Arturia Introduces KeyLab mk3 Universal MIDI Controller
The French manufacturer’s flagship MIDI controller keyboard gets an overhaul with 49- and 61-key versions of KeyLab mk3.
Arturia KeyLab MIDI controller upgraded to mk3 with new keybed, bigger screen and touch-sensitive controls.
Arturia has announced updated 49- and 61-key versions of its flagship MIDI controller, with an improved keybed, redesigned interface and more. KeyLab mk3 is the successor to the KeyLab mk2, released in 2021.
KeyLab mk3 is an advanced MIDI controller designed to meet the demands of professional use and integrate seamlessly with software and hardware instruments. Premium keys for modern creatives: From its design, to its pro-grade keybed and seamless software control – KeyLab mk3 leaves no stone unturned.
Available in both black and white colour, KeyLab mk3 sports a handsome new design somewhat reminiscent of the Arturia AstroLab, a stage keyboard unveiled earlier this year.
The layout of the controls is largely the same as the mk2, with notable differences. Arturia has dropped a row of pads, so you will now have 12 velocity-sensitive pads to play with instead of 16. Additionally, Arturia has added four ‘banks’ of pads accessible through buttons alongside, so technically you’ll now have 48 at your disposal.
Another striking addition is the 3.5″, 480×320 screen in the centre, which is now in colour. Along with the upgraded screen, the most significant improvement to the mk3 is its enhanced, “pro-grade” semi-weighted keybed, touch-sensitive controls, and durable construction, which Arturia tells us gives you greater control of synth and piano sounds thanks to a full redesign affecting keyboard balance, weighting and spring tension.
KeyLab is a MIDI controller that specializes in DAW control, arriving with pre-mapped templates that can be used to control many of the major DAWs, including Logic Pro, FL Studio and Ableton Live. KeyLab has dedicated controls for transport, along with handy features like Undo, Redo, Save and Quantize. Along with its nine faders, its newly touch-sensitive set of nine 360° rotary potentiometers will be useful for tweaking sounds and balancing mixes.
Arturia has also added a new arpeggiator and Chord and Scale Modes. Chord Mode assigns chords to single keys across the keyboard while Scale Mode locks the keyboard to one of a selection of pre-defined scales, making it easier to perform chord sequences and solos.
KeyLab mk3 Overview:
KeyLab mk3 arrives bundled with Arturia’s largest software bundle yet, a collection that includes Ableton Live Lite and Analog Lab V, a software instrument that offers thousands of presets taken from its V Collection bundle of synth plugins. You’ll also get Mini V, Arturia’s Minimoog emulation, along with two piano instruments and a two-month subscription to Loopcloud.
The KeyLab mk3 now available, 49-key version of KeyLab mk3 is priced at $499/€449 and the 61-key is $599/€549. Find out more on Arturia website.
