Alesis · Updated June 2026
V49 MKII: price, specs & release date
V49 MKII, released 2021. Every price and spec below is linked to its source and dated — no guesses.
Source: alesis.com verified ✓ corroborated verify in ledger
- Best for Springy, responsive full-size synth-action key feel; MkII redesign relocates pads, knobs and function buttons centrally above the keys.
- Skip if Only four rotary encoders and no sliders limits hands-on control is a dealbreaker.
Is the V49 MKII a good buy?
At $150, the V49 MKII is #7 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149. On the spec sheet, its faders of 0 is the lowest of the 12, its knobs of 4 is below the median of the 12, and its release of 2021 is above the median of the 12.
Evidence of Record
Our dataNo independent lab has measured this product yet. 1 outlet has it on record by mention only, with no hands-on measurements published to weigh its claims against — a gap in the evidence, not a verdict on the product.
Review consensus · sourced & dated
What reviewers say about the V49 MKII
One verified whitelisted review of this exact model: MusicRadar (19 Jan 2022), which calls the V49 MkII a solid entry-level controller that substantially improves on its predecessor. Praise centres on the springy full-size synth-action key feel, the relocation of pads/knobs/function buttons to a central position above the keys, and added performance features (syncable multi-pattern arpeggiator, tap tempo, Note Repeat). Criticism: only four rotary encoders, no sliders, and function-over-flair styling in a market where slightly pricier rivals offer more. Entirely qualitative — the review publishes no measured figures. No other whitelisted outlet was verified in this pass; that is an absence of confirmed coverage, not evidence that none exists.
Based on 1 review · 2022-01-19
Tested by MusicRadar
Consistently praised
- Springy, responsive full-size synth-action key feel
- MkII redesign relocates pads, knobs and function buttons centrally above the keys
- Added performance features — syncable multi-pattern arpeggiator, tap tempo and Note Repeat
Commonly flagged
- Only four rotary encoders and no sliders limits hands-on control
- Functional rather than characterful design — "Still more function than flair"
- Rivals at slightly higher prices offer more pads, dials and sliders
Where reviewers disagree Single verified source, so no cross-source disagreement can be established. MusicRadar is itself internally split: it calls the MkII "a substantial improvement from its predecessor and is a solid entry-level keyboard controller" while warning that "for not much more money, you'll find alternatives with sliders, more pads and dials, from both Alesis and its competitors."
The sources (1)
Lively keyboard action is responsive and springy.
You might want more control than four rotaries and no sliders.
This is a solid controller that substantially improves on its predecessor, but the V49 faces stiff competition at this price point
Specifications
| Price (US) | $149.99 MSRP / street price |
|---|---|
| Brand | Alesis |
| Released | 2021 |
| Keys | 49 |
| Key type | synth |
| Drum pads | 8 |
| Knobs | 4 |
| Faders | 0 |
| Aftertouch | No |
| Connection | usb |
| Bundled software | MPC Beats, 7 expansion packs, 60 Melodics lessons |
Source: alesis.com (verified 2026-06-19) · corroborated by sweetwater.com. Verified: $149.99, 49 velocity-sensitive synth-action keys, 8 backlit full-level pads, 4 assignable knobs, no faders, USB-only (no MIDI DIN), no aftertouch, 2021 release. Bundle corrected: MPC Beats + expansions + Melodics lessons (draft's 'Reason+ 6-month' not confirmed on current Alesis listing). Corroboration changed from manua.ls to Sweetwater.
Is the V49 MKII worth it vs cheaper MIDI keyboards?
V49 MKII against its closest cheaper and pricier MIDI keyboards on the specs that matter — every value sourced. See all 12 ranked
Frequently asked questions
What do reviewers say about the V49 MKII?
One verified whitelisted review of this exact model: MusicRadar (19 Jan 2022), which calls the V49 MkII a solid entry-level controller that substantially improves on its predecessor. Praise centres on the springy full-size synth-action key feel, the relocation of pads/knobs/function buttons to a central position above the keys, and added performance features (syncable multi-pattern arpeggiator, tap tempo, Note Repeat). Criticism: only four rotary encoders, no sliders, and function-over-flair styling in a market where slightly pricier rivals offer more. Entirely qualitative — the review publishes no measured figures. No other whitelisted outlet was verified in this pass; that is an absence of confirmed coverage, not evidence that none exists. Praised: Springy, responsive full-size synth-action key feel; MkII redesign relocates pads, knobs and function buttons centrally above the keys; Added performance features — syncable multi-pattern arpeggiator, tap tempo and Note Repeat. Flagged: Only four rotary encoders and no sliders limits hands-on control; Functional rather than characterful design — "Still more function than flair"; Rivals at slightly higher prices offer more pads, dials and sliders. (From 1 tester review.)
How much does the V49 MKII cost?
The V49 MKII has a US price of $149.99 (MSRP / street price), as of 2026-06-19.
How does the V49 MKII compare on price?
At $150, the V49 MKII is #7 cheapest of the 12 MIDI keyboards we track, where the median is $149.
When was the V49 MKII released?
The V49 MKII was released 2021.
What are the V49 MKII's key specs?
V49 MKII (Alesis): keys 49, key type synth, drum pads 8, knobs 4, faders 0. Full sourced spec sheet verified 2026-06-19.
Price of record: $149.99 at alesis.com, 2026-06-27. Other retailers may be lower — check the current price:
See V49 MKII on Amazon As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.Similar MIDI keyboards
Nearest in price — swipe to browse. Every pick sourced and dated.
All MIDI keyboards ranked · Open data & methodology · Queryable via MCP
Compare with
Cheaper MIDI keyboards
- MiniLab 3 $149
- Impact GX61 $129.99
- Komplete Kontrol M32 $129
- MPK Mini MK3 $119
- nanoKEY2 $99.99
- DMK25 Pro $99.99
Step up
- A-49 $175
- Launchkey 49 MK4 $279.99
- KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 $299
- Oxygen Pro 49 $299
- MPK249 $399
Part of the Desktop audio & DJ cluster
The desk that records, mixes and plays. Same sourcing, same dated prices: