Vortex Wireless Issue! Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Limited-Edition Red
Вставка
- Опубліковано 19 жов 2024
- I've owned 2 Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Limited-Edition red keytars, and they've both had the exact same issue about 6 months after receiving them. I still think it's a great controller, but watch this to make an informed decision if you plan on purchasing one!
![[Eng Sub] Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 midi keytar controller](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uCbIHaGL82o/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Eng Sub] Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 midi keytar controller](/img/tr.png)
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say it's a problem with the potentiometer in the wheel. Many manufacturers will use the cheapest electronic components they can to save money. The problem is, cheap potentiometers are not really designed to handle the continuous stress and use of a midi wheel. Products are supposed to be stress tested to detect these kinds of issues early on before releasing them to the market.
If you know a bit about electronics and soldering you can disassemble the controller and use a multimeter to test the potentiometer, if the problem is that then you can buy a good quality one and replace it yourself. Even if it voids the warranty, it might be less of a hassle than the back and forth with customer support. Regardless, I hope they do a good job with the repairs. Good luck!
Hey man, thanks for the insight! Makes a lot of sense. I'm not good at these kinds of things, but I have a friend or two who might help me out with this. Gonna see what gets sent back and maybe do a phone call or two :)
I agree with you good thing my dad thought me about replacing electronic parts
@@jovenkeystv4675 Yeah. Still, sucks that one should even be good at this things in the first place - when I get a controller, I expect it to work no matter how good (or bad!) I am at replacing electronic parts...
exactomundo. the only other keyboard I had same thing happen to was tiny no-name brand controller. once pitch wheel starts going renders whole thing useless. ah where's that number of the electronics replacement soldering guy!? ; )
So what do i, do, do I return it to the retailer telling them it’s just gonna happen again or do I fix it? Selling is kind of a problem for me.
Thank you for this update. I am glad I still kept my Roland AX1 I do like the versatility of the Vortex Wireless 2. I have not used mine much yet though but I will be on the lookout
My pleasure. Yeah, definitely let me know if you start having any issues with it!
Thank god i saw this video! I was about to buy it! I had the exact same problem with an m-audio midi controller (only difference: it began happening almost 5 yrs later). At first i also thought it was a mechanical problem with the pitch-bender, so i tested it by removing the wires connecting the pb to the mainboard... and it STILL persisted, with the pb disconnected!!! It seems to be an issue that has to do with the mainboard chip or something. Probably unsolvable! (and it was a reason to throw away my although well preserved keyboard.. which became useless!!!)
Sorry to hear that. Makes sense to me though: M-Audio and Alesis are both under the InMusic umbrella, so their MIDI controllers are probably manufactured at the same plant using the same technology - and having the same issues
Thank you very much for this video and i just bought my vertex 2 from thoman. Im living in dubai so i guest ill just have to replace the potentiometer of the pitch bend with a good quality. God bless and keep safe
My pleasure! Wow, didn't even know Thomann was active outside of Europe. Regardless, you won't regret your decision of going through them for your purchase! Have fun with your new keytar!
@@TheNeonSyndicate yeah thoman is popular here in uae. Hope you can also share a video setting up the vortex 2 🙏
@@jovenkeystv4675 I have a video that goes in that direction, ua-cam.com/video/W0vB5hBQqIo/v-deo.html it's more about how I used to set up Ableton Live Lite (included!) with the Vortex, maybe it could help! There also is a Preset Editor utility that you can use to change various things on the Vortex itself like the color of the drum pads, what the sliders and touch strip control etc., if you're interested I could maybe do a video on that one, too
@@TheNeonSyndicate thanks so much bro
@@jovenkeystv4675 no sweat 👍
same issue, but with sustain. I thing I found out is that if you assign one of the pads to "panic", it might solve the problem.
Thanks for reporting that. Great workaround, but still, having to lose one of the already few pads doesn't seem like something you should be forced to do after just a few months of use
I was actually about to purchase this one since it is dirt cheap. However having pitch issues is a serious no go for me. Just wondering, is there a way to disable the pitch part completely? Most likely I would use the pitch bend most of the time.
On the DAW end of things, you can make sure your soft synth doesn't react to PB wheel MIDI messages. That's most certainly doable, but obviously you sacrifice your wheel (you could use the touch strip though I guess). It might even be possible to set things up that way in the Vortex utility, so those PB messages don't even get sent to the DAW in the first place, but don't quote me on that
I have had 3 alesis vortex wireless 2 (All of them in black) and the problem is always the pitch wheel, it starts moving alown, and it goes back to the tune its self, and is si anoying because your playing a song or something and its starts getting out of tune, its a really Nice keytar, but thats the same problem 😞
Guess I wasn't simply unlucky, sounds like a general problem with these devices. Sorry to hear about your experience, what controller do you use now?
@@TheNeonSyndicate I have just bought the arturia keylab essential mk3 and it's a very good keyboard I recommend it a lot !!!
@@SaulMedina.... Nice one! Comes with some cool pieces of software as well right?
I’ve had my 3rd vortex 2 for about a year now. The issues with the first 2 were pitch related. The first would randomly drift out of tune, and occasionally come back. It became unusable for live… but I’ve still used it for recording… I accredited the issue to the accelerometer. The 2nd… the pitch wheel just literally broke. I really baby my current vortex. I bought a special case for it, and reinforce the neck area with the pitch wheel. So far so good. Obviously they’re cheaply made. Fortunately they’re not too expensive to replace. I wouldn’t even bother getting one repaired.
Glad to hear your current one is working well. Also, don't get me wrong, here but hearing how you too have had similar if not exactly the same issues as me kinda gives me vindication - like, it's not just me who's super unlucky, but apparently it's a more widespread problem. Thanks for sharing your story! Btw, I ended up selling mine as soon as it came back and, as much as I love keytars, I ended up buying a Novation Launchkey instead - gives me that tight Ableton integration I've always dreamed of.
@@TheNeonSyndicate I hear you. I’ve been strapping keys on since my first KX5 in the 80’s. So I’m kind of stuck on keytars. I did just get a Yamaha Reface CP though. I’m thinking of drilling a couple of pegs on each side, and strapping that on. It’s very well made, and the sounds are legit. (Just no pitch bend wheel… )
@@Jamaicafunk Well, no pitch bend wheel means one less piece that could break on you hehe. And yeah, keycard are the king of cool. Especially wireless ones! Gonna miss being able to leave the stage to just mix with the audience while playing. At the same time, I've always been more of a MIDI controller guy, my computer handles all the sounds, so having a controller that seamlessly integrates with my software has priority over that. Just had a look at the Reface CP, it has a nice clean look to it, at the same time I'm digging those vintage-looking knobs! And Yamahas shouldd be pretty solid, too. Does it have a MIDI out too?
@@TheNeonSyndicate yes it does. As well as USB. It’s pretty badass. If I really want pitch bend… I’d probably get a Reface DX, but I’m kind of done with dated FM synths. Wireless is the way to go for me now. I like stealing the spotlight from guitar players. 😎
@@Jamaicafunk A very noble purpose indeed my friend 😁 Have fun!
another question-how often did you use your Alesis before it started playing up? Daily? Could it be something to do with humidity?
Daily use, yeah. Don't have any humidity issues where I live, none that I'm aware of at least - no mold on walls or anything
You have very nice voice;) Thank you for sharing your insights, I wonder if only special edition is affected. You just saved me ton of money(these are twice the price in NZ). Also wondering whether you have tried a keytar Xbox controller? those are super cute keytars! Would you dare to buy another Alesis (not a red one)
Why, thank you. Didn't know those xbox controllers existed! A quick ecosia search didn't produce any results though, do you have any pictures? Would love to check them out! As far as the Alesis Special Edition, I had my student get one for himself about 2-3 years ago (so before mine started having these weird issues) and he's been a happy camper since. That being said, he doesn't usually "mistreat" the PB wheel like I (have to) do in my solos on this channel, so maybe it's just gonna take more time in his case 🤷♂ You might be on to something though: if you check out Alesis' website, they removed the special red edition and only feature the standard black one, so it could be that the issues only affected the red one. Just speculating here though so take it with a pinch of salt. Would I dare buy another one? I have to say, there's no other pure MIDI controller keytar that's as beautiful AND functional as this one. It has all the controls that make sense and, most importantly, they are located where one would instinctively expect to find them, and in such a disposition that you don't ever risk pushing the wrong button at the wrong time. I also liked that springy key action. So I have to admit, if my current keytar ever packs up (which, idk, it's a 1988 Yamaha SHS-200 so at this point I suspect it's probably immortal), I would consider getting the black one. Now I'd do a deep dive to see if any other people have had any other issues with it first, granted. But it wouldn't be off the table
Is sad that a prestiguous brand like Alessis looses credibility for not spend 2 more bucks in a component and makes the client unhappy with the product and put him in a possible trouble in his work . . . I was planning to buy this keytar, but I will wait to hear more, or maybe wait the next version . . . Thanks man, please inform me how everything went (hope fine) and if the replacing of the potentiometer is an easy operation.
Yeah, it's unfortunate. I ended up sending back my second one to be repaired, too, then sold it and went for a YAMAHA SHS-200 which I've been using for the last year and a half without issues
Alesis is owned by InMusic, which is owned by a guy who keeps himself out of the public eye for…reasons. There are stories of him ceasing royalty payments to designers and stuff, just because he can bankrupt them with legal fees if they try to force InMusic to pay, as a way to improve the profitability of brands he buys. In short, InMusic has a poor corporate ethical culture, and as you can see here that tends to lead to underperforming financials. If I remember right (I read the research on this like 10 years ago), businesses with strong corporate ethical culture financially outperform those with weak ethical culture by as much as 30%. After the fiasco with shipping from the local supplier vs. the German suppler, who do you think this dude is going to buy his next instrument from, and who is he going to send 9000 of his European friends to? Multiply that by several million or tens of millions and you've got quite a difference in shareholder value, stock prices, revenues, profits, etc.. The customer isn't always right-you don't need money from assholes-but VERY few of your customers will have an expensive problem, and almost none of your customers will try to bilk you with bullshit, so this is simply a much better and more profitable way to operate.
Hi, this just happened to me and the retailer I bought it from is fine with fixing it but what’s the point if it’s gonna brake again. Do you have any advice
Sorry to hear that. When did you get it, and after how much time did the issue manifest itself? Also, is it covered by warranty? If so, for how much longer?
@@TheNeonSyndicate I bought it somewhere between late October early November and the warranty lasts for a year they say they're fine with fixing it for free.
The issue started about a week ago
@@faefsdew Gotcha. I was in a similar situation with my second Vortex: issue started some months (in my case 6) after purchase and I could get it fixed for free as per the warranty. I got it fixed and sold it immediately, informing the buyer of the issue, that it had been fixed and that there was still some time before the warranty expired in case he'd need to have it fixed again. Invested the money I got into getting my current keytar, the Yamaha SHS-200.
Exact same issue with my Vortex Wireless 2. My Vortex and Vortex Wireless 1 have no issue. Alesis have told me they are not interested in attempting ANY out of warranty repairs. I've asked for a schematic/wiring diagram so I can go in myself. They haven't even bothered to acknowledge my request. Very poor.
A workaround for live work is to set the pitch bend wheel Midi Channel to one that isn't being used by your sound module/keybed and reassign the ribbon controller to Pitch (& Release Mode = RETURN) for the Channel assigned to the keybed
That's really poor. Sorry to hear that. But unfortunately not too dissimilar from my experience with Air Music, another one of the InMusic brands. That's why I ditched that company altogether and switched to different manufacturers for my keys & software
Wow, I'm so sorry to hear about your awful experience. If you don't mind me asking, what color was your Vortex? Wondering if the theory that only the red models have this issue might be true...
@@mysticmoondustt314 There might be some truth to that, as that's exactly the color of both units I owned. I don't even see the red edition on Alesis' website anymore so 🤷♂
oh god. hope this isnt super common. really interested in one.
I can tell you this. My student has had one for almost 3 years, no problems yet. He doesn't use it as often as I did though.
My usb dongle no longer recognizes the controller. What do I do to pair again?
Sorry man, I have no idea. Sold this controller years ago. Is it still under warranty? If so, send it back and have it repaired
Hi , my keytar have some issues with the sounds. When I’m playing it’s just stop randomly and sometimes start to bogging on notes . What should I do ? Is it my software I use MainStage 3 to play ?
You using a Vortex? What kind of connection, USB or wireless?
@@TheNeonSyndicate USB and wireless
@@woobensparent6744 Do you have another piece of software you can test it with? Garageband maybe?
@@TheNeonSyndicate Logic Pro ? Maybe
@@woobensparent6744 Good. Then I'd suggest you try it out on that DAW as well and see if the problem persists first
Does this only happen with the 'red' version?
Never got a black one so I wouldn't know I'm afraid
I feel I must ask
Does this problem present with the wireless mode only or with the USB mode as well?
Sure. Should've mentioned it. Issue persists no matter the connection method!
@@TheNeonSyndicate How much was yours? the problem might be regional factory related
I mean I've had a look at German amazon and it was around 270 Euros there (300 US Dollars) and the same price in some other regions like the UK (225 Pounds) but in the US it is 400 USD and I've seen the reviews but no such complains (I'm Egyptian btw and here it costs 7600 EGP (400 USD)
What do you think?
@@AhmedHassan94 Yeah, the price I paid was in that range, it was 227 Euros for the first one and 225 for the second one. I've also checked a ton of reviews before buying it, but no mention of the specific issue I encountered
I’m actually having the same issue with my vortex wireless 2. I Have tried reaching out for solution. But I’m not getting any reply.
Yeah, as I say, contacting that unified InMusic Brands customer service is unfortunately not a viable solution. It just isn't. You should contact the store you purchased your unit from directly. I hope the warranty hasn't expired yet!
@@TheNeonSyndicate thank you very much.
@@nuelcobbold My pleasure. Good luck!
I bought my red version in 2018 from Musicians Friend in the US. It’s been fine up until a month ago when first the wireless wouldn’t connect to Windows. Then a few days later, when using the USB cord, Windows refused to recognise it. Since it is out of warranty, I had a local tech look at it but he couldn’t locate the fault. All the buttons do light up but the USB connection and wireless fail. I have a support ticket out but not sure what they will say. Boo hoo - I liked playing it!!
Sorry to hear that. My guess (that's as good as anybody's so take it with a pinch of salt) is that this could be a Windows related issue. Like, drivers needing to be updated/reinstalled, that sort of thing.
Vortex I (non wireless) with 'issues':
1) recently pitch wheel started to send aleatoric values when pushed to very left side
2) pressing the 'lowest A-key' while pressing the sustain button 'in the middle' caused a burst emission of hundreds of ramdom midi messages (messing up the connected synthesizer :/). There is at least one other report of this bug in the web. Contact to Alesis support was very friendly - but without result (as expected...). Workaround: open the key and cover the contact field in the middle of the sustain button with tape (the sustain button will only react when pressed at its ends - but that's not a big issue when playing).
3) the battery cover started to fall off (ejecting batteries...): the plastic braces lost tension. Solution: heat-gun, heat with care and bend the braces back (e.g. by aid of a screw driver).
--
The concept is great - compared to Roland-monsters it's at affordable, compact and VERY lightweight, clever controllers - - - but the overall build quality is really CHEAP, the plastic case is crack-friendly (never drop that thing on stage), the key action is a pain ' (the mechanism without 'springs' but bending plastic tongues originates from very cheap beginner keyboards, keys feel like 'rubber', travel is way too long - 13mm - weighting of white and black keys is uneven), wireless connection reportetly causes midi hangers 'on stage'
Thanks for sharing your experience. Gotta admit, the Vortex 2 seems much more solid than its predecessor, never had any of the issues you mentioned, in particular as far as wireless MIDI goes I've never had any hanging notes. But that pitch bend wheel seems to continue to be its Achille's heel...
Anybody knows this keybed compatible with mark 1 vortex?i dont like the rigid keybed of old version
What do you mean compatible?
@@TheNeonSyndicate i have the vortex..not version 2..the key is terrible to play..not smooth..maybe can order the mk2 keys n replace..
@@imuzikworkstation3530 I see what you mean. Not an expert by any means but maybe rather than the keys themselves (which, you know, it's just plastic anyway) it's just a matter of screwing some screws tighter or something?
Hi, does anyone knows if the same problem and any other hardware related problems exists with previous versions of the Alesis Vortex?
I remember checking various forums etc. before purchasing the controller and I think there were a lot of issues being reported with the wireless connection on the previous model. Don't quote me on that one though, might have been the Vortex 2 but a previous firmware version
@@TheNeonSyndicate Ok. Thank you anyway. Looking forward for feedback from other users as well. In any case, 1) would you please post, if you know, the details of a suitable weel potentiometer alternative for the Vortex 2 as I might try to do the replacement by myself? A picture of it would also be appreciated if possible. 2) Is the manual of the Vortex 2 complete and if it is not where can I find more in deep information about the Vortex 2? Thank you in advance for the video and information provided :)
@@claudiod.7385 Np. As far as the mechanics go, I'm afraid I cannot be of much help. User "Thirs7y" who commented just below seemed like someone who's competent in that department though! As far as the manual goes, I found the provided documentation very thorough, but just in case, I did a little video, a bit of an "unboxing + explaining" kind of thing: ua-cam.com/video/ZkcZRHIj8I4/v-deo.html
@@TheNeonSyndicate Cool. Thank you so much again. Take care.
I have the same issue time to time.
Sorry to hear that. On the other hand, good to hear I'm not the only one 🥲
Is there any update? Has it been fixed?
Thanks for your interest. It has been fixed and was sent back to me, but I didn't even open the package: I just went ahead and created a listing on an Italian online store specializing in used musical instruments, where I was able to sell it for a good price relatively quickly. The buyer was of course informed of everything, and I even offered to provide help with any issues he might have. Haven't heard from him since (and he was the kind of person who would text me a lot with all sorts of questions), so I can only assume it's working properly now!
ciao Gabi! stame ben!
Ola mon capitain! Tutto ok, ma ti avviso subito che ci sono dei grandi cambiamenti di attrezzatura all'orizzonte... Aspetto solo il black friday per risparimare un po' :) Stay tuned!