Alesis Vortex Wireless

[Waterfall-K]

 

Μετα το πρωτο Vortex που εμφανιστηκε για πρωτη φορα το 2012, η Alesis παρουσιασε χτες στην ΝΑΜΜ το Vortex Wireless. Eιναι ενα keytar/MIDI controller με accelerometer, εχει 37 πληκτρα με aftertouch, 8 velocity-sensitive pads, pitch bend, ribbon controller και παιρνει ρευμα απο USB, μπαταριες ή μετασχηματιστη.

 

To Vortex Wireless ερχεται σε μαυρο χρωμα σε αντιθεση με το ασπρο χρωμα του πρωτου μοντελου. Το πιο ωραιο βεβαια ειναι η τιμη του. Οταν πρωτοβγηκε πριν δυο χρονια η τιμη του ηταν στα 245€, τιμη πολυ χαμηλη σε συγκριση με τα αντιστοιχα keytar αλλων εταιρειων. Μετα επεσε στα 200€ και εδω και μερικους μηνες πωλειται πλεον στα 148€ (Thomann). Η τιμη του Vortex Wireless θα ειναι το ιδιο χαμηλη, γυρω στα 200$.

 

Alesis Vortex Wireless press release:

Alesis, a leading manufacturer of instruments and tools for today's musician, announces the new Vortex Wireless USB MIDI keyboard controller with accelerometer. A keytar for the modern performer, Vortex Wireless delivers unprecedented control and expression by transmitting MIDI via a wireless USB connection for dynamic on-stage freedom, and includes the virtual synthesizer plug-in Vortex-I Digital Virtual Instrument from acclaimed software creator SONiVOX.

 

In addition to 37 velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch—the keyboard features an assignable accelerometer (tilt-sensor) in the neck that can translate gestures into additional controls—adding vibrato when the neck is pulled up, for example. For additional control, Vortex Wireless provides 8 drum/trigger pads, 3 assignable knobs, a multi-mode ribbon controller, pitch bend wheel and a volume slider.

 

Plugging the included USB receiver dongle into any MAC or PC establishes a live USB/MIDI link with the Vortex Wireless. There is also a standard MIDI output (5-pin) mounted in the Vortex Wireless for connecting to other MIDI-enabled equipment, such as a favorite hardware synthesizer. Vortex Wireless can run on batteries, USB bus power, or can be powered using an optional AC adaptor. Each Vortex Wireless also includes a USB cable with extension for the USB receiver dongle and 4x AA batteries, so users can begin playing right away.

 

In addition, the Vyzex Vortex Patch Editor software is also provided, making it easy to create, edit, and backup patches to your computer. Ableton Live Lite 8 Alesis Edition is also included.

 

Highlights:

* Combines expressive control with onstage mobility

* 37 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch

* 8 velocity-sensitive trigger/drum pads

* USB dongle creates a wireless connection to any Mac/PC

* Volume slider, pitch wheel, ribbon controller, sustain pedal jack

* USB, battery, or external power / USB MIDI and 5pin MIDI outputs

* Includes SONiVOX Vortex I DVI and Ableton Live Lite Alesis Edition

 

"Nearly every keytar or remote keyboard has required a cable of one sort or another, be it power, MIDI, audio, or USB" said Nate Lane, Product Manager at Alesis. "With the Vortex Wireless, the player is truly free to move about at will. This onstage freedom allows the player to make the most of the onboard accelerometer and other extensive controls to create an original, expressive performance without the hassle of cables on stage."

 

George Duke