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Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-key Keyboard Controller - White

49-key MIDI Controller with 2,000 Presets, 9 Rotary Encoders, 9 Sliders, 8 Velocity- and Pressure-sensitive RGB Backlit Pads, Pitch/Mod Wheels, USB-C, 5-pin MIDI Out, Expression Input, LCD Screen, Bundled Software, and Customizable DAW Integration - White
$219.00

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Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-key Keyboard Controller - White
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Redesigned to Provide Everything You Need for Any DAW

With the detailed work that Arturia’s masterful emulations receive, we would expect nothing less in the company’s approach to designing the optimal way to interface with those worlds of sound. Now, the KeyLab Essential mk3 delivers a bold, intuitive redesign to make composition, recording, and playback easier than ever. Meanwhile, it introduces new creative features alongside its intelligently reorganized interface, included premium software, and deep integration capabilities. Producers and keyboardists at Sweetwater love how seamlessly this controller works with Arturia’s suite of award-winning soft synths. Its completely customizable software connectivity allows you to painlessly use the KeyLab Essential mk3 with any DAW that suits your workflow. Faders, encoders, beat pads, contextual buttons, and real-time visual feedback ensure the mk3 is a playback powerhouse perfect for the studio and the stage.

Newly improved and more powerful than ever

One of the more critical facets of the KeyLab Essential mk3 is its ability to prioritize and enable performance while eschewing cumbersome menu-diving, all while remaining easily integrated with any DAW. It can’t be overstated how many creative barriers that plague other controllers just disappear! New creative tools include scale and chord modes, as well as an arpeggiator to mix up and expand your repertoire of compositional opportunities. Packaged premium software includes the full suite of Analog Lab V’s distinctive array of modern and vintage synths, hybridized instruments, orchestral sounds, and much more, all with 2,000 studio-grade presets to serve as the bedrock of your next project. Each of the nine rotary encoders is accompanied by a fader alongside an RGB-backlit beat pad equipped with velocity and pressure sensitivity. A full-color, 2.5-inch LCD screen provides real-time feedback for all assigned parameters and controls, with context-assignable buttons and completely customizable controls making for an easily tailored performance tool.

Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 49-key Keyboard Controller Features:

  • Redesigned interface streamlines workflow with precision-placed buttons, knobs, and sliders
  • 8-pad beat pad includes RGB backlighting and velocity/pressure sensitivity to deepen compositional and performance potential
  • 2.5-inch LCD screen provides real-time feedback of any adjustments in full color
  • 9 rotary encoders and 9 faders can be customized entirely and assigned for optimal use in your arrangement
  • All buttons and control points can be contextually set, allowing for expanded production possibilities without the headache of menu-diving
  • Pitch and mod wheels are positioned above the lowest notes for a slim profile that’s ergonomically beneficial
  • Packaged with premium software, including Analog Lab V, and more than 2,000 studio-grade presets
  • Newly introduced performance and composition features include chord and scale modes, as well as an arpeggiator
  • Custom scripts are available for unimpeded use with virtually any DAW of your choosing
  • Seamlessly integrates with Arturia’s suite of soft synths to take them to any studio or stage opportunity
  • USB-C connectivity manages complete MIDI communication and bus power to accommodate use with almost any setup
  • 5-pin MIDI output and expression controller input enable deeper integration for any live or studio arrangement

Warranty Info

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Free 2-year Warranty

Sweetwater's 2-year Total Confidence Coverage™ Warranty gives you extra peace of mind at no extra cost.

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller, White
  • Number of Keys: 49
  • Type of Keys: Synth Action
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Pads: 8 x RGB, Velocity Sensitive Pads with Aftertouch
  • Other Controllers: 1 x Pitch Bend, 1 x Modulation
  • Encoders/Pots: 9 x Knobs
  • Faders: 9 x Faders
  • Dedicated Transport Control: Yes
  • Presets: 2000 Presets
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (control)
  • MIDI I/O: Out, USB
  • USB: 1 x Type C
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Software: Analog Labs V, 2 Pianos (UVI Model D, NI The Gentleman), Loopcloud, Melodics
  • Format: AAX, AU, VST, NKS, Standalone
  • Hardware Requirements - Mac: 4GB RAM minimum, 3.4GHz Processor or higher, 4 Core CPU, 3GB Disk Space
  • Hardware Requirements - PC: 4GB RAM minimum, 3.4GHz Processor or higher, 4 Core CPU, 3GB Disk Space
  • OS Requirements - Mac: MacOS 10.13 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 10 or Later
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered
  • Height: 2.76"
  • Width: 31.1"
  • Depth: 9.45"
  • Weight: 6.1 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: 231521

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Customer Reviews

Write your review
Rated 5/5

best midi controller

works well with all daws and very hands on best investment for keyboard needs and producing
Rated 5/5

Highly recommended products

Arturia makes very good quality products with some excellent free software to get you making music right out of the box.
This one was returned for an upgraded model.

Check out Arturia's line of midi controllers and synths here at Sweeters and get a great product with the best warranty (2) YEARS.

THANKS
DAVE
Rated 4/5

Really good. Does what it says

Arrived about 2 weeks ago.

What I like: Just about everything. I'm not pianist, but I have spent some time around keyboards of various shapes and sized. This one feels really good to me. The key action is pleasant (not weighted) and responsive. The knobs, buttons, faders, wheels pads and dial feel solid. No extraneous play and sized well for adult hands. For me, the 49 keys is perfect for getting several octaves in playing reach. The unit also feels solid - not toy-like at all. Compared to what is out there, the price point is really good too... I have a couple of Arturia vsts and as expected, it controls them nicely.

Ableton Live 11 trial is available for 90 days, so I decided to try it out. The Kaylab connected immediately absolutely zero interaction for me. Once Ableton was installed, I pressed a key and it received the midi signal. When I hit PLAY on the transport, it played. To Ableton's credit, and not directly related, I didn't need to set up my sound device either. If only Studio One were as well supported. about that...

What I don't like: Support for Studio One. This seems to be an issue in the music industry. Support for Studio One is just...lacking. I had to find a user tutorial about the mkII to figure out how to "install" the Keylab for use with Studio One 6.x Pro (legit edition, not a crack). I think that falls at the feet of Arturia to provide better support for the devices their users are going to use. That's the only reason the Keylab isn't getting 5 stars from me.
Music background: Yes.
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