Arturia Keylab MK3 vs Essential MK3 vs the competition // Review & tutorial

[@michaeltrenier]

Loopop does NOT miss in his reviews man. Looking to gift to my partner. I will buy him an MK2 Keylab instead. Many thx!

[@dans.8198]

No poly aftertouch in 2024, not even in the expensive premium model, is an immediate hard pass. Thanks for the review, Ziv!

[@MichaelCoombes776]

That polyphonic aftertouch stills seems "niche" outside of MPE devices baffles me. It's been a thing for years!

[@mudi2000a]

Did you look at the prices of keyboards that have Poly AT (Korg or NI)? I think then you know why... I think it's a good decision to not increase the price.

[@matthewgaines10]

Consumers have options. Those lining up for MPE are paying for it. Not everyone is willing to pay the premium to have it.

[@MichaelCoombes776]

@@mudi2000a My confusion is around how poly AT hasn't gotten cheaper over time (so it remains something only on high-end gear.

[@mudi2000a]

@@MichaelCoombes776 That is actually a good question. I just saw the Korg dropped a bit in price as well, but has overall less features. I think it is because you need 1 pressure sensor per key whereas with channel AT you have 1 single pressure strip under the keyboard. Maybe number of units produced still too low.

[@ChuckSilva]

Super helpful❤….im new to Arturia….just bought essential with Analogue Pro and so far very impressed with it especially at $220.00-

[@jayonbaby]

I’m so happy for this comparison. The chord expression, strum types/speed, and scale lock are super nice. Thank you.

[@andischarfstein]

How could they miss implementing the Full Touch MPE keybed from the PolyBrute 12?? That would have been such an obvious killer feature! Arrgh, now I have to wait for somebody else to release a minimalist MIDI MPE controller keyboard with a nice keybed 🙄

[@natalieauroraphoto]

Maybe it'll be on the 88?

[@koothka]

Yeah, a keylab ultimate, with 4×4 pad for finger drumming. Fulltouch. The keyboard is nearly perfect in terms of layout in my opinion. Some part of the mk2 looks better than the mk3, imo.

[@stickman393]

Arturia are a business, and although it would have been a nice-to-have, there are obvious reasons for not including fullTouch in the keylab. Probably most significant is not to hurt sales of the recently released PolyBrute 12.

[@Dadazoid]

Yeah. I was wondering why no MPE. That's a deal breaker.

[@andischarfstein]

​​@@stickman393 I see your point, but I don't think that sales from a MIDI controller would cannibalize the sales of a full-blown high-end synthesizer offering. Also, I wouldn't underestimate the synergies from having a unified keybed across the product range. I'm really sad that they missed this opportunity.

[@kingsqueak2221]

Excellent, the detail I was looking for, thanks.

[@measures_of_distance]

you ARE a hand drummer sir - that was good!! And your arm and hand skin is stunningly soft and radiant!!!!

[@gianni1646]

This video was very helpful in my search for a 61-key controller. Thanks, Gianni❤

[@andrewventham]

Maybe one day they'll try putting faders on the left and pads on the right, for those right handers among us.

[@AliBros]

I’m left handed and I still prefer Silverado left!

[@mdjey2]

Doesn't matter.

[@YanivhmTube]

@@andrewventham Dont forget you can always use your legs if needed!

[@dans.8198]

Just rotate the keyboard 180 degrees. ;-)

[@xfghffhfg]

I'm left-handed and it seems the current design is uncomfortable to me so I guess they got it right for you righties.

[@MS7.7]

All the waiting, for a nerfed mk3!!! "My disappointment is Immeasurable and my day is ruined". Thanks loopop for being always ahead of the Game and your detailed reviews. Removing buttons under faders is workflow killer, what were they thinking.

[@StopTryingSoHard]

So we get a pretty screen but we lost the track buttons and the CV I/O for the same price. And still no affordable MPE that's not attached to junk MIDI controllers. So this may indeed be a bit of shrinkflation of lesser used features to keep costs down which to be fair are not actually in Arturia's hands.

[@mudi2000a]

I have been waiting and for me it's OK. I also have a launchpad and so less buttons or drum pads are not that big of a deal. I'm actually happy that there was not a big price hike like with the NI keyboard.

[@mike2884]

Best review channel on the internet as usual lol❤ I'm still trying to pick out a new midi board for the studio. So undecided. Wish the keybed from polybrute 12 comes soon to market .😢

[@loopop]

Thanks and me too!

[@AKJ828]

Loopop is so fast that Arturia hasn't even design the mk.3 and he already has a video on it lol

[@loopop]

Easier to make videos that way!

[@griffgoldsteinreference]

Only things faster than light is rule 34 & loopop

[@VentureNW]

@@AKJ828 so fast that I bet he already is making the Novation video, for whatever they are dropping in 2 days

[@AKJ828]

@@VentureNW how does everyone know what will be dropping? What the news outlet?

[@Lt_Master_Sgt_Field_QM_Pores]

@@AKJ828it’s the Launchkey MK4. There’s an unlisted video on their channel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oojQnpaaZqh0hK8si=uf4D_SaxiSAtcp-p

[@pulsarstar]

Sweet baby Jesus! Did you study the content before? I rarely see such a fluent review, you are a natural man! Subbed!

[@VentureNW]

I think they missed the mark on this one, to be honest. No Poly Aftertouch (they invented 'full touch' lol), no lit keys like NI, screen is tiny, less inputs/outputs on the back (why?), and its too tied to their own ecosystem. Outside of the screen, what is the selling point on this vs their last one? Hope Novation drops a new SL MKIV soon!

[@tj10777]

I wish Novation would just update the SLmk3. No updates for years now

[@VentureNW]

@@tj10777 that's a good point!

[@zdravkodimitrov]

Mk4 is coming any day now, there was a leak that got pulled

[@VentureNW]

@@zdravkodimitrov Ya - it was pretty obvious on Instagram last week, from a couple of their posts. While not keeping up with Arturia, in general, their flagship controller does. What I am referring to, however, is the SL series, with more screens. SL is the flagship - not the standard Launchkey. Something is specifically dropping on August 29th

[@hailynewma9122]

@@tj10777thanks for the info. if novation does not update their products I won‘t buy. Arturia it is

[@steviek6484]

Great breakdown of the feature. I love all the beginner friendly features on the notation m4 but no after touch might be a deal breaker

[@jonathanpaine3411]

Thank you needed something exactly like this

[@jonathanpaine3411]

For anyone wondering i went with the essential 49 and am very happy with it

[@robertgrabowski2265]

Should be nice having a show about: Arturia Keylab MK3 vs Arturia Keylab MK2

[@ankushzap]

MK2 is better

[@robertgrabowski2265]

@@ankushzap Black edition looks nice.

[@neuronist]

can we have a keylab with fulltouch? that would be good!

[@dreamstaticsounds]

Yeah, that's what I figured they would add to this one but no dice. What a missed opportunity.

[@neuronist]

@@dreamstaticsounds exactly!

[@xfghffhfg]

But when you do don't complain that the price is too high.

[@neuronist]

@@xfghffhfg i would be happy to pay quite a bit more for that ;)

[@xfghffhfg]

@@neuronist Would you pay 800$ for a midi keyboard? Maybe you do but most people will say they would rather get a Hydra (that design their own keypad and have a non advertised relation with FATAR/Studio logic. Not to mention, they are based in Hong kong) And since it's a controller, when support is gone (When MK5 shipped) most of its functions will not work. I guess it will take more time until the cost of a poly-at keypad will go down and then you will see it everywhere, for cheap.

[@nicolassignat6733]

Thank you so much for the amazing quality of your reviews !

[@MrBearfaced]

I think you can select the prog (Arturia/DAW/User) on both versions by holding the prog button and selecting which one you want using the 'drum' pads, the ones with a program assigned will light up. It makes more sense with the Keylab Mk3 as the relevant buttons are closer together.

[@privateer9116]

Great video - but personally I'm waiting for Melbourne Instruments to release a controller with their motorized knobs! That technology would be perfect for a soft-synth controller.

[@FerIsella-yj3gd]

How can Arturia miss the opportunity to integrate their new Polybute 2 full touch MPE key bed here?

[@mudi2000a]

Maybe they wanted to keep the price the same? I think huge price increase would have been inevitable. Maybe this will come later in a higher priced version (Pro, whatever).

[@RadekPilich]

What would be a point of MPE for people who most likely can even play a piano? 🙃

[@xfghffhfg]

cost, give it a year or two.

[@MeisseLee]

I was hoping for Arturia to bring their full touch keybed on the mk3 or at least polyphonic aftertouch.. AND a sequencer. I guess the arpeggiator is better than not but... it's a shame. I hope Novation "brings it" with their next flagship controller! I'm using my Hydra Deluxe as a controller at the moment, but I'd love to be able to sequence multiple hardware synths and have the poly aftertouch at the same time, with transport controls. Arturia's making controllers obviously to cater to the Analog Lab -users and not to artists who could actually use a more fully decked out controller, especially with outboard gear. The mk2 was great at the time, but it was definitely lacking in features as time went on, and I think the missing features were painfully obvious, and yet they didn't deliver... I wonder why.

[@hunterfrederick2731]

And soon! I hope it comes soon from novation

[@MH-rt9ts]

Not implementing polyphonic after touch in 2024 is mind boggling. I get that plenty of players may not need it, but this thing is their premium midi controller! If you’re going spend the money on it you should be getting that much extra. This is a deal breaker for many who would have eagerly bought this.

[@xfghffhfg]

@@MH-rt9ts it cost 500$ not 750 like the NI, considering all the controllers, it would cost about 800-900$ with poly-AT,

[@Pummelfay]

Man i have waited years for this, but this is not what I was expecting.. more like a jeylab essential “+”

[@logicrak]

same!! I even let go off some offers on mk2 to wait for this one. Feels like got scammed.

[@DopamineOverload]

Dig the ability to edit all the custom stuff right from the controller. Dig the arpeggiator and chord / strum stuff (like Keystep 37). What I don't like is that they skimped on the pads. The MK2 had a full 4x4 grid. 8 pads I can understand, 12, no... because when you bank up and down, everything doesn't keep a consistent layout, especially on an Ableton Drum Rack. You're always one row off from a new kit or set. Other than that, pretty nice. I owned the Keylab Esseential MK3 61 briefly a few months back... I liked it. For the price, you get a lot of great stuff. Also, huge kudos to Arturia for including Analog Lab Pro, even with the Essential.

[@sergiodeoliveira5358]

Curious what the reasoning was for losing 4 pads compared to mk2. Seems like a bad decision, especially for Ableton Live.

[@loopop]

you can reach the extra 4 or more using banks, my guess (totally not confirmed by Arturia) is it's a design decision - either that or cost!

[@LukJarzyna]

Fewer pads and no additional buttons, and settings banks in the slider area. Much less control than the keylab mk2, it's a downgrade.

[@LukJarzyna]

They have the keylab essential for the cost issues. Mk3 was supposed to be the premium version, they sure made some weird design choices. It looks like a slight downgrade from the keylab mk2, fewer pads and lack of the additional controls in the slider area that the previous version had.

[@sergiodeoliveira5358]

@@loopop I noticed the CV jacks are gone as well. As much as I would like to have the nicer display, looks like I'm holding onto my 61 mk2.

[@loopop]

@@sergiodeoliveira5358 right, as I mention in the video, the track buttons are gone too

[@peabodyscientific2082]

21:05 Wait. No device banks on the Keylab when the Essential has them? WHAT? That is SHOCKING. How did they miss that?

[@tbueno]

The MKII (not the essential) is so beautiful...and MK3 is this atrocity! 😱

[@raul0ca]

It is surprisingly thin and has a weight to it. The CV/gate functionality is nice for modular gear. I'm still enjoying mine in Cubase/Roland XV5080

[@mudi2000a]

@@raul0ca I guess they found out nobody used cv gate there, I guess modular guys prefer the keystep series.

[@ipezmusic]

The Essential 61 is very good for a beginner. That's why I'm using it. The "full" Keylab is simply another kind of controller. I'm waiting for the Keylab 88 MK3...

[@koothka]

Sad that the pad is not 4*4, is make more sens for finger drumming. Lot of DAW working with 2,4,8,12,16 parameters it's funny to have 9 encoder and fader. (edit the 9th fader is useful for the selected track). But some feature of the mk2 miss, like the possibility to select the track under the fader. And no CV why? The mk2 was a better all around controller IMO.

[@AnVolcano1]

I just decided on getting a Novation Launchkey 49 after seeing poor reviews of the Essentials keybed and seeing the mk2 was long in the tooth... and now I guess I have to decide whether to get a mk3 instead. That said, I'm not very impressed by the V Collection/Analog Lab integration on my Minilab mk3, so I am leaning Launchkey since I think having the better Ableton functionality is worth it over the Arturia software integration.

[@wurmhaus334]

Novation releases mk4 of that in some days, might want to wait a bit

[@AnVolcano1]

Oh, good call! Just saw the 49 mk3 is out of stock on the Novation site, so guessing that's almost here :D I was actually planning on getting a refurb anyway, but will wait to see what's new in the mk4.

[@ShinHito]

Well, I’ve been waiting to buy a MIDI controller for awhile, I guess it’s time! Thanks for the great overview!

[@ColossusBall]

You should probably look at the MK2 before you buy this...

[@UloPe]

Putting that black/white 00s calculator display on the essential is just petty. An oled screen of that size costs pennies more.

[@ohheyitskevinc]

Great review Ziv! A sequencer and a few CV/gates and this would be an instant buy. That said - I’ve been wanting a better controller than the KK S61 mkII I’ve been dealing with for a few years now. And I have the KSP for other stuff. Might buy this (unless they plan on a KSP with more keys that are big).

[@tonynacho]

Wish they’d bring the MPE-enabled keybed of PolyBrute 12 to a controller… so many Arturia soft synths support MPE expression now!

[@gregsLyrics]

Excellent review! My guess is that a Full Touch MPE keyboard is way more expensive and Arturia marketing nuts decided their price points of KeyLab et al. was more important. WHY do companies not ask their users before designing less useful products. I cannot believe the keyboard is simply Aftertouch. Nearly pointless.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Personally I don't think they should have priced out people that don't want full touch, but definitely +1 for a fulltouch controller

[@YanivhmTube]

The Mk2 had 3 different midi banks for the knobs and sliders ( which means 16*3 midi control per program ). The mk1 had 2 banks. I don't see no banks here 🤔

[@PromoMIAR]

Wondering about this myself. I saw a vid on DAW Mode extended functions on main Knob. You hold down button to switch to next 8 Fader banks in Mixer mode etc. But can you do similar in USER mode?

[@YanivhmTube]

@@PromoMIAR Good attention to detail! good to know. Still curious about the user midi. 16 vs 48 is a big difference.

[@eclecticaro]

Wow. I literally thought yesterday why mk3 hasen't been released yet. Arturia were really busy this year. So busy that the mk3 is not even available on their website;)

[@ktreier]

I was really hoping for the Polybrute 12 full-touch keybed, or at least Poly AT. Neither means no need to replace my 88 key Mk II or my Komplete Kontrol S49 Mk III. Maybe 88 will have full-touch or at least Poly AT. Sorry Arturia this seems like a big miss. No CV outputs either, sigh.

[@nyanko2077]

Not interested but adding a comment for the youtube bots anyway :)

[@loopop]

I'm responding because the bots value true interaction

[@joweiser2460]

I comment on these comments purely to entertain the bots further. #laughsinbinary

[@gregsilver_official]

@@loopop interacted! job done! :)

[@BelfastBiker]

Your location has been noted, attack drones enroute.

[@Dadazoid]

Lol. 😂

[@kennethdarlington]

All I wanted in Keylab, what is missing in my Essential fo me: Weighted keys Aftertouch and some "just want to": Ableton grid pads instead in significantly increased quantity instead of drum pads and more knobs

[@yourcitysleeps]

Great video LP!! I have the essential 61 and don't see anything here that would make me want to upgrade.

[@loopop]

Thanks and OK!

[@stickman393]

I get why you're comparing Keylab to Essential, but I gotta say a comparison between MkII and MkIII might be more useful :)

[@loopop]

I added that to the description!

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

That's probably not what Arturia wants because it will showcase how the MkIII is a downgrade compared to the MkII.

[@JohnnyMacaw]

novation released the mk4 launchkey so im waiting for the Novation Sl61 mk4

[@coastalsatellites]

I appreciate them keeping the cost about the same as the previous gen. Even if that means no poly touch. But sad they took out those buttons underneath the sliders. On my mk2, I use those to easily arm different synths for my live shows. Strange that they took those out, since most other controllers follow that layout.

Thank you for the review! I want to buy a midi keyboard or controller using with my Push 3 Standalone. First Question; Is Arturia Keylab 3 able to use with Push 3 Standalone in Standalone mode with single USB A to USB C cable? Powered by push3 standalone? All functions works same as controlling live 12 ? Second Question if it could be connected, is Arturia MK3 good enough to live performing with Ableton Push 3 on stage?

[@LastHeroSynth]

incredible The Midlife Synthesist Loop Starsky Carr you have published the same review of the Arturia MK3 Laboratory at the same time . Coincidence ??? you tube gives me the same Timeline .... Mah !!! anyway congratulations, always nice videos, Thank you !!

[@JayTheLane]

Embargo from Arturia.

[@camilleotrakji]

Thank you. You're incredibly fast with learning new tech. Most of us would need a month to be this comfortable with a new controller. Can you play piano / elec Piano on these keybaords? ... is it weighted enough? ... and can you (from the keyboard itself) customize After touch and setup 3 zones (with different transpose settings for each) in custom MIDI templates?

[@loopop]

Thanks! I can play piano on it but I'm not a great piano player; a professional piano player would need to get used to this as the keys aren't weighted like a piano. Yes you can customize aftertouch on the keyboard itself but I did not explore that.

[@Synth2000]

The non-essential looks gooooood

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

What's with companies releasing master controller versions with less controls than the previous version? Novation did that with the Remote SL, Active Incompetence did with the Komplete Komtrol S and now Arturia with this new Keylab MK3. What's the point of having a master controller you have to supplement with more gear because functionality is missing?

[@Old_Man_Jay]

I just want a new sequencer. Perhaps a new keystep pro with 8 tracks?? Seems like it’ll never happen.

[@maddmugsy]

And a 128 step sequencer

[@raul0ca]

A keystep with full size keys would be nice or a keylab with sequencing

[@Old_Man_Jay]

@@raul0ca yea something like that seems like an obvious money maker. In a market full of thousands of midi keyboards to choose from, There’s nothing about this new key lab that interest me at all.

[@dans.8198]

Count me in for a full size Keystep Pro (and yes, please add a couple more tracks with CV outs).

[@PeterHill-jq4fr]

@@dans.8198 this is what everybody wants, the Keystep is brilliant but needs full sized 'piano' keys and then it would be perfect

[@Tulio_Laanen]

Finally some wood in a midi controller. I always wished midi controllers would be made with more durable and nicer materials.

[@xfghffhfg]

Yes, the wood is there to make people who don't know how to assess quality build.

[@oblitafier]

@@Tulio_Laanen The previous model had wooden details and an aluminium top plate. Alas, this is now plastic and pretty flexible.

[@xfghffhfg]

@@oblitafier It was never real wood.

[@Tulio_Laanen]

@@xfghffhfg it's not only about quality also about feel. I mean guitars and real traditional pianos and other instruments are usually build of beautiful real wood, which is a reason why I love those instruments. In the synth world, moogs etc, are sometimes real wood too. I really love that, and would spend money for it. But midi keyboards are tend to look and feel pretty ugly in my opinion. I feel there is a lot of untapped market that hasn't been explored yet. Especially because midi keyboard are perhaps for many the most used gear in the studio.

[@FuncKeR]

I was absolutely hoping the next Arturia MIDI controller would dish out some of the great things that came with the Polybrute 12 keybed as a MIDI controller without the thousand dollars synth and Ampeg 8x8 speaker cabinet's worth of physical weight attached to it. Not even polyphonic aftertouch. In 2024 we are still seeing "look bro how it integrates into ABLETON.. and look at the color display, so sick!" I almost feel motivated to send them hatemail regarding my disappointment lmao.

[@xfghffhfg]

best products ever wasted on the most entitlement people ever

[@michelnassarofficial]

It would be on another price point though

[@TCL-e1r]

I don't see the Keylab Mk3 available on their store, only Mk2

[@michelnassarofficial]

Should be live now

[@kierenmoore3236]

“Arturia sent [you] these controllers; other than that, no money changed hands …” So, you get to keep the Keylab Mk3 and Essential Mk3 they sent you (or not)? Because what you said is ambiguous about whether or not you get to keep it, and the lack of an “Includes paid promotion” notification implies that you don’t get to keep either one … ? Could you please clarify this for us viewers? Nice review. Thanks.

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words about my review. I believe what I said is very clear. I know you don't, and you have this odd desire for me to say things just the way you like them to be said, but since we've had this discussion on numerous other videos I don't see the point in repeating it. Seems like you do, so feel free to reference our previous discussions and imagine we're doing it again.

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@loopop So, you don’t disclose properly in the video. You don’t include the “Includes paid promotion” notification. And you said previously that if anyone was uncertain, they could ask and you would clarify … but now you won’t even do that. Your ‘disclosure’ is ambiguous and doesn’t comply with KZbin terms and policies, either. Why are you so adamant about failing to declare things and comply with KZbin’s policies? Are you not declaring your income, or something?!? It’s seems very strange that you would rather not just comply with KZbin’s policies and make proper disclosure to your audience, otherwise … ?!

[@loopop]

@@kierenmoore3236 Well, I'm glad you confirmed we had a previous discussion about this because your initial comment is worded as if we never had this disagreement before. I believe I do disclose things properly in the video, it's just that you disagree. I do however clarify to anyone who asks (which seems to be mostly you), and thanks for confirming that too.

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@loopop. It wasn’t worded that way at all. You fail to disclose the fact that you receive items in exchange for content about those items. You said last time (when another viewer also asked because your disclosure is inadequate) that it was “usually the case” that you keep the items in exchange for content. So, they are mostly paid promotions / sponsorships, according to you, but not always … which means no one knows what’s going on, unless they ask you each and every time … Which is why KZbin has a policy whereby you disclose when a video “Includes paid promotion”, so people don’t have to guess or ask … Telling one person, once, that you usually keep the review items, does not effect disclosure for any given instance (though you did that specifically last time, when asked by a confused viewer). Again, you are an intelligent man … you understand the issue, and yet you refuse to disclose paid promotions/sponsorships in accordance with KZbin policy … I am asking, why is that?

[@kierenmoore3236]

@@loopop. What you said is not clear, and you know that, because you were asked a out this by another viewer also, last time … If you included an “Includes paid promotion” notice, that would cover it … but you’d rather include a vague, inadequate verbal disclosure, rather than include a formal disclosure notice in accordance with KZbin policy … Why is that? Tax evasion is about the only thing that makes any sense, at this point …

[@dannymolns3573]

How does thos keybed feel vs the launchkey mk4?

[@loopop]

MK4 is better than essential, but slightly less premium feeling than the keylab mk3 (which also has channel AT)

[@tab9920]

Seems there might still be hope for a poly aftertouch in a Keylab 88 MK3 only? No replacement on their website for that version (still shows Keylab 88 MK2) unless I missed it. Although I would have loved to have poly aftertouch it in a 49/61 key form factor. In the market but will see what they do with 88 key version.

[@AndrewKuttor]

So currently have the MPC 61 Keys. Which I like. However I also own, and use in my set the push 3 standalone, the Maschine Plus with the Maschine Jam, and the Force. As well as a handful of other instruments I weave in and out like the Kaoss Replay, sp404mk2, RMX-1000, etc etc. I am wanting another set of keys for use with Push 3 or the Maschine. Or one that can do both. Between the Komplete Kontrol mk3 or the new Keylab (the premium one) which do you recommend? I am Dawless... Err well Daw in boxes however I wouldn't be opposed to setting up an iPad pro for one of these options... That's if they have an iOS app. Regarding my genre. I am a multi Instrumentl, improvisational, House (multiple sub genres), EDM, Techno, and other styles. Anyways which would you recommend?

[@aquaticborealis4877]

No Keylab 88 MK3 😟 Maybe that’s coming? One thing, the knobs and faders on the Keylab 88 MK2 feel a bit janky, not premium at all. Don’t know if that’s been improved? I didn’t find the pads to be particularly good on the MK2 either.

[@teashea1]

very well done - thanks

[@creativedwill]

Great video!!!!

[@Prexsplay]

Let’s see what the 88 has to offer… then I will comment. That’s my target!

[@MrPatriot08]

Does the central silver control knob on the new MKIII feel sturdy? It looks a bit wobbly on the demo. Seems like that knob will be used a lot, so wondering about long term reliability. Thanks for a great video !

[@loopop]

Thanks! Yes it seems just fine, however, I have no idea as to long term reliability

[@mjaa1307]

Hello first excellent as always!! Question about Device Control. Is there a way to cycle/toggle between more than one plugin/device to control on a track? In every video I've seen it is shown only one device/plugin on the Track's Devices section, so I wonder if you can toggle between them in the case of having more than one plugin/device to control.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not on the keyboard - you'll need to use your mouse for that

[@mjaa1307]

@@loopop Hello I couldn't find an answer for that anywhere! not only the best reviewers but also so quick to answer! many thanks

[@iomproirbais]

no CV ins or outs? lol

[@jimbo121]

I do not want to come off as negative as I love your content. Your mic is very muffled, tried on my monitors, on my atmos 7.1.4 system and receiver and also headphones. They all have that trait. Might want to cut some low end and add a bit more mid to hi end to your voice. Would be easier on the ears since your videos are so informative and usually can get quite long. Cheers!

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words and no worries at all I alway appreciate constructive feedback. Of all my viewers you and one other have made a similar comment, so it doesn't bother many people. That's my voice off the mic (except for a high pass at 80 which I add) - but now you've made me consider artificial enhancement ;)

[@jimbo121]

@@loopop Cheers my dude. It won’t stop me from watching haha. You are the reference when it comes to this sort of content. I do have a bit of a picky ear and it’s why I wanted to try it on different sources before making the comment. Gotta say though, on phone speakers it sounds fine which makes sense. No big deal, thanks for the review!

[@xfghffhfg]

Sounds fine to me, always did, simple, natural. My analyzer doesn't show anything that stands out, bass seems to have the usual cut.

[@mtcctm1820]

Hello Loopop thanks for your reviews... Simple question: How to control the send pots A,B and C with the Keylab MK3 or is it for a next update of the firmware ?? Too bad for the missed buttons under faders. Arturia doesn't answer now... Best from Paris.

[@loopop]

Thanks! I don't think it's possible unless you want to manually map a user template, which is an option BTW

[@mtcctm1820]

@@loopop Wov how the Arturia team did miss that?!.. the Send pots in Ableton are primordial;) in mix or for Live situation. Thanks for your replies. To be continued...

[@hotel_yugoslavia]

I'm not sure I understood, as it was just one sentence, if you use an arturia plugin in a daw, the mapping of controls of the plugins are gone? I'd think it's crucial, as much as it's fun to play around with standalone plugins, I use them in a daw, and sometimes record automation with knobs/sliders/mod wheel etc. If that's the case, it's all about the keybed and transport buttons, and you can get that cheaper elsewhere. Rendering this useless for me at least.

[@hotel_yugoslavia]

I hope I'm wrong and misunderstood it :)

[@loopop]

yes it works in a DAW too

[@hotel_yugoslavia]

@@loopop Thanks for the info and very kind of you to reply!

[@paQ75]

Novation is reportedly about to release its new Launchkey mk4, which is likely to be more balanced and better designed than this cut-down mutation that Arturia has come out with. Stay tuned :D

[@MartinStuertzer]

Thanks for the review! Question: Do the 8 encoders match the first eight parameters in a Device Rack in Ableton?

[@loopop]

My pleasure and yes they do

[@beatchef]

I am happy this came out before I bought a mk2, instead of usually with Korg I buy a mk1 the week before the mk2 comes out after less than a year.

[@hb3393]

Bought a keylab essential and was really really disappointed with the quality of the rotary encoders and sliders, very cheap and unpleasant to use. Also bear in mind that DAW integration is more limited than they let on. I bought mine for the main purpose of controlling Cubase Pro 11 and the mapping only worked with 13 and later.

[@Lo_Scum]

not checking all the boxes!!

[@nalaeel219]

seems like a fail

[@MikeBensonmichael2pointO]

What is the app you showed that had a nice graphical view of pressure on the pads? And thanks for the great review.

[@loopop]

Thanks! It's ShowMIDI by Geert Bevin (free)

[@MikeBensonmichael2pointO]

@@loopop thank you

[@MeisseLee]

NO polyphonic aftertouch?!?!?! holy crap! it's 2024 people! :D

[@valdir7426]

are people actually using it?

[@MeisseLee]

@@valdir7426 Well I do use it. A lot. I almost never use the channel aftertouch, but I use polyphonic aftertouch a lot. That's why I use my Hydra Deluxe as a controller at the moment.

[@valdir7426]

@@MeisseLee ok fair enough. that's still a pretty niche feature. I have microfreak for my poly aftertouch needs; but I feel like poly aftertouch is a halfway between an actual MPE controller and a regular keyboard. The thing I'd like the most is independant pitch control

[@VentureNW]

Right?

[@ManCalledMif]

I barely use velocity 😂 poly AT is an unnecessary expense for me

[@Ziger_]

So what about jumping knobs ,or sending ghost cc .... I was looking about it. But for a magic reason every Arturia keyboard i owned had the same issue...

[@smashrulezzz6446]

I have purchased Keylab 61 MK2 last week for 400 EUR 🙂Did not know about MK3 will come so early.... a week after. Should i start regret it?

[@loopop]

There's a summary of differences in the description, it has some advantages if those are important to you

[@michelnassarofficial]

KeyLab mkii is a great keyboard! :)

[@va941]

I WANT arturia to make a m32, with 8 knobz and the keystep keybed.

[@valdir7426]

don't know what you mean by m32 but yes for the rest

[@va941]

@@valdir7426 NI M32

[@sturdyblock]

£379 in the UK for the Keylab 4 Octave.

[@vivaldi6926]

Both devices are not in the same league. But the comparison is very good. For beginners, Essential can even be advanced.

[@antonystannard3333]

Based on previous release schedules, when is it likely the 88 will be out?

[@HarrisonSD03]

I know this seems like they dropped the ball, but for those not upgrading from the MKii, it seems fine. I do not have a controller and considered the MKii, now that is not an option and I will likely get the MKiii. Am I wrong or missing something in my thinking?

[@michelnassarofficial]

Both essentially do the same things! Better screen on the Mk3 than mk2 , better DAW integration too, and better keybed. Mkii has extra pads and cv gates (but most users get a keystep for these!)

[@markini6]

Aaargh, just bought the Keylab mk2 last week.

[@blatdotat]

I’m a happy Mk2 owner and it’s a great keyboard. Announcing a successor doesn’t make it any less great. Enjoy it!

[@LukJarzyna]

Be happy, mk3 looks like a downgrade from mk2 when it comes to functionality and number of controls, fewer pads and buttons, Look at the slider area on the mk3 and mk2.

[@HoldMyBeerFam]

You did good this new one is a downgrade. In this case, be happy with your purchase cause the one you have is better.

[@oblitafier]

@@markini6 The mk3 is plastic, has 4 less pads, has lost many buttons and all CV functionality. You got lucky.

[@moosemuseum1853]

Smart move! Except for Polybrute 12, Arturia has been missing the mark lately.

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

How to load presets sir. For example, i want to save STRINGS assigning to PAD1 and i want to save BRASS assigning to PAD2 and i want to save PIANO assigning to PAD3. Thanks sir🙏

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

What i mean is, like the arturia keylab mk2 has its shortcut buttons for PIANO, STRINGS, PADS etc. Keylab mk3 is lacking of this buttons.

[@alternatingbitmusic]

"no onboard sequencing".... Yet can you record a sequence you play via the record button like with the original Keystep? Thanks.

[@loopop]

no you cannot

[@mjaa1307]

Hello can you use the SPLIT function to assigned two different set of keys to different channels on the DAW?

[@cresshead]

keylab buttons are not as readable as they are low contrast light blue on a white background plastic button, essentials have black buttons so VERy readable with a good contrast ratio. just found a pic of the BLACK version - okay - actually readable button now they are BLACK. If i were to choose i'd get the essentials for actual USE. the'touch' knobs and faders are great out of the box but in a few years they might become flickery and come on by themselves and throw up that overlay graphic on screen...bit like how my knobs are on my FA-06 - after several years ownership, REALLY annoying.

[@tarvitz]

Quite odd that the 88 MK3 isn't out yet, though, I remember reading some quite negative opinions on the keybed of the MK2, so perhaps that has delayed it

[@BelfastBiker]

they MKII keyboard is grand, if a little heavy for some. I preferred my DGX670 keyboard, but the MKII 88 was 95% as good. If they release a new MK3 88, I'll grab it for the colour screen alone.

[@tarvitz]

@BelfastBiker Interesting, I've never played it myself, just read reviews of it, which all did agree, for the most part, that it was a heavy action, but descriptions ranging from the slowest and heaviest action they'd ever encountered, to slightly heavy I wonder if there was poor consistency with the actions, that would seem to explain how divisive it was

[@lowflyingdonut]

I was sure the next series of midi controllers from Atruria would have poly aftertouch 😞

[@xfghffhfg]

It is still expensive to implement.

[@lowflyingdonut]

@@xfghffhfg Apparently

[@CedricSatterfield]

Are you using Synthesia as your piano key viewer in the arpeggio segment?

[@loopop]

Yes!

[@m9cao]

please make piano keys version, i dont like synth keys, few brand make piano keys controller less than 88 in the market, another one is korg? i know, maybe this one made for control arturia's soft synth collection, so if you have other needs, wait 88 keys or new keystep pro, for performing and hardware control

[@Michel-r6m]

Looking for a 37 or so key midi/controller for Roland SH-4d. Quality mini keys allowed 😅

[@nickosparkol]

Where are the better keys on the Keylab mk3 88 Essential or the new Keylab mk3?

[@loopop]

I have not tried the 88. Perhaps someone who has can comment

[@LukJarzyna]

It's a downgrade functionality wise from keylab mk 2, are they crazy?

[@JohnTrasher]

Less pads... what else did u notice?

[@oblitafier]

@@JohnTrasher Plastic instead of aluminium.

[@Ralf-CGN]

@@JohnTrasher There isn't any CV control I/O anymore - insane.

[@nickchristchrist6586]

No 3 Banks for Midi CC

[@IanBoccio]

Also took away the 9 buttons that are part of the fader bank on the Mk 2, which I use to select tracks in the Logic DAW mode, and most of the extra pedal controller jacks are gone from the back, which I use for live performance a lot. Oh and it’s USB powered only now - the Mk 2 still had a 12 volt power jack which I found convenient for my set up. If they had added polyphonic aftertouch I’d consider it, but…

[@mcnitt]

Thanks for the review. Waited years for the Keylab MK3. 😔 Looks like I'm repairing the glitchy sliders on my MK2 instead. What a let down. Will see what Novation does with SL line (going from MK3 to MK4).

[@zdravkodimitrov]

But the main question is - will it Blend? As in, use it as a Blender controller, too? 🤔

[@loopop]

If the blender has MIDI, sure

[@dans.8198]

Given the new color display, the main question is: Does it run Doom? 😀

[@josephfelice601]

Are the plastics the type that get gooey after a few years? Thanks

[@loopop]

It doesn't seem that way but I have no way of telling

[@Christian-op1ss]

I'm not buying any controller until it has Arturia's fulltouch built in... Arturia build it and take my money!

[@xfghffhfg]

Will you pay 1K$? :)

[@owlmega-101]

So these are endless encoders?

[@loopop]

yes