The Best MIDI Keyboard | Arturia KeyLab MK2 Review

[@DaneBryantFrazier]

Fantastic and in depth review man. Good stuff. 👍

[@thisisalbe]

Thank you!

[@davidrotter3862]

Great video! I just got the MK2 61 to go along with Analog Lab V. I am so new to the entire world of Virtual Instruments, DAWs, Interface music production that I literally am starting at the very beginning. A channel like yours is so important, not just for newbies like myself, but really for everyone. You help us all make more informed choices. Liked, Subscribed and commented. Thank you sir!

[@thisisalbe]

Welcome aboard!

[@ChaseMusic87]

I ordered mine just today. I was wondering, do you have analog v already before purchasing the keylab? Cause mine is coming with analog lab 3.

[@Blakus]

Easily the best review I came across for this keyboard. Thanks!

[@gregarnold8954]

Articulate, well conceived overview. And a good vibe on camera. Thanks so much. Convinced me to buy the controller. Arturia should hire you for their promo and marketing dept.

[@thisisalbe]

Hey Greg thanks for the feedback and encouragement. I’ll email Arturia and see if I can make that happen 😂 Seriously I tried years ago before I was ready so I’ll try again!

[@thomasfx3190]

I like your videos! I also bought the black version. All good information.

[@thisisalbe]

Thanks for the comment and support!

[@madness8556]

I have a blank Keylab 61 MK2 and it's a great controller. Sadly it doesn't have direct DAW control with Reason although it works great with both Logic and Protools. My Keylab fell off its stand onto a hard slate tiled floor and its fantastic durable build quality ensured that it wasn't damaged!

[@thisisalbe]

Out of all the keyboards I've tried (a lot) I use the Keylab MK2 the most. It's sturdy and feels real.

[@jamesewanchook2276]

Great review, thanks from Vancouver.

[@thisisalbe]

You're welcome!

[@coversongsonkeyboards]

Wow So much information! in just a few minutes,thanks for share.

[@thisisalbe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@munkamanproductionsllc3459]

Great review 👊🏾

[@DamoOne]

Great review - thanks a lot!

[@thisisalbe]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dahlbaker]

Thank you for an excellent review. This is coming at me as a Christmas present. I look forward to programming drums and maybe some synths.

[@thisisalbe]

Happy holidays!

[@Fran-jg4kp]

Yo man, really nice review, you gotta love'em

[@thisisalbe]

Yes I do!

[@adiriakya9724]

I have the 61 and it's great. it does not compatible with FL Studio transport BUT you can just change in the keyboard settings to MMC and you set. the mod wheel is not compatible but you can fix it easy. generally speaking, in my opinion it's a good keyboard with very good I/O. the keys are not the best I had but still good enough to be inspired. if you use logic or reaper or Ableton then it's out of the box mapped.

[@jubeijackson6602]

Clear and concise review! Thank you for that. Honestly, I was going to jump on Novation SL train but copped a 61mk2 off reverb for the low. This review has me excited to explore the possibilities. It is a tad bit disappointing there is no sequencer integrated into the mk2 BUT v-collection has virtual synths with sequencers and that’s a decent compromise for now. I’ll look into the keystep pro for hardware sequencing unless I find a DEAL on a Nov SL49. Thanks again. Liked. Commented. Subscribed. ✌🏾

[@thisisalbe]

Thanks for the comment. And yeah I actually had a SL MK3 in the box when I shot this video and I just sent it back cuz I didn't have time to try it. Be on the lookout in the next month or so I may do a review of that one at some point.

[@jubeijackson6602]

@@thisisalbe Right on! Ima keep my notifications on.

[@noname-hm8oq]

Guys, I have question. I am hammer action keyboard player - I have Roland RD-800 and this one is great piano. But I am also interesting with "Hammond style" playing - they say Arturia KeyLab MK2 is not "Waterfall keyboard" (Ok, I know there are different features and to describe different characterisics). It is just "Velocity-sensitive" and seems it is ok to play in ""Hammond style" - for example Roland VR-09 V-Combo B has such keyboard. So question is "Have somebody of you tried to play organ compositions in the "Arturia KeyLab MK2"? If yes then how was this for you?

[@jordanrazowskymusician8178]

Thanks for the vid!

[@thisisalbe]

Yessir!

[@abj358]

Been thinking about replacing my Akai MPD218 pads and Komplete Kontrol A61 keys for something more consolidated. Hence, I've seen a load of vids and reviews on the Arturia Keypad MkII. This is, BY FAR, THE best review I have seen on this controller. Great closeups! Great info! I finally feel I know a lot more about this controller. I have a couple of questions. One, do the faders feel sturdy or are they wiggly from side to side? Don't know why this is so important to me, but it is. Two, in User Mode, can you save Presets so you can have multiple VST effects, etc. mapped? Again, thanks for the stellar vid on this and, are you still using it?

[@thisisalbe]

Hey Art. I mean the faders are pretty sturdy. I never even thought about the moving side to side so I would say no. I'm kinda picky about that too. For the user mode part, I haven't done that so can't really say. Thanks for the comment and feedback!

[@abj358]

@@thisisalbe Thanks for getting back with me! I finally ran into a vid that said that Keypad MKII only allowed 10 user presets. Considering that the DAW integration with Studio one is basic, I was considering using the faders and knobs primarily to operate my VST instruments and effects. If the unit would MIDI Learn anything that got focus during a DAW session, that would work. But my understanding is that it doesn't do that nor offer enough user memory slots to cover my minimal VST collection. I really, really wanted this keyboard. I was willing to give up my Kontact A61 to get it. But, beyond the vast collection of Arturia patches, these keys don't really offer me something I don't already have. Thanks for your input all the same!!

[@Bobby._._.]

Great video man. I just received an Akai MPK249 to use with FL Studio. Would you still recommend the MKII over the Akai for FL?

[@vmi4172]

yes and yes

[@darrickkeels6387]

Well done!

[@thisisalbe]

Thank you!

[@headsman2023]

Great review as always♥️ are the keys feel different than novation launchkey mk3 keys? Cause that's what i have and i need to know if the keylab mk2 will be a upgrade in key feel as well

[@thisisalbe]

The keylab mk2 keys are some of the best feeling keys I’ve used on a midi keyboard. They are semi weighted. They feel almost identical to my actual synth that cost $3k.

[@headsman2023]

@@thisisalbe thank you sir♥️♥️♥️ for you valuable time and knowledge... I'll buy this

[@Clive007]

Great review thank you. Minor point but it's 'novation' not 'innovation'

[@thisisalbe]

No that's not correct. It's a play on the word. Just taking out the "In" but still pronounced as "innovation".

[@Clive007]

@@thisisalbe er...to use your words "that's not correct" I can assure you its 'Novation' stunned you don't know.

[@thisisalbe]

Lol I just checked and it's how everyone is saying it. I could be wrong though. First time for everything 😂

[@thisisalbe]

@@Clive007 hey you're right! I went to their site and that's how they say it "Novation". Ok ok I was wrong. Now I know. 🤡

[@BeatemupMaster]

This could be Interesting! I seach for a Midi Controllert to make Sound and Musik for Videogames.

[@bernardm3066]

Hi, do you still use it? Did you run into any issues in the long run? Only minus for me in Arturia midi keyboards is that the drumpads are pretty stiff and not that usable for finger drumming (at least for me) though I am not that much of a finger drummer so it is not that big of an issue in my case. Besides they can be used as buttons for daw/vst control which can make them pretty useful regardless.

[@thisisalbe]

No I actually use this the most out of all my keyboards. And I agree the pads are stiff. I was spoiled by my experience with Akai pads

[@pauljordan6295]

Great video! i'm so undecided between Kontakt native instrument S61...what do you suggest? I mean, i have Logic pro x as daw..I don't know if is better use the analog lab V sounds , logic library or Native Kontakt..Which is better, easier to use at same time with logic pro..Thank you!

[@thisisalbe]

I don't have much experience with native but I know arturia has integrations for many popular daws. You can always try and return if you don't like it.

[@gerryk9]

I have both. I think Arturia is really overrated. I found NI WAY easier to use. I had install problems with Arturia as well. Arturia over more traditional sounds on their synths in Analog lab. NI has more futuristic wired sounds, more for effects than actual song playing

[@thisisalbe]

@@gerryk9 I should try NI. Most ppl seem to like it but I hated how plasticy it felt.

[@jeffjones1359]

@@thisisalbe NI has a Lot more flexibility and third party plug-in instruments for the Kontact sampler. I always thought their sound quality was excellent too. Hey, thanks for the review! I’m putting another production facility together and was looking at the Keylab for a controller. I know I’m a little late to the party here but if you read this, how did you like the aftertouch and velocity sensitivity adjustments on the Keylab? Are they stepped or on a curve? Thanks👍

[@astrolad11]

Great overview! Hey, how did you get your drum pads to stay lit? I can only get that to work on a 61mk2, not on any of the 49mk2's I've tried.

[@krazywabbit]

Nice video sir. I'm an amateur hobbyist looking to upgrade to a bigger controller. Have a novation launchkey mini and m-audio oxygen pro mini. Great controllers but want to grow in not only learning to play piano but create and the lack of a sequencer in this Arturia helps in my research. My focus is primarily using iOS platform and down the road, maybe add some hardware. I was looking at this, the NI Komplete Kontrol and the Novation SL MK3. Perhaps I should add the Arturia Keystep pro on the list for the sequencer part. You caught a new subscriber. All the best in your future jams. UPDATE: Perhaps Arturia just fell off my list. Did a quick look and the KeyStep Pro only has 37 keys.

[@paolomoretti9291]

What do you need a sequencer in your keyboard for if you're going to use ios anyway? Use software to sequence. Hardware sequencers are meant to control external gear without using a computer.

[@learnalickaday7272]

On the trigger pads, can you change scenes/sets of samples like on a keyboard? tnx

[@robdela3632]

Where are the 6,500 sounds? The analog lab only has 500 presets am I missing something?

[@axoplanet6081]

I think you have the Intro version, maybe?

[@kendoshusmiller9137]

Great review! Can the keylab 49 Mk2 control Arturia spark 2 drum software? Thanks a lot.

[@jeffsmith3600]

Hey Al I was wondering if you could do a tutorial showing how to map the Arturia keylab essential to FL Studio. I am trying to figure it out but I can't find anything online. I can use the keys but I want to be able to assign different drums to the drum pads so i can finger drum my beats. I also want to use it to loop record. thank bro!

[@thisisalbe]

Its on my list fam. Subscribe and keep your eyes open

[@jeffsmith3600]

@@thisisalbe Thank you bro!

[@thisisalbe]

Hey Brad, not sure if you caught it but I dropped the template for the Keylab Essential line. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKfZY4eIeb91hZo

[@cristianbataturescu5695]

I will very much appreciate if you tell me witch one of this will be better for me and why. Keystep Pro and KeyLab mk2. I want to create multiple samples and play all in the same time. Thanks

[@jonvincentmusic]

What's the device in your rack with the twin VU meters and green LED peak maters? Thx.

[@thisisalbe]

That sir is a ART PRO MPA II - basically a mic preamp with dual channels so it can do stereo too. In hindsight I would have gotten the ART that has the whole chain and one channel but has EQ, Comp, and I think Reverb too. I will likely get one this year at some point.

[@nathanfuzaro4792]

What are your thoughts about the pads? I just felt them very unresponsive, i had to hit them very hard for it to respond..

[@thisisalbe]

You can adjust the velocity in the MIDI control center under device settings. There will be a velocity setting for the pads. They are stiff but you can also adjust the velocity curve of your DAW or adjust the mixer track volume. A few options you have

[@nathanfuzaro4792]

@@thisisalbe yeah, but i'm saying about his sensitivity itself, if you touch him lightly he doesn't even respond or light up.. or it is a problem with my device? Thank u very much for answering.

[@PrizmSeeR]

@@nathanfuzaro4792 you can try hitting them on the edges/corners. They respond there everytime.

[@matschubert]

Why do you need Midi in? I understand Midi out to control other instruments

[@ashiz5906]

do you have custom templet for keylab essential ? i really need that

[@thisisalbe]

Yes I do kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKfZY4eIeb91hZo

[@mrbaiser4133]

Studio One doesn't come with a template for any of the Keylab versions. I've git the Keylab 61 mk1, and it's not fully working

[@levialston9046]

One other ? I have do it have like a rhythm patch area where you can play it like a metronome to practice with?

[@ainnelrosirrosias3338]

Is it possible to change the velocity directly on the keyboard witohut going into software? Like on native s series mk2 keyboards? Thanks

[@levialston9046]

hello I know it work with abellton live but iam a bit confuse cause its my first midi keyboard I just wanted it for practice with all the different sounds it have but do I need some thing else herd u mention Logic Pro x and some other one do I need those in order for this Keyboard to work?

[@jeffreblanco9552]

Is it very good for DAW integration esp. FL Studio?

[@thisisalbe]

Not out of the box but I have a template for it allbangerz.com

[@OttomanBeats]

How is the feel of pitch n mod wheels? They look pretty slippery n harsh

[@thisisalbe]

They're actually more grippy than others. May be hard to tell from pictures and video but the pitch and mod wheels have like cuts in them for grip.

[@BhaktiForSoul]

Great content. My 2 cents: The white screen transitions were damn irritating.

[@thisisalbe]

Thanks for the feedback. I can see how that could be annoying but you might have light sensitivity issues 🤣. Just kidding

[@BhaktiForSoul]

@@thisisalbe Ha ha, not at all. Cheers.

[@808_rafa]

No FL integration? Maaaaaan

[@moonwalker_818]

Akai mpk249 is the best midi keyboard for fl studio in my opinion .

[@axoplanet6081]

And for controlling soft synths (and hardware synths) it is the Novation SL MK3...way above all others

[@thisisalbe]

I need to try the Novation SL MK3

[@axoplanet6081]

@@thisisalbe Yes you have too. After one week you will love it.

[@Xenodys]

Most chapters I've ever seen in a youtube video... and yet the one chapter I want to see isn't there... #NeedsMoreCowbell

[@dudukossi]

Hi, any template for Fl studio integration on ur website?

[@thisisalbe]

Yes indeed. all-bangerz.myshopify.com/products/keylab-mk2-fl-studio-template

[@dudukossi]

@@thisisalbe I’ve purchased it. My MK2 is in another place for the moment but will try it as soon as I can. I got ur Akai Mpk2 and 3 templates too. Maybe u get something for Native Instruments MASCHINE MK3 too?😁Nice work👍🏽

[@Jorge.O85]

Keys ? Cheap, noisy and plasticky ?

[@monkeymanstones1]

"This is Al Be..." Are you "Sure" (it's an obvious and dumb joke, I know)?

[@thisisalbe]

That actually makes it funny

[@PraShaantHnkOfficial]

Can I buy in 2021 ???

[@thisisalbe]

Yeah sure

[@PraShaantHnkOfficial]

@@thisisalbe thanks buddy Any cons of this Board ??

[@axoplanet6081]

@@PraShaantHnkOfficial the encoders-knobs are bad

[@scotteepunk]

The only problem with this keyboard is it doesn't have aftertouch for the keys. I'm waiting hopefully at Winter NAMM Arturia will come out with the KeyLab MkIII controllers

[@peppyp7323]

this keyboard does have after touch. it says it on the website specs.