The BEST Budget MIDI Keyboard -

[@MusiclyricsByECDaleyC]

Best keyboard review I have ever seen, and your smooth informative delivery is why! Thank you John....

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Ahhhh you’re more than welcome. Thanks 🙏

[@1972myc]

I just bought Arturia DX7-V software last week and a generic Midi 32 keyboard. I loved the software but was disappointed at the generic Amazon brand keyboard I ordered separately. So I decided to Order this Arturia Keylab49 essentials Mk3 keyboard, and after watching your reviews and others, am glad I did. The other feature I wanted was easy integration, the added software is a very welcome surprise bonus, also. I will be receiving it in the mail by the end of the week.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Great to hear! It’s totally worth it. Integration is the key thing here and therefore increasing workflow. 👍 plus it’s nice to play too 🤣

[@1972myc]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Yes, something to play with and keep our mind challenged, but not frustrated!

[@Dokbabeb]

This is amazing, the moment I saw you seamlessly control Logic, Arturia and many other aspects of the screen with that keyboard I knew it was the keyboard for me. Thanks a lot for being thorough and giving a detailed dive into this MIDIs capabilities.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

So glad that helped. 👍🏻 😊

[@MediaMusik777]

I got my 61 key last night and spent about 4 hours breaking in , I like it , they fixed everything from previous velocity ,key travel noise, they added control pedal port,usb c . Only thing I hope they fix is the lcd contrast settings don’t work at certain angles

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Good to hear 😊 Shame the LCD angles. Will have to play with it depending on where you are sitting / playing.

[@MediaMusik777]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK it can be fixed in updates just needs better angle settings other than that 9/10

[@telekon2848]

Thanks John , have just subscribed . Ordering this keyboard. Thanks to you.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Hey 👋 That’s great news. Let me know how you get on. 👍🏻

[@Dazza_uk]

Hi John, thanks so much for this video. I’ve been researching which midi controller to get for weeks and your video was all I needed to decide - my Arturia mk3 keylab essential arrives in 3 days! Will also be using Logic Pro as my DAW,

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Good choice! Keyboard is so easy to use and so intuitive with all the DAWs. 👍 I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. I expect the new album from you by Christmas 🎅 🤣

[@WilliamvanDoorn]

Just ordered myself one .... :)

[@thechronicnoizeco.6675]

The very first review to mention the key size. Thank you. I read a few reviews that don’t mention it either. Seems like an important detail.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Certainly is!

[@buxycat]

I'm just getting into this world. I bought a MiniLab3 as I wanted a keyboard for music theory and training. Really liked the Analog Lab, sent the MiniLab 3 back, KeyLab Essential 49 Mk3 arriving later this morning. I felt it was worth the extra over the MiniLab 3 for better keyboard feel, physical pitch and mod wheels, more knobs and faders and the screen being much better placed, as well as larger. I'm not a keyboard player however I'm sure the KLE will be super useful in shaping sounds in Analog Lab, which I'm itching to get paired up with my Yamaha WX5 wind controller :D

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Analog lab is a brilliant piece of software and opens the doors to a world of synthesis. Glad you have taken the plunge for the KLE and hope it brings the keyboard player out in you. 😊 👍🏻

[@buxycat]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Unfortunately, I wasn't prepared for how physically large the KLE is, so I'm sending it back. But you know what? I really appreciate your "hope it brings out the keyboard player in you" comment. I thought about that for a while. You sparked off a train of thought that lead me to realise that I don't need any keyboard now, because I was a sax player, until my jaw told me otherwise. I have a Yamaha WX5 MIDI wind controller I put away at the same time as my tenor sax, but I'm almost ready to get that playing again, I'm just waiting on a fixed recorder style mouthpiece I need to come from Japan (I'm not risking jaw issues again). I've got an Akai APC64, I'll just have to learn how to assign the touch strips in Analog Lab. I can use the APC64 to play notes and chords. If my fingers will still work well enough (they might not!), then I might want to add in some expression pedals, to fill in for losing the jaw and lip expression I was used to, so long ago. So, I'm saving the keyboard money towards needing stuff for my WX5, if that works out for me. Thank you for your part in my musical journey and making me realise I don't need or want a keyboard!

[@randytellez2451]

Great demo and explanation. I don't play piano nor read music. I'm realy a self taught bass player. About 10 yrs ago I bought a Korg Kronos just to dabble around with. Massively awesome instrument but it was way over my head technically. Sold it a couple of years ago. Now I'm getting an itch to dabble around with synth (and analog instrument) sounds again. You have me giving this unit serious consideration. Thank you

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s good to know. You might wanna see the video I did yesterday. Depends on your budget: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2O9goawmplnjrssi=ZLUDieyAsXm3tfz1

[@randytellez2451]

After my comment above i watch 2 other YT videos...a huge number of comments were complaints about integration setup like downloads that came with these units .but i forgot to check when those vids were posted. On the other hand a web search i read did say the same issues have been addressed. Any info you can offer on that subject woukd help.​@@JohnPaulMusicUK

[@djbouchelee25]

I bought one for like 2 weeks now.. I love it with Logic Pro X... I recommended too.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s great to know. 👌 Yeah works well with Logic. Very creative workflow!

[@TorSkywalker]

Fantastic review, exactly what I was looking for. Thanks!

[@AmarrionLopez]

Could you make a video on how to set it up on the iPad

[@watchandproduce]

Best review I’ve seen of the MK3.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@-KingOfKhaos]

Man I appreciate this vid more than you know! I’m strictly a Logic Pro user, and I’m in the market for a new midi controller… you just made my purchase decision very easy! Heading over to Sweetwater right now to order this keyboard / controller 🎹… thanks mate! Edit: Ordered it, and it will be in my studio in 24 hours 😃

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Wow! Awesomeness 👏 Let me know how it goes.

[@accentontheoff]

How did it go. I have almost given up on making my Minilab Mk 2 work with Logic Pro. Although I believe they now annoyingly enough have a script for Logic and the Mk3.

[@nim10107]

Great video and analysis

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bug254]

Perfect review and overview. Thank you!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Thank you very much 🙏

[@maramé.r]

Good review. Most importantly for a midi controller this actually has a midi output so it can connect to other midi equipment. So many ‘midi’ keyboards lack a midi out socket so, annoyingly and inconveniently, require a computer or expensive midi host unit to route the midi to other hardware/synths. Connectivity midi/cv is one of the reasons that the Keystep has become one of the best selling keyboards though limited by only 37 keys. Using an iPad with usb midi presents issues in getting the audio out unless a combined midi/audio interface is used or a complicated usb hub arrangement

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That makes sense. Although for a device that already has Bluetooth, have you ever tried the Widi Jack / Widi Master products? They are very good and simplify the process for iPads and the like. I use the KeyLab mk2 with an iPad with it in this video. It’s works so well! Have a look - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZLMinaBltp5arMsi=s2JQrPaztNGsP38i

[@maramé.r]

Yes I have a Bluetooth CME WIDI adapter which is excellent. Though I use one that plugs into the MIDI output - This is one reason I prefer a DIN MIDI output when choosing a keyboard. Some keyboards do exist with built in BT MIDI but tend to have mini keys

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s fair enough 👍🏻

[@zurlocker1]

Thank you. Bought it today!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Awesome. Let me know how it feels / goes. 👍🏻

[@peabodyscientific2082]

Excellent review, perfect length and detail.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Thank you 🙏

[@lukeskywalker1841]

sold me on it, cheers

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Welcome 🙏 you can grab it here: storefront.throne.com/johnpaulmusicuk/arturia-keyboards

[@danifeldi]

great video! thanks!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Welcome 🙏 Seen their new flagship? Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2O9goawmplnjrssi=_TjMruXzYv2iX6Le

[@SleeveZipper]

Does the 3 work with GarageBand? (The controls I mean)

[@spinrocks]

Do you know if it will connect with Mainstage as well as it does Logic?

[@Vicktorkings]

Great video. Thanks.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

More than welcome 🙏

[@schpeidermann]

That is the best review I've come across so far! I'd really love to get it since my old controller broke down last week. One question remains though: would I be able to control other sample libraries with it also? I mainly work in "Kontakt 7" and Best Service's "Engine 2". There are lots of knobs and faders in my VSTs of choice and it would be a blast to control it with the Essential MK3! Would that be possible?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Thank you 🙏 If the other sample libraries can be controlled with midi commands then I don’t see why not.

[@m-chopbeats7526]

Really good features considering that its only the entry level keylab...can imagine how advanced their premium mk3 version will be

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[@AgriAutoIndia]

Which is best Novation launchkey mk3 61 or this Arturia keylab mk3 for Fl studio DAW ?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Very good question. I’m not able to answer it myself as I don’t have a Novation and I don’t use FL.. so I’m not qualified to give you an accurate answer.. hopefully someone in the community can answer this for you.

[@denzelperry7024]

Great overview as always 👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻 I know people will just say upgrade Windows but anyone had any issues using this with Windows 7 or have any idea if there would be. Arturia support were useless when I asked.....

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Good question. Sorry, I use a Mac plus protocols have changed like AUV3 which when win7 was made, it’s simply not ready for AUV3 and the way editors are written. I would say…. Upgrade. Simply for compatibility.

[@denzelperry7024]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK I'll bite the bullet, oh the endless reinstalls 😂 thanks sir, keep up the amazing work 👌🏻

[@stldweller]

Why are you fighting the update to Windows?

[@denzelperry7024]

@@stldweller I'm on 11 now. And I don't fight operating systems unless I'm drunk.

[@guitardev4523]

Can you play this with sound, just straight to laptop? Or is an audio interface needed? Thanks for the review!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

It’s a midi controller so usb or midi in and just plays the sounds on the laptop. No internal sounds on this midi controller but you don’t need an audio interface to use it.

[@ekids.bassment]

I'm looking at my 30 yr old, Roland A-30 which is a tank. robust and solid. When I look at the Arturia, I get a cheap plastic feeling that is breakable. I can't replace that old friend for that :)

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Remember that the essential is the entry level. Have a look at this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4TZlHSpfLyHbJIsi=ggZZgQdTv1RQ36WO

[@ericMT]

Yes and… the Keylab is made for people who use the Arturia software plugins because you get a lot of knob controls automatically assigned without having to manually assign everything. That’s a key selling point. And it’s cheap. The A-30 was not $220 30 years ago. I was around back then too. It’s a completely different time now when it comes to music gear. Also you can plug the Keylab straight into a computer and start playing. No MIDI cables needed, no big power supplies to deal with. Some Arturia stuff is built very well. The Keysteps, Beatstep Pro, Minibrute and Polybrute are solid units, as well as other keyboards and controllers they sell. The entry level stuff is more plastic feeling, it’s just how it goes. I’ve had Arturia hardware for over 10 years now, nothing has broken and I’m not that gentle on my gear.

[@awesomeGking]

Is that not also cheap plastic?? Definitely looks like it at least

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

Can we use those 8 pads sir as shortcut buttons for presets? Example i want to use pad1 for piano, and pad2 for brass, pad3 for strings etc. Hope you'll notice, it would help a lot. Thank you

[@BPEMETO]

Thanks for the video! : ) Would you recommend this model over M-Audio Oxygen 49?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

It would be wrong of me to say yes as I have never played on an Oxygen 49. All I could say is that the integration into the DAWs is fab, the keyboard bed is great for its price and what most people want is customisation of the dials, pads and knobs etc and Arturia’s App for control is top notch. Maybe head to a store to see if you can try both or if you can afford it, but both from a retailer who will let you return the one you don’t want to use. Hope this helps.

[@Backyardsparrow]

Can you show me a detail setup for Logic Pro?

[@LadyRiderc]

Does this have Aftertouch? Couldnt really find it in the description, the links dont go to the actual instruments, just the homepage of Thomann for instance.

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

No only the 88key version has after touch

[@tommyk88888]

Did you already try it in combination with iOS / Loopy Pro? Interested in your findings

[@JayaLove]

I’m curious about this also

[@JayaLove]

And Logic Pro in iPad

[@tommyk88888]

@@JayaLove soundhealers are on the same page about loopy pro apparently 😁🙏🏻

[@JayaLove]

yeah! @@tommyk88888

[@AnGhaeilge]

Great bang for your buck but I'll be waiting for the main keylab mkiii.

[@thalaster]

Yeah, I just bought a keystep 37. I will get the keylab Mkiii when it arrives.

[@billkrussick6477]

yeah, still waiting...

[@LoserDub]

I really hate my MK2, it doesnt sync up midi wise with logic prox, its stupid, recently my pitch knob now changes volume on the track above what im working on, ive done the mackie thing, never gotten the record button to work but it lights up when its recording, works with ableton fine, idk, hold works, octave works, trans works, i know its not broken idk

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s crazy. Sound like a channel message error. Reach out to Arturia support. 👍🏻

[@oystercatcher943]

I have my keylab essential. It looks like bitwig integration has improved somewhat as pads can be used for clip launching. But I’m deep it improving the script for those who can’t upgrade. But I can’t fix the fact there are fewer buttons so it won’t be as good as mk3

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah quite a few upgrades under the hood.

[@wavester46]

Who's decision at Arturia was it to put the sliders on the right hand side? I mean as a keyboard player it makes no sense especially for organ and synth manipulation as you play all your leads with your right hand.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Oh yeah. For organ playing that’s true. I’ve never considered that. Actually, how cool would it be to have an organ, pull, slider style control mechanism for midi keyboards. You could manipulate so much at once! 👍🏻

[@chrisholmes_90]

Really good review John, thanks. I've used MIDI keyboards/controllers before for music production (typically smaller units, 25 keys). I want to start learning to actually play a bit of "proper" piano and was thinking of buying the 61 key version of this. Do you think it's suitable for that purpose, or recommend something else? At least the Scale setting should help me through any shows ;) Thanks!

[@braveheartbraveheart78]

Can it work and function properly using Ipad sir?

[@ParadoxOficial]

Hi! Can i use arturia keylab essential 61 with reason? Thanks!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yes, absolutely. Now there isn’t a dedicated script for Reason so will have to be in user mode.. but you can program that up yourself quite easily with MIDI learn on Reason, letting reason know what each button is and what it’s meant to do and then save that.

[@citygent101]

Can you change the pitchwheel to Expression instead in the software ?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

looks like a yes with the templates and midi mapping. have a look at the templates section of the manual: downloads.arturia.net/products/keylab-essential-49-mk3/manual/mcc-for-keylab-essential-mk3_Manual_1_15_1_EN.pdf#page5

[@Lucas_Baumgart]

Could this be compatible with Akai Force?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Could be yes

[@Ullish1989]

About to find out how well this works with Reaper...

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Please let me know. Should be interesting 🤔

[@UnafraidCookie]

How'd it go?

[@niallkelly8476]

Hi JP, what's your thoughts on Arturia Vs Novation?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Prefer the action and key bed of the Arturia keyboards 🎹

[@Shailavmusic]

Hey hi, from where i can get midiscript for flstudio

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Watch this from Arturia themselves kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5rSk6hjlM6fjbcsi=fuucyZQtS0KH1Wsq

[@DMNDBEATZ]

How well does this work with komplete 14 ? I don’t really like the native instruments key boards. I don’t need all the integrated kontact stuff just want something bigger then my akia mini and pads. I use logic love the way u did the demo of that

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

I don’t have Komplete but the integration of this keyboard with Logic is fab, the pads are gorgeous and I’ve always loved the keyboard bed of Arturia keyboards. They just seem very premium. 👍🏻

[@zawilious]

is it better than the M-audio oxygen pro 49 ?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s a very good question. Honestly don’t know as I’ve never owned the M-Audio. Try both at a store if you can or one that can give a good returns policy. 👍🏻

[@MrEagleeye58]

WOW that keyboard sure makes so much noise. Was it due to your mic input or was it due to the keyboard keys itself?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah that is the mic picking that up. Silly me and my audio choices when recording I left the mic on when doing the screen recording on the Mac so you are hearing it from the Mac mic and my camera mic. It’s not that noisy at all.

[@MrEagleeye58]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Another reviewer using the MKii compared the 61 key with the 88key.. He mention that with the 61 keys the black key has a different loudness compared to the white key when you press down with the same force. The 88 mk2 does have not this issue. Did you notice anything about this?

[@garyusinger]

Is the KeyLab Essential 88 also a MK3 instrument? Also, do you know if with the Essential 88, can I control my Nord Stage 3 using MIDI and at the same time control NI Session Horns using the USB out? I am the horn section for our R&B band and looking for good brass sounds. Love the piano and organ on the Nord, but really need some help for the brass section. Thanks in advance for your reply.

[@AgriAutoIndia]

Awesome

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Thanks 🙏

[@andrewmitchell1871]

How well does it integrate to the ipad version of logic, and is the included software vst only or auv3?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

The included software is VST only but the intergration is good and can be programmed. 👌

[@KeefAllen]

Would this work with mpc beats daw?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yes. It sends out CC# and PC changes so I don’t see why not. 👍🏻

[@certifiedbeatz]

It didnt get better until they show launch keylab pro looking forward to it .. i will put mines on sale now to wait

[@nine96six]

코드와 스케일 기능을 동시에 사용해서 코드기능이 Diatonic 사용이 가능하신지 알려주실수있을까요? 대답이 없으시면 모르시는걸로 알겠습니다.

[@user-mb8rf7qk5q]

Is there a chord mode?

[@michelnassarofficial]

Yes!

[@crouge]

Just got my MK2 last week :(( How does the keys feel comparing the older model?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Keys are similar but it is an upgrade no doubt. 14 day return me thinks 🤔

[@crouge]

@JohnPaulMusicUK I live in Armenia, so return is impossible :))

[@24nikita]

Does the Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 exist with 88 keys.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

There is an 88 key essential but it’s not a mk3, it’s a mk2. www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keylab-essential-88/overview

[@24nikita]

That`s what I thought, thanks for the reply.@@JohnPaulMusicUK

[@danielblaze4112]

Est-ce qu'il peut fonctionner de manière autonome sans midi ?

[@arnoud500]

Does the transport controlls work wit NI daw Maschine?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s a very good question. I don’t use it but work figuring out. Every key and button can be a midi cc number so you could do midi learn or programming.

[@constructioncodesinminutes5888]

Does it work well with Cakewalk

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yes 👍 have a look at this this: discuss.cakewalk.com/topic/47628-arturia-keylab-mk2-control-mapping-in-cakewalk/

[@constructioncodesinminutes5888]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK thank you

[@niallkelly8476]

Do you think they will release an 88 key version?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Possibly 🤔

[@annmarieforde-qg5sn]

I need that

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Get it here: storefront.throne.com/johnpaulmusicuk/arturia-keyboards

[@niallkelly8476]

Hi JP, can you play this standalone without a PC? Thanks!

[@Recloh]

can you finally double-click the shift button so you don’t have to keep it pressed ? (like novation)

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

The shift button? To do what function?

[@Recloh]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK instead of doing two hands shift and something else, on novation i can double click the shift and it stays locked as if I was holding it, then I can use one hand to say change midi channels or anything else requiring shift

[@Sven.Bornemark]

There is no Shift button on KeyLab Essential mk3. Things are handled differently.

[@DidierSajnoWebDesign]

Thanks for great review. Just received my MK3 but having lots of difficulties to set it up for Logic. In the Midi Control Centre > 'Device Settings' which DAW Mode do you use? In Logic > Control Setup Surface I have KL Essential 61 mk3 as my device, what I/O Port do you choose?

[@mildredpika-aloina9956]

Same problem here Logic doesn't see the midi keyboard at all.

[@samratkhavadiya2974]

Hello sir, i would really appreciate if u revert back, ive been searching for midi since so many days, i want to make tech and house music that is my msin interesg, ive the budget of the keyboard as same as essencial, can you please suggest me if i can go with this one or another, thank you.

[@samratkhavadiya2974]

Hello sir

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Hello. Sorry for the late response. 100% go with this. Have a look at my friend ‘Unders’ as he uses this keyboard for dance and drum and bass creation with Logic Pro. Here is his KZbin channel which is all instructional and would be very useful for you: youtube.com/@Unders?si=HvK1UOK4s5RD6Uwi Tell him JP sent you! 😊

[@micaelarvidsson9034]

Does the keylab send midi sync and midi transport controls through the midi DIN interface? So i can start my external sequencer with the play button and keep the arpeggiator in sync?

[@marvstercat32]

GARAGEBAND?? do all the sliders and pots and drum pads all come mapped out for GB?

[@klstay]

I do wonder how long the keylab mk3 will be held back for marketing reasons. Anyone shipping a new "flagship" controller without poly AT is crazy so we shall see hopefully this fall...

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

🤞🏻

[@MediaMusik777]

Only midi controller with poly after touch was Roland and was 76 and 88 keys , personally I don’t see the fascination with mono or poly after touch when you can automate in your daw the same modulations

[@winstonc5372]

Please do include chapters in your video, which most of the big names on KZbin do nowadays. People have very short attention spans and if they can't find the information they are after within a minute, they may not watch the entire video. This is speaking as a KZbinr who has another channel and sees the analytics.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s a fair shout. Will add in 👍🏻

[@divar1511]

SUPER!!! :)))

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Thanks 🙏

[@bumsibar6163]

It is not possible to turn off the (in most presets) annoying reverb and other effects - which makes this quite unusable. Wished I had known before Bought it. Upon advice from a music store I bought then the V collection, still, inside the analog lab which is prrequisite to browse via the Essential Keylab, most presets are drenched in effects, which make it impossible for professional use.

[@markcrowley65]

Very good, thanks

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Welcome 🙏

[@Greemfy]

Hi John. Thanks for the video. I just started to look into a new 61 keyboard yesterday. Good timing for me with this release. The spec for the Arturia says "61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with hybrid synth-piano feel". How does this compare to the semi-weighted keyboards like the M-Audio Oxygen Pro? For me as a long time piano player the feel of the keys is one of the most essential feature. I was seconds away from ordering the Oxygen Pro. Now I cant decide >.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

For me, if you want the BEST keyboard Key bed, it’s the Arturia KeyLab. It has the same Keynes that comes from the Brute! The Essentials is really REALLY good.. for its price point. But the KeyLab is (imo) one of the best for a midi controller. Check out my review of the KeyLab MKii here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4TZlHSpfLyHbJI

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

heres a basic question........how to connect speakers?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Speakers via your audio interface. The keyboard is a midi controller and therefore has no internal sounds. This is why it has no audio output connections. You would connect this kind of keyboard (midi controller) to a computer / tablet via midi or usb running sounds that it can trigger. Hope that helps.

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK thank you.... it was definitely helpful

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

No worries. If you want an Arturia keyboard that has sounds - have a look at their brand new AstroLab! Imagine the sounds they have on the computer packed into a professional performance keyboard!

[@sectiondrecords4580]

Nope - no after touch is a deal breaker. Get a Nektar impact 88 GXP and an Arturia minilab for the same price as a Keylab essential 88

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

The KeyLab MK3 (not to be confused with the Essentials MK3) has come out and has a fully redesigned aftertouch, semi-weighted keybed. Plus some other awesome features too!

[@unifaun61]

It's a great controller keyboard. I'm using it for playing and for controlling Cubase or Logic Pro. The only thing that confused me a bit was the fact that the "Quant" button is the only one not lit when the keyboard has been started. I already wanted to send the keyboard back cos I thought it was broken. But no, everything ok. 😀

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah strange design for the quant but yeah a great keyboard all round.

[@fruitykrueger]

Maybe it’s like a focal point so you can navigate easier?

[@babonneau]

No way. After 3 days at home, I sent it back. Why? The key bed felt too light and plasticky. Is it not one of the main features a keyboard should have, before all other gadgets: a nice feel on the keys? Disappointing as I thought that Arturia put nice keys on all of its keyboards. I’ll try Native Instruments next.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s a real shame. Have you tried the main KeyLab MKii? It is 3 years old but still a great keyboard - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4TZlHSpfLyHbJIsi=q40zrFPeM40CHoiH

[@joshshultz1250]

Dude, the small usb type-C is too small of a connection for such a large device... it's so easy to crush it accidently. I really wish people would stop putting small connections on large devices.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s fair enough about it being crushed but unfortunately it looks like that’s the future of things.

[@eddiexx]

way to "enthusiastic" after just a first glance. after a while you realize arturia could do a lot to improve the functionality of it with both its own vsts and as a controller in general. they release these and forget about them after a couple of months, no more firmware updates no more figuring how to make them work as good as they could. looks great but you end not using the features because they are filled with small details that end up becoming a probem and you end up using the mouse. THAT is how it is

[@joshuagood4237]

I've got the. keylab 61 essential. and to be quite honest I'm not that impressed with it. considering how much it One of the things that really annoys me. Is to edit anything on it you have to do it on a PC. and I am using an iPad as are a lot of other people. and you can't even change any parameters or anything on the Kb. as they is no app to do it on. Even the software bundle that you get with it is useless to me because I use iOS and there is no free stuff it's just for the PC

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

I hear you. I think this might change now the bigger hitter  has released Logic Pro for iPad. There will be a greater demand for apps to edit things. Here’s hoping 🤞🏻

[@joshuagood4237]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK yes it's a shame. I did say to the developers. I've been waiting for the iPad software to get better over the years. but unfortunately even though it does get better. you are still stuck with iOS. One day

[@chitlun]

Hallelujah! Someone who knows what “MK” is short for… The amount of idiots on KZbin that would say “Em-Kay Three” does my head in!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Haha. It’s like when people say ‘10 ex’ when it’s means to be ‘10 times’. Grrrr!! Haha. Thanks for watching thou. 👍🏻 😊

[@chitlun]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Exactly! Good review man. What’s the keybed feel like? I found the other Essentials a bit on the cheap feeling side. I’m about to flog my Keylab 88 MK2 coz it’s a bit heavy for my old arthritic fingers and am probably looking at a Keylab 61 MK2 but may consider one of these if it feels right…

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

@@chitlun they Keynes is improved.. but still not as good as the KeyLab MKii… but that’s to be expected as it’s over DOUBLE the price. However.. if they have brought a Mk3 out for the essentials, I wonder how long it will be before the KeyLab gets upgraded to a Mk3 as well? 🤔 (I have no actual info on that but those pad are Stella and I want them on the next one!)

[@chitlun]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Cheers for t’ info man 👍

[@peabodyscientific2082]

I definitely say "emm kay" sometimes, but I do appreciate him saying Analog Lab Five. I think many people get confused due to Arturia having the "Vee" Collection, but there was an Analog Lab II, III, and IV, we know it's 5 not Vee! Lol.

[@gilo7171]

Keys look like from toy synth....

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Highly playable. 👍🏻

[@williamshaneblyth]

no 88... c u

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Not yet…

[@williamshaneblyth]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK if and when 8s the 0eonlem 8 need a unit in next week as my old unit is dieing stops working every 5 minutes

[@makuma1979]

Comprata e provata, devo dire una schifezza assoluta pessima dinamica pessimo feeling punto assolo tante lucine colorate, per prendere in giro meglio Gli acquirenti. Questi video sono solo di propaganda.

[@ronflaquel7855]

Worst keyboard for studio one, I returned mine, horrible customer service as well

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

That’s such a shame. I’m sorry you have had to go through that.

[@axoplanet6081]

„The best midikeyboard 2023“ 😂 One of the worst maybe, but far away from the best. Are the encoders and faders still doing their own thing after a while? That was a problem on the Essential mk2, the Minilabs and the premium Keylab mk3. Arturia make good softsynths and soft effects, but the quality of the midikeyboards are bad.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Still fine and working like a dream. The action is different on the Essentials and the key bed on the KeyLab mk2 is the same as their Brute series which is excellent! Knobs and faders are fine! I’m wondering if you were just unlucky with a faulty one? But mine have been fine and I continue to use them.

[@paulmoadibe9321]

Not even Aftertouch ?? only 8 pads ?? only 9 sliders and 9 pots ?? why do we always have to pay $900 and more for those options ?????? ..............

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Eh? This keyboard comes in at under $250? KeyLab MKii 49 (their flagship midi controller, the non essential one) comes in under $450. Sorry, I’m confused. Where are you getting $900 and more from? 🤷‍♂️

[@SunlightOfTheSpirit]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK I think he means if you need more than what’s on offer here you need to shell out £900.

[@michelnassarofficial]

The KeyLab Mkii have aftertouch (not essentials) and are below 550$

[@MintFX0]

What? What do you want, 32 sliders and pots?

[@andretmadrid]

That's what "essential" means.