Essential controller
minimalist design
Discover a MIDI controller that breaks down all the barriers between you, your DAW, and your perfect sound, decorated with a lush modern aesthetic to elevate any setup.
For more info, visit the KeyLab Essential Mk3 original page:
More infoLimited-edition all-white design
For producers & musicians wanting a fresh modern look for their setup, KeyLab Essential features a striking all-white enclosure and keys, complemented by colorful RGB pads.
Seamless workflow integration
Your favorite synth sounds, your DAW transport, and your mixing desk all in one. Enjoy next-level control over your sounds & DAW projects as well as seamless communication with Analog Lab, and other pro software to supercharge your sound.
Inspiring, easy to use
KeyLab Essential doesn’t just help you play & navigate your projects - it’s also built to inspire. Summon catchy melodies, curious rhythms, and moving chord sequences with its array of creative features.
Creative software included
On top of an all-round MIDI controller, users get a suite of premium music-making software and sounds, including an industry-standard DAW, Analog Lab V and other timeless instruments.
A vessel
for creativity
However you choose to make music, KeyLab Essential has all the creative answers - before you’ve even thought of the questions. This controller fits right into your setup to become an extension of your creative identity.
Control any DAW
Enjoy plug-and-play connectivity and ready-mapped controls with your DAW of choice. KeyLab Essential doesn’t just feature familiar MCU & HUI compatibility; it also integrates deeply with all major DAWs.
Customize your workflow
KeyLab Essential easily adapts to your creative needs; recall your favorite ’liked’ presets from Analog Lab, navigate your custom-made playlists, activate custom User programs for your own control assignments, and more.
At one with Analog Lab
Turn Analog Lab into a hardware synth and get hands-on with your sound thanks to KeyLab Essential’s seamlessly mapped controls. Adjust sound parameters, tweak FX, and browse presets without ever needing to touch your computer.
Chord, scale & arp
For when you want to get experimental, find a new sound, or just need a bit of extra inspiration, KeyLab Essential has a few tricks up its sleeve. Create fun ever-changing melodies, create chord voicings, and always stay in key - without thinking twice.
Intuitive
flexible controls
Sometimes you just want to get the job done. KeyLab Essential's focused controls give you quick access to the most useful & intuitive elements of your project & sound without complicating things.
Pro software
included
From faithfully recreated acoustic instruments and pianos to a myriad of classic and modern synths sounds, KeyLab Essential has you covered.
KeyLab Essential's focused controls give you quick access to the most useful & intuitive elements of your project & sound without complicating things.
Thousands of synth & keys presets
A library of the finest basses, fattest synths, smoothest orchestral sounds, and more, from vintage to modern, powered by V Collection, Augmented Series, and Pigments.
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Music recording software
Record, perform, and produce anything with an introduction to one of the hottest DAWs in the business, including instrument presets, drums, FX, MIDI clips, and more.
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A timeless grand piano
The epic stage-sized character of a Steinway grand piano, arguably the most iconic piano of all time, sampled in detail to bring your production to life.
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Intimate upright piano
Enjoy the cheery, vintage sound of a Century-old upright piano, recorded to deliver charm and intimate character to your mix.
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Millions of samples & loops
A 2-month subscription to Loopcloud with millions of hi-def royalty-free samples, from lo-fi drums to vocal one-shots, with 2GB of samples including a welcome pack and a specially-crafted Arturia selection.
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Learn with KeyLab Essential mk3
Improve your pad & keyboard skills with a subscription to Melodics, offering 40 lessons, tips, and musical hacks that are fun, easy, and tailored to your style.
More info →A closer
look
Explore the controls, layout, and creative features of KeyLab Essential in detail, from its hybrid synth-feel keybed to its DAW-integrated controls.
Gallery
Main Features
Premium Keybed quality
- 49 & 61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with hybrid synth-piano feel
Pads & controls
- 1 clickable encoder
- 9 rotary encoders
- 9 x 30mm faders
- 8 transport switches
- 4 command switches
- 1 modulation wheel & bend wheel
- 8 touch & pressure-sensitive pads
Display control
- 2.5” LCD display with contextual buttons
- Real-time feedback on tweaks and controls
Smart features
- Multi-mode arpeggiator
- Chord mode
- Scale mode
- Hold function
- Semitone transpose
Software integration
- Seamless integration with Analog Lab V: select sounds, browse presets, smart-assigned controls
- Custom DAW scripts for FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig Studio
- Also compatible with MCU/HUI control
- Up to 6 user presets for a totally customizable experience
Included Software titles & services
- Analog Lab V software with 2000+ sounds
- Ableton Live Lite
- Native Instruments’ The Gentleman
- UVI Model D
- 2-month Loopcloud subscription
- Melodics subscription for 40 lessons
Connectivity
- USB-C connects to computers and MIDI Control Center
- MIDI 5-pin DIN output for connection to external instruments, gear
- Control input for pedal: sustain, expression, or footswitch
- USB-C powered
Platform specifications
Windows
- Win 10+ (64bit)
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
- 3GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
- ARM processors not supported on Windows
Required configuration
- Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).
Apple
- Mac OS 11+
- 4 GB RAM
- 4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
- 3GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
Work with ASC
- An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.
All manufacturer and product names mentioned on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, which are in no way associated or affiliated with Arturia. The trademarks of other manufacturers are used solely to identify the products of those manufacturers whose features and sound were studied during the development. All names of equipment, inventors, and manufacturers have been included for illustrative and educational purposes only, and do not suggest any affiliation or endorsement by any equipment inventor or manufacturer.
What's in the box
Box content
- KeyLab Essential Unit
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Registration card
Dimensions for 49 keys
- Size : 31.1 x 9.45 x 2.76 inches (790 x 240 x 70mm)
- Weight : 6.1 lbs. (2.76 Kg)
Dimensions for 61 keys
- Size : 35 x 9.45 x 2.76 inches (890 x 240 x 70mm)
- Weight : 6.8 lbs. (3.08 Kg)