Arturia Keylab MKII MIDI Controller - SonicLAB Review

Arturia's Keylab MKII comes with the Analog Lab software, MIDI and CV connection and DAW Control, how does it stack up?
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[@WycliffStudios]

The first channel to talk about the output ports in detail ! Thank you. Should I wait for the MK3 ?

[@Dan2Hibiki]

the jam at 7:00 is great, would love a full track of that

[@michaeltrenier]

Just ordered mine…can’t wait

[@jackmiranda4608]

I just ordered the black 61 key version. I can’t wait.

[@Dogboy73]

Excellent. Great having the CV out + keyboard splits. Very cool.

[@fortheloveofnoise]

What do we want? Keystep Pro. When do we want it? Now!

[@noiselabproject9659]

seriously though, why haven`t they made one yet as it`s obvious that so many want one ! especially as we saw just how much better the Beststep Pro was over the original Beatstep !

[@zzyzx13]

Are you happy now bud?

[@lore6803]

@@zzyzx13 Ah i hope the fella is happy and makin heat with his keystep pro finally.

[@jacobbrown1690]

this aged well.

[@ScottWozniak]

1:43 Were you going for a bit of Escape From New York, Nick? 😊

[@6581punk]

I came here to write the same thing :)

[@shitmandood]

@@6581punk Yeah, when he deviated I was like...wtf?

[@jammerbirdi]

I like you. Straight up old guy like me. Only have time today for three minutes but but I'm looking forward to watching the rest of this. Others talk faster but I really appreciated you very quickly digging into these very key to me older traditional instrument sounds like that sweet sounding Bosendorf piano, B3, and really chimey Rhodes sounds from the early 70s. This makes the MKII an attractive keyboard for me and my wife to learn piano and practice on, not weighted, etc. but then it will allow me to utilize it for all the recording ambitions I have. Two birds, as they say. Anyway. Thanks for your efforts.

[@EmThePenguin]

If you get the 88 key, it is weighted.

[@ArthurStone]

Cheers Nick. I have the Keylab 61 Essential and love the sound. Nice having standalone mode.

[@StofffeGbg]

Good review, but there was no mention of the semi-weighted keys or the aftertouch.

[@57muzic]

Hey Nick, Like Bod asked, those illuminated patch cables, where can purchase them, please add a link?

[@jan-martinulvag1962]

I like this guy more and more

[@Dogboy73]

Good idea having the little overlay on the buttons as well.

[@phillytee9106]

I've got the Analog 3 software great sounding selection of synth and keyboard patches, almost too many presets if that's possible (even more patches can be added from inside the Analog 3 software, both free and paid for packs) you can edit the sounds and effects quite a lot but you are resticted to a pre-selected selection of parameters, but for most of the presets they are the main ones you would want to adjust, so not too much of a compromise at all. This Mk.II Keylab comtroller looks nice, a nice addition is that they added CV control on it.

[@craigjohnrichardson7499]

can anyone let me know where to buy those cool glowing leads!

[@BougieButler]

Is this any good with analog synths? Can I zone out different areas for different instruments?

[@adorandoanuestrorey]

I have this keyboard and it is beautiful I highly recommend it

[@knuckles1006]

Is this keyboard a better value than the more expensive Native Instruments MK2? Is there a DAW that works best with this keyboard? And what Orchestral VST works good with this keyboard also? Using DAW recording equipment is all new to me, but I will only be using a MIDI keyboard and will not be using any live instruments in composing Orchestral music, if that makes it a little easier to answer my questions. Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.

[@Sam_Utah]

I am a big fan of Arturia software synths and have them loaded on 3 different computers but the lack of sequencer/arp on these keyboards led me to M-Audio's CTLR49 and VIP. That software is cumbersome, IMHO, compared to Arturia premapped keyboards. I just wish they would integrate, as you say, the keystep seq/arp. When you go to the presets in the libraries, you can change the tempo on most but creating new note sequences or alternate Arps is not in there as far as I can tell. Native Instruments seems more targeted to sample based keyboards but they do a nice job of integrating their software, especially Kontakt soft synths to the keyboards and great visual feedback with two large displays.. I want both while wishing for a more fully featured controller.

[@chrisgrissom3610]

7:17.. that sweet sweet jam begins

[@richieringga]

Hi.. thanks for the great video.. quite informative. I interest to have this arturia MIDI controller. Question, in multilayers, can we assign the faders to control each sound layer? Is this type of arturia good enough for live band stage performance?

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

Great review as always, but Bösendorfer (est. 1828) is austrian, not german. The typical warm sound of it comes from the so called "Wiener Mechanik" oder Bösendorfer Mechanik - The Bösendorfer (Key) Action. The mentioned piano is probably a modelled Version of an Julius F. Blüthner (est. 1853) piano - Leipzig/ germany. Thanks for your work, btw! Bösendorfer note: Sometimes pianists try to sound like singers. Me personally, I try to sound like a Bösendorfer. - Placido Domingo Blüthner Note: Paul McCartney composed Let it be on a Blüthner.

[@garyusinger]

in DAW can you assign different functions to the faders and switches or are you only able to control mute, solo and volume of the tracks?

[@andrelucassen9229]

Hi, thinking about buying one. I saw that there was a firmware update in May 2019, did this fix the missing MIDI-to-CV capability discussed around 8.00?

[@Ambient.Music.Studio]

Just curious .. any experience, thoughts or ideas on how to connect the Arturia Keylab MKII MIDI Controller to the Arturia Minibrute 2 ... what might the possibilities be for deep space ambient ?

[@Thriving_in_Exile]

Been waiting a long time for this review. Pleasure as always, Nick. Also, here's a like for that Escape From New York riff there, lol.

[@silentstormstudios]

Nice review. I have a Nektar Panorama T6 at the moment. How does this compare? I'm particularly interested to hear how it stacks from a keybed and pad quality/feel perspective, which were a disappointment for me with the Nektar. Not much mention of the keybed quality in this review, which is an important factor in today's marketplace of cheap toy-like controllers.

[@saragrimaldi8093]

You should point out that in Analog Lab you can't import anything except Arturia VST products. It is not like Komplete Kontrol, Nektarine, VIP and similar; where you use the VST as plugin inside Analog lab; and control it via keyboard controls. This is something that really should be pointed out, because if you get an S49 or a Nektar T4, you get the ability to use one plugin in your DAW, while Analog lab is nothing more than a collection of presets, instead of an interface. As such, the Analog lab mode is pretty much limited to the presets you have. Komplete Kontrol, Nektarine and VIP seems more of a viable solution for the average person that use multiple VST, especially in a DAW.

[@emdotambient]

Huh ... that first clavinet bit you played sounded like the beginning of a Cocteau Twin song.

[@carlosramme9455]

Great video, if you have to chose Arturia mk2 49 or Native Komplete Kontrol S49 wich do you choose or prefer

[@markhofland1898]

I’m following you for a long time. I just ordered a 61 keys. But in your video you showed a kind of USB dongle to prevent ground hums. I’m looking for that kind of dongle, because I have some trouble with a Motif XS, also connected to my computer, only for MIDI and for using the VST for editing the Motif, and this works only if I’m using the USB connection. But, there is some “computer noise” noticeable on the input of my mixing console. So I solved it with a DI box, between my Motif and mixing console. But the USB dongle seems to be more elegant to me. Is this just an USB dongle, or designed for this purpose?

[@sonicstate]

You can buy them from Arturia think

[@markhofland1898]

@@sonicstateok, thank’s! I’ll check I will check it out!

[@cristianbataturescu5695]

I will very much appreciate if you tell me witch one of this will be better for me and why. Keystep Pro and KeyLab mk2. I want to create multiple samples and play all in the same time. Thanks

[@xyo1337]

Do you need a CV box/module to create similar sounds @ 7:00? ...or can you create it with the Arturia software? Also is it easy to record MIDI input with this?

[@JairajSinghPatil]

What did you do to eliminate ground hum?

[@pubudu313]

Hi, Thanks for this awesome illustration on this keyboard. Help me I have a question. I'm planning to buy a midi controller. I need your help on how works well, responsive and expressive the "After Touch" on Arturia MK II 61 controller which will help me to make a decision between Arturia MK II 61 and Nektar Panorama T6. I saw in one of your videos that you did with Tim from Nektar which shows how smooth aftertouch works in T6. For the vibrato, it gives smooth more expressive when even shaking the fingers on the key. Could that level of expressiveness be found in Arturia MK II with After Touch? I would highly appreciate if you can help me with this. Thank You //Pubudu

[@dromeiro]

Is there drawbar control in the organ sounds?

[@teashea1]

metal construction ------ yes

[@ConwayBob]

Thanks, Nick. Very nice keyboard/controller and great demo/review. What are those illuminated patch cables and where can we find them?

[@robertdeathproof3647]

Modular synthesis? Cross patch cables? Google?;)

[@JoergWessels]

12:20 So no Bitwig mode in this one. I'm very thankful for that information.

[@tkarlmann]

I certainly hear pianos and synths; but are there any other acoustic sounds like trumpets, clarinets, drums, guitars, etc. within the included Analog Lab sounds?

[@bradincaliphas]

Thanks Nick!

[@kentxx12]

That was a good dreamy ambient tune Nick :)

[@jody2055]

So I’ve got my Arturia Keylab Mk2 sending CV out to the filter on my synth, that’s all good. Now how do I automate that in my DAW (Ableton Live 10). Tried mapping the slider on the Keylab that I have controlling the filter to a macro but nothing. Any suggestions?

[@fred8780]

The keyboard is Arturia but what are the other two hardware?

[@kuljeetbhatia9460]

Can I map different tone like piano, guitar, strings etc on different buttons which is below or under faders, so that I can access on one touch for live performance?

[@pastuh]

I think its possible, but difficult. There exist DAW and User profiles, so possible you will need to switch every time, to activate specific functions..

[@cristianisaacislasmartinez7345]

So beautiful!

[@lennardvillasenor5151]

Nick how does the keybed compare to the plastic press feel of the Essential model from Arturia? Some reviewers say that this is the same keybed as the Arturia Matrixbrute, at least for the 49 and 61 key models is this assessment accurate? I cannot manage to find this model on the floor here in Sweden to test for myself. Also, is there a plan to update the 88 key model from Arturia? Or a 76 key entry? Seeking a fully weighted keybed in an 88 key form factor. I have tried the Native Instrumendt Komplete Kontrol S88, and the Nektar Impulse 88 (semiweighted only with no aftertouch). My Yamaha KX88 from the 80s needs a playmate that has a keybed that can compare, but with modern DAW features.

[@jacobbrown1690]

find a used yamaha kx8. i use it. love it

[@johnbenwell837]

Hi great video, can I use this midi on a Mac mini m1, thanks

[@sonicstate]

Yes it should work. Class compliant from what I recall

[@EmilHarder]

Honestly; a MIDI keyboard without some sort of sequencer simply doesn't cut any more. Even a rudimentary sequencer as the microbrutes opens a LOT of possibilities, even if the keys are only used to control a daw. I use the akai max47, and I love having the sequencer in it.

[@MobiusVideo]

Emil Harder Don’t you mean: “A MIDI keyboard WITHOUT some sort of sequencer simply doesn’t cut it any more”?

[@EmilHarder]

MobiusVideo yep... Thanks for that. :)

[@ericdufresne6991]

Wow 12:15 Propellerheads isn't in there? what a kick in the teeth.... that's one of the reason why i returned the keylab from Arturia.... it was such a pain in the ass to work with Reason. This just proves why i was so disapointed with their product.

[@ashleywhiteman2684]

have they fixed the MIDI > CV thing now?

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Does it support Reason?

[@j0kerface]

what type of led patch cables are those?

[@petrusbarbatusberolinensis2102]

Vaga www.mushi.one/led-cables/

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

@@petrusbarbatusberolinensis2102 : sadly, already sold out, even the led-jacks :-((

[@debkumarbhattacherjee377]

Excellent lesson THANKS

[@sambasian]

Nick, who makes those light up cables??

[@Mopsie]

Gary Ceralde he told it in the video. It’s with the hub

[@goodboid]

NI and Arturia have to play catch up to Novation's SL MKiii with it's built-in sequencer. Novation's new controller seems to be in a different league altogether. Check out Rachel K Collier's demo of the SL MKiii.

[@cresshead]

64 patterns is a bit lacking compared to an electribe, jdxi, tr8s sequencer.. 256 for roland and korg, 128 for tr8s hope they up the number to at least 128 in a firmware update. 64 patterns is enough for maybe 6 interesting songs.

[@goodboid]

@@cresshead It's a midi keyboard. A bit unfair to compare it to drum machines and arrangers. Also it's always connected to a DAW with no pattern limitations.

[@cresshead]

@@goodboid rubbish! it has midi, usb midi and cv outputs and can work stand alone....64 patterns is 'serviceable' but a bit stingy in 2018.

[@ChrisP3000x]

All 3 of those are useful in some ways, but all of them generally SUCK!

[@watercolourmark]

good boid - but Novation SL iii is selling for around £150 extra. It is a great piece of kit, especially if you use it all - but who is that person? Sure, people will be ditching the laptop with some bullshit philosophy but who is gaining from that? nor the audience or practitioner - before they realise that box has a computer in it anyway and philosophy is bullshit. And hardware with a sequencer needs dedicated buttons/knobs so you can build memory muscle and twiggle and patch at the same time - otherwise just a toy. Nice kit, but we know all about jack of all trades - as a pro you want and need dedicated controls. And it gets old quick, what happens to the person that buys a toaster-radio? They get a poor toaster and a poor radio, and down the line get one function broken or obsolete while one function works. If you want a sequencer get a slim dedicated sequencer. If you want a midi keys get those quality compact keys, switch to a grid if like. If you want a controller with a bunch of knobs and sliders get one. That would be cheaper, more practical, better setup for pro use, and serve you well indefinitely- upgrade as required.

[@rapidfiremuzik_official]

Love the Arturia material, just a shame for the price you'd pay - one wud expect a decent sized LCD screen lol

[@Mopsie]

RapidFire Muzik™ you may be right, but in my opinion you don’t really need a big lcd screen. Most things you do on the device with the daw. These knobs are just for quick acces. Also it looks much cleaner without a huge LCD

[@saragrimaldi8093]

Also would love to see a more extended review where the user mode is explored further; the novation SL got a 35 min review; and while it has a sequencer, feels like this review is much shorter than how it should be

[@AG-cg7lk]

They really should have made the CV features an optional expansion board to keep the base cost down.

[@KINGMARVELLISS]

cold af 1:53

[@percaros]

whole lotta red

[@Jason75913]

badass controller

[@Wagoo]

Still hiding that beta version of the KEYSTEP PRO eh! ;D

[@AndyChannelle]

I bought a mark I because I actually wanted the chord feature on the pads... only to find they removed the feature.

[@AndyChannelle]

Also, if Arturia sees this. The weights on the keys are not fixed properly, so I had to fix them with blutack

[@cicibaybe7125]

hello it the keybord works with FLstudio 20 ?????

[@johnny5kmusic346]

It does, but no factory support preset from Arturia. You run either in generic HUI or MCU templates. I have one and have been using FL since FL2 and FLs midi handling is ass for use with this fine piece of equipment. I still have FL 20.x but I suggest trying Ableton Live or some other daw to get the full flexibility and benefit. Live makes good use of it's features, especially the aftertouch. You won't need to do all the mapping that you have to do in FL 👍🏾 Good luck

[@Onelychild]

Good Review!

[@quintinwright5722]

Do u need a computer for it to work

[@pastuh]

got this 2 days ago. Very sad to say this.. but this keyboard don't have a lot functions for Ableton live. Instantly missed critical functions.. Example: move to devices and adjust parameters with knobs.. Or adjust multiple different sounds to different beat notes.. Such critical functions not exist. Now i see why Max Live API so popular.. Anyway mouse still must have.

[@ashleywhiteman2684]

is there a mixermap for Cubase 3.1 on the Atari ST

[@ashleywhiteman2684]

guess not without SYSEX!

[@jesusneverexisted300]

How heavy is that thing? Can I take it with me where ever I go?

[@pastuh]

Very heavy... maybe 7kg for sure

[@testohtoby]

I was tempted to upgrade my keylab from mk1 to the MK2 but the fart that's impossible to use it as a midi/CV converter makes me wait till the next (software or hardware) upgrade

[@Mopsie]

Testoh Toby fart?

[@fredrikw1447]

Sonic state❤

[@e.d810]

3:58 🔥

[@cultofours2648]

shimmer down now

[@bengtbaron2574]

Only 6000?

[@daionsavage]

Fördjävligt, eller hur? ;)

[@CarlyonProduction]

Dammit. Was just about to sell my mk1. That’s just lost all its value then!!! Nice. Don’t even know if there is any point selling it now.

[@time4anew1]

fulsome!

[@kevinthomas6253]

Yo

[@experimentalme7438]

hows the damn keybed???? this is the second review i watched no keybed? is it shit? nice? semiweighted, piano like, plastic shit??

[@KINGMARVELLISS]

man i could make some hits with this dude lol

[@gerryk9]

Why too confusing

[@bigmanlizard7326]

384 quid... nahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

[@PaulMabley]

I can't believe I've fallen for marketing doublespeak again! I wanted a keyboard that would integrate tightly with Ableton and Logic, and after trialling the Novation SLMk111 (too expensive) I went for the Keylab MkII 61. Alas, it was not to be. The integration, in the loosest sense of the word, stinks. Ableton will sometimes work, but suddenly the transport buttons will start triggering notes, a G4 will start thinking it's a TAB key etc etc etc. Logic is even worse. I know it's something going wonky in the template system so it looks like the only thing to do is create my own map...but this makes one of the main selling points of the instrument redundant. I paid a premium for a thing which doesn't actually work as described. 'That's Life' would have had a field day with this! Never again will I believe sales bods who talk about seamless integration with software...a few years ago I bought an Akai Advance to get my hands on the VIP software system. Load of rubbish.

[@sonicstate]

Ouch. Have you contacted support? We did not experience this

[@lukesky2000]

You lost me at “I found this really nice b3 Organ”

[@saragrimaldi8093]

Also would love to see a more extended review where the user mode is explored further; the novation SL got a 35 min review; and while it has a sequencer, feels like this review is much shorter than how it should be

[@bedtimeread]

and that's why u still single smh..

[@thegreat1548]

@@bedtimeread 😬

[@saragrimaldi8093]

You should point out that in Analog Lab you can't import anything except Arturia VST products. It is not like Komplete Kontrol, Nektarine, VIP and similar; where you use the VST as plugin inside Analog lab; and control it via keyboard controls. This is something that really should be pointed out, because if you get an S49 or a Nektar T4, you get the ability to use one plugin in your DAW, while Analog lab is nothing more than a collection of presets, instead of an interface. As such, the Analog lab mode is pretty much limited to the presets you have. Komplete Kontrol, Nektarine and VIP seems more of a viable solution for the average person that use multiple VST, especially in a DAW.