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Today we are going to review the Arturia KeyLab 49 & 61 mk3 - the third generation of the flagship KeyLab series of MIDI keyboards/controllers - and see what the new line has to offer. Arturia has been releasing updates and special versions of their MIDI controllers with enviable regularity. This fall, it's time to upgrade the flagship KeyLab series of MIDI keyboards. The new generation of KeyLab mk3 devices will delight users with an updated design, full display, redesigned arpeggiator and chord mode, and improved key mechanics.
The new generation of MIDI controllers is represented by only two models so far. These are the four-octave KeyLab 49 mk3 and the five-octave KeyLab 61 mk3. The only difference is the number of keys. As before, they are available in two colors, black and white. Today we will look at the control capabilities of the new devices using the example of the younger model KeyLab 49 mk3.
It should be remembered that among the controllers of the French manufacturer KeyLab devices are the most advanced. They allow full interaction with Arturia's collection of virtual instruments in popular music programs. To this end, the keyboards are equipped with a large number of buttons, faders, and knobs that allow you to control Arturia's instruments and some DAW functions. But before we get into the Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 review, let's start with the device's specifications.
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Best Price on Arturia KeyLab 61 MK3
Arturia’s KeyLab MK3 series, specifically the 49 and 61-key versions, represent the latest evolution in their line of MIDI controllers, designed to cater to both live performers and studio musicians. |
Classic Package
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Before we get into the features of the Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3, let's start our review with the design. As soon as we took the Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 out of the box and held it in our hands, we sensed the premium feel of the device. The classic KeyLab mk3 series controllers are considerably heavier than the KeyLab Essentials series. Yes, both the classic KeyLab mk3 and the KeyLab Essentials mk3 are made of hard plastic, but the KeyLab mk3 has a metal base that gives the device strength. We can't complain about Arturia's build quality, nothing is loose, squeaks or wobbles. The Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 is one of the most beautiful MIDI keyboard/controllers we have ever tested. The sleek, minimalist design in Arturia's signature style will be an asset to any studio. In our case, we ordered the KeyLab mk3 in a white housing, and it matches perfectly with the YAMAHA HS monitors in our recording studio. We give it a 11/10 for design, it is truly a masterpiece!
KeyLab controllers use the Mackie Control and HUI protocols when working with a computer. Preset scripts are currently available for Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio. For other programs, there are universal presets Standard MCU and Standard HUI, which require independent control assignments. Scripts for supported DAWs are available for download from the manufacturer's website, along with detailed installation instructions.
To get you started right after purchase, a number of applications are included with the keyboard. These include the full version of Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite software, the Mini V, Piano V, Augmented Strings and NI The Gentleman virtual instruments, and the Rev PLATE-140 effect. A two-month subscription to Loopcloud and access to 40 Melodics lessons are also included.
The principle of interaction between the unit and the software remains the same. It involves quick switching between three operating modes, allowing you to control the sequencer, the Analog Lab virtual instrument, and an external synthesizer almost simultaneously. When switching modes, control parameters are instantly reassigned, providing convenient control over settings and various functions.
The controller's primary mode is Arturia Mode. All Kit Controllers in this mode control only the settings of the Analog Lab application. When you switch to DAW mode, the knobs and faders control sequencer settings. The USER mode allows up to 7 additional user configurations with individual settings for all available controls.
The main feature of the new devices is undoubtedly the large display. The controller now use a full 3.5-inch screen with a resolution of 480x320 pixels. It graphically displays library tools, adjustable parameters, and all kinds of settings. Navigation and control are done via the numerical slider and context buttons next to the screen.
The large display makes working with the Analog Lab library much easier. You can search for the desired sound from a large collection of presets directly from the keyboard whether you use the program as a standalone application or on a track in your DAW.
A loaded preset in Analog Lab Pro is accompanied by a graphical display of the instrument being used. Use the slider to navigate through the preset list. Pressing the slider allows you to load the highlighted preset. For convenience, you can also load presets automatically by scrolling through the presets one by one using the buttons. This feature allows you to select a tone even faster, as it takes only one button press to move to the next tone.
A variety of filters allow you to sort presets by tag and speed up your search for the right sound within a selected category. For your convenience, there are many additional sub-categories within the main categories to help you narrow down your search. There is also an optional LIKED function that allows you to quickly mark a favorite sound for quick access in the future.
In DAW mode, the screen is also very useful.
It conveniently displays the name of the selected track or plug-in. The buttons below the screen allow you to activate MUTE, SOLO, REC, or MON mode for a track.
When you change a parameter using the knobs or faders, a graphical representation of the controlling knob and the value being changed appears on the screen above the rest of the image.
In DAW mode, there are two ways to control a non-Arturia mixer or plug-in. The Mixer Mode faders are used to control the volume of the first eight channels. The ninth fader controls the Master channel. The faders change the panorama of these channels. In Plug-In mode, the faders change random plug-in parameters or QC panel parameters (as in Cubase). And the knobs correspond to the send of the first effect bus.
Before writing and compiling our review, we tested the capabilities of the Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 MIDI keyboard in our familiar DAW Cubase. The script is fully functional, all declared functions correspond to their parameters. Maybe not all parameters of the sequencer control are optimal and we would change some functions for ourselves. Fortunately, the script is easily editable, so you can customize the control for your tasks. The main thing is that the MIDI keyboard has all the necessary tools.
As you can see, there are no more buttons in the fader section, but the knobs and faders are now touch-sensitive. This is very convenient, as you can now just touch them to find out the current value or assigned function.
When the keyboard is in Arturia mode, the faders and knobs correspond to Analog Lab's output parameters. At the bottom of the application is a panel of macros that correspond to the controls on the MIDI keyboard. All of the parameters in the presets are already assigned, so you don't need to assign anything yourself. They vary slightly from preset to preset, but usually, these are the basic settings that change the character of the sound the most. Thanks to the large number of controllers, you can control a wide range of parameters. When the full version of the V Collection is available, you can assign any parameter to macros for customization.
The new KeyLab keyboards have 12 pads instead of 16. But they have four modes that let you play in different registers and control a wider range of parameters. The pads have RGB backlighting and are velocity and pressure-sensitive. You can use them to play notes and chords or as triggers for triggering samples in Ableton Live and Bitwig. In USER mode, you can assign any other parameters to the pads.
Interestingly, when the unit is in DAW mode, the pads have an additional PAD DAW mode that allows you to control program functions. In Cubase, for example, they can be used to switch between display views, add a new instrument, and recall the selected track's instrument and channel effects.
The transport panel buttons have also been redesigned. They are now arranged in two rows, with larger buttons for the most frequently used Play, Record, and Stop functions. There are also two additional functions - Metronome and Rhythm. This arrangement has been successfully used in recent KeyLab Essential devices and is very easy to use.
The arpeggiator, as well as the additional chord and scale modes, remain in the new devices but have been slightly modified. The chord mode is now simpler and allows you to create only one chord. However, there is an option to simulate playing it on a guitar. The Arpeggiator and Gamma modes are now more visual and convenient thanks to the display.
KeyLab mk3 devices feature a keyboard with synthesizer action and aftertouch. In the new models, the mechanics have been slightly redesigned. The keys feel a bit more springy but still quite light and predictable. We can't say that the mechanics have changed much, but the keyboard feels very comfortable. Among other things, the mechanics are fairly quiet, which is especially nice.
The connectivity has also changed a bit. Now there are no CV outputs, and control of external MIDI synthesizers is only possible via the traditional MIDI interface. For pedals, three input connectors allow you to connect a sustain pedal, an expression pedal, and any other pedal to control a specific parameter. The keyboard is connected to a computer via a USB Type C port. It comes with a branded cable with a convenient L-shaped connector on the end. The USB connection draws power from the USB bus. To use it with an external synthesizer, you will need a power supply, which is not included.
Here comes the end of our Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3 review, time to summarize the new mk3 series of MIDI Keyboards/Controllers. In general, working with the new generation KeyLab mk3 MIDI keyboard is very pleasant. In our opinion, the full screen has dramatically improved the interaction and made the work much more comfortable. The KeyLab mk3 can now be considered the flagship of Arturia's MIDI controllers. The updated redesign has made the keyboards more relevant and attractive and the layout of the controls more ergonomic. Touch controls, larger pads, a more convenient transport panel, and context-sensitive buttons around the display make the creative process much easier. As far as the keyboard is concerned, the KeyLab mk3's keys look great and once again confirm Arturia's reputation as a leading manufacturer of MIDI keyboards.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you already own an Arturia KeyLab 49 mk3, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about this MIDI-Keyboard/Controller. We also recommend you to read our review of the “Essential” line of MIDI devices from Arturia - Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 (yes, they are not as advanced in features as the classic KeyLab mk3 new line, but you should also pay attention to Essential - they cost much cheaper).
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