Arturia Releases Keylab MKII MIDI Controller Keyboard

Arturia have unveiled the latest generation of their popular KeyLab MIDI controller line. MKII features CV ins and outs, plenty of knobs, faders, 16 RGB backlit pads, 2 chord modes and much more.

The Keylab 2 from Arturia certainly looks like a big step forward from the original. Here's the full press release and official video to accompany the launch of the latest MIDI controller to come from Arturia.

KeyLab MkII combines the comprehensive control of Arturia’s classic original KeyLab with the streamlined workflow and smart features of KeyLab Essential, while adding exciting new features and a new level of quality, expression and luxury. KeyLab MkII is the must-have controller for professional music-makers.

Keylab MKII Features

The Arturia community spoke, and we listened. We have included everything a modern producer could desire in a majestic, ergonomic package. Here’s a quick summary of the core features:

  • MIDI and USB compatible controller with Mackie HUI recording software control
  • 49 or 61 Arturia Pro-Feel semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and pressure sensitivity
  • Rugged aluminium chassis
  • Metal pitch bend and modulation wheels
  • 4 CV outputs and 1 CV input for modular connectivity
  • DAW Commands with magnetic overlays
  • Total Analog Lab integration with dedicated “Category” buttons for quick navigation
  • Three banks of 9 MIDI-assignable knobs, faders, and RGB buttons, preconfigured to work with Analog Lab 3 instruments
  • 16 backlit RGB multi-function pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
  • 2 customizable chord modes
  • 32-character LCD screen
  • Sustain and expression pedal inputs, as well as 3 additional auxiliary pedal inputs

CONTROL - THE WAY YOU WANT IT

Offering 3 distinct modes, KeyLab MkII gives you the ultimate control experience, no matter what task may be at hand. DAW mode gives you unprecedented control over recording platforms, with transport, track, and navigation controls all immediately available at your fingertips. Not only that, but KeyLab MkII comes complete with 10 magnetic overlays and presets for some of the most popular DAW titles.

Analog Lab mode automatically assigns all knobs, faders and buttons to work perfectly with the included Analog Lab 3 software suite. Enjoy total control of over 6,000 iconic synth, key, organ, sampler, string machine and piano sounds, easily set up splits and multi-sounds, and make preset browsing a piece of cake with dedicated category buttons and tag-based browsing with the jog wheel.

User mode gives you total control of KeyLab MkII, with practically every key, pad, button, switch, fader and rotary knob totally customizable to send any note or MIDI CC data you desire. Store up to 10 User maps to perfectly suit your setup, from controlling multiple effects and VSTs at once to giving you full and total control of every parameter of a virtual instrument.

Software

Every KeyLab MkII comes complete with an exciting collection of software titles that let you start performing and recording straight out of the box. Two full Arturia titles are included - Analog Lab 3 and Piano V 2, letting you not only enjoy over 6,000 incredible vintage synth and keyboard sounds from Arturia’s award-winning V Collection, but also a comprehensive physically modelled piano suite. If you are new to the world of recording, or simply want to try out a different DAW, KeyLab MkII also includes Ableton Live Lite, an introduction to one of the most popular recording and performance platforms in the world. Record, create, mix, edit, effect, and release, all from the comfort of one free software package.

Modular Compatibility

KeyLab MkII’s control voltage connectivity lets you open up to the world of vintage synthesizers and Eurorack modular. Featuring 4 CV outputs to control pitch, gate, and 2 modulation sources, you can send live performance or DAW-controlled automation to your modular gear. It also sports a CV input, which translates incoming signals from modules to MIDI/USB data, ready for your DAW.

A worthy upgrade to the original KeyLab?

Quality

Every aspect of KeyLab MkII has been designed with quality at its heart. From its rugged aluminium chassis to its machined metal pitch bend and mod-wheel; its premium companion software to the silky-smooth Arturia Pro-Feel keybed. This is a controller to be enjoyed for years to come.

KeyLab MkII is available in both white and black finishes, and in both 49 and 61-key versions.

Price: KeyLab 49 MkII - 449 EUR

           KeyLab 61 MkII - 499 EUR

For more information on KeyLab MkII, as well as other controllers in Arturia’s range, visit the official Arturia website : www.arturia.com

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Discussion

patzer
Looks quite nice, but too bad they didn't add aftertouch at this price point.

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