Alesis Announces Vortex: First Ever USB Keytar Controller

Alesis has introduced Vortex, the first-ever USB/MIDI keytar controller. Debuting at NAMM, it will be available in Quarter 2 of 2012, with an MSRP of $399.00 and estimated street price of $249.00.

This Vortex doesn't suck: Alesis' new USB Keytar controller.

The Vortex is designed to eliminate the barrier between keyboardists and the audience. Alesis’ new baby sports an extensive layout of touch-sensitive keys and velocity-sensitive pads on its pearlescent white body, along with eye-catching octave and pitch controls on its neck.

The Vortex includes several new features original to the keytar:

— Both traditional MIDI and USB MIDI are onboard, allowing keyboardists to use the Vortex with all of their software instruments and synths on Mac, PC, and iPad.
— Vortex comes automapped for the industry’s most popular software synths and DAWs.
— Users can customize and create their own mappings for virtually any software they like
— Embedded, MIDI-assignable accelerometer allows keyboardists to freely roam the stage and control virtually any parameter with their motion: volume swells, pitch bends, vibratos, filter cutoffs and more can be accomplished by tilting the Vortex’s neck during live performances.

The Vortex’s neck controls are laid out ergonomically: the user’s thumb controls a volume slider and pitch-bend wheel while their fingers manipulate nine front-facing controls that include a MIDI-assignable touchstrip, 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 the Vortex’s 37 velocity-sensitive keys feature aftertouch for added creative control.

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 including the iPad. Standard guitar strap pegs are located on its neck and body, and an adjustable strap is included.

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