Alesis V61 MKIIFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 7 mentions across 5 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment43%
PROS 43%
CONS 57%

Rank based on 7 mentions across 5 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You value the added desk space for a small keyboard or secondary controller
  • You like a satin/matte black key finish
  • You're comparing budget 61-key MIDI controllers like the M-Audio Oxygen MKV

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You owned or want the feel of the original V61 MK1 keys
  • You expect responsive customer support and firmware documentation from Alesis
  • You care about a sleek, compact design over a bigger, bulkier body

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Mid
Articulate soundGreat with extended-range guitarsStrong overall tone qualityPrice concerns
Articulate sound
Great with extended-range guitars
Strong overall tone quality
Price concerns
2Premium
Musical analog toneLong-term reliability and board loyaltySimple, intuitive controlsHigh price pointCheaper alternatives seen as comparableDistortion at high settings
Musical analog tone
Long-term reliability and board loyalty
Simple, intuitive controls
High price point
Cheaper alternatives seen as comparable
Distortion at high settings
3Premium
Touch-sensitive dynamicsLong-term favorite / durability of appealSweet, low-gain tone qualityHigh price versus clonesDeluxe loses some original characterLimited mid control
Touch-sensitive dynamics
Long-term favorite / durability of appeal
Sweet, low-gain tone quality
High price versus clones
Deluxe loses some original character
Limited mid control
Best value
4Mid
Exceptional versatilityNatural, amp-like tonePowerful 3-band EQDemo videos undersell the pedalNoticeable noise floorVolume drop when engaged
Exceptional versatility
Natural, amp-like tone
Powerful 3-band EQ
Demo videos undersell the pedal
Noticeable noise floor
Volume drop when engaged
5Premium
Exceptional reverb qualityHigh-quality warm pitch shiftingStrong aspirational appealHigh priceCheaper alternatives may sufficeEffect can feel like it plays for you
Exceptional reverb quality
High-quality warm pitch shifting
Strong aspirational appeal
High price
Cheaper alternatives may suffice
Effect can feel like it plays for you
6Premium
Authentic amp-like toneExcellent low-to-mid gain driveUnderrated favorite among ownersHigh price pointLimited gain-staging flexibilityNo built-in reverb
Authentic amp-like tone
Excellent low-to-mid gain drive
Underrated favorite among owners
High price point
Limited gain-staging flexibility
No built-in reverb
7Premium
Iconic, powerful kick drumWarmer, more alive analog characterCultural and historical influenceExtremely high collector priceAnalog noise and static requiring EQReliability concerns of aging hardware
Iconic, powerful kick drum
Warmer, more alive analog character
Cultural and historical influence
Extremely high collector price
Analog noise and static requiring EQ
Reliability concerns of aging hardware
8Premium
Inspiring and addictive to playWarm, fat analog toneStrong DAW/VST editor integrationHigh price for what it offersLimited versatility outside bass rangeNeeds effects/partner gear to shine
Inspiring and addictive to play
Warm, fat analog tone
Strong DAW/VST editor integration
High price for what it offers
Limited versatility outside bass range
Needs effects/partner gear to shine
9
Klon Centaur-style toneConvincing demo influenced purchaseExcellent clean boostNot suited for metal tones
Klon Centaur-style tone
Convincing demo influenced purchase
Excellent clean boost
Not suited for metal tones
10Mid
Transparent toneVersatile across genresWorks well across many guitar typesTwo-channel routing complexityDry signal bleed-throughInconsistent demo impressions
Transparent tone
Versatile across genres
Works well across many guitar types
Two-channel routing complexity
Dry signal bleed-through
Inconsistent demo impressions
You are here
31
Alesis V61 MKII
Extra desk space for accessoriesMatte key finishDowngraded key feel vs MK1Bulkier, less appealing designUnresponsive customer support
Alesis V61 MKII
Extra desk space for accessories
Matte key finish
Downgraded key feel vs MK1
Bulkier, less appealing design
Unresponsive customer support

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The key action divides opinion sharply. Several commenters report the V61 MKII's keys are a step down from the original MK1. One buyer says they were 'forced to return' the unit after wanting an upgrade but getting what felt like a downgrade. Another simply calls it the 'weirdest downgrade ever,' saying they preferred the MK1's full-sized keys and overall design, suggesting the new keybed is a sticking point for returning users.

Physical design draws mixed first impressions. On the positive side, one commenter likes the satin/matte finish on the black keys and the open space to the right for a small keyboard, mouse, or secondary controller, even weighing it against the M-Audio Oxygen MKV. Another echoes appreciation for that vacant space. But a different commenter calls the unit an 'uglier, bigger version,' comparing it to a cheaper Chinese keyboard with new branding.

Communication and real-world feedback remain scarce. One user describes a frustrating support experience, emailing Alesis for firmware release notes and receiving only automated replies over more than a week with no human follow-up, joking that 'maybe no humans work at Alesis now.' Meanwhile, other commenters are still asking how the controller performs in practice, indicating that detailed hands-on impressions from buyers are still limited.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?