01 Set up KeyLab Essential mk3
- Connect KeyLab Essential mk3 to your computer.
Download and install Analog Lab.
- Launch the software and follow the instructions inside Analog Lab to set up KeyLab Essential mk3 and activate your free license of Analog Lab Pro.
Why Analog Lab?
Analog Lab is KeyLab Essential mk3’s software counterpart. It ensures that your controller is always up-to-date and the Analog Lab Pro license that comes with your KeyLab Essential mk3 allows you to play and tweak 2000+ instrument presets from our award-winning V Collection.
If you already use our Analog Lab software, follow the instructions below to update it.
This will allow you to quickly set up your KeyLab Essential mk3.
(And if you don’t use Analog Lab yet, please follow these instructions to set up KeyLab Essential mk3 and get your free license of Analog Lab Pro.)
- Close Analog Lab on your computer. (If you’re using it inside a Digital Audio Workstation like Ableton Live, please close that too.)
- Open the Arturia Software Center and look for your Analog Lab license. If an update is available you can simply launch it by clicking Update.
- Connect KeyLab Essential mk3 to your computer.
- Launch Analog Lab again and follow the instructions inside the software upon launch to set up KeyLab Essential mk3.
Which version of Analog Lab will I be using?
- If you currently use Analog Lab Play, you will be able to activate the Pro license that comes with KeyLab Essential mk3 at the end of the setup process described above.
- If you already use Analog Lab Pro nothing changes for you.
The best way to ensure your KeyLab Essential mk3 is setup correctly and always up to date is by connecting it to its software counterpart, Analog Lab.
This software also allows you to play and tweak hundreds of the best synth and keyboard sounds.
Alternatively, you may update KeyLab Essential mk3’s firmware and get the latest MIDI driver (if necessary) on your computer via the MIDI Control Center (MCC). Learn more about the MIDI Control Center.
Follow the steps below to update KeyLab Essential mk3 via the MIDI Control Center and get access to your included software:
- Connect KeyLab Essential mk3 to your computer.
Download and install the MIDI Control Center (MCC)
- Launch the MIDI Control Center
- Follow the instructions indicated in the software to complete your firmware update.
If you are just looking for the Firmware file, you can find it here →
- To access your included software you need to register your KeyLab Essential mk3 here.
If you’re experiencing issues with the installation process, .
Don’t miss
tutorials, additional free software & more
Discover a suite of pro-grade software that provides everything you need to start making music out-of-the-box.
There’s no need to rush! You can return to this page at any time so go at your own pace.
02 Learn more
with our KeyLab Essential mk3 tutorials
Start your creative journey with confidence. Explore essential features, tips and tricks on how to design your own sounds, other music production hacks and much more.
Tutorials playlist
13min331. OverviewKeyboardist Matt Paull gives you a guided tour of the smart features, workflow highlights, and inspiring sounds that come with KeyLab Essential mk3, the next generation of universal MIDI controller.
7min502. Analog Lab IntegrationMatt explores the seamless link between KeyLab Essential mk3 and Analog Lab, our expansive library of award-winning synth & keyboard sounds. Easily control every aspect of this software with flexible pre-mapped controls.
5min213. How To Control Ableton LiveLena gives you the lowdown on how to use KeyLab Essential mk3 with Ableton Live, with seamless connectivity thanks to its custom script - launch clips, play melodies, tweak your mix, and more.
5min524. How To Control CubaseLena shows you how to integrate your KeyLab Essential mk3 with Cubase, with a custom script designed to make the most out of your creative DAW workflow.
5min465. How To Control Bitwig StudioLena gives you the lowdown on how to use KeyLab Essential mk3 with Bitwig Studio, with seamless connectivity and flexible pad functions thanks to its custom script.
5min046. How To Control FL StudioLena shows you how to get hands on with FL Studio & KeyLab Essential mk3, with deeper integrate thanks to its custom script - designed to take your DAW workflow to the next level.
4min117. How To Control Logic ProLena shows you how easily KeyLab Essential mk3 integrates with Logic Pro thanks to its custom script, designed to make the most out of your creative DAW workflow.
Overview (13min33)
Keyboardist Matt Paull gives you a guided tour of the smart features, workflow highlights, and inspiring sounds that come with KeyLab Essential mk3, the next generation of universal MIDI controller.
Find more information
with our cheatsheet and manuals
For an overview of KeyLab Essential mk3’s controls you can download the cheatsheet by clicking on the image on the right.
To learn more, you can find the manuals on KeyLab Essential mk3’s Resources page:
03 Download
your included software from our partners
Alongside Arturia Software, we provide a selection of industry-standard plugins and software from our partners to accelerate your music production journey.
Music production and recording software
to create, mix and export your tracks
_Ableton Live Lite 12
One of the most popular music production, recording and performing platforms in the world, Ableton Live Lite lets you create, mix, and export your tracks.
Even more software instruments
for deep and rich piano sounds
_Native Instruments The Gentleman
Enjoy the cheery & intimate sound of a Century-old upright piano with Native Instruments’ The Gentleman, featuring over 2000 expertly-recorded samples and deep sound customization.
_UVI Grand Piano Model D
The UVI Model D puts the sound of the famous Steinway Model D grand piano at your fingertips, sampled in exquisite detail and ready to play. Capture the sound of the most famous concert hall pianos in your own studio.
Even more inspiration
from samples to music theory
_Loopcloud
A 2-month subscription to Loopcloud gives you millions of hi-def royalty-free samples, from lo-fi drum loops to punchy vocal one-shots, and add them to your personal collection for life. Beat-making essentials.
_Melodics
If you’re new to keyboards, music theory or DAW production, get started with a subscription to Melodics. The app gives you lessons, tips and tricks to suit your style, so you can improve your skills while you make music.
04 Integrate
KeyLab Essential mk3 into your setup
KeyLab Essential mk3 integrates seamlessly with all major Digital Audio Workstations right out of the box, including automatically mapped controls to play, pause, record, and trigger loops.
If you cannot control your Digital Audio Workstation directly from KeyLab Essential mk3 - explore our custom controller mappings.
Go to custom controller mappings for KeyLab Essential mk3 →
You can also dive deeper and create custom MIDI mappings for your specific needs with our MIDI Control Center:
Get MIDI Control Center and learn more →
Got a question? We have the answers!
- → KeyLab Essential mk3 FAQ
- → Arturia Software Center
- → General questions about KeyLab Essential mk3
- → KeyLab Essential mk3 tutorials
Still need help?
Arturia Support