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Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Alesis

Alesis V61 61-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller

★★★★★4.6 (6321 reviews)

Command your DAW with 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys and performance-ready pads built for studio tracking and live production.

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Overview

The Alesis V61 is positioned squarely at the keyboard player moving from acoustic to digital production — someone who needs full-size keys and enough production control to run a complete session without juggling multiple controllers. The 61-key layout covers the working range of most virtual instrument performance, and the velocity-sensitive square-front keys deliver a response curve that rewards dynamic playing. For studio tracking of virtual pianos, organs, or lead synths, the feel is responsive without the stiffness that plagues some controllers in this class. The included Ableton Live Lite and Air Music Tech instrument suite means a new producer can be tracking audio-quality virtual instruments within minutes of unboxing.

Build quality is solid plastic construction — durable enough for desktop studio use, though not built for the rigors of regular touring. The 8 backlit pads sit in the upper left corner alongside 4 assignable knobs and buttons, creating a workflow-coherent layout for producers who split time between keyboard performance and beat-making. USB bus power keeps the setup clean. The pitch and modulation wheels are full-travel and responsive. For the working producer who lives in a DAW and needs a reliable, full-size keyboard controller that doesn't require a configuration session before every use, the V61 delivers without friction.

Key Features

MIDI Keyboard with 61 full-sized, velocity sensitive square-front keys, perfect for playing Virtual Instruments

8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads for beat production and clip launching

4 assignable knobs and 4 assignable buttons interface with your music software. Seamless, visual feedback via illuminated buttons and knobs

Octave Up and Down buttons let you access the full keyboard range and Pitch and modulation wheels deliver expressive, creative control

Premium Software Included - Includes ProTools | First Alesis Edition, Ableton Live Lite 9 and Eleven Lite, plus Mini Grand, DB-33 and Xpand!2 virtual instrument software by Air Music Tech

Specifications

Keys
61 full-size velocity-sensitive square-front keys
Pads
8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive backlit pads
Assignable Controls
4 knobs, 4 buttons
Pitch/Mod Wheels
Yes
Octave Controls
Octave Up / Down buttons
Connectivity
USB (bus powered)
Included Software
Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools | First Alesis Edition, Eleven Lite, Xpand!2, Mini Grand, DB-33
Brand
Alesis
Model
V61

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • 61 full-size velocity-sensitive keys give pianists a natural, playable feel that compact 49-key controllers can't match for two-handed performance
  • 8 backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity handle both beat production and Ableton clip launching from a single controller
  • Class-compliant USB connection means zero-driver setup on macOS — plug in and play immediately in any DAW
  • Included software bundle (Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools | First, Xpand!2) provides a complete production starter environment out of the box
  • Pitch and modulation wheels plus octave shift buttons give expressive, real-time control without requiring a separate hardware module

👎 Cons

  • No aftertouch on the keys themselves — only the pads offer pressure sensitivity, limiting expressive play on sustained notes in virtual instruments
  • Four assignable knobs is a lean control surface for mixing workflows where 8 or more mapped parameters are standard
  • No sustain pedal included — a 1/4" sustain input is present, but the pedal must be purchased separately
  • The V61 transmits MIDI only; it has no audio I/O, so it cannot function as an audio interface or replace a dedicated audio device in the signal chain
  • USB-only connectivity means no standalone MIDI DIN output for hardware synths or vintage gear without a separate MIDI interface

Frequently Asked Questions

No phantom power is involved — the V61 is a MIDI controller, not an audio device. It draws power entirely over USB from your computer, so no external power supply is needed for standard studio or live use.
The V61 is class-compliant over USB, meaning it installs without drivers on macOS and Windows. It maps immediately in Ableton Live (included) and Pro Tools | First via standard MIDI learn. The 4 assignable knobs can be mapped to send CCs for controlling plugin parameters, mixer faders, or send levels.
Yes, the pads respond to both velocity and aftertouch (pressure). They're square-front with a moderate rebound feel — functional for beat production and clip launching in Ableton, though dedicated pad controllers with larger pad surfaces will feel more expressive for high-intensity finger drumming.
Yes. The Octave Up/Down buttons transpose the keyboard in one-octave steps, giving you access to the full MIDI note range (0–127). This makes the V61 practical for playing grand piano and orchestral patches that span the complete keyboard range.
The V61 ships with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools | First Alesis Edition, Eleven Lite, and Air Music Tech virtual instruments including Xpand!2, Mini Grand, and DB-33. These are functional entry-level versions — Ableton Live Lite has an 8-track limit and no Max for Live. Upgrades to full versions require separate purchase.

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