General
This versatile Alesis VI25 USB MIDI controller is a great asset for many studios. Featuring a range of two octaves, it won't serve you if you want to play one of Tchaikovsky's piano concerts, but it offers more than enough functions to provide you with a modern and practical solution for many applications. In addition to 25 semi-weighted, velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch, sixteen velocity and pressure-sensitive and multicoloured backlit pads are also at your disposal for the creation of drum patterns.
The Alesis VI25 USB MIDI Controller
Like any decent MIDI keyboard, the VI25 is equipped with pitch-bend and modulation wheels. It is also fitted with eight assignable knobs, located above 24 assignable buttons, and with a number of transport buttons for optimal integration with your DAW. The octave shift buttons enable you to play both high and low notes (although still restricted to two octaves), alternating between piccolo and double bass, for instance.
A Reliable Asset for Modern Studios
USB keyboards - even smaller models such as the VI25 - provide the musical keys for your DAW. Many virtual instruments (such as orchestra libraries) use several key switches, often in the bottom octave (lower than the lowest note of a piano!). A small keyboard is ideal to operate these switches. Simply shift the octave to the lowest position and place the keyboard in the corner of your desk, or above/behind a larger keyboard. Mobile studios that work with a laptop/tablet and an audio interface also benefit hugely from a USB keyboard. The VI25 is small enough to fit into your backpack and is powered via USB.