The keys are very handy, big enough for those with thick fingers, and very silent when you press them. With buttons such as Play, Record, or Loop, you get direct control over the essential controls of a conventional DAW.

The KeyLab Essential keyboard will turn into the switching center for your music production software such as Ableton Live, Steinberg’s Cubase, Image-Line’s FL Studio or AppleLogic. In addition, you’ll find nine rotary knobs and nine faders to control your DAW. With the pads, for example, percussion samples can be triggered and played in a DAW.

The eight freely programmable pads, which are touch-sensitive, are located above the keyboard. It can be clearly seen that this controller is divided into several intuitive sections. This gives it a small weight but also a lower price for construction. If on the initial KeyLab version we found harder materials, such as aluminum and wood, here we have plastic but good quality plastic.

It weighs no more than 3 kilos, so it’s very easy to carry. Ever since I opened the box, I was impressed with the modern design.

The keyboard comes in two versions with 49 or 61 keys. We have already tested many of their software synthesizers launched by this company due to the courtesy of Arturia’s team, who have always offered us products for testing.įor those who have not yet had the opportunity to test / own Arturia’s controllers, they must be aware that they are part of the premium category, with very good materials and innovative features at very affordable prices for all producers.Īs the name says, KeyLab Essential offers all the essential elements a producer needs in both studio and live performances. I’m pleased to introduce you and review a new controller that has fallen into my hand recently, it’s Arturia KeyLab Essential 61, a more compact and fun-to-use version of KeyLab61.įor years, Arturia has been striving to make its authentically emulated vintage instruments easy to play and to control thanks to specially designed midi-keyboards.

Arturia key lab