Anyone can play Keytar

If there was a last word in keytar controllers [there isn’t], it would be Alesis’ Vortex Wireless, which is being updated to its second version. Its 37 keys are imbued with aftertouch, and the eight inbuilt trigger pads are both backlit and velocity-sensitive. Making the controller look even more sensible are a further eight back-lit faders. So now you can complete your DAW project mixdowns via Keytar, which is basically the dream.

In truly understated style, the Vortex Wireless 2 has a tilt sensor for bendy performance larks. This can be assigned via MIDI, as can the controller’s touchstrip, zone, sustain and octave control buttons (located on the instrument’s neck.)

As if you weren’t sold already, the Vortex Wireless 2 also comes replete with four full software instruments from AIR Music Tech (Hybrid 3, Vacuum Pro, Loom 2 and Xpand!2), as well as Way Out Ware’s TimewARP 2600 and a licence for Ableton Live Lite.

Connection options include USB and MIDI, but if you don’t think you’d be taken seriously to be seen on-stage trailing a wire behind one of these things, the included USB dongle facilitates wireless performance.

The Vortex Wireless 2 is expected by Spring, with a retail price of $299. It comes with everything you need to get started, including a strap and Alesis’ Vortex Wireless 2 Editor application, which can control your setup and save presets. At this price, you need at least one.