Whether you are a beginner or an expert in playing music, the Alesis Recital Pro keyboard should be your go-to option.
It is a midrange piano that boasts high-quality features and a superior sound. This review will discuss everything you need to know regarding the Alesis digital piano. We will also find out whether or not it outperforms other digital pianos.
If you are excited to learn more about the Alesis piano, then don't stop reading.
Specification
- 88 full-sized hammer-action keys
- Adjustable touch sensitivity
- 128-note polyphony
- Backlit LCD
- 30-280 BPM metronome
- 12 built-in music genres and voices
- Modulation, chorus, and reverb
- Built-in speakers
- Dual-mode, Split mode, and Lesson mode
- Single USB MIDI output
- 1 x 1/4 “ sustain pedal input
- Headphone output
- 12V DC power supply (with power adapter)
- 6 D cell batteries required
Design
Let's start with the exterior model of the Alesis Recital Pro.
As with any other 88-key digital piano, the appearance needs to be second-to-none if you want it to blend well with a studio setup or a recital hall.
Thankfully, you can position the Alesis piano anywhere you want because of its minimalist, sleek and black matte design.
Unlike the heavier digital piano models, it only weighs 26 pounds. This particular model also possesses subtle dimensions of 51.6 (width) x 13.8" (depth) x 5.5" (height) inches.
Therefore, you can carry it along with you to gigs and concerts.
You also don't have to worry about not having enough sockets at home or in the studio.
The Alesis Recital Pro is compatible with 6 D cell batteries, which have a superior shelf life of up to 10 years.
Keyboard
It's time to segue to the piano keys, another important aspect to consider if you want to enjoy your piano playing experience.
The Alesis Recital Pro digital piano model consists of 88 full-sized hammer-action weighted keys. "What exactly are weighted keys?" you may be asking.
These are a set of mechanical objects that aim towards the strings to produce the original acoustic piano's sound.
It also comes with adjustable touch sensitivity, a feature that recalibrates the velocity dynamics and overall volume.
Of course, the sensitivity level will depend on how hard or soft you press the weighted keys.
All in all, the hammer action, weighted keys, and adjustable touch response enhance your piano playing experience by giving your fingers more control over the keys.
Sound
If you want to diversify your music palette, you want to invest in a digital piano that incorporates more than one sound.
Thankfully, the Alesis Recital Pro keyboard gives you multiple sound options to choose from, 12 sounds to be exact.
These modes are:
- Acoustic Piano
- Acoustic Piano (Bright)
- Electric Piano
- Vibraphone
- Organ
- Church Organ
- Harpsichord
- Clavinet
- Synth
- Strings
- Acoustic Bass
- Fingered Bass
The variety of sounds and modes prove that you can play different tones and tunes on the Alesis Recital Pro keyboard.
Do you want to simulate a live concert setting? Choose the acoustic piano option to get the best audio configurations.
Are you in need of a more uptempo rhythm? Try out the electric piano if dance and techno are your favorite genres.
Use the Clavi, acoustic bass, and fingered bass if you want a daily supply of funk and soul in the living room.
Whatever your preferences may be, the Alesis Recital Pro digital piano has got you covered.
Polyphony
You and other piano students may be wondering what exactly polyphony does for a piano?
It is basically the maximum amount of notes a keyboard can play all at once. The higher the value, the more notes your keys will be able to play.
In electronic keyboards, a strong polyphony count bodes well for them because it allows you to play different instruments, voices, and notes simultaneously.
Fortunately, the Alesis Recital Pro consists of a 128-note polyphony, the normal quota for most digital pianos.
Therefore, you can incorporate multiple layers and tones during your recording sessions for a more complete and holistic playing experience.
Speakers
Other digital pianos tend to fall short on the sound system department. That is not the case for the Alesis Recital Pro.
Its built-in speakers are where it stands out among other piano brands.
Its dual 10W woofers and dual 20W tweeters contain powerful treble and bass sounds. These result in cleaner and more consistent audio whenever you play any of the piano keys.
The four speakers prevent any distortions from happening even if you max out the volume.
So even if you are in clumped spaces or crowded live venues, expect crisp and top-notch audio throughout your playing experience.
Features
Here are some features Alesis Recital Pro offers its users and musicians. We highly recommend that you learn each mode and function to maximize your time with the digital piano.
Modes
Layer Mode
Don't you find it boring playing the same singular instrument time and again?
The Layer mode (also known as Dual Mode) enriches the sound because you get two preset sounds playing at the same time.
Think of it as you being the conductor giving cadences to the orchestra whenever you start playing the keys.
Nothing beats the piano and strings combination because they complement each other so well. Be sure to long-press the layer button before selecting your first and second voice options.
For your peace of mind, both presets contain a one-octave separation. So there's no need to worry about clashing sounds.
Split Mode
Do you want to train your ears and fingers to hone your music skills further?
The Split mode gives you a musical adventure by splitting the piano keyboard into two halves.
For those who love jazz music, please maximize and utilize this mode.
The bass preset is usually located on the left side, while the traditional grand piano sound is found on the right part.
You can play sophisticated bass lines while accompanying it with complex chromatic piano chords. Both of these can be done on the same electronic keyboard.
Of course, Alesis allows you to the preset pairing depending on your personal preferences.
Lesson Mode
Teachers and students will enjoy their piano lessons thanks to the next mode we are going to discuss.
Also known as Duet Play, the lesson mode divides the 88 hammer action keys into two equal 44-note keyboards.
It allows for easy demonstration and side-by-side playing for both teacher and student. You won't have to take turns in switching positions to play the same notes.
Each side contains the same tones, making it easier to follow for piano pupils.
Other Features
Besides the three modes, Alesis Recital Pro provides piano enthusiasts with additional features that enhance the user experience.
Metronome
One of them is the metronome, a device that most electronic pianos should have.
Piano instructors should make the most out of the metronome because it helps pupils review various skills such as listening to the beat and following the rhythm.
Mastering the different BPM (beats per minute) counts will give them a better feel for the music, especially when it comes to dynamic shifts.
The Recital Pro offers a range of around 30 to 280 BPM, meaning you can play a diverse selection of songs and classical pieces.
Transpose Function
The Alesis piano also allows you to adjust the keyboard position depending on the transpose feature's action.
It is essential if you have a hard time recognizing unfamiliar key signatures, sharps, and flats. Of course, it pays to keep the keys' tone unchanged so that you can learn to transpose on your own.
However, if singers find some major or minor scales too high for their voices to handle, the transposition button may a more convenient way to adjust the tone.
Record Mode
Do you want to hear your own pieces during your non-playing hours? The record mode lets you do just that.
Make sure to press the record button so that the Recital Pro captures the audio.
The recording function can help you look back at your best notes and mistakes to hone your piano skills.
Modulation, Reverb, and Chorus
To improve the audio settings, play around with these supplementary features.
Modulation pairs a sound effect for each preset sound. For example, the tremolo effect works with the piano, while the organ applies the rotary effect.
Both the reverb and chorus add extra layering to your presets, thus making the keyboard more customizable.
Connectivity
Are you interested in taking your Alesis Recital Pro to the next level? If yes, be sure to tune in to the different connectivity functions the digital keyboard offers.
If you don't want to disrupt the neighbors, you can utilize the 1/4″ TRS headphone jack. It also comes with a sustain pedal jack which is helpful if you want to use a damper pedal
How about if you are at a party? Alesis includes stereo outputs that allow you to connect your amplifiers and pocket speakers.
The USB MIDI output allows you to connect the Recital Pro to your Mac or PC laptop.
Accessories
The only accessory that it comes with is the power adapter, meaning you can plug the piano in a nearby socket. It benefits musicians in case the batteries run out of shelf life.
Other than that, the Recital Pro does not come with additional accessories. Therefore, you will need to buy the extra stuff separately.
Even though they are optional, we recommend that you get these items for a complete keyboard experience.
Stand
If you are going for a traditional setup, you should buy the RockJam Xfinity Heavy-Duty, Double-X stand.
You won't have to worry about the stand breaking because it uses metal materials, which provides stability for most electronic keyboards and digital pianos.
It is also easy to use because you do not need to assemble it. The stand comes in one piece once you purchase it.
Non-slip rubber end caps ensure a tight grip on any digital piano, preventing the keyboard from falling off.
Sustain Pedal
For the best audio and piano feel, we recommend that you purchase the Donner DK-1 Sustain Pedal.
The classic-style pedal works well with portable instruments like electronic keyboards, organs, and synths.
Are you worried about the sustain pedal not staying in place when in use? With the Donner DK-1 Sustain Pedal, you get slip-resistant rubber that guarantees a secure grip on the floor.
Summary
The Alesis Recital Pro is an electronic keyboard that outdoes other pianos with its features and performance.
Its sleek and slim model down and superior sound system appeal to many pianists, musicians, teachers, and students.
Unlike pianos with semi-weighted keys, its 88-full sized hammer keys offer hard-hitting action and smooth dynamic shifts.
Connectivity is another strong suit thanks to its easy-to-use MIDI output, headphone, and stereo jacks.
Pros
Cons
The common difference of this Alesis product to other digital pianos is its reasonable price point.
At this price range, you get top-tier audio and user-friendly buttons that guide you during your playing or recording sessions.
If anything, the more expensive pianos may not come close to the impeccable audio quality, the Recital pro delivers to its users.
Something to consider is how each feature goes hand in hand: the modulation, reverb, and chorus balance out one another to give you crisp and clean audio.
Indeed, you cannot go wrong with a midrange piano that provides users with abundant and useful features.
Alternatives
Let's segue to the alternative piano options to see if they stack with the Recital Pro model.
Alesis Recital Pro vs Alesis Recital
You may think that the Alesis Recital is a tactical downgrade for those running on a budget. The truth is, there are a handful of features missing in the older model.
One of which is the record mode. The Pro version gains the upper edge because of its ability to replay and rewind your previous piano sessions.
While it's good that semi-weighted keys make up the Alesis Recital, it does not come close to the superior hammer action the Pro's fully-weighted keys provide.
Another difference is the number of presets. The Recital Pro has twelve, while the older version only contains five options.
Alesis Recital Pro vs Yamaha P45
The Yamaha P-45 is one of the few digital pianos that give the Recital Pro a run for its money.
Both pianos contain USB MIDI functions so that you can play your music from external devices.
The two digital keyboards are portable, weighing only 11 kg. These are easy-to-carry and can be brought in road-shows and live tours.
The difference lies in the polyphony count. The Yamaha P-45 only has 64-note polyphony, while the Alesis keyboard goes for 128. That means the latter enables you to play more notes, keys, and complex songs.
Besides that, both digital pianos are solid first options if you need one that delivers high value for money.
I hope you enjoyed going over our Alesis Recital Pro review. You can strongly consider going for this keyboard if you are plan on learning a brand new instrument.
For more questions, inquiries, or concerns regarding our review, please write it down below!.
