Alesis V-Mini 25-Key USB/MIDI Keyboard

General

Mobile music production is an ongoing trend, so it's no wonder manufacturers are doing their very best to fit as many features as possible into increasingly more compact devices. Take the Alesis V-Mini, for instance, an excellent 25-key USB/MIDI keyboard for producers on the go. Despite its remarkably small size, this controller has 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, four velocity-sensitive pads and four knobs, as well as pitch bend, modulation and sustain buttons. Slip this compact little MIDI keyboard into your backpack alongside your laptop and a cable, and get ready to roll out those tracks on location.

The Alesis V-Mini: Software

To make the V-Mini even more attractive, Alesis has added a bonus treat: AIR Music Tech's Xpand!2, a virtual instrument with over 3,000 sounds. They're suitable for numerous music genres, and even though they're all production-ready, you can also choose to edit them a little before using them.

Key Switching

Although a more sizeable MIDI keyboard will probably take up a more prominent place in your studio, the Alesis V-Mini can still make a valid contribution. These days, more and more virtual instruments use key switches to change articulation. These articulation switches are usually located on one of the corners of your keyboard, and if you're working with a 61-key model, chances are you'll be a few octaves short to easily reach them. Cue the V-Mini, in the role of affordable key switcher! Place this little keyboard controller within arm's reach, and you can always easily select the right octave.