It's time to experience unprecedented keytar performance with the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2. The Vortex Wireless 2 eliminates the barrier between you and your audience by giving you the freedom to move around the stage and take the lead without being connected to any cables. This article walks through a number of frequently asked questions about the Alesis Vortex Wireless 2.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a computer to use the Vortex Wireless 2?
- Does the Vortex Wireless 2 require any drivers?
- What are the main differences between the Vortex Wireless and the Vortex Wireless 2?
- What is included in the box?
- Does the Vortex Wireless 2 come with any software?
- How do I get the software that is included?
- How do I Install Ableton Live Lite?
- How do I power the Vortex Wireless 2?
- What are the faders for?
- Is the wireless capability the same as the original Vortex Wireless?
- Can I use the Vortex Wireless 2 wirelessly with an external sound module?
- What are Ribbon Banks?
- Can I set the range of the tilt and ribbon controller?
- Does the Vortex Wireless 2 have a factory reset?
- If I lose the wireless receiver, can it be replaced?
Do I need a computer to use the Vortex Wireless 2?
The Vortex Wireless 2 will require either a computer with accompanying software* or a sound module (such as the M-Audio Accent module) in order to generate any sound. The keyboard will send MIDI messages wirelessly to the included USB receiver and/or to the 5-pin MIDI out port which will trigger sound in the connected software or sound module.
* The Vortex Wireless 2 includes the Ableton Live Lite software and several plugins to help you get started.
Does the Vortex Wireless 2 require any drivers?
No, the Vortex Wireless 2 is class-compliant and does not require any drivers for use with Mac and Windows operating systems.
What are the main differences between the Vortex Wireless and the Vortex Wireless 2?
The Vortex Wireless 2 shares a lot of the popular features from the original Vortex Wireless like the glossy black finish, MIDI-assignable accelerometer (tilt) and touch strip ribbon controller, thumb controlled volume slider and pitch-bend wheel on the neck, and more. Expanding on the original, the eight velocity-sensitive drum pads now have assignable RGB backlighting, and the three assignable knobs have been upgraded to eight backlit, MIDI-assignable faders to give you more wireless control over your sound.
The Vortex Wireless 2 also includes a brand new software package so you can get to making music right out of the box.
What is included in the box?
- Vortex Wireless 2
- USB Wireless Reciever
- USB Cable
- Strap
- Cable Harness
- Software Download Card (For Ableton Live Lite)
- User Guide
- Safety & Warranty Manual
Does the Vortex Wireless 2 come with any software?
The Vortex Wireless 2 comes with the following software:
- Ableton Live Lite
- Air Loom II
- Air Vaccum Pro
- Air Hybrid 3
- Air Xpand!2
- Way Out Ware TimewArp 2600
- Vortex Wireless 2 Software Editor
All software (with the exception of Ableton Live Lite) will be available from the user account page once the Vortex Wireless 2 has been registered. See the questions below for more information about accessing the software:
How do I get the software that is included?
Most of the available software for the Vortex Wireless 2 will be provided after registration of the product into your user account on the Alesis website. You will be required to enter your serial number and then a link will be provided.
- Go to https://www.alesis.com/account/signin/
- If you have an account; input your Email Address, Password and select the bottom Login to your Alesis account. If you do not have an account, create one.
- Once you have logged in or created your Alesis user account, choose Register Product.
- Enter the requested information to register your Vortex Wireless 2 and press Register My Product. Note: Include all the characters for the serial number including (21) and Purchase of Date by MM/DD/YYYY format.
- Once you have registered your Vortex Wireless 2, you can now find the downloads for the software within the My Products section.
How do I Install Ableton Live Lite?
A software download card for Ableton Live Lite is included in the box with your Vortex Wireless 2. Here you will find a download link and authorization code to activate the software. For more information on installing and getting started with Ableton Lite, please follow the link below.
https://www.ableton.com/en/live/learn-live/
How do I power the Vortex Wireless 2?
The Vortex Wireless 2 can be powered by (4) AA Batteries (batteries not included) or via USB cable. Use the power switch on the bottom (near the USB port) to power the keyboard on/off and select its power source.
What are the faders for?
You can use these faders to send MIDI CC messages to your software. You can set the range and CC message number—and the direction (“polarity”) of the fader—in the editor software found in your user account after registration.
Is the wireless capability the same as the original Vortex Wireless?
Yes! The Vortex Wireless 2 comes with a USB dongle allowing for easy wireless USB MIDI connection, just like the original Vortex Wireless. Simply connect the USB dongle to your computer, and then power on the Vortex Wireless 2, using (4) AA batteries (batteries not included). The USB receiver is always “paired” (wirelessly connected) to your Vortex Wireless 2, so no further steps are required.
Can I use the Vortex Wireless 2 wirelessly with an external sound module?
Yes, the Vortex Wireless can be connected to most external sound modules by using the included USB receiver or the 5-pin MIDI out port. If your external sound module has a USB port for the use of MIDI controllers, the Vortex Wireless 2 will work. If it does not, you can also use the 5-pin MIDI DIN port on the bottom of the Vortex Wireless 2 to connect directly to your external sound module.
What are Ribbon Banks?
The ribbon controller can store three different types of MIDI messages to be recalled by pressing one of the three Ribbon Bank buttons. This means that you can assign three different functions to the ribbon controller per preset and easily switch between them on the fly. All parameters can be set using the included software editor.
Can I set the range of the tilt and ribbon controller?
Yes, the software editor can be used to assign the range of the tilt and ribbon controllers, as well as assign MIDI type, CC, note, channel, and more.
Does the Vortex Wireless 2 have a factory reset?
To restore the default settings, press and hold the lowest C and Gb keys on the keyboard and use the power switch to power it on. This will erase all of the settings stored on your Vortex Wireless 2.
If I lose the wireless receiver, can it be replaced?
Yes, a new wireless receiver can be paired with your Vortex Wireless 2 using the software editor. In the software editor, go to File > Update USB Receiver Pairing and follow the instructions to enter the last 6-digits of the serial number on the wireless receiver to re-pair.
To obtain a replacement wireless receiver, please visit alesis.com/support to submit a support ticket or call your nearest Alesis Support team.