Arturia has announced the latest incarnation of its universal MIDI controller, the KeyLab Essential mk3, available in both 49 and 61 key versions. Designed to offer the main controls a musician primarily operating a DAW would need, it’s a decent piece of kit at a reasonable price.
You can read all the aspirational blurb about the new instrument, but cutting to the chase, its key features include:
Premium Keybed quality
- 49 & 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with hybrid synth-piano feel
Pads & controls
- 1 clickable encoder
- 9 rotary encoders
- 9 x 30mm faders
- 8 transport switches
- 4 command switches
- 1 modulation wheel & bend wheel
- 8 touch & pressure-sensitive pads
Display control
- 2.5” LCD display with contextual buttons
- Real-time feedback on tweaks and controls
Smart features
- Multi-mode arpeggiator
- Chord mode
- Scale mode
- Hold function
- Semitone transpose
Software integration
- Seamless integration with Analog Lab V: select sounds, browse presets, smart-assigned controls
- Custom DAW scripts for FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig Studio
- Also compatible with MCU/HUI control
- Up to 6 user presets for a totally customizable experience
Included Software titles & services
- Analog Lab V software with 2000+ sounds
- Ableton Live Lite
- Native Instruments’ The Gentleman
- UVI Model D
- 2-month Loopcloud subscription
- Melodics subscription for 40 lessons
Connectivity
- USB-C connects to computers and MIDI Control Center
- MIDI 5-pin DIN output for connection to external instruments, gear
- Control input for pedal: sustain, expression, or footswitch
- USB-C powered
Prices are €199 for the 49-key model and €249 for the 61-key.
