Arturia KEYLAB MkII - Upgrade your workflow!

[@MrDonSevo]

Love the crap out of that undo button. It takes more time than you can imagine to have to reach to your computer keyboard to undo, or more so for the mouse. The metal construction surprises me! To see that in a MIDI keyboard is almost unheard of. The mod and pitch wheels popped right off the bat. The wood paneling look on the sight is gorgeous.

[@transmutationdotse]

Love the crap out of. That's SO much love!

[@Konstantinos143]

Thank you. Very few people out there actually put in the work you put into making such comprehensive guides like this one. Cheers!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for recognizing the time and effort it takes me to do it.

[@nicholausjayageeth2822]

Thank you bro.. God Bless you

[@Konstantinos143]

This presentation of yours is the only I have found in youtube where one actually listens and watches the integration with a DAW and different plugins: This was a great selling point for me. I just purchased the 88 version, used but in good wellfunctioning condition. Thank you Sanjay!

[@SanjayC]

SO glad this video was helpful to you.

[@watchmykicksllc]

bro you got the best comparison/review videos on KZbin period! def the mic comparison video watched that 10 times before being the tlm 103,

[@SanjayC]

I really appreciate that especially on the mic video. That took so long to make. Thanks 🙏🏼

[@transmutationdotse]

Thank you Sanjay! Super appreciate your presentations° :)

[@joshuaepstein5874]

Just want to give a testament to Artutia's customer support. I bought a used 61 MK2 and the seller didn't have the overlays. I emailed Arturia and they sent me some free of charge.

[@sinwithsebastian]

I had the previous one and I really liked it, but the problem I see is that the main benefit is only for the Arturia plugins, but I also use Roland Cloud and native instruments and many others

[@emiel333]

Great MIDI keyboard. My advice: buy the 61 key version. It’s only $50 more and will definitely benefit your record an playing abilities.

[@SanjayC]

I agree!!

[@mattanderson7629]

How so? I just picked this up the 49 key version recently.

[@DopamineOverload]

@@mattanderson7629 I got the 49 in white. I love it. Fits better. I like having the pitch bend and mod wheel directly on the left. For most electronic music needs, a 49-key is ideal. :)

[@noobplaysleague7552]

It's just under £200 more :(

[@emiel333]

Matt Ando I don’t said a 49 key is bad but if you have the money go for a 61 keys MIDI keyboard. You can do more without octave shifting. But hey, even a 25 keys keyboard can do the job for EDM.

[@jamespoeschel446]

Wow. Thank you so much for a stellar walkthrough video. I bought this keyboard a year or two ago and hardly touched it since all the tutorials I found were too complex and I was intimidated as a newbie to midi controllers and music software. I wish I had seen this video sooner. I had noooo idea you could use analog lab sounds in Ableton! That is a game changer.

[@ricot5391]

I just sent mine back after 2 weeks it's all hype

[@UsAsiansEatRice]

@@ricot5391 honestly i would too if i could but since I cant i might as well learn to use it

[@JohnMSD]

I had to pause your video around the 3 minute mark because you already sold me on the product. Looking forward to getting this soon :)

[@SanjayC]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@Manjiss92]

I love that this midi keyboard has the 16 pads and the faders, not every control has them and I think they come in pretty handy. Thanks for the giveaway, one more time.

[@JamesBermingham]

9:48 Hi Sanjay. Do you know if this can be/or is fixed with a firmware update since you made the video? As always , a great video!!

[@rgbeatz8495]

I think this one is the most complete keyboard, so cool that there are pads and kbobs

[@AdminVortex762]

I have the black version - the quality is sublime. Keybed is superb too.

[@jamesbarnes5056]

This looks like an amazing controller.

[@TeleporterM11]

Sanjay does it have Chord and scales function like the M Audio Oxygen Pro

[@sanzay.]

I like the knobs and the Analog Lab VST😆...Ugh I wanna try those vintage synths!!!😍

[@g.n.stacey]

Wow that looks beautiful

[@SanjayC]

Arturia stuff is pretty!

[@bruin4937]

Sanjay, thanks. You present quality reviews with enough depth and detail to enlighten others to how the featured/tested products may be of value to them. I've been eyeing the Keylab MkII 61 since you launched this video and since I've been saving money on not having to commute to work during the pandemic, I treated myself to one in black just yesterday. I have been a faithful Arturia and V-Collection user since circa 2011 when I first bought their Analog Experience - The Laboratory 61. Although the keyboard remains highly functional, the added conveniences in this new Keylab MkII IMHO are definitely worth this upgrade. Thanks again for the quality and very useful content. Cheers.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for sharing your experience. And thanks for the nice compliment too!

[@coloradocornbread6996]

Wow! Thanks for the absolute wealth of information! I think you've convinced this beginner to pick up a MKii :)

[@sampathsnair507]

This one is awesome. one of my friends have this, I have tried it and it feels Rich, I was confused with those 3 mods, but now I got it. Thanks for the Deep review man. Do more videos. ✌️ #inlovewitharturia 😂

[@SanjayC]

Glad you found it useful! Its a really nice keyboard.

[@ReachMePiano]

Sanjay, thank you for the information. I just got my mkll, I really wnt to know how did you fix the velocity curve of the keyboard?

[@WahlyZenit]

I’m really torn between this and the Novation Launchkey 49

[@calogerotamburello4132]

Amazing, my favourite feature Is the user mode

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

Brilliant review. Very helpful. Only one question: I saw on the Arturia product page that the keys of this keyboard support aftertouch. Could you please confirm if the aftertouch really works and how good or bad it is? Thank you :)

[@SanjayC]

Yes they do. I can’t say that I tested aftertouch enough to give a good opinion, though.

[@fredmanteghian5913]

After touch is supported but if the VI isn’t set to respond to it, then it doesn’t. The Yamaha CS80 instrument presets do have after touch on a few I tried.

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

@@fredmanteghian5913 Thanks for the information.

[@fuzzylightning]

Thank you for this review! I will definitely be getting this!

[@SanjayC]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@WycliffStudios]

This is amazing but I wish that the Knobs and Faders were on the Left side. That is the correct side.

[@SanjayC]

True

[@arrondavis9706]

I wish I could play with this, I like the way it is design all the knobs and button line up perfectly

[@darrenewing1900]

Wow, cool piece of hardware! There are a few things I really like about it The presets and daw controls alone are pretty cool. I'm living the voices too! ✌😁👍

[@khemistryfilms]

Great review Sanjay C. I'm in the market for two Midi Controllers, one for live and another for my studio and I made a decision on the Keylab MkII based on the strength of your review. The other reviews that I saw on this board were surface level. You went deep into this board. I also appreciate the other two videos on the comparison of the Keylab MkII vs. the Native Instruments S88 and the Keylab MkII vs. the Keylab Essentials. I've decided to get the MkII for my studio and a Keylab Essentials for my live rig. Well done.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks for the message, exmun. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. If you use Ableton, make sure you check out my video on how to map the plugins with any keyboard.

[@AmeyaDevkar]

I love it mostly for the new touch controls and the build quality !

[@Jhnny]

My favorite features are the keys themselves and of course the vintage synths. I wish I could get my hands on one

[@avationmusic]

I have no idea why I’m here because I already have an Ableton push and a full length MIDI keyboard, but I watched the whole thing anyway and still enjoyed it ahaha

[@SanjayC]

haha! I'm happy about that. I do the same sometimes. I just love this gear

[@kevinlbrockway]

Another AWESOME video!! I really appreciate what you do.

[@PlagueRat-]

Great review! So keylab vs kk mk1 if I'm buying today?

[@SanjayC]

Keylab! :-)

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

Excellent video. Great detail. Well explained.

[@jitendersingh2516]

Woah! I'm already saving for this KEYLAB but I was a bit confused. You cleared my doubts. Thanks. :) #

[@ThePhotomusicguy]

I always respect your advice, you do the necessary work needed to do informative videos, thanks! On another note, if they ever make a movie about the famous DJ Casey Kasem, they need to hire you to play him or do his radio show voice. Or maybe you should do a radio show of your own called America top 40 v2. Nice work!

[@SanjayC]

Haha...thanks so much!

[@TheWiseMonk]

I have access to Komplete 11 but I'm inclined towards buying this keyboard. Should there be a syncing issue between the two?

[@meathead919]

Thank you for this great review.

[@voiceofgolding]

This is a great review - super helpful. Thanks!! Any idea whether the workflow is as easy using this with Logic?

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Thanks for sharing. You showed me a feature that I was not aware of in analog lab.

[@SanjayC]

Awesome! Thanks for watching. Hope you subscribed!

[@sasmithananth7771]

It gets a lot of work done quickly and efficiently. The pads open a lot of possibility for sampling and programming.

[@somnathmusictattu]

Can I control Komplete 12 instruments with Arturia Keylab mkii 49 ?

[@SanjayC]

You can play them, no problem.

[@rodneymaiato]

Looks great. My favourite feature is the ability to control Ableton Live.

[@lennardvillasenor5151]

Love this review. I would be interested in seeing your comparison with the Nektor Panorama P6 o4 P4, insofar as many popular non Arturia VSTs, such as Serum, are already mapped.

[@iandeegrees1509]

6:35 why not saving MIDI maps within Ableton (eg. Macro 1 = Filter, Macro 2 = Reso,...) and save this as your "default" (by right clicking in the title of the intrument in the bar. I've done this which each instrument I have. Each time I open a VST the MIDI is mapped already. So you one have to use one single Keylab preset for all instruments at once. sure you have to activate the corresponding track... just an idea to solve that issue you mentioned 😉 btw: as usual, thank you for your content

[@JKOnTheTrack]

This would actually go good with my Arturo’s collection of vsts I have from them 💯💯

[@chicogozosodecabellosedoso]

Can I learn to play keyboard or piano with the mini lab ?

[@Paqucha]

Hi Sanjay, thank you very much for this video. I would like to know something. This keyboard can control several DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase... but what about Samplitude Pro, another great DAW ? Thank you. Best regards

[@nelsonvanneri]

This is quality content.. Thanks for these lovely videos 😊

[@CliffordWinder]

I bought the 88 key version, and am studying all the videos I can until it comes in the mail!

[@SanjayC]

Sweet! Good luck with your learning!

[@bluestripetiger]

Sanjay --thank you so much for such a great informative video. I felt as if you were trying to explain so i would be able to make my own decision rather than trying to shove a product down my throat. Thank you so much for such a consumer friendly approach. You come across as a great, laid back guy, who i could easily imagine having a jam session in the studio with. Combine that with a great soothing radio dj voice and you have youtube video magic! Keep up the great work. Could you do a video comparing the Arturia Keylab mk II with the Novation SL mkIII?

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much for your kind works. I've actually done that comparison here kzbin.info/www/bejne/boHUkpKbrdmMm5o

[@cooldaze57]

Why would being able to adjust velocity curves of the keys only work in “User” mode? Wouldn’t this force you to work outside of your specific DAW (Logic, Cubase, etc) to tailor the MkII to your specific playing style? That seems like quite a limitation, as I think you would lose functionality/efficiency if you have to create a User preset to replicate the majority of your DAW functionality just to get the velocity curve you prefer! Am I missing something here Sanjay?

[@bobcatt2294]

There has to be a MkII video which is targeted for those who desire to not depend on a DAW. If the VST could be captured on a hardware synth, now that would be news. Withstanding not having the software goodies, the number of encoders, buttons, faders (9 rather that the usual 8), the number of I/O ports and build quality are very attractive for those who wish to go DAW or DAW-less. I like to be able to not depend on a computer - but have that option. A decent surface controller which would compare that of the MkII, would cost in the vicinity of $450.00 however getting a scrub wheel may be difficult issue with these other controllers, surface or with a keyboard.

[@romanzvookoff3726]

I’ve bought it and it doesn’t work properly with Cubase 11. There are a lot of bugs. Now I’m going to get rid of it and buy akai mpc

[@prongpraison8463]

Which one would you recommend between Arturia vs Novation 61SL MkIII? I use Logic

[@mdpro2er]

This controller wasn't on my radar at all. Thanks for sharing

[@SanjayC]

You’re welcome. This is premium gear!

[@tarco69]

Blessings, I recently purchased the Arturia Keylab Mk II 49, I'm using mainstage 3 which of the three modes (ANALOG LAB, DAW, USER) would give me the best workflow capabilities.

[@davebassP5]

You can definitely change the midi CC numbers on the keyboard.

[@coolscube5062]

im looking for a midi keyboard you do a really good in depth look at these keyboards i'm fussy what i play on Grate vid

[@logjamstomper1280]

Well I bought this keyboard. (the Keylab 49 mk2) It's a geat piece of kit. A little difficulty with Cubase 10.5 initially but the whole feel of it is way better than an A series NI keyboard imho... which incidentally was not that great to set up in Cubase... couldn't get the sustain pedal to work at all in Windows 10 with the NI unit. I expect the S series NI keyboards would work well in Kontakt and have a similar keybed but I like this instrument.

[@basslinephunk3441]

Nice controller Sanjay. You are the man!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks Bassline!

[@aniruddh_d16]

It's clear to me that you really like the preset "fascination' in Analog Lab.

[@SanjayC]

Haha! I really like it...but its also high on the list of presets in Analog Lab so I keep choosing it! lol

[@MrVuvu]

Does this integrate with the Komplete Kontrol plugin out of the box?

[@aniruddh_d16]

@@MrVuvu I think you have to manually map the faders,knobs,etc.,Check Sanjay C's video to learn how to do that.

[@aniruddh_d16]

@@SanjayC Does it come in Analog Lab Lite

[@Ur3rdiMcFly]

Thanks. Watched this after the first 4 official tutorial videos, and you showed me what I wanted to see. They didn't really show optimal workflow.

[@SanjayC]

That's awesome. I'm glad I could help

[@battye75]

Hi Sanjay hope your well you mentioned about mapping nexus to the arturia keylab but how do you do that as im at a loss or any vst come to think of it thanks

[@nico-182]

I really like the upgrade you can make to this keyboard, but for the portability I prefer the small version to transport more comfortably, I really like the appearance of the keyboard, and that you can work a lot with your daw on the computer using the keyboard as port, I would like very much to be able to have one of these keyboards;) greetings!

[@dannyadityo2072]

Hi Sanjay, I really like your review, quick and clear...just quick question, can Arturia Keylab MKII be standalone?

[@antoinediaz7082]

It doesn't make sound in itself

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

Nice review sir! Do you still recommend this keyboard? Planning to buy.

[@logjamstomper1280]

Hi Sanjay, Good video.Succinct. No messing. However I just wanted to say that as a Cubase user I am a little concerned about the integration into that particular DAW. There is a lot of stuff on the net about various users having difficulties and saying that no matter what they try they can't get it to work properly. User error? Not sure. The jog wheel when used to move position in Cubase has been reported as being slow and not smooth. I wonder if you have any comment?

[@geomendez]

Hello, can you help me please...how many layers of sound can be configured on this keyboard controller so that they run and sound at the same time, could it be a piano+pad+strings+organ? That is, is it possible to run more than 3 layers of sound at the same time? Thanks in advance

[@brettrae]

Great review! And you have the best radio voice haha I'm brand new to music production and was wondering if you had thoughts on if I should go with the Keylab 49 Essentials or the Keylab 49 mk2?

[@Jpaul038]

Nice job Sanjay C!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!

[@hinduprinze33]

I'm coming over to play with it!

[@jonaspersson6254]

You said that when midi mapping with Midi CC Learn it is saved for that song only. Ok, it is..but (at least) in Atmosphere it is possible to save and load templates. I have just bought a black Arturia Keylab 61 Mkii and tried to save a template after I had done some Midi Learn for knobs and sliders on the Arturia Mkii. I closed the song and then opened another song of mine. After that I loaded the template I just had saved..and voila...now my knobs and sliders worked fine also in this second song. In Atmosphere I just had to click on "Utility" and then "Load Template". Is not this possible in Nexus?

[@mrmatthewortega]

I own a 25 key by another brand and the thing I want more of is drum pads and faders. I like the outs on this too!

[@michaos1]

btw drumming on a drumpads is dumb, keyboard drumming is much smoother with more expression control.

[@urielestrada1262]

Sanjay gracias por la información, solo tengo una duda este controlador es compatible con Reason???? Ojala me pudieras ayudar, gracias nuevamente!!

[@psbsynthmusic]

Awesome review! Thanks much !

[@SanjayC]

Thank you! You planning to get it? :-)

[@ahumblerequest5222]

Best review ever

[@SanjayC]

Thanks 🙏🏽 I worked hard on this!

[@dosbentee]

Hi, now that it has been a year more - I am looking for a beginner MIDI piano that will be portable and allowed in economy class hand carry airlines specifically from saudi or canada to philippines, my country. I want something to learn with as a beginner and will last a lifetime - same with roland fp30x but I want it to be way lighter - either synth or real weighted piano. Pls help ❤ I am looking forward to buying this Arturia mkii black 61 keys color to be shipped to saudi arabia khobar. I just bought roland fp30x from a music store yesterday - but i will return it back because good review videos I watched for asturia mkii ❤️ I never played piano but I am really willing to learn. 1.) One also concern is - if you take this piano to your gigs - what is the most portable piano stand for the arturia mkii 61 keys - that can be modified to carry apple laptop too? If not please recommend the best/sturdy portable keyboard stand & separate laptop stand - both should be sturdy and easy to carry. Please refer yravel cases too for the keyboard stand and laptop stand. 2.) Changing that built-in battery how hard is it to replace? Is it easily replaceable in any battery shops? Or the charger? 3.) For travel - please refer to me a hard case & a softcase but padded in case i can take it as a carry on luggage. 4.) What other accessories should I buy together with the keyboard including speakers and such because i do not know well. Assume that I have this keyboard asturia mkii 61 keys and an macbook laptop - what else would i need to buy to complete my initiial setup and that O can play and learn? With much anticipation and excitement, Isagani

[@dennistaraporewala]

Could I use this with GarageBand? Thank you for your response.

[@1jarrais]

Great review! Dope MIDI controller!

[@benhall2235]

Ableton is to Live what Steinberg is to Cubase, Apple is to Logic pro and Image Line is to FL studio. It's a brand/company name. Their product the Daw is called "Live" it's a good name especially considering it's strengths as a performance sequencer.

[@SanjayC]

Yes, that's true

[@mrysSOFTWARE]

Thanks for the good overview!

[@SanjayC]

You’re welcome!

[@shamz2039]

I really love this guide and review. Im going to purchase this but I really wish there were simpler explanations for all the features. Im getting kind of lost in your explanations, though I think I got the gist of everything.

[@SanjayC]

Its hard to show everything this keyboard can do. Its very complex. But the main features are very easy to use.

[@france4me117]

Hi Sanjay, yet another brilliant demonstration as always. May I ask, is this better then the Native Instruments 61 Mk2 for composition of music for movies? Also as I’m intending to get the full addition of Spitfire Audio Symphony Orchestra and other software such as Pianos and Choir’s. Do you think this will work well with the set up? Thank you kindly

[@bobcatt2294]

Knobs you say, that is what you find on a door. Encoders are on synths which are significant.

[@michaos1]

Top-notch review, thanks. Nobody showed Live’s launchpad controls and I’m really surprised how people omitted this super-important feature. How’s the keybed compared to Novation SL MkII? Those are Fatar action keys.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks! It feels almost the same as the Novation SL

[@rajkamaljangir3618]

Hello sir, i recently purchased arturia keylab 61 mk2, which cable do i need to connect it with MacBook Pro's thunderbolt 4 port ? A usb type b to type a cable included with arturia.

[@Levijeh]

I use my MK II with Reaper and is super easy, even easier than Ableton Live, at least for me.

[@SanjayC]

Glad to hear that

[@alexrodriguez3211]

Sanjay, thanks for this review. I'm getting started learning piano and decided to get the 61 key version. I especially like that it came with Arturia's Piano and Analog lab. Question: I would like to use the drum pads to experiment with laying down guitar and drum sounds in Live lite. I'd like to take advantage of the NI deals now. Do you think Battery 4 will work well with the Keylab? If this works out, I'd like to invest in Maschine next year when the sales go on. Appreciate any suggestions for a complete beginner. All the best to you.

[@ConfidenZe]

how do the features work on FL20 ?

[@shapourdashtpour63]

can you make one for cubase 12? the keyboard does not make any sound

[@finitesound]

Trying decide between the 61 and 88 right now. I'm just learning piano but I have produced music for years and am committed to learning. I want to invest in a long term solution and the 88 seems like the best choice. But it's a big price jump.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, I know what you mean. But once you get a good 88, you won't need anything else for a long time. That's my philosophy

[@Photographersforyou]

Hi thanks for the info very interesting. Can I ask if you can use the pads in logic to play back set up chords etc...?

[@mjsthx1138]

Nice video. So if I understand correctly is the following correct: Using studio one I could open a track that uses the Presence Instrument and assign all the presence controls to the Keylab MKii in the user bank?

[@HallyFPV]

Is it possible to split the keybed in to different zones like the SL Mk3? Cheers.

[@TomPeracchio]

Shopping for a controller. Loving your videos. I think you may have sold me on this one! - Wow, one killer point at the end. the Mini is easier to connect to Ableton. Wow. What about Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 vs Arturia Keylab 49 Essential?

[@alvarogamez5622]

Hello Sanjay. Have you done any review on the Studiologic SL73? Any coment about it? Or about the brand?

[@ST1210S]

Which keyboard is better Arturia Keylab 61 MKii or Komplete Kontrol S61 MK2? Can you do a video about this ?

[@SanjayC]

The Keylab will give you more connectivity for synths and more knobs/faders. But I prefer the workflow on the S61 because I produce with software instruments (NKS compatible) more often.

[@matthiasdoffek3282]

Hi, ich möchte gerne die Synth aus der Roland Cloud JV 1080 und XV 5080 mit meinem Keylab 88 Elements Live in der Band spielen. Kann man die Synth auch Stand Alone mit dem Aturia steuern, Sounds abspeichern und z.B. über die Pads direkt ansteuern? Immer über DAW (Reaper) und dann mit der Maus Sounds klicken finde ich Live sehr unpraktisch...das muss doch auch anders gehen,oder?