excuse me SARTIN...I just got the Alesis Q88 MKII controller...Because I was convinced that the installation was as straightforward as it is with the Q 25... But I see that it doesn't sound..And it is necessary to waste time registering.Maybe they don't know that not all of us have a fast web connection....Anyway.I registered the product on your site...But everything is blocked because they force us downloading all those programs...After 3 hours..I still can't use my controllers....Let me tell you something "This way of doing things is not smart"...Now could you please tell me How should I proceed to use my controller..? I can't understand what I have to do...The indication in your manual is useless..Because it refers to the peripherals menu of my music program...But in my Cubase there is a list of controllers and synthesizers. very partial.. and the Q88 is not present... But then, why does the alesis Q25 work directly... and the Q 88 doesn't ?
Thanks- I just picked up Korg Mod Pro, and already had the BX-3 for ipad. I believe this controller would give me the greatest freedom for gigging. Now if it only folded in half, and had bluetooth midi! Yeah, but no stand is a deal breaker.
The Windows software used in this video: Pianoteq for the piano sounds; Addictive Drums, Modo Bass, & Caspian Brass for the Horns and Trumpets; all running via Studio One 5.
thnks for the video. this is exactly what i needed b4 making my purchase. This will be my 1st piano. The other instruments on the keyboard isn't included with the piano are they? assuming u have to pay some subscription for the other instruments?
@@bigheartsmolpen they definitely felt smooth. The keyboard was actually the opposite of what I wanted. I ended up getting a weighted keyboard after I returned it. But yeah, the controller was great, just not what I wanted
its cool and all, but do you need 88 keys for producing? your whole desk is full with keys, 25 is nice, 49 is cool for 2 hands and 61 is huge but offers so many melody options in front of you, but 88? sure for a digital piano but not for my upstairs bedroom studio
All a matter of taste and preference, but yes these days I do use a 25 key Arturia for quick compositions and for anything more complex I’ll switch it out for my 61 key station. I agree it takes up a lot less desk space.
@ no shit? You also have the arturia minilab? Me too, love that thing, it can control Analog lab so well, can other midi keyboards with knobs also control analog lab? Or only arturia stuff?
Thank you! I personally like both, very similar if you ask me. Nektar is probably better for the price since m-audio/alesis keyboards can get up there and the gxp series from nektar has aftertouch and a bit more features etc. I recently tried the Nektar SE61 and really enjoyed it, especially for $99.
Hi sam i have the mark 1 and i want to use it for strings recording in cubase with vst instruments. I bought a expression pedal but when i connect it when i press it in with my foot it mutes the sound. How can i let it work as a expression pedal?
Hi Sam ..help me please I just got the Alesis Q88 MKII controller...Because I was convinced that the installation was as straightforward as it is with the Q 25... But I see that it doesn't sound..And it is necessary to waste time on their site !....Maybe they don't know that not all of us have a fast web connection....Anyway.I registered the product on your site...But everything is blocked because they force us downloading all those programs...After 3 hours..I still can't use my controllers....Let me tell you something "This way of doing things is not smart"...Now could you please tell me How should I proceed to use my controller..? I can't understand what I have to do...The indication in your manual is useless..Because it refers to the peripherals menu of my music program...But in my Cubase there is a list of controllers and synthesizers. very partial.. and the Q88 is not present... But then, why does the alesis Q25 work directly... and the Q 88 doesn't ?
Thanks for going in depth about the responsiveness, think I'm gonna pick this one up. I want to play piano but at the same time try and learn some fast children of bodom type solos :D you think this is a nice middle ground for those two styles?
Thank you so much! I agree, I think it’s the middle ground between synth action and hammer action and it definitely makes it pretty seamless to learn solos. And having the 88 keys means you have everything laid out right there which is very nice to me. Best of both worlds imo. It’s also very light so one can move it around easily.
Wait so you can't play this without a device???? It doesn't play sounds by itself??? Does a keyboard that can record, has 88 keys, but also can play by itself even exist?????
Does this use the same key action as the Alesis Recital? Both actions are semi weighted but I can't seem to find out if these two share the same keybed. I am going to be using the Recital as a MIDI controller too with plugins like Pianoteq etc. I got the Alesis Recital in mint condition used plus a keyboard stand for 190$ so it seemed like a no brainer to get it before someone else could. Same beybed? Yes? No?
This is the most important question in these comments. If the difference between the two is just the speakers and maybe some build quality, it's a no brainer.
You know if it is similar to the M Audio Keystation 88 mk3? I'm looking for buy one of those, and can not decide between the Alesis and the M-Audio, and it seems that nobody compared them yet, could you tell?
They are the exact same midi controller. I can confirm this because a relative of mine owns the mk3 and when I went to play and examine it, there were basically no differences and the keybed is the same. I think you can now get the Alesis Mk2 for 180 brand new if I'm not mistaken because they have reduced the price. Hope that helps.
@@SamDiazProducer thanks for answering so quickly! Yep, you help me a lot! the Alesis is like 20€ cheaper so I'm getting it. Thanks again !! Let's bring home this Q88 ;)
@@rocarius14 ho appena spedito indietro la m audio mk3 perchè l' installazione è un manicomio.. e se usi windows 10 è impossibile...sul sito non ti danno i drive..questi impostori...
Hi. I'm thinking about getting this one as my first digital piano. I read that I need to plug it into a computer to actually use it. I don't have one, so can I just plug in my headphones or my 2.1 sound system for it to work?
Hi jan, this isn't a digital piano. It's merely a device to control the sounds within your computer. I like to think of it as a giant mouse with black and white keys because it literally has no built in sounds. The way it works is that you download a program such as Garageband on Mac or a free one like Cakewalk from Bandlab on PC which already have virtual instrument sounds, and you can use this keyboard to control the sounds inside of your computer. Similarly you can also download individual instruments online from websites like Splice etc. that generate the sounds in your computer. So if you wanted to use speakers or headphones, it would have to be connected to your computer because the sound would be coming from there since this keyboard is merely , like I said, a giant mouse that connects to your computer via USB cable and automatically starts triggering the sounds in the same fashion as a regular piano or synth . There are much better options out there for Digital Pianos that actually have built in sounds, bypassing the need for a computer, such as Artesia and Casio keyboards that are pretty great and affordable. I hope that makes sense and let me know if you have any questions on that.
Hi there, I used Pianoteq for the piano sounds, Addictive Drums, Modo Bass, & Caspian Brass for the Horns and Trumpets. All running through Studio One 5. Hope that helps!
i use a korg sp88 keyboard as a midi ctrl and i couldn’t be happier because it has a hammer weighted keybed no need to buy a 5 k dollar keyboard for me
The mechanical noise seems very intrusive. Where is your microphone? I think the noise could be a deal breaker for me since I'd be using it at home with low volume levels. I'm currently using a cheap Yamaha synth and one of the reasons I'm wanting to move up is that the felt or whatever is used to dampen the key noise is worn out and it's annoying to hear the clacking.
Hi there, it’s the standard microphone from the camera so what you are hearing is actually from that far away. To be fair, I’ve been using this these types of controllers for years so I’ve grown accustom to the noise but you can definitely notice it with quiet surroundings.
Hey there, no it doesn't. It just controls/triggers the sounds within your computer so you would need speakers routed from your computer soundcard or you can purchase a usb/thunderbolt audio interface.
@@SamDiazProducer thanks for responding so quick, I just bought this keyboard and am looking forward to it. I have an amp and headphones so I think I’ll just use one of those.
Great job-putting this keyboard through its paces! You touched on all the salient points.
Glad it was helpful!
Lovely review covering everything I wanted to know without trying to spin it out into a long boring video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
excuse me SARTIN...I just got the Alesis Q88 MKII controller...Because I was convinced that the installation was as straightforward as it is with the Q 25... But I see that it doesn't sound..And it is necessary to waste time registering.Maybe they don't know that not all of us have a fast web connection....Anyway.I registered the product on your site...But everything is blocked because they force us downloading all those programs...After 3 hours..I still can't use my controllers....Let me tell you something "This way of doing things is not smart"...Now could you please tell me How should I proceed to use my controller..? I can't understand what I have to do...The indication in your manual is useless..Because it refers to the peripherals menu of my music program...But in my Cubase there is a list of controllers and synthesizers. very partial.. and the Q88 is not present... But then, why does the alesis Q25 work directly... and the Q 88 doesn't ?
Actually, this is the cheapest 88-keys MIDI Controller in Indonesia, but it is great enough. Thank you for the review
Thanks- I just picked up Korg Mod Pro, and already had the BX-3 for ipad. I believe this controller would give me the greatest freedom for gigging. Now if it only folded in half, and had bluetooth midi! Yeah, but no stand is a deal breaker.
I've been thinking about moving over to a proper keyboard, with 88 keys, and saw this in the local store today.
The Windows software used in this video: Pianoteq for the piano sounds; Addictive Drums, Modo Bass, & Caspian Brass for the Horns and Trumpets; all running via Studio One 5.
thnks for the video. this is exactly what i needed b4 making my purchase. This will be my 1st piano. The other instruments on the keyboard isn't included with the piano are they? assuming u have to pay some subscription for the other instruments?
How's it? Smooth?
@bigheartsmolpen sadly I returned mine. I didn't realize it didn't have speakers of it's own.
@@dividendapacolypse6060hey thanks for replying! Can you comment on the keybed? How did the keys feel? Clunky or smooth?
@@bigheartsmolpen they definitely felt smooth. The keyboard was actually the opposite of what I wanted. I ended up getting a weighted keyboard after I returned it. But yeah, the controller was great, just not what I wanted
its cool and all, but do you need 88 keys for producing? your whole desk is full with keys, 25 is nice, 49 is cool for 2 hands and 61 is huge but offers so many melody options in front of you, but 88? sure for a digital piano but not for my upstairs bedroom studio
All a matter of taste and preference, but yes these days I do use a 25 key Arturia for quick compositions and for anything more complex I’ll switch it out for my 61 key station. I agree it takes up a lot less desk space.
@ no shit? You also have the arturia minilab? Me too, love that thing, it can control Analog lab so well, can other midi keyboards with knobs also control analog lab? Or only arturia stuff?
I love your review. How does it compare to the Nektar controllers?
Thank you! I personally like both, very similar if you ask me. Nektar is probably better for the price since m-audio/alesis keyboards can get up there and the gxp series from nektar has aftertouch and a bit more features etc.
I recently tried the Nektar SE61 and really enjoyed it, especially for $99.
Its very cheap and solid, cant wait for it to come in and play lots of c418
Hi sam i have the mark 1 and i want to use it for strings recording in cubase with vst instruments. I bought a expression pedal but when i connect it when i press it in with my foot it mutes the sound. How can i let it work as a expression pedal?
Hi Sam ..help me please I just got the Alesis Q88 MKII controller...Because I was convinced that the installation was as straightforward as it is with the Q 25... But I see that it doesn't sound..And it is necessary to waste time on their site !....Maybe they don't know that not all of us have a fast web connection....Anyway.I registered the product on your site...But everything is blocked because they force us downloading all those programs...After 3 hours..I still can't use my controllers....Let me tell you something "This way of doing things is not smart"...Now could you please tell me How should I proceed to use my controller..? I can't understand what I have to do...The indication in your manual is useless..Because it refers to the peripherals menu of my music program...But in my Cubase there is a list of controllers and synthesizers. very partial.. and the Q88 is not present... But then, why does the alesis Q25 work directly... and the Q 88 doesn't ?
Hi, I am a beginner; I am concerning Alexis recital versus MKII; what should I buy? Thanks!
Which laptop did you use in this video?
Hi there! That’s a spare 12.5” Dell latitude laptop that I had with an i7 processor, 16gb of ram and a 1tb ssd.
@@SamDiazProducer thanks a lot sir
Thanks for going in depth about the responsiveness, think I'm gonna pick this one up. I want to play piano but at the same time try and learn some fast children of bodom type solos :D you think this is a nice middle ground for those two styles?
Thank you so much! I agree, I think it’s the middle ground between synth action and hammer action and it definitely makes it pretty seamless to learn solos. And having the 88 keys means you have everything laid out right there which is very nice to me. Best of both worlds imo. It’s also very light so one can move it around easily.
this is have transpose function?
Do you know if this would work with my old version of Propellerheads Reason 5 software?
thnx
how about the velocity, can it reach from 1 to 127 ??? my novation launchkey has bad velocity
Wait so you can't play this without a device???? It doesn't play sounds by itself??? Does a keyboard that can record, has 88 keys, but also can play by itself even exist?????
It sounds like you want a regular Casio keyboard not a midi controller
Its MIDI controller,no keyboard.All MIDI controllers work this way.
do u not know what a midi keyboard is sir
Does this use the same key action as the Alesis Recital? Both actions are semi weighted but I can't seem to find out if these two share the same keybed. I am going to be using the Recital as a MIDI controller too with plugins like Pianoteq etc. I got the Alesis Recital in mint condition used plus a keyboard stand for 190$ so it seemed like a no brainer to get it before someone else could. Same beybed? Yes? No?
This is the most important question in these comments. If the difference between the two is just the speakers and maybe some build quality, it's a no brainer.
You know if it is similar to the M Audio Keystation 88 mk3? I'm looking for buy one of those, and can not decide between the Alesis and the M-Audio, and it seems that nobody compared them yet, could you tell?
They are the exact same midi controller. I can confirm this because a relative of mine owns the mk3 and when I went to play and examine it, there were basically no differences and the keybed is the same. I think you can now get the Alesis Mk2 for 180 brand new if I'm not mistaken because they have reduced the price. Hope that helps.
@@SamDiazProducer thanks for answering so quickly! Yep, you help me a lot! the Alesis is like 20€ cheaper so I'm getting it. Thanks again !! Let's bring home this Q88 ;)
@@rocarius14 ho appena spedito indietro la m audio mk3 perchè l' installazione è un manicomio.. e se usi windows 10 è impossibile...sul sito non ti danno i drive..questi impostori...
@@rocarius14how is it? Still going strong?
hi sam, i didnt understand how can i start my alesis. like how can i make it "play"? im from turkey so i couldn't find any instructions.
You don't start the controller you plug it into your computer and run a vst
Hi. I'm thinking about getting this one as my first digital piano. I read that I need to plug it into a computer to actually use it. I don't have one, so can I just plug in my headphones or my 2.1 sound system for it to work?
Hi jan, this isn't a digital piano. It's merely a device to control the sounds within your computer. I like to think of it as a giant mouse with black and white keys because it literally has no built in sounds. The way it works is that you download a program such as Garageband on Mac or a free one like Cakewalk from Bandlab on PC which already have virtual instrument sounds, and you can use this keyboard to control the sounds inside of your computer. Similarly you can also download individual instruments online from websites like Splice etc. that generate the sounds in your computer. So if you wanted to use speakers or headphones, it would have to be connected to your computer because the sound would be coming from there since this keyboard is merely , like I said, a giant mouse that connects to your computer via USB cable and automatically starts triggering the sounds in the same fashion as a regular piano or synth . There are much better options out there for Digital Pianos that actually have built in sounds, bypassing the need for a computer, such as Artesia and Casio keyboards that are pretty great and affordable. I hope that makes sense and let me know if you have any questions on that.
There’s all of the versions have on Bord sounds?
All the sounds you are hearing are from my computer. None of their midi controllers bring any onboard sounds.
What is the software you are using for this midi keyboard?
Hi there, I used Pianoteq for the piano sounds, Addictive Drums, Modo Bass, & Caspian Brass for the Horns and Trumpets. All running through Studio One 5. Hope that helps!
thanks!
It is the same machine as the M-Audio Keystation 88 Mk3, isn´t it?
Yeap!!
And it’s usually cheaper for some reason.
Did it come iwht a sustain pedal?
No it doesn’t unfortunately
DOES IT COME WITH A SAMPLER?
Sorry for silly question...
Is this Midi Controller compatible up to Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Thanks in advance
Idk about Windows 11 but it definitely works with Windows 10
@@SamDiazProducer Thank you for your information...
What about software on board?
i use a korg sp88 keyboard as a midi ctrl and i couldn’t be happier because it has a hammer weighted keybed no need to buy a 5 k dollar keyboard for me
My last korg hammer weighted keyboard got real clacky with the tops of the keys even seeming loose. It was a bad experience.
Think this would work with mixcraft?
If mixcraft supports midi input then it should definitely work. Should be a simple google search to find out.
4:10
The mechanical noise seems very intrusive. Where is your microphone? I think the noise could be a deal breaker for me since I'd be using it at home with low volume levels. I'm currently using a cheap Yamaha synth and one of the reasons I'm wanting to move up is that the felt or whatever is used to dampen the key noise is worn out and it's annoying to hear the clacking.
Hi there, it’s the standard microphone from the camera so what you are hearing is actually from that far away. To be fair, I’ve been using this these types of controllers for years so I’ve grown accustom to the noise but you can definitely notice it with quiet surroundings.
Dude is this Hammar touch?
I have one
its good?
Does this keyboard have speakers built in?
Hey there, no it doesn't. It just controls/triggers the sounds within your computer so you would need speakers routed from your computer soundcard or you can purchase a usb/thunderbolt audio interface.
@@SamDiazProducer thanks for responding so quick, I just bought this keyboard and am looking forward to it. I have an amp and headphones so I think I’ll just use one of those.
hi, does it come with a stand?
Hi there, unfortunately it doesn’t come with one.
What Plugin/Library do you use for the instruments?
Hi there, I used Pianoteq for the piano sounds, Addictive Drums, Modo Bass, & Caspian Brass for the Horns and Trumpets. Hope that helps!
What speakers are those?
Hi there, Kali Audio LP-6
Is it weighted?
Semi-weighted
Martin Braithwaite?
Who?
Alesis Q88 desingn is ok. But for tuts are horrible 😥😥
What do you mean for tuts?
you mean like for making tutorials?