Arturia’s KeyLab mk3 is a professional, human-centered performance keyboard that has all the benefits of a fully featured MIDI controller. The KeyLab mk3 is class-compliant and capable of harnessing the power of practically any software instrument or DAW including Arturia’s Analog Lab Pro and V Collection software plugins. Arturia’s KeyLab mk3 has been designed to have full integration with Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, Cubase, FL Studio, and Logic Pro as well as has basic volume, panning and transport control functionality for many other popular DAWs.
Arturia’s KeyLab mk3 has been designed to enhance your workflow so you can spend less time using computer peripherals and focus on creating music. The KeyLab mk3 integrates seamlessly with Arturia’s Analog Lab software, placing over 2,000 presets from a large number of instruments at your fingertips. Fast sorting of Analog Lab presets is available to help you find the sound you are looking for quickly.
The KeyLab mk3 has MIDI-assignable encoders, nine faders, (all customizable) which are pre-configured to work with Analog Lab software instruments are touch-sensitive and also ‘pre-configured’ for DAWs. The 12 backlit RGB Pads are velocity and pressure sensitive.
The Arturia KeyLab mk3 is currently available in 49 or 61 semi-weighted keys with velocity- and pressure-sensitivity (polyphonic aftertouch). An 88 version of the KeyLab mk3 is currently under development. The Arturia KeLab mk3 features a new high-quality synth-action feel Keybed that is perfect for piano and hybrid synth playing and is among the best Keybeds I have ever played on a MIDI keyboard controller.
The KeyLab mk3 features professional grade build quality, including upgraded beechwood side panels and a brand new full-color screen. The KeyLab mk3 features extensive on board controls and has three primary modes of operation DAW, Arturia and User. The DAW mode lets you control your Digital Audio Workstation directly from KeyLab mk3. The KeyLab mk3’s Arturia mode where you can control plugins such as Arturia’s V Collection instruments. The User mode lets you customize your KeyLab mk3 to control virtually any MIDI parameter or control change.
The KeyLab mk3 will adapt its behavior to streamline your workflow depending on whether you want to control your DAW or Arturia plugins. Thanks to the KeyLab mk3’s new color screen, you can browse through Analog Pro presets and filter by type, instruments, or genre. You can also control, browse, and arm your Arturia V collections plugins as well as launch clips and scenes, navigate the timeline, and control external devices within all DAW’s. Full transport functionality for supported DAW’s includes Play, Record, Stop, Save Quantize, Undo, Redo as well as forward, backward, metronome, and Tap tempo functions.
Other notable features on the KeyLab mk3 include a cumulative chords function, a new scale mode that is accessible using only one finger, as well as the ability to play chords that can be held and quantized to a user defined scale. The KeyLab mk3 features a new Arpeggiator which includes random mode and chord mode with preset and user chords plus strumming DAWs. The 12 Performance Pads on the KeyLab mk3 can be used to trigger samples within your DAW, play chords on software/hardware instruments, and/or send all sorts of MIDI data including aftertouch (the pads are pressure-sensitive). Each pad can have a different setting within each mode.
The back of the KeyLab mk3 has Aux, Expression and Sustain Pedal inputs ports. Any pedal can be assigned to any MIDI CC number or tasks like Program Change, note commands, and other static or switched controls. The KeyLab mk3’s Expression port is primarily for use with a continuously variable pedal and sustain primarily for triggering MIDI on/off changes. The Keylab MK III can be powered solely via USB, or you can use an optional power supply.
The KeyLab mk3’s MIDI Out port will send USB/MIDI data to external devices, and it can also do so without a computer when the KeyLab mk3 is powered by an optional power supply. The MIDI In connection port can receive MIDI data from external devices, and also serves as a MIDI/USB converter for your DAW if that is how you plan to connect to your computer.
On the KeyLab mk3, Arturia removed the silkscreen labels found on the KeyLab mk2. Arturia compensated for the fact by adding haptic enabled dynamic pop-ups that will show you what you are controlling i.e., when you move the faders, turn the rotary encoders.
Arturia’s KeyLab mk3 comes with a generous selection of added value software including a full license to Arturia’s flagship Analog Lab Pro software instrument and a variety of composition and performance oriented Arturia plug ins and software instruments. You also get a selection of partner licenses (Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments The Gentleman, Melodics and Loopcloud).
One thing I do need to point out: I’m a Pro Tools user and yes, while on the Keylab mk3 Arturia has followed the HUI MCU protocol and included basic transport controls and standard volume, panning and fader capability, a lot of functionality including mute, solo, the ability to switch between Mix and Edit screens on the fly has not been carried over from the KeyLab mk2 to the KeyLab mk3. Yes, I think a lot of people are going to be sold on the upgraded Keybed and the KeyLab mk3’s extensive feature set, but a percentage of Pro Tools users are going to have a moment of pause when they see what the overall trade-offs are relative to the currently marketed Arturia KeyLab mk2.
So, is upgrading from the Arturia’s KeyLab mk2 to the KeyLab mk3 worth it? If you are currently the owner of an Arturia KeyLab mk2, the single biggest reason to upgrade I can see is the newly redesigned Keybed, which is, as far as my experience anyway, truly best in class. More to the point, if you have the experience and knowledge to program your own MIDI parameters and control changes, the Arturia KeyLab mk3 User mode offers all the sophistication, flexibility, and creative controls most users could wish for and could be just what you’re looking for in a professional grade MIDI Keyboard controller that’s as much at home on stage as it is in the studio.
Arturia‘s KeyLab mk3 is available now. Find out more at arturia.com.
