Arturia KeyLab MK2 vs Essential: Is it worth the price difference?

[@frilanstranslator]

I wish all the tutorials/guides/comparisons would be presented the way you do it. Quiet, clear voice with concise and straight information. I am about to purchase the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 and your video provides me with very valuable information to begin to get an idea about this world. Many thanks.

[@paulvash]

This is a remarkably well-produced video. Thanks for working so hard on it, we really appreciate it. Subscribed!

[@TheGr8scott]

Yeah sure of it. I don't remember seeing a more comprehensive or well edited review of anything.

[@mcchickenmcdicken]

ditto

[@marcuspearson6214]

Agreed,,,Loopop and Divkid make the best videos.

[@exoduslnx]

Yeah, this is as good as it gets.

[@eddyf4426]

The perspective corrected video overlay of the Arturia lab screen menu was very impressive

[@Shoggy56]

Three years later and this is still very helpful. Subscribed

[@jessejohnson7591]

We need to give Loopop an award for teaching a generation how to play electronic instruments. I keep coming back to his videos to learn more. Just excellent!

[@graxjpg]

I bought the essential as a computer controller, and i hardly ever use it. I am very excited about the functionality I had no idea about! Thanks so much for this.

[@jonvincentmusic]

Lack of aftertouch on the Essential is the showstopper for me. Very in depth review. Well done.

[@keithdunwoody1302]

Agree. Even monophonic would be acceptable at that price range IMHO.

[@AndresBurgoa]

Great video. I have the essentials and this video confirms I don't need to upgrade to mk2.

[@dylanaguilar6545]

Jaime-Andres Burgoa I agree

[@ianbarcelos]

Why did you think it's not worth it?

[@ricardofarinha8922]

Can you tell me if the keyboard can have more than one midi channel? example: play two different sounds, one assigned to the left side, the other to the right side of the keyboard. Thank you.

[@rolux4853]

Ricardo Farinha Do you mean keyboard splitting? If yes, the answer is yes, it can do that!

[@edysaldanha9334]

@@rolux4853 I'm kinda late, but how u do that?

[@SuperMegaWoofer3000]

I had a play with the MK2 in a local shop the other day, it is VERY high quality. Very impressed!!!

[@tcr333]

Are the keys better than on the native s61 mk2?

[@totizedger]

@@tcr333Only the 88 key Keylab uses a Fatar keybed which is what Native S61 and S88 has and it's a shame because i personally like more weighted keys, i think the keys are a bit too soft for my liking on the 61 and 49 because the keys are different but they actually are surprisingly responsive to touch which is very important though. The pitch and modwheel are really good because they feel very premium and i like that they are made of metal instead of plastic as i have had bad experiences with plastic in the past like the mod and pitch wheel beginning to act on their own

[@jvburnes]

Five years and the MKII is still one of the best midi keyboard controllers out there. All this and the CV interface too. Great demonstration of the CV functions. Excellent review.

[@garrettendi]

I think the Mk2 is definitely better, but I'm glad I settled for the Essential. It does what I need it to do, so I saved money! I also agree about taking it on the road over the Mk2

[@mkteku]

In my book, PADS should be on the right and FADERS on the left. Righties most often play drums with the right hand (helping with the left) and when you wanna use faders for changing expression and volume and similar, many play the keys with the right hand and move the faders with the left. Many disagree?

[@charlescoviello3047]

Thought the same, but knobs easier with with right hand and pads do chords as well (left hand). Maybe?

[@kebbinator]

I never thought about that, that might explain why I love the layout of the Keylab vs a lot of other MIDI keyboards as a lefty player.

[@Pummelfay]

Yes disagree (im left handed)

[@woodyoulove-reynaldguibone6890]

Yup. Especially if you are playing with the band. You don't need to use your left hand to play low notes all the time since you have a bass player (except if the song needs a low notes synth). So you can use your left hand for faders and knobs to adjust parameters while playing.

[@josephramone5805]

You're asolutely 💯 right. I love my Keylab 49 Mk2, but the layout of the pads and knobs should be swapped. A huge oversight, IMO

[@brandonmarquez7396]

This video is so well-produced , damn ! ,a big thank you!

[@mpmi7588]

That sequencer info was really key for me. Thank you. I'm a hardware guy that only records in a daw. And I needed to know if it could sequence outside gear. Unfortunately it does not seem to or doesent do it very well so this really helped me decide what to get. Thanks man.

[@jessewarren817]

You may have seen it already, but look into the brand new Arturia Keystep Pro! It looks like exactly what you are looking for

[@MisterDivineAdVenture]

Okay so terrific that I'm going to listen to it again. ! Q: I am a recurring deb, extremely creative / talented, with zero discipline. Now I have to score a channel and I'm excited to be forced to put into practice some very cool theory and get my fingers to obey and brain to lead. My favorite keybed for example is an old Hammond dual that I am keeping for instant comp. Incomparable for light action and pure play. No keybed noise at all, and easy to glide with one finger - but of course no VS, no AT. I bought an Oxygen Pro 61 to start and am getting the top gear SW for the show debut during the BF sales - the keyboard is an improvement over the base NI A61 that was abysmal, and it's fine, but I am such a deb that I want a keybed that I love. This keyboard is exciting me. All the music stores are tits-up. I can go with this 61Mk2 or the 88 - any comment to this effect of satisfying my inner piano Picasso will be solid. (Actually, I will be working 90% with Orch and Choir and Synth. It's the Divine thing. So....)

[@WycliffStudios]

Wish Arturia wakes up and makes an MK3 version of the Essentials and the MK2. These are still good in 2021, imagine what would happen if they introduce a new version with better Ableton integration and control! We need a 37 key version too!

[@prod_by_slvg]

YOU NEVER DISAPPOINT LOOPOP!!!!!! Thanks for all your music and reviews. I've never seen a channel with more reviews than yours. and if could review the channel, i'd just say 7 stars.

[@ocelot972]

As always, a very useful video! I'm planning to upgrade to the black KeyLab Mk2 61 and integrate it with my Analog Lab. I'm the kind of person that needs time to fall in love with all the plugins around and less is more for me. Arturia did a tremendous job with their emulations, I jus't can't stop playing them and KeyLab is the perfect tool to finally get my eyes off the screen and let go of the mouse. I'm am always for hans on instrumenst rather than turning some virtual knobs. It just isn't the same when you're turning the filter knob with your hands and the KeyLab will fix that for me. I already have the Minibrute 2 so I'll continue to use it for sequencing since thats the only thing those two are missing. Thanks once again for this in depth comparison!

[@anthonysilva5312]

Dude this was an amazingly informative and illustrative video- Arturia should hire you!! Thank you for sharing! Subscribed.

[@jonathancordero534]

Awesome review man. Simple, yet detailed descriptions of the differences and similarities of each controller. And great production and audio quality. Thank you!

[@michaelduff2382]

What a great review and comparison. Thank you!

[@drjthornley]

Your presentation style and content is 100%. Your colleagues could learn a lot from you and thanks for pointing me at the mkii

[@KordTaylor]

Ok. Sorry if I already made this comment. But yeah this is SUCH a useful video. As companies have multiple product price points comparing within the same product line is so helpful. Thank you!

[@KaitavSapreMusic]

Excellent breakdown. Your videos are always helpful and concise. Keep up the good work!

[@mcnitt]

I have V Collection 6 but don't use it or automate parameters as often as I'd like due to the extra steps of browsing with keyboard and mouse and the extra steps of controller mapping. Thank you for this. I'll give the MK2 a try.

[@homeslice1479]

If you're gonna offer two different controller lines at two different price points, I think you'd be hard pressed to do better than Arturia. These are both really nice.

[@lilnatedogg24]

What do you dislike about arturia?

[@dbmusicproductions9181]

I just subscribed and wish I had known about your channel earlier. I now know exactly what I need to know about these two models. Honestly, I don't have to make a trip down to the store to try them out after your tutorial. I know which model I will buy because your video was thorough and answered every question I had about three seconds after I thought of it. I'll also echo what others said. This is a fantastically produced video. Everything is very clearly explained and impeccably laid out. It's the model for others who aspire to make the best tutorial videos, really! What software do you use to produce the video? I loved what you did with the screen capture perspective at 8:18 and have no idea how to do it myself. Also loved that you posted time segments on the left side of the screen for the entire video. Superb work.

[@scott_pinzon]

REALLY helpful to this n00b electronic musician. Gives a great understanding of what the extra money gets you. After watching the video, I looked up the Mk II and for all you get, the price seems like a good value. i love the detail and accuracy of your videos. Your mind seems like a very well-organized space!

[@leopoldbluesky]

This was a great overview and extremely well presented. I was deciding between buying the Essentials and the MkII and you have convinced me to go for the MkII, thank you!

[@trizzledog]

Thank you! I'm ordering a 61key MKII now

[@متوكلمحمدعثمان]

I want buy one

[@sensium9757]

You are a beast of presenter!

[@racrity]

Audio beast! Every second was worthed. Watching it again soon for sure.

[@sterling_max]

Excellent video, thanks, the work you put on it was amazing.

[@lambertlambert7076]

Thanks for helping me to avoid buying the expensive MKII. I just ordered the essential one and when I will have enough of these smooth keys, I will connect an additional keyboard with harder touch.

[@casadasmelodias3379]

Yap. With a very cheap one, which has aftertouch, I have ordered essential 88. I realized that I don't need mk ii, because I think mkii was designed for live player, but if you are a home studio "player" essential will be very useful.

[@djba]

Thanks for a very clear and helpful video. I was planning on getting the Essential 88 key version but now I might save up for the MKII 61 key version.

[@sambodutch5433]

Thanks bro, terrific review man I learned a lot, very well done and very appreciated. Peace love and happiness to ya.

[@RENAADALD]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this ♥️

[@SeanHaleWoodcraftsandMusic]

Great Video! You really broke down what I wanted to know without unwanted fluff. Thank You

[@paulgrooveside2803]

Thank you for this well-paced and considerate thorough video discussion of the two keyboards. Very useful and has motivated me to subscribe.

[@robertoakhbari1691]

Awesome video and presentation. Thank you for doing it so great. It helped me a lot to choose witch model to buy. / Best Regards Roberto

[@jancarsonweatherby1579]

The SL Mk3 is not class compliant, and requires drivers and additional software in order to do any detailed midi remapping of virtual synth controls. I found this to be too much of a pain, and returned my unit. I'm now waiting for the Keylab 49 Mk2. Thanks for this handy comparison video. It answers a lot of questions!

[@user34user73]

Oh wow thank you for your review! I was thinking of getting keylab mk3, your review really helpfull

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

Just bought the keylab essential 49 as a midi controller for my iPad Pro, works great, also hooked it up to my MacBook Pro and it works great with the Arturia V Collection. Although I like the semi weighted keys on my main midi keyboard controller, I have to admit that for a cheap $200 midi controller the keylab essential packs a lot of bang for the buck, especially the integration with the Arturia software. Now I’m considering the Keylab 88 with the weighted keys.

[@anonymous_friend]

I'm looking for a great controller for my ipad. What apps are you running that use the keylab well? Does Arturia have apps available on ipad to support these controllers? Thanks!

[@nicolasstrawberry4148]

@@anonymous_friend It works great as far as just plugging it in and playing and having 49 full size keys for $200 as far as the iPad goes but its nothing REALLY great as far as the iPad goes, you can map the knobs and faders with whatever software has midi learn but haven't ran across and pre mapped apps on the iPad for the Essential. If Arturia ever came out with Analog Lab for the iPad and it worked the same as the desktop version and it was an AUV3, that would be a whole other story and pretty much a game changer for me. After having it for a year it really shines using it with a laptop and Arturia software. Even if you didn't buy the V collection and just used Analog Lab which comes with it you'd be set. Btw I mostly use the Korg Microkey Air 37 with my iPad , it has bluetooth for when I just want to play and not have to use a usb cable.

[@deedeediro1430]

Thank you for this video and for demonstrating. Your voice is super soothing too BTW!

[@odrezzi]

What a great video! Thanks for all the info, it’s really helpful and informative.

[@louierubio]

As usual, the best made + most informative video re the hardware. Thanks again!!!

[@WarradioTest]

gives a very good image off the 2 controllers, thank you! (previous reviews I've seen were shitty, although they had more viewers. keep up the work!)

[@ohheyitskevinc]

Great walkthrough. 15:30 I have a Komplete Kontrol S61 mkII and the reason I’m here is because it’s absolutely useless as a midi controller with external hardware. So am looking for something that is useful. I’m honestly not sure why it has midi ports on the back as you can’t select midi channel - it’s always 1. And apart from the keys, mod, pitch and transpose buttons, none of the knobs or buttons do anything midi wise. They only work with the KK software, or daw, and can’t send and map midi through a daw as you need the KK software open - and there’s no way to trick it either by having say KK on a track - because as soon as you click off the plugin - everything on the keyboard switches off. On this though - looks great. I do wish Arturia would bring out a full size Keystep Pro with the additional functionality this has. I’d buy that in a heartbeat.

[@kezstone1]

Great review thank you. No arpeggiator on either which is a let down.

[@Whitetysnowny]

Thank you so much for such detail comparison. It really helps.

[@leetronix]

Very well presented and informative - thank you :)

[@JFMatte]

Great video. After watching it, I'm returning the 61 essential I just bought and getting the Keylab MKII. Very well done video, subscribed ! Next time I'll watch your video BEFORE buying 🙂

[@taylorshareen2690]

there is a keylab essential mk3 88keys relased recently . should i wait more for Mk3 keylab version?

[@fecklessmovies]

These both look amazing. My dilemma is whether to pay £200 extra for the MkII just to get slightly better feel of keys, a few more DAW controls and... possibly a big deal: Aftertouch. Also the 'essentials' version will take up less space on my desk, which is a pretty big deal. Hmm.

[@TomGrimmy]

Which did you go for? I’m deciding this too 😅

[@axoplanet6081]

@@TomGrimmy The keys of the MK2 are way better and worth the money against the essential. Plus the extra functions are a lot better for controlling Analog Lab. But the encoders are the same, not very good on both units.

[@andrewsalas1154]

@@axoplanet6081 are the black keys wider on the MK2 than the essential? I just bought the essential and the black keys feel akward width wise, not sure if its my head or what. I don't remember my M Audio Oxygen feeling this way.

[@axoplanet6081]

@@andrewsalas1154 I don't know, sorry. But on the MK2, my fingers was slide of a bit from the black keys. So I don't think they are wider. I loved the keybed from the MK2. Very velocity responsive and nice to play on. A little light, but a way better response then on a MPK261 for example. But I sold it because of the encoders, after got it back from guarantee-repair. Now I have an Novation SL3.

[@andrewsalas1154]

@@axoplanet6081 I don’t think the novation works well with FL studio tho.

[@svboxtel76]

Super review! Thanks!!

[@gernrene]

The essential can't send NRPN messages, but the mk2 has some options. I wish they would add NRPN support via firmware update.

[@loopop]

Good comment - I'll add that to the description and give you credit - thanks!

[@DaH1pp1e]

@@loopop I know I’m late but what exactly is an NRPN?

[@loopop]

A way to send high resolution values in midi (16000+ levels as opposed to 127 with regular ccs)

[@chakko007]

There are a couple of things I wished they would add with a firmware update... I think Arturia saved a bit on the wrong end in the Keylab Essential. Seriously, the competition has an onboard arpeggiator, and a lot more tricks in their budget keyboards. It's fine that Arturia want to distinguish between the cheaper and more expensive models, but, there are things which should be pretty much standard on these keyboards. Hope they'll add some more functionality on a potential mk2 Keylab Essentials. Things I'd like to see: Onboard arpeggiator, maybe a sequencer, and multiple pages of MIDI CC's for the controls in user mode.

[@josemariomonzon]

Brilliant, just how I like it, clear a concise, perfect video, thank you!

[@sixsigmasix]

Very well done Video. Probably one of the best in this category I have seen. Nice & clear voice, very relevant content. Will look into future ones & check your patrion profile. Subscribed!

[@Raju]

Beautifully presented. Instantly subbed.

[@CipriPopescu]

Great comparison! But build quality is more important than one can think. I’ve had a Novation Impulse 61 for the last years, but I could never use any of the parameters mapped on knobs and faders. The plastic, the encoders and the display are so cheap that even the slightest tremble would make the parameters go crazy. And it’s not even that cheap for a midi controller (360$). The price is important, but if the built quality is sh*t, then you end up not using the functions, so basically you pay for something that you don’t use at full capacity.

[@philmarsh5593]

You might have actually had a faulty one - I had an Impulse 61 for about 8 years until it died this year and it was fine (although the knobs are light, I had no parameters change without me tweaking). I have had 1 Keylab MkII though which just got returned as the parameters on that WERE going crazy - they think a faulty motherboard. I'll probably just get another though, it's a great keyboard otherwise.

[@andesneko]

@@philmarsh5593 Same! My motherboard was swapped and it works perfectly now.

[@peanutygoodness]

I’ve had a similar issue with MAUDIO Oxygen Pro 25. Recently I can’t turn it on with it interfering with I/O which makes it impossible to use Live or MPC - if I trigger rec it will start recording and immediately stop with about 1/20th of a second recorded. It’s probably a faulty controller as the OLED has become a smeared blur also for no reason I could find.

[@peanutygoodness]

@@philmarsh5593I think my MAUDIO O2 Pro falls into that faulty category, but lucky me it didn’t start getting weird until I had had it for about a year.

[@fjk1138]

Awesome comparison video, thank you for doing this.

[@anzatzi]

Thank you for discussing key dynamics

[@RetroPlus]

I have the essential 61, the analogue lab software is absolutely incredible

[@Krystalwatchesvideos]

Thank you! Incredibly helpful!

[@harmonicseries6582]

I’m not loving the tones they sound like coming from back of a tunnel, but the best video I have seen for this thing.

[@AlOne-xg6dv]

Excellent, clear and straightforward présentation. Thanks.

[@Eric-pu7lp]

Great video watched till the end♥️💪🏽

[@alexsa122]

Thanks bro, you helped me so much

[@groovygandalf5986]

I've been looking at various priced 49-key midi controllers for the past 3 days, and this review gave me absolutely everything I needed, and I'm going to move forward with the MKII!

[@djba]

Thanks for a very clear, well-done video.

[@Javier_beck]

Thank you! This video totally helped me!

[@nickydempsey2552]

Great job. keep em coming.

[@DjLexXxusEDM4LIFE]

Great video. I own the KeyLab 88 MkII Supreme Controller. Love it!

[@ViViToCreations]

Thank you. Great video explanation.

[@justindevosmusic]

Thanks for the awesome in depth review 👍

[@gcroteau7226]

Superb explanations. Thank you very much. Very useful. I greatly appreciate.

[@paulgrooveside2803]

Excellent and informative video, thanks!

[@fabianvasquezjr8852]

Being a novice keyboard player with a home studio needing a good controller for software synthesis and editing drums ect...I had the same issue of which one of the Arturia's keylabs to buy. I chose the keylab 49 MKii for build quality and DAW integration with Studio One 4. Also wanting to explore modular synthesis in the future, the cv hookups will be needed now that's is getting affordable for the home studio owner/ musician/ artist.

[@nio2418]

Does it work well with studio one?

[@Onelychild]

Great Review! Thank you very much for sharing this!

[@NickMcC]

I went to a local store that had a used Essentials on display and I was kinda repulsed by the low quality of the keys. I've got a Komplete Kontrol S61 Mkii and have been spoiled by the feel of it. I'm just kinda miffed at all the other parts of it, so I've been eyeing the Keylab products. Happy to hear that the mkii has better key feel.

[@negan3112]

Thank you so much. My desicion is all set. MK2

[@mikas.e]

Thank you for doing this!!

[@michealramzy1.1]

Awesome review and comparison!

[@LipHop22]

Great review, thanks for this awesome video.

[@ΒασίληςΠαναγόπουλος-ρ5η]

Amazing video. Great work!!!

[@jdtorian]

super helpful. thank you.

[@hunterjpierce4623]

great video, but why are the keyboard sounds hard panned left in headphones?

[@frankymino8773]

Thanks for your in depth comparison of these midi keyboard/controllers. For such a premium controller one would expect the power supply to come with it. I know it's bus powered though I use the 5 pins to other devices aswell and prefer a power supply for stability and integrity. I don't take too well when companies leave out an important component that is required when the user/customer needs it. They don't even sell one for their product. So if I purchase my own power supply and fry the keyboard due to a faulty power supply then warranty is void. These kind of cost cutting measures steer me away from the product. I will look elsewhere. Thanks again for the comparison of these two fine midi keyboards.

[@telogic1]

I have the mk2 its a great controller

[@fredmanteghian5913]

I am waiting for mine from Sweetwater. Did you go with black or white? My only concern is, on the Axiom Pro, I use blue painters tape to scribble my BFD3 drum keypad assignments. I don't see any place to do that on the MkII as I have my drums spread over the 61 keys and the first octave has special printed info I don't want to cover up! I may have to go with thinner tape . . .

[@adnorinmendez50]

Very good comparison and lots of detail. What this video failed to answer was the initial question (video title)... Arturia KeyLab MK2 vs Essential: Is it worth the price difference?

[@loopop]

Thanks.... I guess - whenever I phrase a title as a question it means in my opinion is no right answer. My aim is to give the information so people can make the decision for themselves. Otherwise the title would be “don’t by this buy that”. One keyboard is perfect for a certain set of needs and budget, and one is not

[@nicholascartagena814]

Nice, But would love to use the chord button to access scales instead of manually inputting them. And a drum roll button for the pads would be cool. Those little improvements would make it a complete controller.

[@rapidfiremuzik_official]

Drum roll button?....are you kinda meaning like Akai's "note repeat" function?...If so?...THAT WOULD be a bonus

[@Skiddoo42]

I'd also be quick to add that these chords are very likely fixed intervals, so unless you know your scales you are going to have a hard time transposing and choosing the right chords for the scale you are playing in unless you stay in one key all the time... At least my Kordbot tells me what chord I'm playing and the keys light up, with this you are flying completely blind.

[@vewilli]

Super comparison! 👏🏻👍🏻👏🏻

[@christophefeuillade6107]

Real good job you've done with nice and useful pip addins 😉 thanks a lot

[@trevor4835]

Will definitely be going with mark ii

[@maxcruz414]

Thanks this video was super helpful

[@deejaytheory]

Thanks so much for the detailed vid!

[@furryz666]

Still loving my original beast keylab 88 with fatar weighted keys with aluminum housing and solid Wood sides

Great video 👍

[@tautopia]

Great Content, Thank you!

[@abipelayo6228]

How long has the essential been with you? Is it durable?

[@daleonov]

Thank you for this video!

[@scobraw47711]

I had a Yamaha DX7 in 1986. It had the same screen.