Arturia has just unveiled the latest generation of its legendary line of KeyLab MIDI controllers. It combines the comprehensive control of Arturia's classic original KeyLab with the fluid workflow and smart features of the KeyLab Essential, while adding new features and a new level of quality, expression and luxury. The company is announcing the KeyLab MkII as the must-have controller for professional musicians.
It represents a quantum leap in terms of control, quality and expression. It features a responsive 49-key keyboard action, an aluminum chassis, an advanced configurable interface, 16 backlit RGB performance pads, 9 large faders, 9 rotary encoders, 5 inputs for expression control, 4 CV outputs, smart category controls and, of course, MIDI and USB connectivity. It includes an impressive software bundle: Arturia's complete virtual piano Piano V, the Analog Lab 3 keyboard sound suite and Ableton Live Lite.
Features
The Arturia community has spoken and the manufacturer has listened. It has included everything a modern producer could want in a majestic, ergonomic format.
MIDI and USB class-compliant controller with Mackie HUI recording software control
Semi-weighted keyboard with a professional feel, with 49 or 61 velocity- and pressure-sensitive keys.
Rugged aluminum chassis.
Metal pitch and modulation wheels
4 CV outputs and 1 CV input for modular connectivity.
DAW controls with magnetic overlays.
Full integration with Analog Lab, with dedicated "category" buttons for quick browsing
3 banks of 9 MIDI-assignable encoders, faders and RGB buttons, preconfigured for use right out of the box.
Analog Lab 3 instruments.
16 backlit RGB multifunction pads, velocity- and pressure-sensitive.
2 customizable chord modes
32-character LCD display.
Inputs for sustain and expression pedals, plus 3 additional pedal inputs.
Control it however you want
Offering 3 distinct modes, KeyLab MkII delivers an excellent control experience, no matter what task you have at hand.
- DAW Mode gives you unprecedented control over your recording platform, with transport, track and navigation controls all immediately at your fingertips. Not only that, but KeyLab MkII comes complete with 10 magnetic overlays and presets for some of the most popular DAWs.
- Analog Lab Mode automatically assigns all the buttons, faders and knobs to work seamlessly with the included Analog Lab 3 software instrument suite. Enjoy full control over more than 6,000 iconic synth, keyboard, organ, sampler, string machine and piano sounds, easily set up splits and multis, and make browsing presets a breeze with the dedicated category buttons and tag-based browsing with the control wheel.
- User Mode gives you total control of KeyLab MkII, with practically every key, pad, button, switch, fader and rotary knob fully customizable to send any note or MIDI CC data you want. Store up to 10 user maps that fit perfectly into your setup, from controlling multiple effects and VSTs at once to giving you complete and total control of every parameter of a virtual instrument.
Powerful software
Every KeyLab MkII comes complete with an exciting collection of software titles that let you start playing and recording as soon as you take it out of the box. It includes two full Arturia titles, Analog Lab 3 and Piano V 2, which not only let you enjoy more than 6,000 incredible vintage synth and keyboard sounds from Arturia's award-winning V Collection, but also a complete physically modeled piano suite. If you're new to the world of recording or simply want to try a different DAW, KeyLab MkII also includes Ableton Live Lite, an introduction to one of the world's most popular recording and performance platforms. Record, create, mix, edit, add effects and publish, all from the comfort of a free software package.
Modular compatibility
KeyLab MkII's control voltage connectivity opens you up to the world of vintage synths and Eurorack modular. With 4 CV outputs for pitch, gate and 2 modulation sources, you can send live or DAW-controlled automation to your modular gear. It also has a CV input, which "translates" incoming signals from modules into MIDI/USB data, ready for your DAW.
Quality that inspires
Every aspect of KeyLab MkII has been designed with quality at its core. From its rugged aluminum chassis to its metal pitch and modulation wheels; from its companion software to its professional, silky-feeling keyboard. This is a controller to enjoy for years.
Feature summary
Premium software included: Every version of KeyLab MkII comes complete with inspiring software instruments, including Piano V, Arturia's revered physically modeled studio piano, the inspiring Analog Lab preset collection and Ableton Live Lite. No other controller comes close.
Luxury keyboard: Featuring the same opulent keybed as the MatrixBrute, KeyLab MkII lets keyboard players truly express themselves across its 49 notes.
Modular connectivity: Hook up to external synths and modules using pitch and gate CV and 2 modulation controls.
Configurable inputs: This feature-packed controller includes not only sustain and expression inputs, but also 3 configurable auxiliary inputs for total creative control over your sound, both in the studio and live.
16 pads: Multifunction RGB pads that not only let you capture percussive performances accurately, but also play preprogrammed chords and easily switch control maps.
Tactile controls: 9 long faders and 9 rotary knobs give you complete control over your DAW projects and over your instrument and effects parameters, thanks to intelligent mapping.
Full integration: KeyLab MkII gives you unrestricted access to every element of Arturia's own software instruments. The ideal controller for V Collection users.
DAW control with magnetic overlays: with KeyLab MkII, you never need to wonder whether you're pressing the right button. It comes with 10 magnetic overlays for the 10 most popular DAWs, so you can use all 16 of its transport controls to maximum effect.
Luxury construction: Housed in a glorious aluminum chassis, flanked by real wood side panels and with the same superb aluminum pitch and modulation wheels as the MiniBrute 2, KeyLab MkII adds a touch of class to any studio setup.
Quick-access buttons: Need a piano sound? Press the piano button and the included Analog Lab 3 software will show you your options. Want a lead, or a bass?
* Available in both white and black finishes and in 49- and 61-key formats.
