Arturia KeyLab88 MKII The ultimate piano-feel master controller keyboard goes dark mode. Professional feel, deep integration, and absolute control over your performance – available with a luxurious black aesthetic for a limited time. The professional choice Setting the standard for MIDI Controllers, the KeyLab 88 MKII is perfect whether you’re an aspiring producer, live session player, or touring professional. Giving you a world-class tool that suits every musical application. Now in a classic black design, the KeyLab 88 combines the elegance of a full-size piano with the versatility of a MIDI Keyboard. Premium piano feel Play any instrument, control any synth, or perform with any modular rig. The KeyLab 88 MKII gives you the timeless feeling of an acoustic piano at your fingertips. Make your studio feel like a concert hall, make your performance feel like a night with the Vienna Philharmonic, and make any composition feel like your magnum opus. Intuitive, meet advanced Finally, the KeyLab 88 MKII offers an intuitive interface that puts you in complete control. Allowing you to customize your setup and express every nuance of your musicality using an array of responsive controls, shortcuts, and connections. Above all, put the KeyLab 88 MKII in control and you’ll never look back.
Arturia KeyLab88 MKII The ultimate piano-feel master controller keyboard goes dark mode. Professional feel, deep integration, and absolute control over your performance – available with a luxurious black aesthetic for a limited time. The professional choice Setting the standard for MIDI Controllers, the KeyLab 88 MKII is perfect whether you’re an aspiring producer, live session player, or touring professional. Giving you a world-class tool that suits every musical application. Now in a classic black design, the KeyLab 88 combines the elegance of a full-size piano with the versatility of a MIDI Keyboard. Premium piano feel Play any instrument, control any synth, or perform with any modular rig. The KeyLab 88 MKII gives you the timeless feeling of an acoustic piano at your fingertips. Make your studio feel like a concert hall, make your performance feel like a night with the Vienna Philharmonic, and make any composition feel like your magnum opus. Intuitive, meet advanced Finally, the KeyLab 88 MKII offers an intuitive interface that puts you in complete control. Allowing you to customize your setup and express every nuance of your musicality using an array of responsive controls, shortcuts, and connections. Above all, put the KeyLab 88 MKII in control and you’ll never look back.
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The lowest price for Arturia Keylab 88 MK2 Keyboard Controller - Belfield Music right now is $1,135.17 at Reverb, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $1,083.92 on 11 May 2026 — today's price is 5% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Arturia Keylab 88 MK2 Keyboard Controller - Belfield Music
Arturia KeyLab88 MKII The ultimate piano-feel master controller keyboard goes dark mode. Professional feel, deep integration, and absolute control over your performance – available with a luxurious black aesthetic for a limited time. The professional choice Setting the standard for MIDI Controllers, the KeyLab 88 MKII is perfect whether you’re an aspiring producer, live session player, or touring professional. Giving you a world-class tool that suits every musical application. Now in a classic black design, the KeyLab 88 combines the elegance of a full-size piano with the versatility of a MIDI Keyboard. Premium piano feel Play any instrument, control any synth, or perform with any modular rig. The KeyLab 88 MKII gives you the timeless feeling of an acoustic piano at your fingertips. Make your studio feel like a concert hall, make your performance feel like a night with the Vienna Philharmonic, and make any composition feel like your magnum opus. Intuitive, meet advanced Finally, the KeyLab 88 MKII offers an intuitive interface that puts you in complete control. Allowing you to customize your setup and express every nuance of your musicality using an array of responsive controls, shortcuts, and connections. Above all, put the KeyLab 88 MKII in control and you’ll never look back.
Arturia KeyLab88 MKII The ultimate piano-feel master controller keyboard goes dark mode. Professional feel, deep integration, and absolute control over your performance – available with a luxurious black aesthetic for a limited time. The professional choice Setting the standard for MIDI Controllers, the KeyLab 88 MKII is perfect whether you’re an aspiring producer, live session player, or touring professional. Giving you a world-class tool that suits every musical application. Now in a classic black design, the KeyLab 88 combines the elegance of a full-size piano with the versatility of a MIDI Keyboard. Premium piano feel Play any instrument, control any synth, or perform with any modular rig. The KeyLab 88 MKII gives you the timeless feeling of an acoustic piano at your fingertips. Make your studio feel like a concert hall, make your performance feel like a night with the Vienna Philharmonic, and make any composition feel like your magnum opus. Intuitive, meet advanced Finally, the KeyLab 88 MKII offers an intuitive interface that puts you in complete control. Allowing you to customize your setup and express every nuance of your musicality using an array of responsive controls, shortcuts, and connections. Above all, put the KeyLab 88 MKII in control and you’ll never look back.
Prices last updated 30 June 2026.
Last updated at 30/06/2026 10:56:24
Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII MIDI Controller
Delivery $545.59
Arturia Keylab 88 Mkii
Delivery $488.18
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
originally posted on americanmusical.com
I bought the Arturia Keylab 49 mkII last month from AMS because I needed another 49 key controller for my auxiliary rig. I was using the Korg Taktile for my main rig which is a decent keyboard with some nifty tricks, but the Arturia is in another league entirely in terms of build quality and the fantastic feeling key-bed. It also looks sleek and elegant at the same time which is always welcome.In the past I’ve owned a Roland XP-50 which had great keys and a Novation Remote SL with nice keys but a cheap and creaky plastic chassis. I sold those long ago and over the past 14 years have been making do with various budget controllers.After playing the Arturia for a few weeks I am thrilled to say this thing has brought back my mojo and love for playing the keys. I’m ... MoreI bought the Arturia Keylab 49 mkII last month from AMS because I needed another 49 key controller for my auxiliary rig. I was using the Korg Taktile for my main rig which is a decent keyboard with some nifty tricks, but the Arturia is in another league entirely in terms of build quality and the fantastic feeling key-bed. It also looks sleek and elegant at the same time which is always welcome.In the past I’ve owned a Roland XP-50 which had great keys and a Novation Remote SL with nice keys but a cheap and creaky plastic chassis. I sold those long ago and over the past 14 years have been making do with various budget controllers.After playing the Arturia for a few weeks I am thrilled to say this thing has brought back my mojo and love for playing the keys. I’m not using step sequencers or piano rolls as much as I had been. I had forgotten how important that physical / mental connection is when jamming or composing. This thing removes that disembodied feeling you get when playing a synth module or plugin. It makes all of my synths without keys feel like I’m playing an instrument like a musician instead of just controlling them.Not only that, but since it’s such a joy to play I’ve noticed my chops are coming back and getting better. I’m feeling more inspired every time I sit down at my workstation and I believe this purchase is actually making me a better musician, as my passages and ideas are becoming more varied and creative.If I had to sum up my experience and feelings about it in one word, it would be “inspiring”. That’s a really bold and unusual statement for describing something as seemingly mundane as a MIDI controller. I can assure you, the Keylab series will not come across as a mundane purchase of necessity. It will be an investment which brings a smile to your face and add new creative depth to your music.
originally posted on sweetwater.com
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk2... My best controller to date.. I was looking for a 61 key USB midi controller to handle my DAW and VST use.. Originally, I purchased the Arturia KeyLab 61 essentials, sight unseen... It was a great deal with the Analog Lab software included(Over 7,000 sounds from the V-collection). I did not like the key feel when I got delivery.. and the overall quality was like other brands , not what I wanted.. To move up was double the cost, but the Keylab mk2 had so many benefits, I had to make the move (again, sight unseen). When it was delivered, I was impressed with the quality, the keys felt good, the aluminum case, the sliders, buttons, all quality. On/off switch, midi din connections, 5 pedal inputs and cv inputs. After touch, extra pads, category ... MoreArturia KeyLab 61 mk2... My best controller to date.. I was looking for a 61 key USB midi controller to handle my DAW and VST use.. Originally, I purchased the Arturia KeyLab 61 essentials, sight unseen... It was a great deal with the Analog Lab software included(Over 7,000 sounds from the V-collection). I did not like the key feel when I got delivery.. and the overall quality was like other brands , not what I wanted.. To move up was double the cost, but the Keylab mk2 had so many benefits, I had to make the move (again, sight unseen). When it was delivered, I was impressed with the quality, the keys felt good, the aluminum case, the sliders, buttons, all quality. On/off switch, midi din connections, 5 pedal inputs and cv inputs. After touch, extra pads, category buttons, It is loaded. Most importantly, it works flawlessly. I set it up with the Standard MCU Daw choice( MixCraft Pro 9). It mapped perfectly. The auto map and control with Analog Lab V works perfect. The selected parameters of control are right on.. AnalogLab's presets are good, some very good, but for me the Roland Zenology Pro (Zencore) is better. Still the benefit from the Analog Lap/ KeyLab mk2 is a great value.. As with all of my transactions with Sweetwater... they are top rated.. Thanks to Mike Arango.
originally posted on sweetwater.com
This is my first actual MIDI keyboard, and I have to say after a month or so that I like it a lot. I was looking for a controller that functioned as much as a regular digital keyboard (with good playability) just as much as it did a MIDI controller, and this fits the bill. The keybed is really solid, and while the keys aren't fully weighted/sized, I have found that they play really nicely in a nice hybrid feel between full synth action and a traditional piano key. The construction itself of the controller is great, and the sliders, knobs, and buttons all have a great feel to them. From a software perspective, the integration with Ableton Live is pretty solid, and Analog Lab is a really nifty and awesome tool that gives you a huge amount of sounds right off the bat. ... MoreThis is my first actual MIDI keyboard, and I have to say after a month or so that I like it a lot. I was looking for a controller that functioned as much as a regular digital keyboard (with good playability) just as much as it did a MIDI controller, and this fits the bill. The keybed is really solid, and while the keys aren't fully weighted/sized, I have found that they play really nicely in a nice hybrid feel between full synth action and a traditional piano key. The construction itself of the controller is great, and the sliders, knobs, and buttons all have a great feel to them. From a software perspective, the integration with Ableton Live is pretty solid, and Analog Lab is a really nifty and awesome tool that gives you a huge amount of sounds right off the bat. The only thing that I found lacking with this product were the drum pads, especially in comparison to Akai pads (which is probably to be expected, as Akai are way more famous for their pads). They aren't quite as sensitive as I had hoped, and while they do have pretty good velocity sensitivity on the upper end, you do have to press a bit harder to get some of your quiet drum sounds. I've gotten a bit more used to it as time has gone on, but I was hoping for a bit more nuance on the lower volume end for the pads. If you care significantly more about the pads on your controller than the keybed, I would suggest looking into an Akai, but if you are okay with pads that are good enough and are looking more for a solid keybed and great software integration, I'd recommend this product.
| Number Of Keys | 88 |
| Key Type | Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | In, Out, USB |
| Pads | Yes |
| Faders | Yes |
Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII MIDI Controller
Delivery $545.59
Arturia Keylab 88 Mkii
Delivery $488.18
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
I bought the Arturia Keylab 49 mkII last month from AMS because I needed another 49 key controller for my auxiliary rig. I was using the Korg Taktile for my main rig which is a decent keyboard with some nifty tricks, but the Arturia is in another league entirely in terms of build quality and the fantastic feeling key-bed. It also looks sleek and elegant at the same time which is always welcome.In the past I’ve owned a Roland XP-50 which had great keys and a Novation Remote SL with nice keys but a cheap and creaky plastic chassis. I sold those long ago and over the past 14 years have been making do with various budget controllers.After playing the Arturia for a few weeks I am thrilled to say this thing has brought back my mojo and love for playing the keys. I’m ... MoreI bought the Arturia Keylab 49 mkII last month from AMS because I needed another 49 key controller for my auxiliary rig. I was using the Korg Taktile for my main rig which is a decent keyboard with some nifty tricks, but the Arturia is in another league entirely in terms of build quality and the fantastic feeling key-bed. It also looks sleek and elegant at the same time which is always welcome.In the past I’ve owned a Roland XP-50 which had great keys and a Novation Remote SL with nice keys but a cheap and creaky plastic chassis. I sold those long ago and over the past 14 years have been making do with various budget controllers.After playing the Arturia for a few weeks I am thrilled to say this thing has brought back my mojo and love for playing the keys. I’m not using step sequencers or piano rolls as much as I had been. I had forgotten how important that physical / mental connection is when jamming or composing. This thing removes that disembodied feeling you get when playing a synth module or plugin. It makes all of my synths without keys feel like I’m playing an instrument like a musician instead of just controlling them.Not only that, but since it’s such a joy to play I’ve noticed my chops are coming back and getting better. I’m feeling more inspired every time I sit down at my workstation and I believe this purchase is actually making me a better musician, as my passages and ideas are becoming more varied and creative.If I had to sum up my experience and feelings about it in one word, it would be “inspiring”. That’s a really bold and unusual statement for describing something as seemingly mundane as a MIDI controller. I can assure you, the Keylab series will not come across as a mundane purchase of necessity. It will be an investment which brings a smile to your face and add new creative depth to your music.
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk2... My best controller to date.. I was looking for a 61 key USB midi controller to handle my DAW and VST use.. Originally, I purchased the Arturia KeyLab 61 essentials, sight unseen... It was a great deal with the Analog Lab software included(Over 7,000 sounds from the V-collection). I did not like the key feel when I got delivery.. and the overall quality was like other brands , not what I wanted.. To move up was double the cost, but the Keylab mk2 had so many benefits, I had to make the move (again, sight unseen). When it was delivered, I was impressed with the quality, the keys felt good, the aluminum case, the sliders, buttons, all quality. On/off switch, midi din connections, 5 pedal inputs and cv inputs. After touch, extra pads, category ... MoreArturia KeyLab 61 mk2... My best controller to date.. I was looking for a 61 key USB midi controller to handle my DAW and VST use.. Originally, I purchased the Arturia KeyLab 61 essentials, sight unseen... It was a great deal with the Analog Lab software included(Over 7,000 sounds from the V-collection). I did not like the key feel when I got delivery.. and the overall quality was like other brands , not what I wanted.. To move up was double the cost, but the Keylab mk2 had so many benefits, I had to make the move (again, sight unseen). When it was delivered, I was impressed with the quality, the keys felt good, the aluminum case, the sliders, buttons, all quality. On/off switch, midi din connections, 5 pedal inputs and cv inputs. After touch, extra pads, category buttons, It is loaded. Most importantly, it works flawlessly. I set it up with the Standard MCU Daw choice( MixCraft Pro 9). It mapped perfectly. The auto map and control with Analog Lab V works perfect. The selected parameters of control are right on.. AnalogLab's presets are good, some very good, but for me the Roland Zenology Pro (Zencore) is better. Still the benefit from the Analog Lap/ KeyLab mk2 is a great value.. As with all of my transactions with Sweetwater... they are top rated.. Thanks to Mike Arango.
This is my first actual MIDI keyboard, and I have to say after a month or so that I like it a lot. I was looking for a controller that functioned as much as a regular digital keyboard (with good playability) just as much as it did a MIDI controller, and this fits the bill. The keybed is really solid, and while the keys aren't fully weighted/sized, I have found that they play really nicely in a nice hybrid feel between full synth action and a traditional piano key. The construction itself of the controller is great, and the sliders, knobs, and buttons all have a great feel to them. From a software perspective, the integration with Ableton Live is pretty solid, and Analog Lab is a really nifty and awesome tool that gives you a huge amount of sounds right off the bat. ... MoreThis is my first actual MIDI keyboard, and I have to say after a month or so that I like it a lot. I was looking for a controller that functioned as much as a regular digital keyboard (with good playability) just as much as it did a MIDI controller, and this fits the bill. The keybed is really solid, and while the keys aren't fully weighted/sized, I have found that they play really nicely in a nice hybrid feel between full synth action and a traditional piano key. The construction itself of the controller is great, and the sliders, knobs, and buttons all have a great feel to them. From a software perspective, the integration with Ableton Live is pretty solid, and Analog Lab is a really nifty and awesome tool that gives you a huge amount of sounds right off the bat. The only thing that I found lacking with this product were the drum pads, especially in comparison to Akai pads (which is probably to be expected, as Akai are way more famous for their pads). They aren't quite as sensitive as I had hoped, and while they do have pretty good velocity sensitivity on the upper end, you do have to press a bit harder to get some of your quiet drum sounds. I've gotten a bit more used to it as time has gone on, but I was hoping for a bit more nuance on the lower volume end for the pads. If you care significantly more about the pads on your controller than the keybed, I would suggest looking into an Akai, but if you are okay with pads that are good enough and are looking more for a solid keybed and great software integration, I'd recommend this product.
Its a nice keyboard for its price and features, built with a good quality.You can definetely use that to play "piano" with both hands.Rubber pads helped me a lot when playing rhythm section (much responsive than the keys and good playing feel)Knobs are a good way to play live or just enhance your workflow.Also you get a gooood amount of included software and stuff in general.First of all Analog Lab 4 and a couple instrument VSTs - amazing, it`s definetely perfect for begginer and can be used even for easy sound design. Also I really enjoyed Courses. Sounds from loopcloud or some stuff like that is garbage though.Only issue is that the mehcanism of knobs or the app integration works awful. They are inconsistent and jump too forward or way too back either too ... MoreIts a nice keyboard for its price and features, built with a good quality.You can definetely use that to play "piano" with both hands.Rubber pads helped me a lot when playing rhythm section (much responsive than the keys and good playing feel)Knobs are a good way to play live or just enhance your workflow.Also you get a gooood amount of included software and stuff in general.First of all Analog Lab 4 and a couple instrument VSTs - amazing, it`s definetely perfect for begginer and can be used even for easy sound design. Also I really enjoyed Courses. Sounds from loopcloud or some stuff like that is garbage though.Only issue is that the mehcanism of knobs or the app integration works awful. They are inconsistent and jump too forward or way too back either too slow or too fast. (it is OK in DAW and Analog Lab 4, But in Analog Lab V it is just AWFUL, as well as the app in general)In conclusion -A perfect item for almost aaall of the things musician may need.Though, if you want to actually be able to PLAY THE PIANO, kind of, You`d be better buying 61 version, as it seems to be perfect. And if you don`t do live performance or don`t mess with keymapping just go take keyboard without knobs and sliders - not worth it.Much love!
Last month I got back into music after some 15+ years away. I'm originally a saxophone player, so I had to do a lot of research on MIDI controllers beforehand. I chose the KeyLab MKII based on the metal housing, all-around durable construction, and YouTube reviews, which were universally positive. The classy real wood inserts MAY have played a part as well. If look and feel are important to you, this is the controller to get.The included software is amazing. One is called Analog Lab, which is a tool to explore the thousands of presets for Arturia's V collection, which is a suite of vintage synths, modeled in software. You can experiment with the presets, and combine them with one another to create new sounds. While you do not have access to the actual instruments ... MoreLast month I got back into music after some 15+ years away. I'm originally a saxophone player, so I had to do a lot of research on MIDI controllers beforehand. I chose the KeyLab MKII based on the metal housing, all-around durable construction, and YouTube reviews, which were universally positive. The classy real wood inserts MAY have played a part as well. If look and feel are important to you, this is the controller to get.The included software is amazing. One is called Analog Lab, which is a tool to explore the thousands of presets for Arturia's V collection, which is a suite of vintage synths, modeled in software. You can experiment with the presets, and combine them with one another to create new sounds. While you do not have access to the actual instruments themselves (unless you own them) you do get access to a set of parameters that fit ever so tightly into the KeyLab's slider and knob layout. Analog Lab has been the gem in the included software package, which also includes copies of Piano V and a couple other standalone VSTs.My gripes are that the MIDI configuration software can be archaic, especially when it comes to the RGB lighting customization (I'm a gamer, sue me), and that the surface seems to scratch easily on the back where I plug in my USB cable. There are some marks from me blindly fumbling around with the plug.
There's so much to love about this controller. Integrated pads, faders, daw control, included software is outstanding.However, Arturia seemed to cut corners on some of the most important parts, the keybed and the overall quality.The keybed is most disappointing. It's tacky, high gloss keys and spongy action feel cheap, toy-like. This is far from the advertised 'semi-weighted keys' that Aturia claims. You can feel under the key how thin they are. The action is sloppy and aftertouch requires more exertion than would be practical for performance. The keys really feel almost like they belong on a toy keyboard. You can see the aftertouch strip between the keys and they're slightly more narrow than a traditional key.The footprint and profile are superb. The low ... MoreThere's so much to love about this controller. Integrated pads, faders, daw control, included software is outstanding.However, Arturia seemed to cut corners on some of the most important parts, the keybed and the overall quality.The keybed is most disappointing. It's tacky, high gloss keys and spongy action feel cheap, toy-like. This is far from the advertised 'semi-weighted keys' that Aturia claims. You can feel under the key how thin they are. The action is sloppy and aftertouch requires more exertion than would be practical for performance. The keys really feel almost like they belong on a toy keyboard. You can see the aftertouch strip between the keys and they're slightly more narrow than a traditional key.The footprint and profile are superb. The low profile is super slick looking and great for a keyboard stand as there is a lot of clearance between keyboards.The metal construction and heft inspire confidence in the quality but that too is short-lived. I had to order no less than 3 of these units before giving up entirely on the controller. Each one had a significant quality issue. 2 with paint chips and gouges and another with 3 non-operational pads.The faders have nice action and drag but the fader keys themselves are a little wobbly.The 2 line monochrome LCD display seems like another corner not worth cutting. All of the competitors are now using small, oled color displays, even my low-feature SL controller has this.The aluminum pitch bend and mod wheels are very nice and have nice action.All in all, I would definitely say this keyboard needs some more development, certainly a new keybed.Hopefully these significant quality issues will be addressed in the Mark III.Also, why on earth are they shipping this box in its showroom box and not a proper corrugated outer shipper? It's not a mailing cardboard box. So, expect holes in the box if you are ordering online and possible damage to the controller.
Having owned a few midi controllers from a variety of manufacturers over the years (not to mention synths and workstations), I have always had a mission to find the perfect controller keyboard for my relatively small desk. I needed something that would give me control over Logic Pro X, including adjusting levels, pans, transport controls, undo, metronome, I wanted a jog dial to quickly move along the timeline of my project, I want excellent feel synth keys that aren't too spring or too light, feel pro quality and as well as being velocity sensitive include aftertouch. I want octave and transpose shift, usb and conventional midi connectivity, plenty of custom programmability for sliders, endless encoders, buttons (toggle or one touch), velocity and aftertouch ... MoreHaving owned a few midi controllers from a variety of manufacturers over the years (not to mention synths and workstations), I have always had a mission to find the perfect controller keyboard for my relatively small desk. I needed something that would give me control over Logic Pro X, including adjusting levels, pans, transport controls, undo, metronome, I wanted a jog dial to quickly move along the timeline of my project, I want excellent feel synth keys that aren't too spring or too light, feel pro quality and as well as being velocity sensitive include aftertouch. I want octave and transpose shift, usb and conventional midi connectivity, plenty of custom programmability for sliders, endless encoders, buttons (toggle or one touch), velocity and aftertouch sensitive pads, keyboard split, conventional mod and pitch bend wheels (not joystick), decent build quality (ideally metal not plastic, something with a bit of weight), but most of all reliable integration with my DAW, virtual instruments.. something that just works without having to fiddle around with mappings or buggy software. After much research (again!) and finally going with this Mk2 Keylab controller from Arturia, my wishes have at last been answered. This is by far the best controller keyboard I've ever owned. The key action is also the best feel synth keys, even when compared to top yamaha synths and workstations. The build quality of the Keylab Mk2 is first class, solid metal case, quality feeling controls (smooth endless rotary encoders without detents, smooth long throw faders, lovely tactile clicky buttons, firm but responsive pads). To top it all, even the mod and pitch bend wheels are made from solid metal! Connectivity is second to none, an incredible 5 pedal inputs! Of which all of them can be used with switch or expression type pedals. There's Midi in and out, USB and even.. wait for it... CV in and out! The control panel is well thought out and everything feels logical and easy to use. Great UX, simple and logical menus, you can program this controller either on the board itself without a computer or using the Arturia Midi controller software. Everything is configurable in user mode with up to 10 user templates to store your settings and redefine almost every button and control, even down to the Pad and user button LED colours! The 49 note version is great for a small desk and the handy octave up and down buttons give you +/- 3 octaves either way. I also love how you set the transpose option by just pressing the key you wish to transpose in but then toggle the transpose off and on without having to reset its value. The keys are incredibly expressive (I have not needed to adjust the velocity curve from default) and the aftertouch is also dependable and controllable. I believe the key action is the same used on Arturia’s top Polybrute and Matrixbrute synths. There’s a substantial weight to this controller (even the 49 note!) after owning lightweight plastic controllers, this helps improve the feel and solidity of the action when playing it. You also get some great software included, Arturia’s analog lab which gives you stunning presets from the Arturia’s fantastic virtual analog synth instruments - the dedicated analog lab mode on the controller gives you immediate hands on control over certain parameters and macros of these presets - if you own any of the full instrument plugins such as V Collection you can even dive further and create new sounds from scratch. What I really love though is being able to effortlessly switch between Analog Lab mode, DAW mode and User mode whilst working on a project. DAW mode turns the sliders and knobs into a control surface for your DAW with track selection, level controls, pan. The transport controls work across all 3 modes which is great. Using the User mode you can set up templates to control individual parameters in your virtual instruments or effects, or even control other instruments connected via Midi. The pads can be used to trigger samples, drum sounds, key notes (great for those keyswitches for articulations in some instruments), chords… yep there’s some clever chord modes that enable you to memorise a chord you play and then transpose it to any key… or store up to 16 chords on the pads to trigger with your left hand as you play keys in your right. The keyboard can run entirely from USB bus power, or if you don’t have a computer handy you can connect an AC adaptor. In summary this is a really well thought out controller keyboard, for me it ticks all the boxes and feels reliable, dependable and intuitive. Combined with the slick integration with Analog Lab, the user and DAW modes, great key action, premium build quality and a choice of 49, 61 or 88 key versions, all in either black or white, this should definitely be on your list of Midi controllers to consider. What’s more PMT have again provided me with fantastic service, good comms, excellent prices and I’ll definitely be shopping here again!
I’ve owned a number of different controller keyboards over the years from different manufacturers (Akai, Native Instruments, Novation, CME) but for me personally this is the best one I’ve owned so far. Compact design, sold build quality (metal chassis), nice pads, great integration with Ableton Live…and I think Arturia’s idea to focus on dedicated support for their own Analog Lab is a good one. Works much better than the generic VST “wrapper” plugin that other manufacturers have tried. Feels more like you’re using a hardware synth and browsing the presets with the central knob works brilliantly. Recommended!
Thought this could be the ultimate controller for both my Microfreak as well as Pigments. I know Arturia makes phenomenal software, but the firmware needs improvement. Went through some frustrating times when it defaults to 'DAW mode' and all the knobs inexplicably control individual track panning. Have to constantly switch to 'Analog lab' mode. Recording automations with the knobs in Ableton can be funky, but occasionally works. Contrary to what I read somewhere on the internet, the keys do not have aftertouch. That would've been nice to have when controlling the microfreak.
As a long time Roland Keyboard user I was reluctant to use another brand, but Roland have discontinued the A800-Pro which I had planned to use for my next project/tour.As a long time user of Arturia software, I decided to give their Keylab range a go.The construction is excellent, I have no concerns using this on tour.The Keybed is absolutely excellent, with the nicest feeling keys I have ever used. An absolute joy to play without fatigue or discomfort.The panel is nicely laid out, with an extremely high quality 4x4 sample pad matrix, that is perfectly aftertouch sensitive allowing extra expression, and sufficient knobs and sliders for most needs.The bend and modulation wheels are up up on the panel, not to the left as is usual, which can be a bit awkward ... MoreAs a long time Roland Keyboard user I was reluctant to use another brand, but Roland have discontinued the A800-Pro which I had planned to use for my next project/tour.As a long time user of Arturia software, I decided to give their Keylab range a go.The construction is excellent, I have no concerns using this on tour.The Keybed is absolutely excellent, with the nicest feeling keys I have ever used. An absolute joy to play without fatigue or discomfort.The panel is nicely laid out, with an extremely high quality 4x4 sample pad matrix, that is perfectly aftertouch sensitive allowing extra expression, and sufficient knobs and sliders for most needs.The bend and modulation wheels are up up on the panel, not to the left as is usual, which can be a bit awkward while you get used to it.The DAW integration is a nice feature, though somehow feels a little bit like an afterthought despite supporting all major packages (I personally use Logic Pro, and Ableton Live).Overall an excellent keyboard. I will probably keep using Keylab keyboards for the foreseeable future.
| Number Of Keys | 88 |
| Key Type | Weighted |
| MIDI I/O | In, Out, USB |
| Pads | Yes |
| Faders | Yes |
