New Alesis Q Series Keyboard Controllers

This week Alesis refreshed their Q series MIDI keyboard controllers adding new features and a super portable version (at a ridiculous price-per-key ratio!). Personally, I would have loved to see a 61 keys version, but looking at the price/feature ratio, I won’t complain!

Let’s find out more about these new models, the Qmini, Q49 MKII, and Q88 MKII.

Essential Controllers, On the Go and In The Studio

According to the US company, the new Alesis Q Series offers practical plug-and-play solutions to players and producers in need of high-quality keys and meaningful control of parameters or music production software.

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These USB bus-powered MIDI controllers have everything needed to make a lasting impact on your compositions. First, there’s the compact Qmini, a 32-key controller small enough to throw in your backpack. Perfect for creating music on-the-go, the Qmini connects to your laptop or iOS device seamlessly to capture inspiration no matter where it strikes. Featuring easily accessible controls such as pitch, modulation, and sustain, the Qmini is a tool you won’t want to leave at home.

For a more static studio setup, the Q49 MKII and Q88 MKII are no-nonsense workhorses that have all the features modern productions demand.

The Q49 MKII’s synth-action keys provide the perfect medium for playing or programming music of any style. If you need something more robust, the Q88 MKII’s semi-weighted keys emulate the look and feel of a traditional piano. Along with standard octave, transpose, pitch, and modulation controls, the Q49 and Q88 MKII both feature transport and directional buttons to control your music software.

Speaking of software – all Alesis Q Series MIDI controllers include a premium software bundle packed with valuable learning and creation tools such as Avid Pro Tools, the industry standard in audio recording. The new Alesis Q Series have everything you need to get the job done.

Qmini Key Features

32 compact velocity-sensitive synth-action keys
Lightweight design for easy setup and portability
USB-powered with plug-and-play connectivity for Mac or PC
Works with iOS devices via Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)
Octave/Transpose buttons enable access to full piano range
Pitch bend and modulation buttons for added expression
Re-assignable volume knob for quick control during performance and recording
Sustain button for emulating a traditional sustain pedal
Premium music education and production software bundle included.

The Qmini is available now with an MSRP of £39.99/$59.

Q49 MKII Key Features

49 full-size, velocity-sensitive, synth-action keys
Lightweight design for easy setup and portability
USB-powered with plug-and-play connectivity for Mac or PC
Works with iOS devices via Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)
Octave/Transpose buttons enable access to full piano range
Pitch bend and modulation wheels for added expression
Transport and directional buttons to control your software
Re-assignable volume slider for quick control during performance and recording
1/4-inch TS sustain pedal input for connecting an external sustain pedal (sold separately)
Premium music education and production software bundle included.

The Q49 MKII is available now with an MSRP of £74.99/$109

Q88 MKII Key Features

88 full-size, velocity-sensitive, semi-weighted keys
Octave/Transpose buttons
Pitch bend and modulation wheels for added expression
Transport and directional buttons to control your software
Assignable volume slider for quick control during performing and recording
1/4-inch TS sustain pedal and 1/4-inch TRS expression pedal inputs
5-PIN MIDI output enables standalone operation with a power supply (sold separately)
USB-powered with plug-and-play connectivity for Mac or PC
Works with iOS devices via Apple Lightning to USB Camera Adapter (sold separately)
Lightweight design for easy setup and portability
Premium music education and production software bundle included.

The Q88 MKII is available now with an MSRP of £179.99/$209