Keylab Essential mk3 Thoughts After One Week

[@DJ_PROMO_PR]

Just ordered the 61-key edition. Can't wait! 🔥

[@FreeBeat]

Awesome, have fun!

[@dk6343]

I have the keylab mk2 88 note, but I ordered the essential mk3 88 note for the synrh action best of both worlds can't wait for the essential 88 mk3 to arrive

[@lunarmusic7324]

Great review. Made my mind up to purchase the 49 key version

[@Study_Sleep_Chill]

Analog Lab is really good. Using it for my space telescope videos.

[@JimmyCooperAustralia]

I picked up the 61. Seriously excellent keyboard. I've not enjoyed such freedom just plugging in and playing.

[@AlbiCanaku-ko3ty]

Bro does this keyboard have her own vst sounds?

[@JimmyCooperAustralia]

@@AlbiCanaku-ko3ty Google Analog Labs by Arturia. You get a limited free version of that which is enough to play with before you purchase.

[@JimmyCooperAustralia]

@@AlbiCanaku-ko3ty the integration is pretty flawless

[@Defines1776]

Very timely video for me. Thanks man!

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for watching!

[@sinewaymusic]

Good feature-focused review but I'd love to hear something about the feel of the keys themselves in a review like this. After all, that's the key feature - pun unintended. 😊

[@lephilb]

I’m I correct that you cannot search by “synth” only by “type” .. in the past you could do both and even combine ( strings in Prophet 5v )

[@FreeBeat]

You can still search by synth!

[@wiwmusic1]

I simple sold my keylab essential 49 key for $100 so upgrading to the Mk3 was only $125!

[@kaweiros]

hello I want to ask, how to controlle in Ableton Live with this midi keyboard.....?

[@benmidas]

can you change patches with the patch scroll wheel on vitalsynth, or does it only work on Analog Lab? I want a controller that will let me cycle patches like a real synth - a super obvious thing that is pretty hard to find for some reason!

[@FreeBeat]

It doesn't work like that out of the box. I'd imagine there's probably *some* way to make it work, but that is absolutely not my area of expertise haha.

[@shedtracks]

thanks for the review!

[@ChatandArt]

Can it also be played in piano mode without computer?

[@FreeBeat]

The Keylab Essential is just a MIDI controller, it doesn't make any sound. It can be used to control computer software, or any hardware synthesizer with MIDI.

[@jfranko4000]

Why don't you call them up and tell them that the fader was bent, they'll probably send you a new one.

[@FreeBeat]

It's not a big deal at all, stuff happens in shipping haha. Also I'd rather it go to me (someone who got it for free) rather than someone pay for it and accidently have a bent fader. I don't mind one bit :)

[@micaelarvidsson9034]

Does the keylab send start stop transport controls to a hardware sequencer through midi din? The small one did not

[@FreeBeat]

I honestly haven't tried. The Midi Control Center software is pretty flexible, so it might depend on the MIDI implementation for the sequencer you want to use.

[@especttro-f8y]

I´m using this thing. Happy has hell.

[@FreeBeat]

Glad to hear it!

[@daniboooooo]

I've got the 61 keys version and I think the pads are very hard to play, I mean, I have to hit them very hard to get a good volume for the drums. Is this on all units the case or is my unit just not okay?

[@beenay18]

My minilab pads are also very hard to play.

[@Havanacuba1985]

Program the velocity in your DAW it should be possible

[@JollyRoger-tm1mz]

hi mate , can you flick the knobs from controlling panning to sendA and sendB easily ?

[@MLRDov]

Awesome keyboard! Can't wait to get one

[@FreeBeat]

Hope you enjoy!

[@LaidbackSounds]

Returning mine, i love arturia products generally but it fascinates me how they release a beatiful and well tought out keyboard but such a wack keybed. The keys travelling is very short and it is impossible to play with velocity correcly, im not a piano player so im not picky it is just bad keys

[@SureFeelsGood]

did you find another with better keys?

[@Animo1681]

Well, I've tried the Keylab (not essential version) vs. the essential in the store and the Keylab is great! But it's pretty expensive...

[@oystercatcher943]

Thanks. I’m trying to improve the Java scripts for my essential with bitwig. Although it has fewer buttons there is more scope to use pads. The official code just has bits commented out of essential that is enabled for mk3. Oddly my 9th fader doesn’t send midi data though all the rest do. It’s not bent. Really hard to believe. I still can’t

[@mjaa1307]

Pads assume the color of the clip color?

[@SureFeelsGood]

what about the keys vs others like novation 49sl?

[@FreeBeat]

I've never used it, sorry!

[@rythmmmm]

Does the integration of the keyboard work as well with logic pro x as far as reading the parameters as it does for ableton?

[@Hammerman48]

It’s excellent with Logic Audio for me so far.

[@rythmmmm]

@@Hammerman48 I can't get it set up properly, I've watched ton's of videos on it and haven't solved anything

[@Hammerman48]

@@rythmmmm Have you downloaded the Logic Audio script from the Arturia website? Mine didn't work with logic until I downloaded the script.

[@rythmmmm]

@@Hammerman48 I'm sure of it that I have, that'll be the 1st thing I look in when I get back to the studio

[@racso415]

I picked up the 49 key version, was looking at analog lab for a while and needed a smaller controller so why not get the controller and analog lab for the price of 1

[@thegreat1548]

Absofuckinlutely

[@elkingofficielchannel5265]

Is the key are good ?

[@terryworth7]

Thankyou so much! What do you think of this keylab essential compared to the AKAI Professional APC Key 25 MK2 - 25-Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller for Clip Launching with Ableton Live Lite, 40 RGB Pads and 8 Rotary Knobs? Is there anything about the AKAI that wins over the Keylab?

[@flexboy2729]

Hello, I don't really understand how to make the tools appear on the screen instead of arturia's inscription

[@yormeaceko7101]

Is it also possible to move across devices in a specific track? Or you can only do it in your computer?

[@levbeats]

I bought it 3 days ago , and today I had problem with the mini screen … black letters started disappearing , have y noticed something like that ?

[@FreeBeat]

Oh weird, I haven't had any issues with mine, and I've used it a lot! Maybe you got a faulty unit?

[@pratyulmusic]

Hi will this also work with Logic Pro for iPad ? Most KZbinrs showed only the it being used as keyboard with iPad but does knobs and faders and transport control work too ?

[@FreeBeat]

I'm honestly not sure, I don't use Logic or iPads in my setup haha.

[@BPEMETO]

Thanks for the video! Between this model and M-Audio Oxygen Pro 49 what would recommend? : )

[@FreeBeat]

I've never used the Oxygen Pro 49 so I can't really make a pick, sorry!

[@michaeltrenier]

Arturia.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

Can someone advise me? This vs the Native Instruments Kontrol? Also, does this work with *only* USB bus power? I need something small, for a sofa + laptop setup, hopefully with the most immediate compatibility with Arturia *V Collection,* not the Lab app.

[@yinbakalu]

What did you go with? I have the Komplete Kontrol M32 which I really love (my first keyboard) but now want a keyboard to learn to play properly on, which is why I'm also deciding between a new 61 key Kontrol and the Keylab Essential! The utilities seem very similar (based on my M32 which can do pretty much everything this can do minus the drum pad) but more, bigger keys of course and better keybed than the mini.

[@CentaurusRelax314]

@ Hey. I went in a different direction. Instead of dealing with a controller plugged into my MacBook connected to my interface to my monitors and all those parts and the cables… I pivoted to an Akai MPC Key 37 and headphones. Again, this was for my ‘sofa’ setup, as I watch far too many sports and wanted to be able to write bits and pieces to later expand into songs on my desktop setup. With the Akai, I have akai plugins and expansions, and its sequencer, so I don’t have to deal with the clumsiness of putting the controller on my lap and leaning over to try to read a separate computer screen…. With the MPC, it’s all one unit. And the plugins/instruments are fantastic.

[@yinbakalu]

@@CentaurusRelax314 oh wow I checked it out and it looks really cool, a perfect solution for you! Hope you're having fun and making great music

[@spyrule]

If its the first keyboard I'm going to buy (havn't played piano in ~30 years)... would you recommend the 61 over the 49 ? (is it worth the extra $50)

[@FreeBeat]

It really depends on if you think you're gonna want them eventually

[@rutwij_beatbox5060]

Have you tried the Novation Launchkey 61 MK3? If yes is it better than this one?

[@FreeBeat]

I haven't tried any of the Launchkey products, sorry! They do also seem pretty solid for the price though.

[@JeffyG]

I dig deep between the Keylab Essential MK3 and the Novation Launchkey MK3. It seems to me the Launchkey MK3 is still better. More pads, longer faders, better DAW integration.

[@wiggesobk]

Great video! 👍

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks!

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

Is there a way to only map only "white keys" to a scale?

[@KeenanCrow]

Yes

[@maydaygoingdown5602]

Still no sequencer.

[@FreeBeat]

Yeah that would definitely be nice for standalone use!

[@nine96six]

청산유수구만? 그런데 코드 기능을 쓸때 스케일에 의헤서 Diatonic 하게 변형되는지 그건 혹시 테스트 해보셨나요? 대답없으시면 모르시는걸로 알께요

[@FreeBeat]

It does!

[@bravestarr2001]

How do the keys feel? I tried a MiniLab 3, which was OK, but have heard that these keys are light and spongy. I'm a complete beginner to midi and keyboard, and would like to actually learn to play keyboard too. Would you recommend this product for a beginner who wants a good playing experience? Many thanks for the video.

[@FreeBeat]

I honestly wouldn't recommend any synth or controller for someone looking to learn piano. For that, I'd recommend going with a decent digital piano.

[@bravestarr2001]

​@@FreeBeatMany thanks for the reply and recommendation. All the best.

[@mikemeengs5720]

That IS really cool! Hmm.

[@FreeBeat]

Thanks for watching!

[@arunshankar8460]

guys can u please suggest from one of these.. Arturia keylab essential MK3 & M audio oxygen pro?

[@cvrart]

Bent slider knob? I guess they sent you one of their rejects that didn't pass quality control.

[@Xbot4Life]

what key velocity settings do you use. im totally new to keyboard and the keys are so quiet

[@FreeBeat]

I'm on the standard setting and haven't noticed any issues. Have you adjusted your levels in your DAW/software/whatever you're controlling?

[@Xbot4Life]

@@FreeBeat FL Studio, I have not, that is something I need to play with over the weekend, thanks for the idea!

[@bahadirkeles.]

I am an ableton user and can’t decide purchase this or novation launchkey mk3. What are your thoughts?

[@FreeBeat]

I've never used any of the Launchkey controllers personally, so I can't comment on them. The big thing I would look into the the integration with Ableton. I think they both have slightly different button layouts, and probably work slightly differently as well. Definitely watch some videos on them too!

[@MS7.7]

Launchkey is excellent with Ableton, I have it and it's very good except one thing. The knobs they are limited and annoying I have to tweak them every time other than that this keyboard is amazing. Arturia has basic integration with Ableton nothing to compare. However if you are a fan of analog lab you might consider the Keylab. I myself programmed a custom map for the faders, buttons, knobs to match Arturia analog lab on my launch key 49 mk3 and it work perfectly fine. I can even switch preset using the buttons below the faders but the Arturia can browse and sort by category. I believe Arturia is better quality but that's not big deal for me.

[@bulutyusuf]

Is it standalone? website says so!

[@RoquetteAttaquer]

49/61/88 which one its worth it to buy? Which one is metal body? Or all plastic?

[@FreeBeat]

I believe they're all plastic. The key count really just comes down to personal preference and space!

[@anzatzi]

how is the velocity response on the keyboard? Can you play quiet piano notes? thank you!

[@molenz1960]

Late reply but I've had the 61 key version for 3 months and the velocity sensitivity for piano is awful, I've tried all the different settings and have just gone back to the linear setting, what's most annoying though is that sometimes I'll hit a key and get a 0 velocity. I'll be replacing it soon

[@anzatzi]

Novation keys are similarly velocity limited. There should be a market for a midi board with accurate dynamics, but maybe not!

[@CJ48_]

Would this keyboard work with any DAW? I use reaper.

[@renecuevas4128]

I use Reaper also but i dont got the midi yet i m still reading n watching videos about it

[@CJ48_]

@@renecuevas4128 I ended up buying it, works with reaper just fine.

[@krish-ut9de]

so does it work with reaper?​@@renecuevas4128

[@timothykalio157]

How do you power off the lights

[@jaketeeling5679]

Disable vegas mode in the software

[@mastaboog749]

i've been looking a bigger midi keyboard myself and this definitely is on my list. I recently got an older maschine mk2 and have been dabbling a little bit here and there since the software was on sale and i finally bought it! Either way native instruments makes this really nice midi controller with lights that helps within the mashine software. Honestly i dont really know but maschine is super super in depth and I see why people dig it. I also like I barely have to use my laptop screen, i just use the controlls on the midi 16 pad controller. This is why im looking at the NI keyboard, it has the updated screens of the maschine mk3 and the guide lights. Im assuming i can remap it to any daw and use with my mpc as well. I'm actually trying to record maschine instruments into my mpc one as keygroups until i get the hang of it more. In a way i feel like a trader but i honestly still plan to use the mpc as my main machine because I dont like being tied to a laptop but i see a lot of guitarists use maschine over MPC. I got the controller for $40 and the software for $35 on sale. I can spend the $500 on a keyboard but i only have room for one 49+ish key.

[@FreeBeat]

I'm honestly not at all familiar with the NI keyboards, but they do look cool! Thanks as always :)

[@greenvelvet]

Why is the Mark II, an older model, 2x the price??

[@MintFX0]

It isn’t the essential model.

[@Hammerman48]

You have got 16 pads if you hit the bank button to the left of the pads.

[@nanuk01]

Yeah, I was surprised by his comment as well

[@mrsherlockholmes1968]

Arturia never sent me anything…😢

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

Will the key bed trigger MPE, and on drum pads what is your preference 4x4, 2x8, 1x8 or 2x4, or have you tried something weird you liked better? Since you’re using the computer more, I think you would really like symthmaster 1 and 2, and Komplete. I highly recommend them both. Unfortunately I’ve had to increase internal space, twice! Lol, got all the free ones and some great inexpensive ones from Sams and others, I’m not at that system right now so forgive my forgetfulness! Peace

[@FreeBeat]

The Keybed isn't MPE sadly, but at the price it's probably not expected. I'm honestly leaning towards 2x8 on my preferred pad arrangement, but 4x4 isn't bad either. Thanks as always!

[@rexcellencemagee6729]

@@FreeBeat I have two by eight on my oxygen pro, and to be honest it’s just placed in a way that’s not convenient, look up a picture of it sometime. I got the oxygen pro mainly because of where the faders were located, just like a Hammond! Lol, I’m not a very good finger drummer but I really like the mp8, for one reason it’s small and everything is pads. It’s not a sampler but a sample player, great for bottles and bells! Lol, I swear Dio8 it’s a real thing and very inexpensive but impressive. Peace

[@ForSale-VillaInBedarAlmeria]

Only 8 tracks on Ableton Lite??? That is soo limiting. What a shame.

[@aardvarkmindshank]

Will there be a non-Essential version at higher cost I wonder? And what would it add?

[@FreeBeat]

Not sure!

[@aardvarkmindshank]

@@FreeBeat gonna wait…

[@quentinbush]

I bought one of these 49 key version to find if it worked like your video, I would be a very happy man. The voices are hard to find and generally not free but only on a few minute demo basis. I cannot compose my own music on Ambleton, one needs a license at extra costs. I don't know where I am doing wrong despite watching many videos and many emails from support. It's a good job I am not doing the review because they wouldn't sell many.

[@DroningSoulProductions]

Thanks for the great overview. This helps me a lot. I'm leaning towards a transition to an Arturia hybrid/software based solution, versus a new hardware-based synth. I'm working on getting the "1990s" out of my system by publishing a collection of OLD material on my KZbin channel (kzbin.info/door/CVmy7o71G7hRXaEJZKuF-g), and then will figure out what to do after that. My old music was produced and recorded around 1992 with a TASCAM 4-track cassette recorder, MIDI sequencing software running on a Microsoft DOS PC, an old MidiVerb digital signal processor, and a used Roland D-10 MIDI synthesizer that was first on the market around 1988. The Arturia hybrid/software based solution looks like an exciting way forward for me! Thanks again!

[@dukeedward5754]

how do you get a company to just send you stuff. im broke af and would love nothing more than a midi keyboard donation lol

[@Blues.Fusion]

If you are tapping in beats its OK. If you are a keyboard player, you're gonna hate the keybed.

[@androidfarmer8863]

No aftertouch… ok then. Literally, that one missing feature has stopped me from buying.

[@antgreen3254]

same same

[@jameskellam2980]

Necktar t6 has aftertoich

[@adriansantiago6514]

Literally so true, it would be perfect if it did

[@MediaMusik777]

But it has expression pedal input for various controls .

[@greenvelvet]

Yeah that's absolutely ridiculous.

[@moonpie2637]

Technically the keyboard is a payment. Not saying you're bias but claiming you received nothing in return over looks the keyboard they gave you. I just keep hearing this same line ignoring the value of the product

[@FreeBeat]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6q1m4iaa7FnmsU

[@yardleylfc]

No aftertouch!

[@fidelonuselogu8874]

Bro😅 If you don’t need the mk2 You could give it to me. Or do a give away with it to grow your already wonderful channel

[@fidelonuselogu8874]

I could buy it also but I hope it can be free😂😂

[@ExclusiveLM]

.My friend got this keyboard. He returned it before the refund ended. I heard the sounds. It's as if all of these keyboard companies have absolutely no interest in creating new sounds that can actually be used in today's music market. It's just recycled Moog type synths. Your better off buying a cheap MIDI piano at around 450 dollars and spend the money instead on good instrument plugins such as Omnisphere, Keyscape, Trilian and LA Strings. Keyboard companies are just recycling what already exists. They should hire American composers that are currently cutting edge producers to help create unique patches, drum patterns and better mixed sounds. Even the big boys like Yamaha don't have anything new with Montage. Nord is the only one that has stood out in the last 20 years. Before that Motif in the 90s and early 2000s, Yamaha in the 80s and Prophet in the 70s. And of course Moog in the 60s. But, right now don't spend thousands of dollars on keyboards. Focus on good plugins and get yourself a good audio interface like Apollo Twin. Finally make sure you get yourself a good computer or laptop with these specs... 64 bit, at least 2.7 processor, 8 core, and 64 RAM. For lighter plugins use get 32 RAM instead. Your welcome.

[@FreeBeat]

....This video is literally about a midi controller lol.

[@ExclusiveLM]

@@FreeBeat Sure. And the piano keys are just there for decoration. That's why you spent most of the video playing the ..... wait for it.... Plugin VSTs in the piano. Nice try but. No one is going to spend that much money for a MIDI Controler. The first factor are the sounds. In fact most people don't have a midi controler. They just use their mouse to tweak in their DAWs. Don't drink the Kool Aid.

[@FreeBeat]

.....What?

[@Shypa]

​@@FreeBeat i guess he just watched the first 4 minutes and started writing a comment 😂

[@ExclusiveLM]

@@Shypa Another one drinking the Kool Aid.

[@spencewine]

sigh...you're misleading your audience, yet again. Trying to act like there isn't a transactional relationship here and emphasizing it wasn't cash doesn't change that you are being paid to promote this product. it's just you've chosen to be paid in equipment that you can then use or sell or do whatever you want with it. Seriously, your effort to explain how you're not being paid yet receiving free gear at the beginning of these videos should be a red flag to anyone watching.

[@FreeBeat]

This time not only did I state that I got the gear for free, but I specifically said that I was not paid any money. Towards the end of the video, I even said I would not recommend upgrading if you have the MK2. I'm not sure what you want from me lol

[@spencewine]

@@FreeBeat Spending the first 30 seconds of your video trying to explain to us how you're not paid is misleading. You tell us you got if for free and then you say you're not paid 'cash' this time. Okay, what are you paid in? Do you think that receiving free gear for promotion isn't a payment? Just tell us you have a relationship with Arturia. Trying to act like you're impartial and unbiased and unpaid at the beginning of these types of videos is the misleading part. It really makes me distrust what you're doing here.

[@Sadiquecat]

I find "X sent me this, no money changed hands" clear enough for me. Calling gear money would be far fetched imo. BUT theres undeniably value and some form of influence that comes with it, one could call that bias. A disclaimer of if there were any agreements on making videos with the manufacturer would be appreciated. Because "free" nowadays can be vague. For example : - "no need to send us money, but do x video work for us" - "This is a gift. No expectations just a smile please" One implies none monetary payment, the other just generosity. I hope to have bridged a gap. I'm personally fine with the current disclaimer, and Mr Freebeat has my trust. But I think that's what some people might have issue with. EDIT : He did say "They didn't even ask me to make a video". I guess the issue here is the truth of that statement when they didn't verbally claim it but still is implied.

[@soupcarrots612]

@@Sadiquecat Appreciate your point of view, but if @freebeat wasn't showing this equipment off on his channel, would he be receiving it? I would highly doubt it. So calling it a gift would be a pretty big stretch and if it is a gift that carries bias automatically with it. People have bartered with goods and services for millenia and this is no different, imo. This equipment would need to be included on his year-end tax reporting as revenue, which basically tells you it's a payment. My issue is that these videos are reviews being prefaced with language that makes it sound like it's an unbiased, which is impossible.

[@davidgershwin4110]

Never felt misled by you, Free Beat. Keep up the awesome work!