Back to navigation


Redesigned for 88-key Performance with Any DAW





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





With the detailed work that Arturia’s masterful emulations receive, we would expect nothing less in the company’s approach to designing the optimal way to interface with those worlds of sound. Now, the KeyLab Essential mk3 88-key Keyboard Controller delivers a bold, intuitive redesign to make composition, recording, and playback easier than ever, armed with velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keys to provide an optimum balance of classic piano feel and flexible synth-like expression. Meanwhile, it introduces new creative features alongside its intelligently reorganized interface, premium software, and deep integration capabilities. Producers and keyboardists at Sweetwater love how seamlessly this controller works with Arturia’s suite of award-winning soft synths. Its completely customizable software connectivity allows you to painlessly use the KeyLab Essential mk3 with any DAW that suits your workflow. Faders, encoders, beat pads, contextual buttons, and real-time visual feedback ensure the mk3 is a playback powerhouse perfect for the studio and the stage.





Related Videos: KeyLab Essential mk3 88-key Keyboard Controller - Black


Newly improved and more powerful than ever





One of the more critical facets of the KeyLab Essential mk3 is its ability to prioritize and enable performance while eschewing cumbersome menu-diving, all while remaining easily integrated with any DAW. It can’t be overstated how many creative barriers that plague other controllers just disappear! New creative tools include scale and chord modes, as well as an arpeggiator to mix up and expand your repertoire of compositional opportunities. Packaged premium software includes the full suite of Analog Lab V’s distinctive array of modern and vintage synths, hybridized instruments, orchestral sounds, and much more, all with 2,000 studio-grade presets to serve as the bedrock of your next project. Each of the nine rotary encoders is accompanied by a fader alongside an RGB-backlit beat pad equipped with velocity and pressure sensitivity. A full-color, 2.5-inch LCD screen provides real-time feedback for all assigned parameters and controls, with context-assignable buttons and completely customizable controls making for an easily tailored performance tool.





Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 88-key Keyboard Controller Features:


Redesigned interface streamlines workflow with precision-placed buttons, knobs, and sliders


Semi-weighted keys blend synth-like flexibility with classic piano feel for a hybrid performance experience with uncompromising expression


8-pad beat pad includes RGB backlighting and velocity/pressure sensitivity to deepen compositional and performance potential


2.5-inch LCD provides real-time feedback of any adjustments in full color


9 rotary encoders and 9 faders can be customized entirely and assigned for optimal use in your arrangement


All buttons and control points can be contextually set, allowing for expanded production possibilities without the headache of menu-diving


Pitch and mod wheels are positioned above the lowest notes for a slim profile that’s ergonomically beneficial


Packaged with premium software, including Analog Lab V, and more than 2,000 studio-grade presets


Newly introduced performance and composition features include chord and scale modes, as well as an arpeggiator


Custom scripts are available for unimpeded use with virtually any DAW of your choosing


Seamlessly integrates with Arturia’s suite of soft synths to take them to any studio or stage opportunity


USB-C connectivity manages complete MIDI communication and bus power to accommodate use with almost any setup


5-pin MIDI output and expression controller input enable deeper integration for any live or studio arrangement