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Today, we are going to review the Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 - the third generation of the flagship KeyLab series of MIDI keyboards/controllers by French audio equipment manufacturer Arturia. In 2024, Arturia introduced the third generation of MIDI keyboards, the KeyLab MK3 series. The update was quite extensive and affected not only the appearance of the devices, but also the ergonomics. In the new generation of MIDI keyboards, the main controls have been redesigned, and there is a full-fledged high-resolution display. The pads are larger and more playable. The arpeggiator and chord mode have been simplified, and the mechanics of the keys have been improved. We have already got acquainted with the junior models KeyLab 49 MK3 and KeyLab 61 MK3 and were able to fully appreciate all the advantages of the current modification. Now the manufacturer has presented an update of the flagship model of the KeyLab 88 MK3 series, with which we will get acquainted today.
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Best Price on Arturia KeyLab 88 MK3
The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk3 is a flagship MIDI controller that combines expressive piano performance with deep DAW and software integration. |
Classic Package
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Before we get to the main part of our Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 review, let's take a look at the unit's specifications to get a better understanding of all of its features.
The Arturia KeyLab 88 MK3 MIDI keyboard differs from the younger models in the series not only in the number of keys, but also in the mechanics. It uses advanced Fatar TP/110 hammer mechanics with aftertouch function.
Interestingly, the manufacturer offers two variants of color design already from the start of sales. In addition to the light-colored version, there is an alternative finish of the case in all-black. Another innovation is the possibility of installing the keyboard on Arturia Wooden Legs, as in PolyBrute and Astrolab synthesizers. These are available as an accessory separately. Of course, you can also mount the keyboard on traditional keyboard stands. And rubber feet are provided for placement on a flat table surface.
It is worth mentioning that the KeyLab series controllers are the most advanced Arturia devices. They offer the most complete interaction with Arturia virtual instruments in popular audio applications. KeyLab controllers use the Mackie Control and HUI protocols when working with a PC. Preset scripts are currently available for Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio. For other DAWs, the Standard MCU and Standard HUI universal presets require independent control mapping. Scripts for all supported DAWs can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website, along with detailed installation instructions.
To get you playing right after purchase, a number of applications are included. These include the full version of Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, and the Mini V, Piano V, Augmented Strings, NI The Gentleman, and Rev PLATE-140 virtual instruments. Also included is a two-month subscription to the Loopcloud service and access to 40 melodic lessons.
The way the unit interacts with software remains unchanged. It lets you quickly switch between three operating modes, allowing you to simultaneously control a sequencer, an Analog Lab virtual instrument, and an external synthesizer. As you switch modes, control parameters are instantly reassigned, providing convenient control over settings and functions.
The primary controller mode is "Arturia Mode," in which all of the onboard controllers control Analog Lab application settings only. When switching to DAW mode, the knobs and faders begin to control sequencer settings. USER mode provides up to 7 additional user configurations with individual settings for all available controls.
The key feature of the new units is undoubtedly the large display. Arturia's KeyLab 88 mk3 midi keyboards now feature a full 3.5" screen with a resolution of 480x320 pixels. It graphically displays library tools, adjustable parameters and various settings. Navigation and control is via the rotary knob and context buttons next to the screen.
The large display makes working with the Analog Lab library much easier. Whether you're using the program as a standalone application or on a track in your DAW, you can find the right tone from the extensive collection of presets right from the keyboard.
The preset loaded in Analog Lab Pro is displayed on the screen as a graphical representation of the instrument being used. You can navigate through the preset list using the slider, and pressing the slider will load the highlighted preset. For your convenience, presets are automatically loaded as you scroll through them using the buttons. This feature greatly speeds up the timbre selection process, as it only takes a single button press to move to the next sound.
A variety of filters allow you to sort presets by tag, making it much faster to find 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 a LIKED feature that allows you to quickly mark a favorite sound for quick access.
In DAW control mode, the screen is also very useful. It displays the status of the selected track or plug-in in use. You can use the buttons below the screen to activate MUTE, SOLO, REC, or MON mode on a track. And when a parameter is changed, a graphical representation of the knob and the value being changed appears on the screen above the rest of the image.
In DAW mode, there are two control options: mixer and a non-Arturia third-party plug-in. In Mixer mode, faders can be used to control the volume of the first eight channels, with a ninth fader assigned to the Master channel. The controls in this mode are used to pan these channels. In Plug-In mode, the faders can be used to change random plug-in parameters or QC panel parameters (as in Cubase), and the sliders correspond to the first effect bus.
As you may have noticed, the Fader section no longer has buttons, but the knobs and faders are now touch-sensitive. This is very convenient, as you can now simply touch them to determine the current value or assigned function.
When using the keyboard in Arturia mode, the faders and knobs correspond to the parameters displayed in Analog Lab. 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 adjust anything. They may vary slightly from preset to preset, but they are usually basic settings that significantly change the character of the sound. Thanks to the large number of controllers, many different parameters can be controlled. If the full version of the V Collection instrument is available, you can assign almost any parameter to macros for adjustment, expanding the control possibilities.
The new Arturia KeyLab mk3 MIDI keyboards now use 12 pads instead of 16. However, there are four modes that allow you to play in different registers and control a wider range of parameters. The pads are RGB backlit and sensitive to velocity and pressure. You can use them to play notes and chords, or as triggers to trigger samples in DAWs such as Ableton Live and Bitwig. In USER mode, you can assign any other parameters to the pads, adding to the instrument's flexibility.
Interestingly, when the unit is in DAW mode, the pads have an additional PAD DAW mode that allows you to control sequencer functions. For example, in Cubase, the Pads can be used to switch between different display views, add a new instrument, recall the instrument of a selected track, and control channel effects. This extends the functionality of the Pads and makes working with the DAW more convenient and intuitive.
The transport panel buttons have also been redesigned. They are now arranged in two rows, with the most commonly used Play, Record, and Stop buttons being larger. In addition, two new functions have been added - Metronome and Rhythm. This button layout has been successfully used in recent KeyLab Essential units and provides a user-friendly layout that allows you to quickly and easily control the basic functions of your DAW.
The arpeggiator and additional chord and scale modes remain in the new devices, but have undergone some changes. The chord mode is simpler and now only allows you to create a single chord, but there is now the ability to simulate playing it on a guitar, adding interesting textures to the performance. The arpeggiator and scale mode are now more visual and easier to use thanks to the new display, making it easier to create music.
Connectivity has also changed. Now there are no CV outputs, and control of external MIDI synthesizers is only available via the traditional MIDI interface. Three pedal inputs are provided, allowing you to connect a sustain pedal, expression pedal, and any other pedal to control an additional parameter. The keyboard is connected to your computer via a USB Type-C port and comes with a proprietary cable with a convenient L-shaped connector at the end. A USB connection draws power from the USB bus. However, using the devices with external synthesizers requires a power supply, which is not included.
As with the previous generation keyboard, there are special locks on the back of the case for attaching the musical sheet holder and laptop plate. The musical sheet stand is very convenient, made of transparent plastic glass with a recess at the bottom. It helps to keep the sheet music open and provides support for a heavy tablet. The surface of the laptop plate is also cleverly designed. The base has a rubberized surface that prevents your laptop from slipping during intense playing.
The keyboard mechanics of the third-generation KeyLab 88 MK3 have also been updated. Now, a more expensive and modern Fatar TP/110 mechanism is used. It differs from the one used in the previous generation by a more advanced design and higher quality materials. The keys feel a bit faster, but still have the characteristic viscosity of the cheaper mechanics. However, Fatar's action is the least objectionable of all. They are excellent keys in every way. They are reliable, good-looking, quite comfortable and pleasant to play. Another advantage of the mechanics used in the Arturia KeyLab 88 MK3 is the aftertouch function. While aftertouch is certainly not useful for traditional piano instruments, it is an additional source of control for electronic timbres.
Here we are at the end of our Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 review, it's time to summarize the results. As we said, the new generation of KeyLab MIDI keyboards is a vivid example of the French manufacturer's desire to increase musicians' productivity by making previously unattainable ideas a reality. Thanks to a full display and redesigned controls, interaction with the computer has become much easier and more comfortable. Touch-sensitive controls, larger pads, and a handy transport panel with context-sensitive buttons around the display allow you to focus on the creative process, making it easier for musicians and sound producers to concentrate on their work.
The flagship model KeyLab 88 MK3 repeats the capabilities of the junior models of the series and, thanks to the hammer action, is able to meet the demands of the most sophisticated and demanding piano players. We would like to mention the black design, which looks excellent and stands out from the usual solutions.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Arturia KeyLab 88 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 88 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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