Description
KeyLab 49 MkII Controller
CONTROLLER DELUXE
The definitive MIDI controller keyboard, KeyLab MkII is a luxurious, expressive tool for your studio or live rig. Unsurpassed connectivity, effortless integration, customizable interface, and inspiring included software; there simply is no other MIDI controller quite like KeyLab MkII.
KeyLab MkII is an expressive, versatile studio controller that works seamlessly with your DAW, virtual instruments, hardware, and modular gear.
It features dynamic performance and studio controls, including a high quality 49-note keyboard with aftertouch, 16 RGB backlit pads, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, and dedicated DAW and transport controls. Its huge connectivity also includes CV / Gate outputs, so you can take command of outboard synth and Eurorack modules with ease.
KeyLab MkII comes complete with thousands of sounds in 3 incredible software titles – Analog Lab, Piano V, and Ableton Live Lite – and works seamlessly with them to let you create music without barriers. Say “hello” to your ideal creative companion for the studio and stage.
The controller your music deserves
Another level in terms of quality and luxury, KeyLab MkII is a treat for the fingertips and is built to last.
Both 49-key and 61-key versions of KeyLab MkII feature Arturia’s Pro-Feel action, the same lusciously playable keybed as the MatrixBrute and MiniBrute 2. Sensitive enough to accurately capture the subtleties and nuances of delicate playing, while still being robust enough to feel the energy of high-impact performances.
Encased in durable, tour-ready aluminium and decked out with wiggle-free knobs and faders, Arturia have created a controller designed from the ground up to not let you down.
Truly experience your software instruments
Why settle for any old MIDI controller when you could be exploring your very own museum-quality collection of vintage synth and keyboard sounds?
Over 6,500 are available in Analog Lab alone, which perfectly integrates with every element of KeyLab MkII so you spend more time making music, and less time staring at screens.
A gateway to software, KeyLab MkII features 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders, 16 backlit RGB performance pads, and a selection of fully assignable buttons to give you unfettered access to your virtual instruments, effects, and recording environment.
Send and receive CV / gate data to bridge the gap between modular and MIDI, with a fully customizable setup. Set up a complex automated sequence in your DAW, and sent it out to your Eurorack setup. Only KeyLab MkII makes it this easy.
Amazingly versatile, hugely expressive, and geared up to enhance your creativity and workflow wherever your music takes you.
Choose your flavor
Expression doesn’t just come down to features and functions, it can be how you choose to express yourself, too.
KeyLab MkII comes in both black and white options, and in 49 and 61-key versions, so whatever your studio aesthetic or size preference, Arturia have you covered.
A complete software studio
Every KeyLab MkII owner will also be able to instantly enjoy one of the most comprehensive, inspiring, incredible value software packages available.
Whether you’re new to software recording, or already have an enviable collection of software instruments at your disposal, KeyLab MkII has something that’ll put a huge smile on your face.
Packing enough synth, keyboard, and piano power to inspire the most discerning professional, while still being an amazing “one box solution” for newcomers, KeyLab MkII’s included software will ignite your creativity for years to come.
Your personal MIDI assistant
Designed from the ground up to make you the master of your MIDI environment, KeyLab MkII is one of the most flexible, adaptable, and customizable controllers ever devised.
Not only does the latest generation KeyLab let you create fully personalized User maps, it also features incredible DAW integration, letting you spend more time “in the zone” and less time switching to and from your computer screen. By using any one of the 10 User maps, you can personalize the response of practically all the buttons, knobs, faders, keys, pads, and pedal inputs on KeyLab MkII, giving you ultimate control of your DAW, effects, instruments, and outboard gear.
To cut out the guesswork, KeyLab MkII also comes with 6 magnetic overlays for the DAW Commands section, giving you at-a-glance information on what each button does in your favorite recording software.
A MIDI masterpiece: KeyLab MkII doesn’t force you to make music a certain way, it lets you write the rules.
Providing one of the most comprehensive controller experiences in the music industry, KeyLab MkII has been designed to give you unprecedented levels of control while still being ergonomic and simple to use.
The original Arturia KeyLab made waves by giving musicians and producers in-depth command of their MIDI environment, while KeyLab MkII streamlined its functionality by giving you instant access to the features you use most often. KeyLab MkII is the best of both worlds: giving users deep control over their recording and performing environment while being streamlined, easy to master, and fun to use.
Workflow that works
When you’re in the creative zone, you need music tools that encourage you.
Every aspect of KeyLab MkII has been carefully crafted to keep distractions to a minimum, and provide time-saving shortcuts that will keep your mind in the game. KeyLab MkII features three distinct modes that you can instantly switch between for insanely efficient workflow.
Analog Lab Mode
It’s Analog Lab mode gives you ultimate control over this powerful included software, automatically mapping KeyLab MkII’s controls to specific functions and parameters within Analog Lab. The Category buttons let you immediately refine your search for the right sound, while the jog wheel gives you precise control over preset browsing and selection. The Live button can be used to activate Split mode and set the split point. Choose from three layers of definable controller assignments and Macros within a Multi, giving you the ultimate hands-on Analog Lab experience to bring the sound of those iconic vintage synths and keyboards to life.
DAW Mode
The DAW mode quickly switches control to elements within your recording software. In this mode, the central jog wheel lets you move the playback cursor; the Next and Prev buttons let you shift focus on tracks by 1 or 8 channels at a time; the faders and knobs control the track levels and pan; and the Track Select buttons let you focus on particular tracks, letting you use the extensive DAW Commands on specific tracks.
User Mode
The User mode lets you decide how KeyLab MkII works. Quickly choose one of the 10 User maps using the jog wheel, and practically every button, knob, fader, and pad on KeyLab MkII will react exactly as you choose. Using the full-featured Arturia MIDI Control Center, you’ll be able to assign any MIDI CC function you desire to any control you wish, as well as set the minimum and maximum values to make sure you’re always hitting the sweet spot. Do you use Massive, Serum, or Omnisphere? Create a map just for them! In a mixing session? Create a map to control your effects and audio busses. Mastering? Get hands on, tactile control of every sensitive parameter in your multiband compressors, EQs, and limiters. You can even use a single map to control your favorite parameters in multiple effects and instruments at once!
DAW Commands
Not only does KeyLab MkII offer thorough DAW control using the industry standard Mackie HUI data language, it also features 10 presets for some of the most popular recording software titles out there. To keep your session free of guesswork, KeyLab MkII also provides you with 6 magnetic DAW overlays, so you’ll know exactly what every button does in your recording environment.
This controller includes overlays for Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, as well as standard Mackie and HUI setups.
Analog Lab included
Analog Lab gives you the best of 21 instruments that made music history, all in one convenient place.
Analog synthesizers. Digital synthesizers. Acoustic pianos. Electric pianos. Organs. Strings machines. With the best of 21 vintage instrument reproductions on tap, Analog Lab lets you transcend time and style by arming you with everything from the most iconic sounds of the past to modern sound designs that are cutting edge today. Whether you’re composing, recording or performing, over 6500 sounds cover every song, genre, mood and ambience you can think of-no programming required. Use it standalone or with your favorite DAW.
Unleash the sonic power of keyboard history’s greatest hits for your musical adventures.
More incredible software
KeyLab MkII comes with a veritable treasure trove of high quality music software.
Modular control
Lovers of vintage synth gear and modern Eurorack modular, we have something special in store for you.
KeyLab MkII’s modular options let you unite the worlds of MIDI and CV / gate like no other controller out there, and give you huge scope for integrating your modular gear with your DAW.
The rear panel includes five control voltage connections: Pitch Out, Gate Out, 2 Mod Outs and CV In. The CV outputs can be used to send control voltages and triggers to a modular synthesis system, while the input can be used to receive incoming control voltages and turn them into MIDI data that in your DAW. The voltage range can quickly be defined using the quick access “User Edit” mode, or through the free, dedicated hardware hub Arturia MCC.
Thanks to this connectivity, KeyLab MkII can interface with practically any kind of music-making technology, letting you use external modulation sources for plug-in instruments in your DAW, like Analog Lab. You can also start to integrate your modular setup into your software projects by sending perfect, automated data to your modular gear. This level of control is what KeyLab MkII is all about.
Performance master
KeyLab MkII’s RGB-backlit, touch and pressure-sensitive pads are not only the perfect surface for finger-drummer or triggering samples, they will also open up exciting new ways of performing with chords. The pads can be used in 3 different modes:
Pad Mode
The Pad mode is used to send MIDI notes or CC data, depending on how you’ve assigned it in the MCC. The dynamic, high-quality pads are great fun to perform and record percussion, and the colours can be assigned to specific pads to make it clear what type of sound, sample, or loop you’re triggering.
Chord Memory
KeyLab MkII’s Chord Memory mode lets you store up to 16 unique chords, each containing up to 6 notes. This can be easily be set using the controller itself, or the Arturia MCC. Using this mode, you’ll be able to trigger chords with your left hand and play a melody on the keyboard with your right hand. You’ll be able to enjoy some factory preset chords straight away, too!
Chord Transpose
The Chord Transpose mode is a little more advanced, letting you trigger chord shapes selected by the pads when playing notes on the keyboard. The note selected is played as the route note, and the pad you choose builds the chord around it. The creative potential this gives you is huge, letting you experiment with harmonic overtones in your polyphonic lead sounds, create evolving, drifting pads, and much, much more.
Tour-ready
KeyLab MkII isn’t just a luxurious statement piece for your studio, it’s been built to withstand the rigors of live performance and last you a lifetime. Housed in a rugged aluminium chassis, and furnished with robust fixtures, KeyLab MkII is ready to perform show after show, gig after gig, and give you the dependability you need to be confident in your performance.
Ultimate expression
KeyLab MkII doesn’t just offer comprehensive control, it’s also a joy to play, and creates an intuitive bridge between your creativity and your computer music environment.
The fantastic Arturia Pro-Feel keybed has a gorgeous semi-weighted action that’s fast enough synth lead solos and organ sweeps, but tactile and responsive enough for traditional piano players to really appreciate the quality. Sportin the same keys as Arturia’s flagship hardware synthesizers MatrixBrute and MiniBrute 2, you’ll love playing on arguably the most luxurious synth-action controller on the market.
KeyLab MkII’s back panel sports a wealth of pedal inputs too, and can be geared up to offer unmatched control in the studio and on stage. On top of the usual sustain and expression pedal inputs, you’ll also find three – yes, three – auxiliary pedal inputs that can be assigned in the Arturia MCC. Maybe you’d like to control amp gain, tremolo speed, and keyboard balance when you’re using an organ VST instrument like you’ll be able to find in Analog Lab 3? No problem. If you’re a guitarist who uses amp simulation on stage, can you imagine how incredible it would be to be able to have dedicated pedals for your wah, volume, and reverb levels? Whatever custom creative setup you can imagine, KeyLab MkII can make it happen.
Platform Requirements
Analog Lab
Win 7+ PC: 4 GB RAM; 2 GHz CPU.
- 2GB free hard disk space
10.10+: 4 GB RAM; 2 GHz CPU.
- 2GB free hard disk space
Works in Standalone, VST 2.4 (32-bit and 64-bit), VST 3 (32-bit and 64-bit), AAX (32 bits with PT 10.3.8, 64 bits with PT 11), Audio Unit (32-bit and 64-bit).
Piano V
Win 7+ PC: 4 GB RAM; 2 GHz CPU.
- 2GB free hard disk space
10.10+: 4 GB RAM; 2 GHz CPU.
- 2GB free hard disk space
Works in Standalone, VST 2.4 (32-bit and 64-bit), VST 3 (32-bit and 64-bit), AAX (32 bits with PT 10.3.8, 64 bits with PT 11), Audio Unit (32-bit and 64-bit).
Ableton Live Lite
Win 7+ PC: 4 GB RAM; 2 GHz CPU.
- 3GB free hard disk space
- 1024×768 display,
- DVD drive or broadband internet connection for installation
10.8+: 4 GB RAM; 2 GHz CPU.)
- 3GB free hard disk space
- 1024×768 display,
- DVD drive or broadband internet connection for installation
