Category Archives: Vortex

Alesis Vortex: Modify the Ribbon Controller behavior

Posted on 2013/12/01 by rt

Some Keytar players use both hands on the keyboard part to play more complex notes arrangements. When I need to do that, I use a regular keyboard. As explained in a previous post, “I have seen keytar players “cross-under” the … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , | 11 Comments

Alesis Vortex: Testing remote Patch switch

Posted on 2013/11/09 by rt

The Alesis Vortex, using firmware 1.20, can now receive and act upon Program Change requests. This means that you can select a Vortex Patch remotely. I tested the new feature using my M-Audio Oxygen keyboard, but this will work with … Continue reading →

Posted in FCB1010, Music equipment, Vortex | Leave a comment

Alesis Vortex: Direct Patch programming using SysEx

Posted on 2013/11/08 by rt

In the previous post, I did a quick review of the new Vyzex Vortex software program. I also put in some details about the new features in firmware 1.20. I also updated the detailed user guide that I wrote a … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Alesis Vortex: Firmware update 1.20 and Vyzex Patch Edit program available

Posted on 2013/11/07 by rt

Well, Alesis is listening to it’s users. They have just published a new firmware version for the Vortex. Version 1.20: Allows compatibility with the Vyzex Vortex patch editor software Allows the pitch-bend wheel to be reversed Allows any pad to … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged | 9 Comments

MP-2 + MRe: Hacking the Alesis Vortex and using a Wireless Midi Transmitter

Posted on 2013/04/12 by rt

A two-project merge! The Alesis Vortex needed a bit more… controls! So I decided to add a few sensors that would give me greater flexibility when playing. The Vortex is already quite capable, but my left hand was not “used” … Continue reading →

Posted in Arduino, Electronics, MP, MP-2, Music equipment, Vortex | 3 Comments

MRe-2: A demo

Posted on 2013/03/11 by rt

I have decided to try the MRe-2 in a real setting. So I hooked up my keyboard and recorded a demo. It was done using Ableton Live 9. The trick was to setup 2 midi loops (using clips). The first … Continue reading →

Posted in Electronics, FCB1010, MP, MR, MRe, Vortex | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

Alesis Vortex: A better Manual: Functional Description and Midi Programming Guide

Posted on 2012/12/27 by rt

This Alesis Vortex User Guide is available as a PDF file. UPDATE 2013/11/7: Alesis posted a new firmware (1.20) and the Vyzex Patch Editing software on their site. I posted about the changes here. The new Firmware/Software combination kind of … Continue reading →

Posted in Vortex | Tagged , , | 151 Comments

Alesis Vortex – First Review: What’s inside? (Tear Down)

Posted on 2012/12/20 by rt

I received an Alesis Vortex today: Of course, I will do a user review.  I also did a functional review. But first, a tear-down! (As usual, a click on the picture will enlarge it) I will try to be precise … Continue reading →

Posted in Music equipment, Vortex | Tagged , , | 26 Comments