Alesis VX49 49-Key Keyboard Controller comes with the same VIP software as the Akai Advance keyboards. I comes with the same 6 Air Music Tech software package and Sonnivox 88 piano. The difference? $399. The Akai Advance 49 is $499. The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol S49 is $599. Doesn't appear Alesis has a 61 key or even a 25 at this time.
 
 
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/keyboards-midi/alesis-vx49-49-key-keyboard-controller#productDetail

I was looking at this board.  Have you had any success (or difficulty) integrating any of these keyboards with SONAR?

ricoskyl
I was looking at this board.  Have you had any success (or difficulty) integrating any of these keyboards with SONAR?

Glyn Barnes in the thread nearby has detailed how the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol keyboards work.
Thread:
http://forum.cakewalk.com...eyboards-m3368341.aspx

I have the S61. It's great. Sustain pedal works like a charm. The features are really nice.

I would best describe my impression of it as this: I get excited and really look forward to getting in time in the studio each day. This keyboard adds fuel to that feeling.

Thanks, that was an informative and well developed thread. However, I was wondering specifically about the VX49 from Alesis.  I believe the software (VIP) is shared with Akai and M-Audio models. Any experience?

I have the Akai Advance and I love it . No trouble with SONAR Plat. Cant say about the other keyboards but VIP software should work the same just different layout on the keyboard. The Alesis is $399 and the Akai Advance 49 is $499. Don't know what the M-Audio is. Middle of Feb has a big update to the VIP software that will use the same type browser for VST effects. andf in Multi Mode you will be able to put up to four effects on each instrument in the multi. Pre of post, send or insert.  Will be able to use third party FX and a bunch of Air music tech FX. Some of these FX come with Pro Tools but will be available to VIP owners for free with the update. I really enjoy mine and really look forward to the new updates. Any videos at Akai Pro or youtube would apply to the Alesis and M-Audio units. Like I said, just different knobs and buttons layout. There will be some new plugin maps with the v2.0 update too. Can't wait for it to get here. The VIP software does a lot of things well and  not at all hard to learn how to do what you want. No complicated , multi step procedures to do what you want.

Thanks, BassDaddy.  Yes, I also assume the VIP software is comparable across the three models you mentioned.  One thing that I'm still unsure about, however, is how the boards work with external plugs.  I really want something that lets me page (wrong word?) between board controls, DAW controls, and PC-based plugs, and I have trouble reading between the lines in the promotional materials from the vendors.  They say I can control "ALL my plugins" but I remain skeptical.

I'm not sure what you mean by page between board controls, Daw controls and PC based plugs. The VIP software comes with maps for hundreds of VSTi's. after your initial scan, you enable the ones you want to the controller knobs and software are ready to go for your plugins. You will be able to control the different parameters in your plugin without the mouse. You can use it stand alone or put it on a track in your DAW. There are maps for almost every instrument I have. Steinberg Padshop Pro doesn't yet. I have Komplete 9 Ultimate and everything in that is mapped. All my AAS, SampleTank 3, All the Air music Tech work, You get six of these with the keyboard. EZ Drummer is mapped. There are lots of videos on youtube and they would help you see how it works.  There is a new v2.0 update coming out in Feb that will include vst FX. You will be able to put up to 4 FX on any of the 8 instruments you can load into multi mode. The FX will be mapped so you can use the knobs of the keyboard to control them. Supposed to have more plugin maps released with the new update. Since you can save any effect chains as a preset these can be really useful. I am really looking forward to the update. Here is a link to info , videos, and Doc downloads that should give you some info.
http://www.akaipro.com/product/advance-49

ricoskyl
  I really want something that lets me page (wrong word?) between board controls, DAW controls, and PC-based plugs, and I have trouble reading between the lines in the promotional materials from the vendors.  They say I can control "ALL my plugins" but I remain skeptical.

The controller is "Advanced" when you work with VIP only.
For DAWs and plug-ins outside of VIP it is free configurable normal MIDI controller, with encoders, pads, buttons and transport keys. That is called "MIDI mode" in the documentation.
 
In MIDI mode the controller is "simple", (from docs and answers on Akai forum) it does not support Mackie Control protocol. And so you can not use Mackie Control plug-in on Sonar side, you are forced to use other (DIY) solutions, including ACT MIDI, Generic Surface or my own. Read chapter 40 in Sonar Reference guide and my site (link in signature).
 
You can get transport button working and controls doing there job in endless or knob modes, with any mentioned plug-in. That way you can control volumes, mutes, etc on strip and with some effort ProChannel and other not VIP VST(i) parameters.
 
It is clear that you are not going to see Sonar track information on display. It is unclear either you can see / sync current values of encoders with real parameter values, if someone with Akai Advance is willing to check that I can give step by step instruction (feedback is possible with my plug-in only, ACT MIDI and Generic surface do not support that).

Here is a link with lots of info on the VIP software, which is the same in Akai, Alesis Or M-Audio, and a list of plug-in maps.
http://www.akaipro.com/kb/article/1808

Also see this post by Cclarry http://forum.cakewalk.com/FindPost/3374784