Vortex

American Musical Supply

American Musical Supply

Video thumbnail for Alesis Vortex Wireless USB Keytar Controller Overview - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2014 by Sweetwater

Alesis Vortex Wireless USB Keytar Controller Overview - Sweetwater at Winter NAMM 2014

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Alesis Vortex Demo by JRR Shop

Alesis Vortex Demo

JRR Shop

JRR Shop

Video thumbnail for Alesis Vortex Wireless USB and MIDI Keytar by GetintheMix

Alesis Vortex Wireless USB and MIDI Keytar

GetintheMix

GetintheMix

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight and compact design

  • Wireless with USB dongle, effective even through walls

  • Battery-powered for easy mobility

  • Multiple control features (pads, knobs, accelerometer) enhance performance

  • Works "out of the box" with minimal setup for immediate use

  • Adequate build quality for home studio use

  • Accelerometer adds a unique dimension to performance

CONS

  • Consumes batteries quickly

  • Strap is too short, requiring an extension for comfort

  • Requires software installation, which can be tedious and problematic, especially on Mac OS

  • Some units have unreliable wireless functionality, leading to hang notes

  • Pitch wheel sometimes fails to return to neutral, causing detuning

  • Keys and materials feel cheap, affecting the overall tactile experience

  • Setting up pads, knobs, and parameters can be difficult and unintuitive

  • Not suitable for live/stage use due to reliability issues

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer.

Build quality

  • The pitch bend wheel is mentioned to potentially fail over time, raising concerns about its durability compared to other Alesis controllers.

    Source
  • Some users report the keys becoming unresponsive after about a year, potentially due to issues with the carbon sensors inside the keyboard.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The Vortex is praised for its ability to map the accelerometer to various parameters in FL Studio, enhancing dynamic control during performances.

    Source
  • The Vortex is noted for its portability, fitting into a 61-key case and being lighter than the AX-Edge, making it appealing for gigging musicians.

    Source
  • Despite lacking onboard sounds, the Vortex 2 is praised for its lightweight, wireless design, making it less cumbersome on stage.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The touch strip does not provide a continuous signal, jumping between major positions, which can affect modulation control precision.

    Source
  • The accelerometer can sometimes get stuck if not moved smoothly, affecting performance during expressive playing.

    Source
  • The Vortex’s battery efficiency is highlighted, with just four generic batteries lasting significantly longer than the AX-Edge's eight rechargeable AAs.

    Source
  • The Vortex 2 includes an accelerometer and ribbon controller, offering flexibility and unique performance options.

    Source
  • The Vortex 2 has a blue LED at the neck which can be blinding on stage; users recommend covering it with tape or a diffuser.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The black version of the Alesis Vortex offers wireless USB MIDI, while the white version is wired, providing different connectivity options.

    Source
  • Users appreciate the Vortex for its smaller size and longer battery life compared to the Roland AX-Edge, which requires more batteries and is larger.

    Source

User experience

  • The keys are described as less responsive compared to the M-Audio Keystation 49, impacting playability for some owners.

    Source
  • Some users experienced the wireless dongle failing to send signals after a short period, requiring a USB cable connection for continued use.

    Source
  • Multiple owners report frequent issues with stuck keys, even after firmware updates and using both Bluetooth and USB connections.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users recommend updating the Vortex firmware for custom MIDI transposition, enhancing compatibility with apps like GarageBand.

    Source
  • The Vortex 2 is noted for its seamless wireless compatibility with iPads, especially when using apps like SynthOne and Korg iM1.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Default velocity sensitivity on the drum pads requires forceful hits; this could be a concern for live performances.

    Source
Add

4.0 out of 5

Based on 5 Reviews and 10 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
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1 star
caltoth

Pretty good keytar

Lots of function built into this. Pads, knobs for control, and great left hand mod + the accelerometer. Have a tough time setting parameters on this bad boy, and a difficult time editing settings, or shutting off the accelerometer. Also, the keys feel a little cheap. Nonetheless, the wireless MIDI integration works great, and the keyboard is light and easy to use. Now a staple of the show.

upsetteofficial

Good, but fragile.

I love the mobility of this keytar, but it has a slight midi delay right off the bat, and only lasted me a few months then broke down in the middle of a set.

chema_alonso

Cheap Keytar

I use it as a controller, I simply plug the USB into my Kronos and off I go. The key is very bad and the material is plastic, a keytar for battle.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
nebulossa

nice for live acts

its light and very comfortable. it has a blue light that turns on meanwhile you play the keyboard. USB dongle for wireless use.

aimar_luevano

I love it, but it could be better if it was a synth and not a MIDI.

It is very difficult to set up the pads and the knobs.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Rob Scallon uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Rob Scallon

Singer, Guitarist

First Of October

...
Verified via Photo

Used in the video "Metallica - Master of Puppets (Banjo Cover)"

See how Haywyre uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Haywyre

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this music video, featuring what seems to be his entire setup, Haywyre can be seen holding an Alesis Vortex 'keytar' as he performs.

See how Kimbra uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Kimbra

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

You can see her hold this guitar on the TV screen

See how Paul Meany uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Paul Meany

Singer, Keyboardist

MUTEMATH

...
Verified via Photo

use on this photo live

See how Ookay uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Ookay

...
Verified via Instagram

On This Picture we can see The Alesis vortex on Ookay's hands

See how Henrik Klingenberg uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Henrik Klingenberg

Keyboardist

Sonata Arctica

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo you can see Henrik Kligenberg using his Alesis Vortex Wireless Keytar.

See how Luke Million uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Luke Million

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Swiss

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo Luke Million is seen holding a Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer.

See how Athan Hilaki uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Athan Hilaki

Singer, Guitarist

Trapped In Static

...
Verified via Athan Hilaki

The artist mentions this on his website

See how Vitalij Kuprij uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Vitalij Kuprij

Keyboardist

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

...
Verified via Facebook

Vitalij Kuprij is confirmed to use an Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer, as evidenced by a photo he posted on his Facebook account.

See how Jonah Weingarten uses Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer

Jonah Weingarten

Keyboardist, Composer

Pyramaze

...
Verified

Jonah seen using an Alesis Vortex, found on his Instagram account.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Alesis Vortex Wireless USB/MIDI Keytar Controller with Accelerometer, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Shure Beta 58A
Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphones
1

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