How to setup the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 (part 1)

[@fuzzfrancis435]

Just came in today. Spent the better part of the evening downloading all the software lol. I cant wait to dig in!

[@IbandUK]

Fuzz Francis Cool 😀👍 The Vortex, Ableton live lite and the Xpand!2 vst make an awesome setup 😉

[@Kyokuwux]

I was so lost and confused but not anymore! Thank you so much!

[@IbandUK]

Kyokuwux Thanks, I'm glad you found my tutorials helpful 😍👍

[@CherrehStrawberry]

PLEASE HELP my keyboard keeps sticking on a random note sustained I have to turn off my main keyboard that it is connected to for it to stop. How do I set up a panic button?

[@IbandUK]

@CherrehStrawberry Hi, in the vortex wireless 2 editor, you can set any one of the vortex pads to panic mode. Usually, sticking notes are caused by one of 5 things... 1. Changing between upper and lower zones on the vortex while you still have a key pressed. 2. Loss of wireless connection between the vortex and the synth/computer. 3. Not enough power in the vortex batteries. 4. Faulty cable, if vortex is connected by USB or midi din cable. 5. The synth has loop back on and there is a build up of echoed midi commands. Loss of wireless connection is usually either caused by a break in the line of sight connection (too far away, people/walls or equipment in the way, or you have simply turned your back on the synth/computer) or wireless interference (other music equipment using wireless devices, mobile phones or WiFi).

[@pjppostman3693]

Warning for Mac users: the Mac version of the Alesis Vortex editor software is not compatible and can not be run on a Mac since Mac OS Catalina (introduced in 2019). It is still an 32 bit program, and 32 bit programs are not supported since Mac OS Catalina. Mac OS Catalina was introduced only one year after the introduction of the Vortex wireless 2, so Alesis seems to have abandoned their product right after the introduction. Up till now (January 2023, four years later) no update means Alesis seems not to bother to update the editor software at all, although their website states otherwise. So you will need a Windows computer (or a Mac with an OS previous to Catalina).

[@IbandUK]

PJP Postman Hi, yes... This has been mentioned a few times on my channel already, so hopefully most people already know but it is always handy to have a reminder once in a while 😀

[@saspitite]

thanks for making this video! it seems like it'd be a great help from how detailed it is, but unfortunately it looks like the alesis website is down to some extent. their products pages aren't working it seems, hasn't been loading at all and i just keep getting errors. tried it on multiple devices, too. bummer.

[@IbandUK]

@saspitite Thanks 😀👍 Alesis.com either had a server/Web site problem or was being updated/upgraded... It looks like it's back online now though 😀

[@cedricmuller3860]

Thanks for the video! My question is probably going to seem a bit stupid, but how do you get soud out of the Vortex? Can you get sound out of your computer with the material furnished with the Vortex and the software? Or do you need other material (midi plugs? I am a real beginner... thanks in advance for your help.

[@IbandUK]

@cedricmuller3860 I'm glad you found my video helpful. It's actually quite a common question, so maybe I should do a video. The Vortex Wireless 2 is a midi controller, which means it does not have any sounds of it's own but is used to play sounds on computers or other synths and sound modules. The Vortex is supplied with downloadable software (ableton live lite) that needs to be installed on a computer and then setup to work with the Vortex. It also works with other free music apps, like Zenbeats, Bandlab and cakewalk, With the right connector, it can also be used to control sounds on ipads and smart phones. With the right connectors it can also be connected to many synths and midi sound devices that don't have keyboard, like the Roland mc101. However, to use all its functions you would still need a computer to program the Vortex, as most synths use different midi commands. You don't really need to know about midi to use the vortex with a computer but you will need some basic midi knowledge to use it with a synth. Also worth knowing is that the Vortex editor software does not work on the 64 bit only versions of Mac OS.

[@cedricmuller3860]

@@IbandUK thanks for your answer! So the sound would come out of the computer, right? And, to link the Vortex to the computer, the USB cable furnished is sufficiant? Or I should get a "midi-USB" cable?

[@IbandUK]

@cedricmuller3860 Yes, the sound comes from the computer. You can use the included USB cable to connect the Vortex to the computer but the Vortex also comes with a wireless USB stick, so you can connect the Vortex to your computer wirelessly with the wireless usb stick instead.

[@thebmxband1t]

Hi great vids. Im hoping you can help. I inherited one of these and i dont currently have the equipment to do this computer setup. My friend would have done it on his computer but he’s no longer here. When i turn it on with fresh batteries all the lights come on but after a while it starts flashing and gets faster. I guess this might be because the vortex is trying to communicate / connect to blutooth? Do i have to go through this process of resetting this up or if i borrow a mac to test it will it just work? Yes i have the USB dongle. 👍 Thanks for any help Jb x

[@IbandUK]

Hi, thanks for the feedback. The only time I have ever seen the lights flash is when the batteries are out of juice but fully charged batteries should last 6 hours or more. Can you connect it to any computer (or even just a powered usb hub), using a USB cable, flip the power switch to usb and see if it still has the flashing light problem?

[@thebmxband1t]

IbandUK thanks mate. I will try those out. Thanks for the quick reply👍👍👍 Jb x

[@thesingingcount]

Getting hugely frustrated with the Vortex. Apart from getting to grips with the actual mechanics of the software much the same problems that others have had, but I can't even send presets to from the preset manager to the Vortex. It keep telling me that the usb is not connected when it clearly is as I can play it through Kontakt, it does not matter if I use the dongle or the cable. Also it is not sending any after touch messages. Is there a problem with the Alesis and PC computers?

[@IbandUK]

DJ Silverback Hi, there are a couple of things that can cause the preset editor not to successfully send a preset. Firstly, it only works with the usb cable and not with the dongle. It won't work if the both the usb cable and the dongle are both plugged into your computer at the same time. It won't work if you have another midi software program open (like a DAW or Kontakt). In both cases the problem is midi port conflict. Occasionally its caused by another usb device that's plugged into another usb port that doesn't want to play nice, so you have to unplug the offending device. Aftertouch depends on the VST synth sound. The Vortex sends aftertouch messages (when you push down on a key that is already depressed) but a lot of computer based VST sounds don't actually have any aftertouch programmed into the sound, so they ignore the aftertouch messages the Vortex sends.

[@thesingingcount]

Hi I wanted to take the time to thank you for your response. I did indeed have Kontakt open and now the preset editor is working thank you. I was using orangetreesamples on Kontakt and it does have a an assignable aftertouch but I could not make it work but all of a sudden it is working now. Thanks for posting the videos they have been useful and I shall visit a few more. Cheers dude

[@IbandUK]

DJ Silverback Hi, thank you for your feedback, I'm glad to read your Vortex is working fine now, I'm always glad to help a fellow Vortex owner.

[@ssd2293]

@@IbandUK Thanks for responding in detail. The Vortex User Manual should have a "Tips /Alert" chapter having various points regarding situations like above where things don't work as expected by a new user.

[@franmcverry9090]

Can you use this with an iPhone or iPad? Or let's say I want to use this on stage, how would I go about connecting this thing to a speaker?

[@IbandUK]

Hi, The Alesis website states that you can use the Vortex Wireless 2 with IOS devices using the USB camera adapter, so yes you can use the Vortex Wireless 2 with an iPhone or iPad, the Preset Editor software however is only currently available for Windows or Mac so you would need a computer to setup Presets on the Vortex Wireless 2. Normally you connect an Audio Interface (like a zoom U22) to your iPhone or iPad and connect that to an amp or powered speaker but I'm inclined to believe you cannot connect a Vortex Wireless dongle to an iPhone/iPad at the same time as an Audio Interface, so you would have to connect a headphone socket (if any) on the iPhone/iPad to an amp or powered speaker (by a suitable cable) instead. Otherwise you could use an Audio Interface that also has a Midi Socket (like a Tascam Us16x08) and connect the Vortex to the Audio Interface with a Midi DIN cable (not a great idea really but it is an option).

[@gracemostek1976]

@@IbandUK how do you make the key tar make sound bc it doesn’t have a built in speaker, I’m dumb with technology

[@IbandUK]

@@gracemostek1976 It's a midi controller, so it needs to be connected to a midi device or app... It can connect to some synths and keyboards that support Midi, or it can be connected to a computer to play sounds in DAW software like ableton live lite (free download included with the keytar), or it can be connected to an android phone or tablet and play sounds in free apps like bandlab, or it can be connected to an iPhone or ipad and play sounds in free apps like garaband. I have lots of videos about it on my channel (with my own Vortex playlist) and links to my videos on my website iband.co.uk

[@gracemostek1976]

@@IbandUK thank you!

[@John_Riff]

1) So... the keytar allows you to save 15 different presets (mainly for PADS) on the keytar internal memory and change rhem with the preset change buttons? Can you program them as PADS on 1 preset, as track selectors on the other and as REC PLAY etc on a third one? Is that possible? 2) How good is the wireless range? Like 3 meters or more?

[@IbandUK]

Hi, The Vortex allows you to save 25 different presets, you select a preset by pressing the plus or minus buttons on the Vortex. Each preset can store settings for all 8 pads, 8 faders, volume fader, tilt sensor, 3 touch ribbons, pitch wheel and sustain button. You could set the pads to program change on one preset and set the the pads on another preset to REC PLAY etc. This way you could, if you wanted, select a preset and press a pad to start recording, select any other preset while recording, then return to the first preset to stop recording. Check out my part 2 video kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoKrn6WAnZh3m6M and my part 3 video kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmaxnXaNh7V6Z7c also my 5 tricks video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJTKcmWnrr2LpMk and my 6 extra tricks video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaizgaeQlq2goa8 Wireless range depends on radio and electrical interference, and things that block the signal (like human bodies), check out my 'how far does the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 wireless work' video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHrNZKSVoLOsg6M In my studio I usually stand about 3 to 4 metres but I would think you would get less on stage at a live gig due to interference from other band gear (and band members!).

[@John_Riff]

@@IbandUK Thanks! That's exactly what I wanted to know. Check the links for the 6-tip video and for the wireless test one, though. They are not working. Maybe it has to do with your KZbin privacy settings.

[@IbandUK]

Hi, Thanks, I just noticed that the links didn't work because I put them in brackets, so now I've removed the brackets.

[@beshertchalabi]

Hello , i ordered a alesis vortex wireless 2, i want to link it to my korg pa1000, i should follow this video to link them or i am on the wrong video? Thank you.

[@IbandUK]

Bichr TCHALABI Hi, yes, this is the video for you. You will also need the midi implementation chart information for the pa1000 to set the correct CC# numbers.

[@aryanjohnson1400]

How can we use it on stage?Can it be connected to speakers?or can it be connected to my keyboard that supports midi cable?

[@IbandUK]

@aryanjohnson1400 Hi, the vortex has no built in sounds so cannot be directly connected to speakers but many artists connect the vortex to a computer and then send the computer audio to speakers or connect the vortex to a synth using midi din ports. You can use a midi din cable connected directly to the vortex and synth or use a wireless system... kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5PRlGprh9WVpNk kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmrcpZecjLOVj80 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpCZfHuHr994rrs

[@MrBenMcLean]

Can you also program the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 using standard MIDI SysEx messages alone without needing the proprietary Alesis software that probably depends on Windows and therefore is inherently unreliable and will not last very long since I am never downgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11? I might want to just plug it into an SBC like the Raspberry PI or into my phone or whatever I've got to send it a new program sometime. I was very happy to learn that I could program the Yamaha Reface DX with just standard MIDI SysEx messages with any MIDI software I want and that presets are easy to save and keep track of without needing any proprietary Yamaha software. It is all just standard MIDI stuff. A big part of the reason why that is so great is that you know it will work FOREVER without any online accounts or DRM or other online dependent centrally controlled dystopian crap. I'd like to get there with the Vortex as well if possible.

[@IbandUK]

Benjamin McLean Hi, Alesis provides very little information about the Vortex and the Vortex Editor. There is no midi implementation chart available so unless you are able to deconstruct a preset file (you can download one from my website), it would be difficult to know if it was possible.

[@mehebbet.memmedov]

Hello, I connect this device to a synthesizer with USB Bluetooth, but the wave is interrupted from time to time. Is it possible that there is an Internet modem in the room and the frequency of these waves collides?

[@IbandUK]

@mehebbetmemmedov9370 Hi, Bluetooth runs on the same wireless frequency as a lot of devices, including computers, routers (Internet modems), mobile phones and pretty much any other wireless device around the home. So any of these devices can cause interference. Interference can also be cause by something, or someone, momentary blocking the direct path of signal between the vortex and the wireless dongle, or you turning around while playing and your body blocking the signal.

[@mehebbet.memmedov]

@@IbandUK I am today Wifi I turned off the modem and again the same problem is repeated, it seems to pick up one sound and extend it

[@mehebbet.memmedov]

@@IbandUK Can you tell me what frequencies the vortex 2 works on?

[@IbandUK]

@mehebbetmemmedov9370 Sounds like the note is 'hanging'... basically, the note off command is not received. Be aware this most often happens when changing zones on the vortex (it's a bug).

[@IbandUK]

@mehebbetmemmedov9370 2.4ghz... Even garage door remotes, door bells and some TV remotes use 2.4ghz, so you might have to widen your search.

[@RedFoxStudio]

Sir can you suggest me some way to convert my keyboards prs,sst voice files to use in my keytar alesis Vortex 2? Can I directly load it in Ableton Live which I am not able to do. Is it possible?or any other method. It will be great if you could reply fast❤️

[@IbandUK]

Adithyan J Hi, I haven't tried prs or sst files but I do have a Yamaha Prs s670 so I will have a look. Ableton only supports the basic audio file types, although you could record a sample of the desired sound and use the sample in the Simpler in Ableton like I did here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipS7fYl-pb1rpaM By default the sound sample should be a C major note Personally though, I just connect my Vortex to my prs s670 using a kenton midi usb host and play the sounds directly off my prs s670

[@RedFoxStudio]

@@IbandUK if we can use that file directly it will be great right. Is there any method🤔or software which does the job

[@harshkamdar7013]

I can't install the Alesis vortex wireless2 and the Alesis vortex wireless2 preset editor on my MacOS Big Sur version 11.2.2, PLEASE HELP

[@IbandUK]

Harsh Kamdar Hi, the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 preset editor is not a 64 bit app so won't work on Mac Big Sur or Catalina. Alesis do not appear to have any plans to release a 64 bit version of the editor and Apple have strangely chosen not to support 32 bit apps on Big Sur or Catalina. Currently the only work around seems to be to partition the hard drive and install mojave as a second os, which is alot of work just for one 32 bit app. The vortex 2 itself (and the wireless dongle) is class compliant so should work with big sur though and, if you are only using the Vortex with a daw, then you should be able to use the daw's midi learn function to link the pads, faders and ribbons for most things using the Vortex default preset setup... So you might not need to use the preset editor anyway.

[@harshkamdar7013]

@@IbandUK Thank you so much for your quick response it helped a lot, thanks once again for the help

[@harshkamdar7013]

@@IbandUK But i can't even install the default vortex app as it has also the same problem of 32 bit.

[@giovannicasabiancamsp]

Sorry please but without a computer in live online with ALESIS mentono and an espander i can chiose different prova s on cortezza? OF is possibile without a p cIS vero useful change situati in live. Mano thanks

[@IbandUK]

@giovannicasabiancamsp The Alesis Vortex wireless 2 needs a computer to program the presets. Also, the editor is only 32bit so won't work on Apple M1/M2 or later versions of mac OS.

[@HALEXGRAPHIX]

Is this software works for Alesis vortex wireless first model?

[@IbandUK]

HALEX GRAPHIX I'm pretty sure the Vortex Wireless 2 preset editor only works with the Vortex Wireless 2 and not the original Vortex but I don't have an original Vortex so I can't test it. The original Vortex used a Vyzex preset editor.

[@HALEXGRAPHIX]

@@IbandUK Thanks a lot.. can you put the link for the vyzex vortex software If possible ? I can't download from alesis website

[@IbandUK]

HALEX GRAPHIX Officially, go to Alesis.com/account/create Create an account and add the Vortex. Once the Vortex is added to your account, you should be able to download the Vyzex editor from your 'My Software' page of your account. I think the Vyzex software is a licenced software (third party product) so requires the Vortex to be registered. A quick google of Vyzex Vortex download shows a couple of sites offering free download but I would recommend using the official method of registering with Alesis. If you have the white Vortex, you will also need update the firmware if it has not already been done.

[@adamward5083]

trying to download the editor but it wont download on my windows pc is the link gone?

[@IbandUK]

Kaydoo48 Hi, I just logged into my Alesis account to check the link. You are indeed correct that there is a problem with the link but I have a workaround... In Google chrome browser, right mouse click the link and click on Inspect on the popup menu (should be the last option on the list). This will open a pane view in Google chrome at the right side of the browser. Amongst all the text is the some text in blue that is underlined (about a third of the way done the text) that starts cdn.inmusicbrands.com If you click on this text (link) it should download OK. It looks like a problem with cdn.inmusicbrands.com, which might just be server maintenance and start working again in a few days time. If all this sounds rather complicated, contact me on my website (iband.co.uk) by posting a comment on a blog (all comments are hidden from public view).

[@adamward5083]

@@IbandUK thanks this worked for me

[@christopherharris9691]

Can someone put the edited link in here. I have been looking and can find anything

[@IbandUK]

Christopher Harris Hi, to get the editor you need to go to the Alesis website, create an account and register your vortex wireless 2 serial number. The editor will then be available to you in your Alesis account.

[@christopherharris9691]

@@IbandUK Thank you!

[@Mikegleason111]

It will be nice when someone puts up a video showing more about using this instrument. I finally got the software loaded and the licensing agreements done on ilock. I can't get the Time Warp 2600 to open though. Still was able to get a plug in on ableton to play, and even wireless, but there are no clear instructions on the Alesis Web site on how to set up the presets and the support people where very rude. It's a shame there is such a disconnect between the software developers tech "help" folks, user manual developers and actual users, Alesis would sell a ton more of these if they had clear instructions on how to get up and playing presets. I would not purchase their stock for this reason. The average person will give up and send it back.

[@IbandUK]

Hi, Have you checked out my part 2 of this video on how to set up the pads in the preset editor and part 3 for setting up the rest? part 2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJTKcmWnrr2LpMk part 3 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qmaxnXaNh7V6Z7c I have more videos planned and subscribers should get notified through the usual youtube process when they go live

[@shansstudio]

Please mention the link of the software

[@IbandUK]

@shansstudio The software is licenced so you must go to Alesis.com and create an account, then register your Vortex on your account. The software will then appear on your Alesis account.

[@shansstudio]

@@IbandUK dear sir i have registered my account but i couldn't found the preset editor in it

[@soumiktarafder7156]

It has own speaker?

[@IbandUK]

@soumiktarafder7156 No, it has no sounds, check out my vortex FAQ video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3LEnqKNmqygfq8

[@jaffreymedina6547]

Is there any apps for android phones

[@IbandUK]

@jaffreymedina6547 No, only the 32 bit windows app (apple no longer supports 32 bit apps).

[@Beto_de_laredo_texas]

Why the music?.

[@shansstudio]

there is no software

[@IbandUK]

@shansstudio The software can be downloaded from the downloads page of your Alesis account, after you login and register your Vortex

[@shansstudio]

@@IbandUK i have registered but i couldn't found the preset editor there

[@IbandUK]

@shansstudio Check my video on how to download the preset editor... kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX7YXpJ6gceMea8