Today I’m here to have a quick review update on my new Keylab MkII 61 Key from Arturia – overall, I love it! Integrated instantly with Analog Lab and took 5 minutes for full integration with Ableton! Solid Build. Knobs and sliders have good resistance. Very customizable features, simple to do and save. I Love Arturia! Beautifully crafted sounds and a keyboard that knows its language. Highly recommend.

KEYLAB MKII IS AN EXPRESSIVE, VERSATILE, AND SUPERBLY POWERFUL NEXT-GENERATION USB MIDI CONTROLLER KEYBOARD.

It features dynamic performance and studio controls, including a high quality 49-note keyboard with aftertouch, 16 RGB backlit pads, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, and dedicated DAW and transport controls. Its huge connectivity also includes CV / Gate outputs, so you can take command of outboard synth and Eurorack modules with ease. Factor in the amazing included software, and you’ve just found your ideal creative companion for the studio and stage.

THE CONTROLLER YOUR MUSIC DESERVES

Another level in terms of quality and luxury, KeyLab MkII is a treat for the fingertips and gives unprecedented levels of control over your music and software.

Both 49-key and 61-key versions of KeyLab MkII feature Arturia’s Pro-Feel action, the same lusciously playable keybed as the MatrixBrute and MiniBrute 2. Sensitive enough to accurately capture the subtleties and nuances of delicate playing, while still being robust enough to feel the energy of high-impact playing.

Every version of KeyLab MkII also offers 16 RGB-backlit, multi-function performance pads which can be used in a huge variety of ways, whatever suits your performance style or studio needs best. Trigger custom chords, activate samples, quickly switch user maps, KeyLab MkII puts the “control” firmly back into “controller”.

A gateway to software, KeyLab MkII features 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders, and a selection of fully assignable buttons to give you unfettered access to your virtual instruments, effects, and recording environment. Send and receive CV / gate data to bridge the gap between modular and MIDI, with a fully customizable setup.

To allow for maximum expression, and to put that unmistakable “human touch” into your music, KeyLab MkII features multiple expression pedal inputs, that can be assigned to whatever parameters you desire in your DAW or virtual instruments, and sports robust, luxurious machined metal pitch and mod wheels. Truly a live-performers dream!

Amazingly versatile, hugely expressive, and geared up to enhance your creativity and workflow wherever your music takes you.

YOUR PERSONAL MIDI ASSISTANT

Designed from the ground up to make you the master of your MIDI environment, KeyLab MkII is one of the most flexible, adaptable, and customizable controllers ever devised.

Not only does the latest generation KeyLab let you create fully personalized User maps, it also features incredible DAW integration, letting you spend more time “in the zone” and less time switching to and from your computer screen. By using any one of the 10 User maps, you can personalize the response of practically all the buttons, knobs, faders, keys, pads, and pedal inputs on KeyLab MkII, giving you ultimate control of your DAW, effects, instruments, and outboard gear.

To cut out the guesswork, KeyLab MkII also comes with 10 magnetic overlays for the DAW Commands section, giving you at-a-glance information on what each button does in your favorite recording software.

A MIDI masterpiece: KeyLab MkII doesn’t force you to make music a certain way, it lets you write the rules.

MAIN FEATURES

Software Specifications:

  • Includes Analog Lab software with 6500 synth sounds
  • Includes Ableton Live Lite
  • Includes Piano V

Hardware Specifications:

  • 49 & 61 key options available, each with high quality keybed with velocit
  • 16 RGB-backlit performance pads
  • Control bank with 9 faders and 9 rotary knobs
  • Control modular equipment with 4 CV/Gate outputs, controlling pitch, gate, and modulation
  • Seamless integration with all Arturia software instruments
  • Presets for multiple DAWs, with magnetic overlays for controls
  • Huge connectivity, including expression, sustain, CV/Gate, MIDI, USB and 3 assignable auxiliary pedal inputs

Perfect Analog Lab integration:

  • Select sounds, browse presets, switch parts, smart-assigned controls.
  • Standalone or plug-in operation: VST, VST3, AU, AAX.
  • Over 6500 TAE® powered preset sounds from Arturia’s award-winning V Collection
  • Select sounds, browse presets, switch parts, smart-assigned controls.
  • Standalone or plug-in operation: VST, VST3, AU, AAX.
  • Over 6500 TAE® powered preset sounds from Arturia’s award-winning V Collection
  • Ableton Live Lite – record, layer, and edit your sounds to create a finished song.
  • Piano V – Twelve different world-class pianos meticulously crafted using our critically acclaimed modeling technology.
  • Compatible with all major Digital Audio Workstation: Pro Tools, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, Bitwig, Cubase, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, Studio One *

Available in Black or White

Matthew S