Alesis QS6.1

This is my first keyboard. The manual needs an index. It is written for somone with more experience then myself, although I have been able to figure most of it out. Manual has almost no mention of the software that is included, which was a big reason for me to purchase. Control setup is good, and I did get used to it fairly quickly.

64 voice,more then enough for me. Action is quite nice. Effects are very good, and quite clean, and easy to manipulate in real time. Have not bought expansion cards yet, as I have had to many software problems-Alesis to send me new disc (Had to go to sales manager) No sequencer, as it is included in software (I am using different software. Seems to have good MIDI capabilities.

Most sounds are good, expecially piano and organ. Bass and lead-type synth sound have a lot to be desired, Hopefully I can get software working so I can import some sounds. Good selection of drum sounds, I use with my drum machine. I like the action, especially for organ sounds.

Seems to be built like a tank- all metal case, and no knobs other then the two wheels (which seem tough) to break) Switches seem to be good quality.

Here is the downfall. I ordered a serial cable, the wrong one was sent, I was charged 50% restocking, and $20.00 shipping on the right one. Footswitch was DOA, after a month and half, I still have not recieved replacement, even though I returned it with an authorization #. I was treated very rudely by parts department,who claimed all mishaps were my fault. I have not been able to get software, including serial driver to work with my PC to work, the main reason I chose this synth. Luckily, Windows ME has Alesis driver built in, so I purchase another software package for sequencing. I finally spoke to sales manager,who says he is going to fix everything for me. If I can't get satisfaction, I will sell it.(I've had it too long to return to store) I am not a happy boy.

I would have rated this as very good, however the customer service was so bad, It made me want to return. I have so far had good luck with my Alesis drum machine and Nanoverb, which is why I chose an Alesis synth. As my first MIDI instrument, I am very disapointed. If the service department did what they were supposed to, I probably would have been happy. I will not buy another Alesis product.Let's see if the manager I spoke with does what he said he will do.

The QS6.1 is a brilliant keyboard, simply brilliant. Personally, there?s only one reason that makes me buy a new keyboard: inspiration. If I don?t get inspired from the first moment I play around with it, I just turn it off and that?s it. But with this machine, I immediately started recording while trying out the patches and mixes? so many instantaneous ideas for various styles of music felt nice!

Presets are divided into patches (single sounds with up to 4 voices) and mixes (with up to 16 patches)? this means, on a mix you can have 16x4 = 64 voices! Of course, with a 64-note polyphony, you?ll only be able to play a note at once. The patches and mixes are great both in terms of quantity and quality. Inside you?ll find anything you want, ranging from delicious synthpads and textures, to some real pianos and guitars, bass sounds ranging from techno to ?standard? ones, synthleads and many, many different types of unexpected textures. Some are combinations of drum/percussion sounds with leads or pads, on a single midi channel.

Editing patches, to be true, I consider it to be ?acceptable?. It?s not the kind of synth that I feel like I can make any type of sound that I need starting from a zero basis. On the other hand, the available patches are so many, that I usually just pick one, which is near the sound that I need, and start to edit. This is fast and the results are the desired ones. By the end, that?s what counts most for me? if I get the result, I?m happy. Patch editor (various available on the Net) simplifies this task, and I mean a lot.

About the manual, is the first one that I had some fun while reading. The text is clear and the approach to the reader is quite ok, really. The guys who wrote this should be no older than 30! I would like to see some parts a bit more detailed, but oh well. Still, if Alesis had kept its good writing plus some extra detail, it would have been perfect. And by the way: no index at the end. They say the manual is so clear and straightforward that they didn?t need to put one? wrong decision. We are the ones to decide what?s clear. Nevertheless, navigation thought the QS6.1 is quite simple and straightforward. Saying this let me add that the real-time sliders are a good tool for immediate processing. You can assign these to the parameters you want, and use them over you sound.

Overall appreciation to its easy of use, I?d give it a 9 for the mentioned facts. It?s in fact easy, but 10 is a rate I always keep on my pocket until a synth that talks to me and reacts to my whishes comes on the scene (one day?). LCD is big and helps a lot (it shows slider position as well), buttons feel nice to touch, and the wheels are made of rubber. Not plastic! Positive decision from Alesis. Keyboard action is just great, well weighted.

Polyphony is 64. So far, no problems with it at all. Keyboard action is good, very good indeed. I?ve been trying other keyboards like the CS6x, S30, X5D, XP30/60/80, and I like this much. Effects are rich and real. I love the reverbs, just like I do the delays and chorus. Sliders can take care of this job, when applying these into sounds. Great. When I bought my QS6.1, I immediately started to change effect parameters without reading the manual. Not that hard, although you can go into some serious programming to get even more detailed and complex effect structures. The QS allows you to. One very good feature is that you can copy the effect parameters applied to a certain patch into another one, meaning that with so many pre-programmed factory combinations, it?s always easy to find one and simply copy it into your own arrangement. I like this very much. Very useful.

Expansion is provided through 2 back slots. Whether these are RAM or ROM, just plug it and use it. Abuse it! If you want, you can buy a 512 SRAM (around $60-70) card and put inside 8 banks. 1 bank consists of 128 patches plus 100 mixes? ok, where?s the calculator? 228 times 8, gives you 1824 sounds in one card on the moment. Besides, available onboard are 5 banks more, giving you a total of almost 3000 sounds available inside the box! That?s something! But ok, if you don?t wanna spend more money, just use the software provided with the synth, and load the banks, save it? whatever you want. At this point it?s worth to mention that Alesis also provides a huge amount of banks on this CD-Rom. From synths to pads, real instruments, dance stuff... so many delicious brand new sounds!

The QS6.1 also behaves well when working as a midi controller. One extra bonus is the serial interface, which replaces midi cable and has roughly twice the speed of the later. Use it to load banks, transfer sysex data, patches, samples and midi? everything. Nice.

Overall appreciation to its features, I would say I?d give it a 8. It has everything I need for my PC-based studio. I?d put some realtime knobs on the top, but that?s it, not much to say (I admit it would blow its nice looking). No sequencer, thanks, otherwise I would have to pay much more for something I wouldn?t use. PC?s does it much better. The only thing is: if it had an arpeggiator, I would consider to give it a 9 or even a 10. I miss it, and that would have been a very useful feature.

Well, well? here we go. The reason why we all buy synths! First let me say something? I?ve been looking to other posted messages. Even before buying the QS and some other gear, I?ve been using some Internet reviews before buying. My point: NEVER buy a piece of gear just because someone loves it and talks of that in a very passionate way. Example: I compared reviews from the XP-60 and by the end I just said, ?I?m loosing my time?. Many people love some synths, some other hate it. Piece of advice: ALWAYS go to your music store and try it out. Even if the guys get bored, don?t care. Put the phones and rock, forget what?s around? that?s always the best!

Ok, saying this, here we go.

The QS has everything. From dance-based bass and leads to orchestral instruments, guitars to flutes? everything! I liked the QS because I wanted to buy a flexible keyboard and that?s precisely what this machine is all about. While navigating though the sounds, sometimes I consider it to be oriented for this, sometimes for that? and the reason is that it has so much of everything that it covers all my needs. Honestly, a more mature appreciation leads me to say that is a flexible and complete machine for many types of music. Not one specifically.

In more detail now. Synthpads are a must. Rich, warm and luxurious. So many types, so many variations? for every taste. From silent pads to warm effects, aggressive entrances to expressive textures, it?s all there. Very, very good. That?s my gold metal for the QS, along with the pianos, which are clean and real. The ?TruePiano? patch is simply perfect, and from my point of view, even better than the Roland one and far much better than the Korg or Yamaha? but hey, don?t forget that?s my opinion. Others have their own, which I respect. Guitars are very nice, although some sound a bit too crispy and a little to bright. On the other hand, if you use these over your sequencing work, with bass and warm patches, you also get a very interesting mixture, and they get more alive. I like this. Some of the sounds tend to sound like that, very bright. In some cases I thing Alesis could have arrange these better, but on the other hand this gives a certain ?character? to many of the patches when mixed. Drums are quite usable, some very useful indeed, although some not that much. I think you?ll need and external source for your drum arrangements in order to complete the QS6.1. Anyway, from latin to asian styles, techno to rock, they?re there. I miss something like trance-oriented styles, but that?s me, and it would be asking too much (maybe). Bass collection is vast and, again, for every taste. Good quality in my opinion. I like the synths and strings, and also again, some I consider as being ?usable? only but some are rich and beautiful. Very good brasses. About noises, cosmic and strange effects, you get a lot of it. It?s hard to define if a strange or crazy noise is good, but truth is that the sound is nice and clean, and I rest my case to that. I presume it?s a matter of taste or preference.

There are a lot of complex patches and mixes, some with rhythm lines and arpeggiator-type included. On these, many are wonderful, and for the first time concerning sounds, I must admit that some sucks. Not the quality in itself, but rather the arrangements that Alesis has choose. But? oh well, I live with that. One good thing is the applied effects, which give some other dimension to the sounds. Alesis was smart when deciding on what parameters to apply to the sliders, concerning the type of patch used, I mean, if you have a piano surely you don?t want to have a slider just for distortion (don?t you?!), but rather reverb, some chorus, etc. The same applies to ?spatial? sounds and pads, where they chose the right effects for the sliders (this means that for every patch/mix you call, the sliders have different pre-programmed parameters). Great!

All in all, this synth as some incredible sounds. It?s very flexible and has i

No 10?s can be given here, unless I would drop it from an aircraft, the synth would get into 1001 pieces, and 15 min after the manufacturer would have it fixed. But this seems to be one on the best-built synths I?ve seen, solid as a rock (just try to walk around with it for your gigs!). Looks like it?s worth the money, not plastic at all. Don?t worry if it falls, but careful with the floor. :-)

About a backup, no matter what pieces of gear you have? just do it! You never know, do you? But generally speaking, it never failed me and seems to be pretty reliable. Both inside/outside.

I give this a 10. But that?s ?my? 10. Let me tell you why? I never had to fix it, although I already had the need to speak with Alesis about some technical stuff and general information about the gear. I usually do it by email, and as far as that concerns, it worked out perfectly. The guys were fast on the reply, and precise on the contents. That?s how I like it (we, I guess). So, this ?10? concerns my personal situation, and the net support they gave me in Europe. Moreover, Alesis is working fine if many European countries, cause I sent emails to more than one nation. The result was always the same: fast and precise.

Still, if it gets to major repairs, I can?t comment on that.

I paid 1300 DM in Germany. 2 weeks of use, completely new. Worth every single coin. I wanted to buy it back in Portugal where I live, but prices were the double? nevertheless, even if I had paid that market price, I?d surely be happy anyway.

If stolen, I?d buy it again, sure, or maybe the 7.1 with its 76 keys. I?ve been around with some other Yamaha and Korg synths for the most. This is the one I consider being more complete, more flexible, and more realistic. It?s inspiring. This almost says it all. A wonderful piece of gear that is the heart of my studio. Sounds are excellent, rich and warm depending on the kind, with really good sound quality. I love the pianos, the various types of textures and pads, leads, and effects. And it comes with hundreds and hundreds of new sounds on the CD, for dance, orchestral environments, strings parts? so many! Software is also provided by Alesis on the CD as well.

For the bad part, I wish Alesis had done a better job on those rhythm+bass+something patches and mixes (nevertheless, some are great fun) but that?s it. Go into editing and just change it. The drum sounds could be a bit better, but I?ll get a DR-202 soon, so? oh well. I miss the arpeggio, I think it would have been a truly great add, but I can live without it.

Besides this, the synth is a hell of a machine. Solid! Keyboard action is wonderful. The LCD is generous and easy to read. Great quality for such a price? that?s value for money, as I said before. By the time I bought it, I also considered the XP-30 and Korg N5EX. I?m happy with the decision. It was worth it. It?s like I?m not trying to get ideas for my compositions, but rather the QS is opening a big door into creativity. I can?t ask more!

That?s why I buy synths: inspiration and creativity. And it?s all there? at least for me.

If you want some more info, just reach me at:

in2existence@hotmail.com.


- Nelson Vaz

OH MY GOSH!!! I LOVE THIS SYNTH!!! So easy to use. I haven't tried editing any of the preset sounds or created ANY of my own sounds because the presets are slammin'. I didn't have to read the manual as far as to access the sounds in both the Program Mode and Mix mode. I haven't loaded the software on my computer yet but when I get to that point, I know that I won't be dissapointed.

64 poly is enough for me. Expansion caoabilities; RAM and ROM!! This synth has it all. No onboard sequencer though but that's what the computer is for (or a multitrack). Man, the 4 sliders and the effects -- I LOVE IT!!!

This is my first pro-keyboard so excuse me if I sound to excited! The sounds on this bad boy are VERY useable, without tweaking! As far as sounds goes, it depends on what you're looking for. All the sounds are useable for whatever style or genre of music you're into. I love the velocity and aftertouch - perfecto!

I can't imagine that this synth would need a backup of any kind. All I can say is that it hasn't crashed or cause problems with my setup (which is just a few things).

Haven't dealt with Customer Support yet so I cannot comment on this section.

You know, it's funny that I bought this keyboard because I'd never played on it in the music store, so I really didn't know what this keyboard sounded like and if I would like it. All I know was that I wanted a pro-keyboard! I was ready to buy either the Korg N5EX or Roland XP-30 because I like some of the features on both. Man oh man, I'm glad I didn't!! YES I would DEFINATELY buy this synth again if it were lost or stolen!! Though it lacks an arpeggiator so I'll just use my computer sequencer's arpeggiator for that if need be or just do it myself. I couldn't afford the 76 key QS7.1 at the time but I do have a Yamaha PSR-GX76 that I can use to midi to the QS6.1 if I ever need 76 keys to access the Alesis sounds without transposing. I'm in the process of writing some songs with it now and with the Alesis SR-16 and recording it on my TASCAM 414-mkII (I might hook it up to my computer, who knows). If it had a onboard sequencer, that would've driven up the price. Now I'll just buy the Roland JV1010 module for the expansion board sounds and buy either Korg X5DR or the Korg NX5R module for Korg sounds (because space is limited for more keyboards!!). I highly recommend this synth to ANYONE, pro or not!! Though if you need more keys, get the QS7.1 or QS8.1.


PEACE!

The presets are decent - I have had to adjust effects on several of them, though. Very easy to use (the last synth I used extensively was a Yamaha DX-21). I am a guitar player using this for recording/sequencing. I have not yet had to edit any patches. The manual is adequate.

The 4 slider controls are great. Keyboard action is good for this price range. I agree with previous posts regarding crappy sus. pedal. Expansion capabilities are vast (Soundbridge, QCards, SRAM Cards, etc.). By utilizing Soundbridge and a PC or Mac, you can create your own samples, or import samples of various other formats. Where else do you see this feature in this price range??
I almost got a QSR - then I saw that the QS6.1 had (almost) all the features of the QSR, plus a 61-key velocity and aftertouch sensitive kbd, and more buttons (easier control) for only $200 more.

Most instruments are very realistic, with the exception of the strings and the acoustic basses. Organs are great, and I look forward to more when my Vintage Keyboards QCard comes in. Synth sounds are also quite good. Pianos are great, IMO. I've read reviews on other sites complaining about Alesis pianos (and other sounds). I believe the problem with these folks' sounds lies in their amplification, NOT within the QS.
Velocity sensitivity is very good, but aftertouch is somewhat less wonderful.

I feel quite sure that it will prove most reliable. Metal construction. Keys seem suitable for all but the most violent of players. My 2 1/2 year old has already proven this.

N/A

If you are looking for an expandable, affordable, great sounding synth, look no further. All in all, better sounds/performance/ features than similarly priced offerings by Korg or Roland.
If it were lost or stolen, I would replace it immediately.

The presets are great, as well as their organization. I brought the keyboard to the church I play at the week I bought it and selected sounds for each song on-the-fly in my headphones. I haven't really delved into patch-editing yet (I'm very much an out-of-the-box user), but the manual is very easy to understand and it comes with a Quick Reference card to get you started on that kind of stuff.

I don't know the exact polyphony, but I've never had notes drop out on me before and I use it for intense MIDI sequencing. The keyboard action is just about the best feeling I've ever gotten on a "cheap" board. The pressure sensitivity feature is kind of funky and takes getting used to, althoug the fact that it's there at all on a keyboard of this price is great. The effects, quite simply, are wonderful. Very lush reverb on the classical piano sound, especially. Expansion seems easy, although I haven't tried it. There's two slots on the back to insert QCards for extra sounds and patches, or else you can put in a FlashRAM card with your own patches or even to play back your MIDI sequences. As far as MIDI is concerned, I use it for MIDI controller for other modules live, and for MIDI playback in my "studio", and it is flawless. No onboard sequencer, but like I said you can use it live to play back sequences off a FlashRAM card so you don't have to lug a computer to gigs.

The sounds overall are MUSICAL. I can flip through patches all day, and nearly every one inspires some kind of musical thought or creation. The realism is about the same as other keyboards: the warm synth pad sounds are awesome, the pianos are versatile and workable, the horns and winds are funky. The effects are Alesis's topnotch studio effects, so they rock.

This keyboard is quite dependable, as it is made of metal. I did have to tighten some screws on the bottom when I got it, but they probably became loose during shipping. Also, it has sat in my hot vehicle, neglected, for days at a time and no problems with it (knock on wood, and no I'm not pressing my luck anymore).

I've never had to call customer support. But, Alesis's tech support is SUPPOSED to be good.

I would definitely buy this synth again if it were lost or stolen. I don't think there's a much better value out there than the QS6.1. In shopping around I looked at keyboards with similar features that cost much more (granted, they were from a certain two companies who have THE BEST sounds, whose names start with R and K). For what I do (MIDI sequencing and pop/rock live keys), it is perfect. It eliminates having to cart around a huge rig. Overall, this is a great synth in any case, but when you see the price range it's in it absolutely will blow your mind.

The presets on this synth are great! With additional Q Cards, you can add more sounds in the style you prefer. The addition of the SoundBridge software allows you to download new sounds to disk to play on the QS6.1. Awesome! I haven't tried editing yet, but there is additional computer software for that, so I think it's pretty flexible. The manual is okay.

You can read the other reviews for the features, but I have one quibble: I wish Alesis added the ability to use pure tone tunings and others rather than just equal temperment. Just my personal thought. Apart from that, it has the goods.

Very good sounds. I actually like the drums and synths very much. The weaker sounds are the orchestral instruments. I think this synth is great for dance, techno, rock, etc. You can use it as a good scratch pad for orchestral stuff, but you won't fool anyone.

Just got it. Alesis gear has held up for me in the past, so I have no worries.

I haven't dealt with them, but I guess we'll see how long it takes to get my free Q Card with the purchase.

Value is awesome! I am primarily a guitar player who wants to use the QS6.1 for recording, songwriting etc. I am very happy with this synth. Far superior to other synths in it's price range. I would buy it again if it were stolen. Well worth the money.

I've had QS6.1 for about 4 months, basically for having a second keyboard on stage. I play classic rock and blues mostly, so I needed organ and piano (acoustic and electric) presets as well as some warm pads and strings. I am a bit lazy in programming and was looking for a keyboard with a large selection of presets, as well as the ability to change sounds fast on stage. QS 6.1 has responded very well to those demands, and I found it very convenient to have around when the power supply of the other keyboard decided to retire on stage. The manual is OK, although I didn't refer to it after the first week. I've done some programming, but I believe the presets with the controllers provide a fairly good coverage of the sounds that I need.

64-note polyphony should be OK by anyone's standards, especially on stage. Having a classical piano background, I play busily most of the time and I didn't notice any sounds being cut-off suddenly due to polyphony restrictions. The built-in effects are great, and the preprogrammed sliders make life easy. The rubber wheels are also very comfortable, especially when you have umpteen spots on you in a crowded bar, and you keep on sweating. I never really needed a sequencer on stage, in any case, I'd use the one on the other keyb if I ever needed.

The piano and organ sounds are great, although I'd love to have some more electric piano options. The strings sound a bit too treble, I have to turn down the treble on the amp every time I use strings, that might be a pain sometimes especially when I have to d.i. the keyb to the mixer. The synth pads are OK, as well as the lead sounds, but the brass and winds, again, are too bright. For the type of music I play (classic rock and blues), QS6.1 is satisfactory. Some of the effects sound fabulous when you have the luxury of a stereo input to the PA, but nevertheless, they sound quite good on mono as well.

It's being constantly abused, but it held up yet. I don't think I'll have problems, as I've been carrying it all the time in the trunk. Personally, I don't think any keyboard should be used without backup, but I have a gut feeling that QS6.1 could be used.

I haven't dealt with the company directly.

I've used Korg DW-8000, Yamaha DX-7, several portable keyboards (the latest is a Yamaha PSR-730) and QS6.1 has the best keyboard action. True, the plastic keys are never like "real" keys, but this comes close. I'd definitely buy the QS6.1 again, but I'd give more serious thought to upgrading to a 7.1, for the 76-key keyboard. I've been playing for about 20 years in bands with different gear, and the QS6.1 has the best organ sounds I've played. I wish the same could be said for strings and brass tones, but I guess I'll have to work on them a bit.

I have to start out by stating that I am not a keyboard player by trade but rather a song writer who has a small home studio. My main instruments are bass and guitar. That having been said I must say that I was blown away by this instrument! At first glance I thought that maybe I would have some problems getting to "know" this keyboard but after just a few minutes I was recording some stuff and having a blast. Editing the presets couldn't be easier and the manual, although lacking in some areas, really helps reduce the learning curve. Alesis puts the complete manual on-line so if you ever lose it or leave in the studio you always have access to a copy.

The reason why I bought this particular board is because it has many features that other boards in it's price range didn't have, such as after-touch. The polyphone is fine at 64, the semi-weighted keys are much nice than boards from Korg and Roland, and the effects are great. This board is also expandable which makes a huge difference over boards in the same price range that are not. No sequencer, but I wasn't looking for that feature. It does, however, come with software for sequencing and more. There are a lot more features that I have yet to use but I just love knowing they're there if I need them.

This is where the Alesis really shines! I tried a Roland XP-10, a Korg X-5D, and a few other similarly priced boards before I got my hands on the QS6.1 and I can happily report that the Alesis is worth every penny that you'll pay over the price of those others. The pianos, organs, and synth sounds are terrific, and the drum sounds kick! Even the horns are decent, which is a feat, let me tell you. I am a big fan of producers such as Mitchell Froom, Becker/Fagan, and Goerge Martin, and can easily imagine producing tones that would please those cats with this instrument. One slight annoyance: some of the stereo samples sit in funny places in the stereo field but this is easily tweaked in edit mode.

This thing is make from the shells of old army tanks! I tried some other boards that looked and felt like something Milton Bradly would churn out but that's not the case with this board. Everything here is solid and built to last.

I had to get in touch with Alesis once (see the annoyance listed in the expressiveness catagory) and they responded THE SAME DAY! With some other board makers that I 'auditioned' I am still waiting for them to return my email! I don't usually give 10's for anything but, if I did, I would give one here!

This is a great board and if I had it stolen I would replace it right away! I would love to compliment this with a really nice module and, with this board, I feel the quality and features would make it a perfect fit for even the most expensive module.

Considering it's my first synth, I'd say it's very easy to use. I'm familliar with MIDI instruments and sequencing so that's not new. I'm speaking strictly of getting the QS6.1 to play the sound you want, send and receive on the channel you want, and making simple tweeks to the sounds: It's easy.

Completely programing a sound with effects doesn't seem like it would be especially difficult either. It might not sound good, but that wouldn't be the synth's fault :)

Features specs and a downloadable manual are available from the Alesis website, so I won't go into it. The features that are provided make it extremely easy to integrate the QS6.1 into a MIDI/digital audio studio, catalog programs and mixes, etc.

The hard-features (keys, wheels, buttons) are all well placed, well sized, and clearly labled. What more do you wan't?

I'm playing the QS6.1 through a nearfield monitoring system, so I'm getting a neutral auditioning of each program. So far, from the 50 ro 60 I've spent more than a few minutes with, the presets are pretty good. In general, some of the acoustic instruments sound a bit bright when soloed. However, this extra brightness makes them sit nicely in a mix, and keeps the highs nice and lively. In otherwords, the sounds are well suited for a home/project studio.

The keyboard plays very well. Some of the velocity curves can cause a program to switch between its sample sounds a little quickly, but it can probably be adjusted. I've just gotten used to it. The keys feel like plastic, because they are, and they have a nice "keyboard feel", i.e. a touch lighter than a piano's keys. Feels good.

Made of metal. Low profile controls. Heavy sides and corners. Don't throw it, and it should be fine.

NOTE: much better construction than other synths in its price range.

Don't know.

If it were lost or stolen, I'd buy the QS7.1 for the extra keys, not the sequencer. It's a shame they don't make a 7.1 without a sequencer to bring the cost down.

I play and record jazz, rock, metal, pop, and classical. I play some of it, and engineer some of it. I have a fairly extensive home studio setup. It's based a CubaseVST system, and includes external mixing and effects. The QS6.1 is right a home in this type of environment.

So far I've used the QS6.1 for programing drum beats, jazz piano parts, bass lines, and string ensembles. Its MIX mode makes all this stuff really easy, and it integrates well with CubaseVST.

Bottom line: Excellent sounds and programability. Great for home/project digital audio/MIDI studios. Not big enough to keep a pianist happy for long (but you already knew that).

If only Alesis made a computer editor for this keyboard....
No problem. You can get other 3rd party editors if you look on the Internet. Though it is featured that this new generation of QS6's has a larger LCD display (and this one looks pretty nice, dont get me wrong), 2 lines or so just does NOT cut it, especially if you have 20000 parameters you may want to alter... Moreover, a 16-channel velocity "graph" would be nice esp since theres enough room for one, but nooooooo :( On editing patches: if you screw up, and youre a beginner like me, you might as well reset your keyboard cause there is probably NO POSSIBLE WAY you can Undo what you did. The manual is very nice though. It reads like a book.

This synth has enough features to swamp you. Knowing that its only about $700, youre paying a matter of pennies per feature ;) It's got 64 Poly, 4 fully customizable sliders, 2 pedal jacks, velocity, aftertouch, editing, add-on cards, MIDI Playback with add-on cards, sampling with add-on cards, semi-weighted keys (BIG plus for a 61 key), etc. No Sequencer, but that's ok by me. Some people might find Cakewalk and a laptop computer more useful :P No silly "DEMO" button, which is another big plus for those looking for real studio gear.

I've heard various entry level Rolands, Yamahas, and Korgs, and their stock sounds are almost alike in quality. so I initially bought this keyboard for 2 things alone: 1) the pianos, 2) the pads. Over the months, I've grown to like many of the other sounds too. The alesis, however, is really different... so different that it takes time to get used to the delightfully crisp and clean (sometimes, too crisp and clean) sounds it has to offer. Pianos, guitars, organs, and techno/New Age synth sounds are out of this world awesome. Strings and horns suck. Drums need some variety, but they are good they way they are.

Rock Solid. The case is not plastic, not wood, but metal. I'm sure that if I threw this out the window it will not break :) j/k but why would I? I like this thing so much!

This is a field that Alesis needs to work on. I sent them 3 distinct emails and got no reply. What does that mean? E-mail Server shut down? No, it means go read the manual and fix it yourself. Luckily the manual is good or else I would have given this category a negative score.

If I had more room, I would get the QS8.1 which is a fully weighted 88 key synth that contains all the features of this one. If I didnt have more room, I would get another qs6.1. However, I would first think nice and hard at Korg N5EX, N364, Roland XP-30, and Yamaha PSR740 which are about the same level with this synth.