Alesis Vortex Keyboard Controller Demo - Daniel Fisher

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for watching - the Vortex is actually a controller, and doesn't have any built-in sounds. The sound you're hearing is Daniel's Kurzweil PC3K being triggered by the Vortex.

[@Ecidemon]

No the Vortex makes no sounds by it self, it's a midi controller, you connect it to a synth/keyboard and control that, or connect it to the computer and use a DAW with some vst instruments and control them :)

[@Deanoshow]

Thank you guys for being the first to do a demo video of what the vortex actually sounds like! Been waiting months and can't wait for my order to get here!

[@cjcosta]

It has to be connected to a "sound engine" via MIDI. Any MIDI capable keyboard or synth module should work. There are a couple decent wireless MIDI systems out there too, great for performing.

[@GlobalEnglishSupernaturals]

Your vid was 10 years ago but still great… is there anyway it could be used without having to be connected to a laptop/iPad/keyboard?

[@Pierre_S]

It's a MIDI controller : does it mean it won't make any sound if it's plugged on an amplifier ? Does it need a keyboard ?

[@sweetwater]

We have it in stock right now!

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

How much

[@sweetwater]

Looks like Alesis hasn't provided a manual link on their site yet - we can confirm that the accelerometer is a continuous controller. Since this is a MIDI controller, there isn't really a limitation on the type of parameter you can control with it - just assign it to whatever CC# is assigned to the parameter you want to control, and you're set!

[@McHale72]

It's just a controller. It doesn't have ANY sounds on it. The organ actually works really well to show how deep the controller is.

[@LavitoBeats]

Still here in 2020

[@jamesbtex58]

Thanks for such a cool review!

[@kenlukascom]

Great demo Daniel! I took a synth/sound design class from you at Berklee! I'm definitely going to get a Vortex! :)

[@kingstumble]

Exactly.It draws its sound from the "host"--in this case the Kurzweil PC3K.

[@camotrooper5607]

hi , i have this ,and am having a really hard time getting it set up on my pc. any chance you'd walk me through this?

[@RickuRicky]

You have to connect it to mac or Pc, and use it with a midi synthetizer, like Korg Legacy, FM7, or Sonivox Virtual Synth to makr it sound.

[@melodystory4493]

How to install sounds to keytar?

[@HugoC4]

It means that it needs to be connected to a synth or a pc with software that uses midi signals, like massive or sampletank No actual sound comes from the keytar itself ;)

[@natewillardmusic]

can you put sounds on it?

[@smeandor]

does it track well ? can you play fast without the midi tracker dropping off ?

[@bruh.meed1]

so can you map this in Ableton Live and play it like a Launchpad of some sort?

[@Veranek]

Its a midi controller. So it should.

[@MrPrytania1]

Would you say its a good value or a gimmicky? Can the buttons be assigned by midi? If so then someone will make a set of macros to program it via DAW. Thanks for sharing your experience.

[@cross2061]

Question someone please answer, do I have to have a keyboard or anything else to play it for that matter,can I just program it and play with no need of an other instrument

[@costischristodoulou9025]

Does anyone know if I can turn OFF(!!!) these blue lights on the side that are ON every -F****N- time a push a key???!!! Thanx.

[@CrabMusicCrabMusic]

i have one it's awesome, however i would go for a white or red one over my black one

[@LARESISTENZA]

Play some synth sound, not only organs, please. And then slowly move the neck up and downs so we can see how the accelometer works. Thanx for da answer. You great

[@Satan97458]

Not bad I hope I get to buy mine next month

[@WinstonAnimeRight]

Does anyone think there's going to be a real demand for this thing when it comes out? I've got it preordered from Guitar Center, but they won't charge me until it ships, and I'm kind of intimidated that it'll be sold out before my order processes.

[@brandonallange7327]

if you plug this into a computer with the program, then plug the computer to the speaker would it work, and does the cable to plug it into the computer come with it in the box

[@brandonallange7327]

if so, would it just come out of the computer speaker if you don't have a speaker plugged into the computer

[@cvader7]

All controller knobs are ergonomically set? The Pitch bend is an awkward place, it's not a natural feeling at all, trying to manipulate that wheel all the way back there with my thumb. That's a bad design idea in my opinion.

[@paulhallows5498]

why is mine not creating any sound? is it broke? or do you have to do something else?

[@DiaryofNomad]

+paul hallows He explains it at the beginning, but it's a MIDI controller... so it's never going to make any sound on its own. You have to plug it up to your computer/synth/pad... etc

[@paulhallows5498]

+Sandra L Thank you for your help

[@jerzyboy24music]

Can I connect. USB to make it wireless

[@DarthDiegous11]

Hi! i'm from argentina and i buy a vortex wireless. Here, there is very little information about the controller, i don't see no one usiyng it. All the assignation to this controllers, pads, ribbon, accelerometer, they are set from the master keyboard o from the vortex?? Thanks!

[@joanna4335]

Thank you so much. Just another question, can you connect it to a speaker??

[@sweetwater]

Hi Joanna, This is a MIDI Controller only. It makes no sound of its own. So it can not be connected to a speaker. You have to use the Vortex to play a keyboard, or module, or Virtual Instrument. Then those can be connected to an amp and speaker. Thanks for watching!

[@youtuberjoe4729]

I liked it, but does it only use instruments from the place where you connected it? Example: if i have a keyboard with some instruments, it will only use the instruments from that keyboard?

[@jonathanmohabir6014]

Hi I great video, so I have a Korg M50 88, some of my keys are not working but I love my tones on it... Can I use this midi (or any other midi with 5pin output) to connect to my Korg and have the same sounds? Is there any special setting I have to set for them to work together, if yes. Can u please explain or make a video!!! I wanna order my board keytar asap I have a gig it would be lovely !!! Thanks!!! ✌🏽️

[@keyboardpranesh]

hi how to interface it with a workstation and use the tones of it ?

[@sweetwater]

Hi keyboardpranesh, the Alesis Vortex has a standard 5-pin DIN MIDI OUT jack that will connect directly to your workstation. Thanks for watching!

[@keyboardpranesh]

oh thank you for the fast reply :)

[@eliasrif6664]

Hi, thank you for your video. i just have one question, i know it a controller (No Sounds). i want to connect it to my Korg Keyboard .... so... the question is..... when i take the voice from my keyboard to the controller.... how can i just change sounds like you did at the end?..... the sounds are from the keyboard right?

[@alphaville441]

Does Alesis Vortex has a modulation button? or function? can i assign the modulation function on sustain button? thanks

[@KeysOnFire17]

How can I get in Colombia?

[@1952stratcat]

Hi, I have been to Alesis site looking to d'load a pdf manual for the Vortex so I can see what is possible etc, but can not find a link. Is there a link? I am curious what parameters can be assigned to the accerometer. The leslie is just a off/on type of thing. Can the accerometer control continuous change like filter sweeps?

[@instrumentalistjade8367]

can i conect this to my korg synthesizer or any board?

[@Anxiety_Asylum]

Yes any board/synth

[@Tylin50]

I use mine on the Korg Minilogue. Works like a charm!

[@1952stratcat]

I think you are missing his point. I think he wants to hear a different patch to determine how well the accelerometer works on different parameters.

[@zachwax101]

does it compensate for not having a pedal?

[@emiliomurillo20]

what happened to the wireless control gismo

[@BallroomFlash]

I just got one quick question... could i connect it directly to my Nord Stage2 ?

[@mrScrubsable]

yes

[@1952stratcat]

Thank you for the reply. I've read that the vortex has some pre mapping setup templates installed. Such as for the included SONiVOX dvi. Is there a possible list of all the pre mapped templates available? I am especially curious about certain IPad apps such as Magellan. Thanks for your time, and if this info isn't readily available to you I understand.

[@AquaStarDolphin]

How does the Keybed feel? Is it anywhere close to the other Alesis midi controllers?

[@McHale72]

Mine came in today (from Sweetwater). The keybed isn't bad. The big disappointment is the manual way to program all the buttons and knobs. There's NO software to do it. And the documentation is pretty sparse. But all in all, it's light and feels decent. The 8 pads have to be hammered pretty hard though.

[@BougusGaming]

What do i need to connect it to another keyboard?

[@BrolySuperSaiyen]

Hey there, to connect it to another keyboard, you need a MIDI cable!

[@pieterbeemsterboer4162]

totophi He just asked what he'd need to connect it to another keyboard. He didn't ask if it was a controller or if it has it's own soundboard.

[@totophi]

Pieter Beemsterboer Yes, in retrospect my reply was not really what I wanted to say, nor did it really fit.

[@hw2810]

So will this not work like a normal keyboard/piano. It requires programming?

[@timothykelly6427]

Cool!

[@MetalMouth909]

"got my cowbell..."

[@hwy3sixteen]

Can you play the Vortex with an Ipad or ipod?

[@yungfuccboi6132]

If you have an iPad/iPod to midi adapter then yes, you could connect it via midi and use it with apps that support midi.

[@totophi]

Isn't the correct question the other way around? :-) IOW, "Can you play an iPad or iPod with the Vortex?"

[@alexschnaith3199]

Can you replace an e-bass guitar by that?

[@sweetwater]

Hi Alex. The Vortex is just a MIDI controller. If you have a synth, or module, or software that plays your favorite e-bass guitar sounds, you can play it with this controller. Thanks for watching!

[@Fhining]

Hello my friend! Thank you so much for this great Review. Im a Live Performer and i want to buy this Vortex, but something vital for me its chaging midi channel with one button. Is there any way that im able to assign like 8 Midi Channels (from 1 to 8) to those 8 drum pads? If this is possible it would be AWESOME because i wont have time to change midi channel live everytime entering on the preset mode a chaging with the knobs.

[@komodomgtow1331]

can I play this keytar, then being recorded to keyboard

[@The1PhillyPhil]

How do you transpose on this thing?

[@sweetwater]

Hi philippe, Both the Upper and Lower Zones of each Patch can have their own Transposition values. Just press EDIT and choose whether to edit the Upper or Lower Zone. Thanks for watching!

[@1952stratcat]

Hi Any reply to my comment below regarding different parameters for the accelerometer? I'd appreciate more info please. Perhaps an owners manual link? Thanks

[@claudersable]

I am extremely confused. What can I plug it into to make noise? Can I plug it into an amp?

[@VeronicaMcCarrison]

Am I able to use it with my Roland Fantom?

[@romulinprince]

Connect midi cable from Vortex midi out to Fantom midi in. You're good to go. read your manual for setting up midi channels. Good luck! Can't wait to get mine!

[@WoooshProductions]

But wut software did u use

[@sweetwater]

Hi david. I didn't use software. I connected the Vortex's MIDI Out to a Kurzweil PC3K synthesizer, then connected the audio outs of the Kurzweil to the video camera. Thanks for watching!

[@WoooshProductions]

Ok thx

[@AquaStarDolphin]

Does midi mapping work well in Ableton?

[@joanna4335]

so you can't play this on its own right? It needs to be connected into something

[@sweetwater]

Hi Joanna, Yes this is a MIDI Controller only. It makes no sound of its own. Thanks for watching!

[@jokorevera1570]

how much?? is the price???

[@sweetwater]

Hi +joko revera. The Vortex is currently $99.99. Thanks!

[@jokorevera1570]

SweetwaterSound really!!! $100!! how can i buy it ?'' im a first time buyer and im worry i might get scammed ... how to buy it where to buy it... i hope this is legit , not a product that well arrive in my house with only Box with no stuff inside the package . ... im out side the U.S. ..im in Thailand now.

[@jokorevera1570]

is their a deadline of that particular price. or its the latest retail price'???

[@greatkanaka]

Where is it $99.99? Or was that a sale?

[@EquinoxRox]

Thanks! But Mark says you're stealing his licks. ;-)

[@ProdByStatik]

got my cowbell

[@RickuRicky]

yes,

[@AquaStarDolphin]

AW YEAH SON IMMA TEAR IT UP LIKE JORDAN RUDESS

[@DRHORSELEACH]

Because the 80's rock...duh.

[@MrUgopaliotto]

I just bought one. I would like to use it with ableton or sonivox dvi sounds. Could these programs being triggered by the Vortex without touch the computer? in few words, can I change the sounds on my vortex without go to the software? and how can I do it? Thanks

[@osakaben10]

that's not even an alesis vortex. it's a yamaha shs 10. quite a big difference.

[@christianstanleychaconbarquero]

Ride on!

[@gregorymonacelli2257]

Sounds like a complicated learning curve?

[@DavidGutierrezRojas]

looks good and practical, but why does it have such a rugged 80's design?

[@dolcevitamusicshow3813]

a demo just with 3 sounds??

[@sweetwater]

Hi DOLCEVITA, the Alesis Vortex is a MIDI controller only. It doesn't make any sounds at all. It's used to play the sounds of the MIDI instruments that you already own. So, you've actually heard all the sounds already... because you already own them. Thanks for watching!

[@gzvchan7596]

well it looks like a larger yamaha shs-10

[@Thorogrimm]

Can you use this on an AMP?

[@filopaa1990]

no, it's just a controller

[@TheFilmLad]

filopaa1990 So you can't perform with it?

[@filippo4006]

You can. You just can't plug it into an amp streight. You can use it with a pc or any musical device (keyboards) that supports midi control to produce an actual sound

[@JackstandJohnny]

Meh, the fact tgat you have to rotate the entire controller towards you and wrench your head down to see the display and use the left hand controls tells me its not ergonomic at all.

[@timothykelly6427]

It probably comes with a USB cord to tie into any computer

[@ilantheman]

so it makes no sound

[@Tylin50]

It's a midi controller, so no. As far as midi controllers go though, this one is a beast.

[@Swenglish]

All the new keytars look kinda bulky to me. I tend to prefer minikeys. Kinda wish there were something like this but with minikeys. That would make it slimmer and fit more octaves, or overall smaller, or make room for more things that aren't keys; knobs, buttons, pads, XY touch thing... Full sized keys are just a waste of space to me, especially when playing with one hand, since the thumb and pinkie can only get so far apart.

[@mikomon309]

I agree completely. And there WAS such a perfect keytar. The Korg RK100s. It not only had minikeys, the action was KILLER. And because it had mini keys, the body was way less bulky. All keytars are just plain ugly. All of them. But this Korg wasn't bad. Better than anything out there by far. And what happened? Korg just stopped making it out of the blue. They built the perfect keytar then dumped it. WTF?

[@ilantheman]

only on the computer

[@luizantonioquintino5685]

ele só fala,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,