Alesis V25 MKII User Guide

Device Setup in Software

To select V25 MKII as a controller for your digital audio workstation (DAW):

1. Connect V25 MKII to your computer using a standard USB cable. (If you are connecting V25 MKII to a USB hub, make sure it is a powered hub.)
2. Open your DAW.
3. Open your DAW's Preferences, Options, or Device Setup, select V25 MKII as your hardware controller, and then close that window.

Your V25 MKII is now able to communicate with your software.

V25 MKII Editor Installation

We recommend visiting alesis.com and downloading the V25 MKII Editor, which gives you a visual and intuitive way to edit the various MIDI messages that V25 MKII's controls send to your computer.

Setup

You can power the keyboard via a powered USB port. The V25 MKIIs are low-power devices. It is recommended that you connect the V25 MKII to an onboard USB port or to a powered USB hub. Items not listed in Introduction > Box Contents are sold separately.

A diagram illustrates the connection: a computer is linked via USB to the Alesis V25 MKII, with a sustain pedal connected to the V25 MKII.

Top Panel

1. Pitch Wheel:

Moving this wheel sends MIDI Pitch Bend information.

2. Mod (Modulation) Wheel:

Moving this wheel sends continuous controller data—MIDI CC #01 (modulation), by default. The V Editor software can be used to set this wheel to send a different MIDI CC message.

3. Keyboard:

This 25-note keyboard is velocity-sensitive and, with the Octave Down/Up buttons, can access the full range of 127 available MIDI notes. Keys can also access additional commands.

4. Octave Down / Up Buttons:

Shift the keyboard's range up or down. Pressing both buttons simultaneously resets the octave shift to "zero."

5. Tap Tempo Button:

Tap at the desired rate to determine the tempo of the Arpeggiator. Note: This button is disabled if the Arpeggiator is synced to an external clock.

6. Full Level Button:

Activates or deactivates Full Level Mode, where pads always play at maximum velocity (127), regardless of playing force.

7. Note Repeat Button:

Activates or deactivates Note Repeat Mode. When active, striking a pad causes it to retrigger based on current Tempo, Time Division, and Swing settings.

8. Arpeggiator On/Off Button:

Turns the Arpeggiator on or off. Pressing it during a latched arpeggio stops the arpeggio. Note: Time Division, Swing, Tempo, and Tempo Sync settings are shared with Note Repeat. Changes in one mode affect the other.

Arpeggiator Settings (Hold Arpeggiator On/Off and press a key):

• Time Division: 1/4 note, 1/4T, 1/8 note, 1/8T, 1/16 note, 1/16T, 1/32 note, or 1/32T.
• Arp Type: Determines how arpeggiated notes are played back (Up, Down, Incl, Excl, Order, Rand).
• Latch: The Arpeggiator continues arpeggiating notes after fingers are lifted. More notes can be added to a latched arpeggio by pressing additional keys. Releasing and pressing new key combinations memorizes and arpeggiates them.
• Arp Octave: Controls the number of octaves (1-4) for arpeggiation.
• Swing: Off, 57%, 59%, 61%, or 64%.
• Sync: Controls whether the controller uses its internal MIDI clock or an external MIDI clock tempo received via USB. External mode is typically used with DAW software.

Hold Arpeggiator On/Off and turn Knob 1 to adjust the Gate parameter, which determines the length of arpeggiator notes. This can be changed during playback for effect.

9. Pads:

Trigger drum sounds or other samples. They are velocity-sensitive, responsive, and intuitive. The V25 MKII Editor can assign MIDI messages to each pad.

10. Assignable Knobs:

270° knobs send MIDI CC messages to software. The V25 MKII Editor can assign MIDI CC messages to each knob.

Rear Panel

1. USB Port:

USB 2.0 port for power and MIDI data transmission. Port 1 is for general MIDI data. Port 2 (EDITOR) is for data transfer between the controller and the V25 MKII Editor software.

2. Sustain Input:

Connect an optional 1/4" TS sustain pedal. The V Editor software can configure the sustain pedal for other MIDI CC messages.

3. Power On/Off Switch:

Powers the device on/off. When ON, V25 MKII is powered via USB. Holding Octave Down and Octave Up while turning on restores factory default settings.

4. Kensington® Lock Connector:

Compatible with standard laptop-style Kensington security cables for theft protection.

Technical Specifications

Power: Via USB

Dimensions (width x depth x height): 16.92" x 9.6" x 3.72" (43.0 x 24.4 x 9.4 cm)

Weight: 3.9 lbs. (1.75 kg)

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Trademarks & Licenses

Alesis is a trademark of inMusic Brands, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Kensington is a registered trademark of ACCO brands. All other product names, company names, trademarks, or trade names are those of their respective owners.