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!

[@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 🙏🏼

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@transmutationdotse]

Thank you Sanjay! Super appreciate your presentations° :)

[@jamesbarnes5056]

This looks like an amazing controller.

[@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!

[@sanzay.]

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

[@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.

[@arrondavis9706]

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

[@rgbeatz8495]

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

[@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.

[@AdminVortex762]

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

[@calogerotamburello4132]

Amazing, my favourite feature Is the user mode

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! ✌😁👍

[@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!

[@fuzzylightning]

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

[@SanjayC]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@rodneymaiato]

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

[@AmeyaDevkar]

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

[@mdpro2er]

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

[@SanjayC]

You’re welcome. This is premium gear!

[@jitendersingh2516]

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

[@kevinlbrockway]

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

[@Jhnny]

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

[@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.

[@sasmithananth7771]

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

[@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

[@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!

[@davebassP5]

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

[@ahumblerequest5222]

Best review ever

[@SanjayC]

Thanks 🙏🏽 I worked hard on this!

[@nelsonvanneri]

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

[@meathead919]

Thank you for this great review.

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@anniedarkhorse6791]

Excellent video. Great detail. Well explained.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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?

[@prongpraison8463]

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

[@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

[@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

[@basslinephunk3441]

Nice controller Sanjay. You are the man!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks Bassline!

[@Jpaul038]

Nice job Sanjay C!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!

[@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!!

[@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!

[@hinduprinze33]

I'm coming over to play with it!

[@mrysSOFTWARE]

Thanks for the good overview!

[@SanjayC]

You’re welcome!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@ecristalcristal9099]

Two thumbs up!

[@voiceofgolding]

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

[@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.

[@cyanpuddle2930]

Wow that workflow is cool. I would like using the keyboard and not so much the compiter

[@psbsynthmusic]

Awesome review! Thanks much !

[@SanjayC]

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

[@1jarrais]

Great review! Dope MIDI controller!

[@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 ?

[@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.

[@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

[@g.n.stacey]

Wow that looks beautiful

[@SanjayC]

Arturia stuff is pretty!

[@bobcatt2294]

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

[@WycliffStudios]

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

[@SanjayC]

True

[@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?

[@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

[@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?

[@sarahlee8146]

need this!!!

[@ChazSeamus28]

Awesome review

[@SanjayC]

Thank you. I’m comparing this with two other similar keyboards in a video coming out tomorrow!

[@photonspark]

Great info thanks!

[@SanjayC]

Thanks, Photonspark! Are you planning to get this one or something else?

[@margaretchristo6859]

Excellent video! Thank you.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks!

[@vihaanvarma8503]

Awesome review man , thanks

[@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?

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

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

[@nachoci6876]

Not having a sequencer / arp is a shame...

[@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.

[@prithvisai4326]

This was very helpful!

[@measures_of_distance]

The million question for me with regards to midi controllers is always - hows the midi control? What I mean is does it tend to jump around or it smooth and continous?

[@SanjayC]

It should be smooth.

[@Only1Dharti]

This keyboard is so pretty!!!! And Daaaawwwww, you’re the best!!!

[@winddealer1]

Do you play?

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

Men: This keyboard has all you need to start creating your own music. Awesome! Woman: this keyboard is so pretty... :(

[@Only1Dharti]

@@winddealer1 Sometimes

[@Only1Dharti]

@@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522 LOL so? I can enjoy the aesthetics of a beautifully made instrument... as well as the mechanics and use of it! 2- in- one ;)

[@toddwmac]

Thanks Sanjay....great stuff as always. Can you share your experience with controlling/navigating the NI tools? You've got me teetering between the Arturia and the Komplete keyboards and sound discovery/shaping is top of mind.

[@SanjayC]

You can’t browse the presets in Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol software with this keyboard. But you can control the sound design parameters in KK with the eight knobs.

[@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

[@KutWrite]

Hi Sanjay, I liked your delivery much better on this video... less "sales-y." You come across more like a mellow friend, which we all like, right? I'd like to explore the 66 key version, as I want a learning keyboard that I can then use for putting simple music together. I have a background in music, but not on keyboards, though I did have a Yamaha DX-100 synth and a TR-505 in the 90s. Is there a contra-indication for learning on a board like this? A DX-7 goes for about $500 and a Roland D50 for $600 on eBay! (no, I don't think that's really for me). If you have time, I'm open to suggestions. PS If you produce all the BG and bumper music for your videos, I really like 'em.

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, I produce all the music for all my videos. I think the Arturia Keylab is a good choice, especially because you can use it to control hardware synths if/when you decide to do that. Its super powerful. The only thing I don't love is the feel of the keybed. But that can be subjective. Good thing is that you can adjust the velocity curve of the keybed in the settings.

[@stevenmurdock7116]

Another great video.

[@briancraig1684]

Do you how stable and smooth integrated it is with Logic Pro X and Studio One 4 ?

[@elliotbasmati1055]

Need this!

[@RahulNoelMassey-jj3bm]

The best thing I like in Akii medi is there sound quality and accessibility 😊 #Comment for the winner of Akii Midi ✌🏻

[@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

[@stpgrouch1896]

So far from. Your videos I like the software it runs on the key sensitivity 9 faders to mix n play with including a 16 drum pad how can you go wrong! Can’t wait to check them out in store thanks for videos and taking time to review explain everything ! 🤙

[@enigmasounds]

Great vid....but in Kontakt, once you do a MIDI learn and save, each time you load the instrument, the setting is saved, so you do NOT have to do each time :-)

[@SanjayC]

Good point.

[@erenjager9943]

Very nice keyboard, its a shame it doesnt have its own sounds to play it unplugged from the computer

[@chrisbasmati3177]

Fire beeat!

[@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

[@CRASS2047]

Trying to find a 49-61 key controller with pads, with the most integration with Logic. Everything seems to be best for Ableton. Does the mk2 have better integration with Logic than the keylab essentials?