Introducing Keylab Essential Mk3: Arturia’s Popular Essential Keyboards Get a Face Lift

Today, Arturia announced the launch of the KeyLab Essential Mk3 keyboard controller. It features a larger screen for deeper integration with Analog Lab, updated creative features like scale, and chord play, the ability to use pads to launch clips and trigger drum samples and a custom DAW integration.

The Keylab Essential range is Arturia’s line-up of more affordable full-sized keyboard MIDI controllers, which pack plenty of features for DAW integration as well as control for Arturia’s Analog Lab software. The MK3 sees a design refresh along with new RGB backlit pads, easier controls and an updated Transport Section. There are also more versatile Analog lab presets which include patches from many of their newest software releases, and an expanded software package for beginners and pros.

Here’s what Arturia say about the KL Essential.

Arturia’s new KeyLab Essential 3 offers a new level of accessible, enjoyable, and creative music-making, redefining the essence of a modern universal keyboard controller. From its refreshing new design to its vastly upgraded creative workflow to an expanded software package, it promises to shake up the affordable controller market by empowering modern musicians and sound explorers looking to expand their setup without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• Available in 49 & 61 keys and in Black or White
• Bigger screen with 4 contextual buttons
• 5 dedicated DAW scripts (+ Mackie & HUI)
• Better integration with Arturia Software
• Creative features : Scale mode, Chord play (with presets), Hold function
• 2 Pad Banks (for finger drumming or clip launching)
• Bigger software bundle (Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, NI The Gentleman, UVI Model D, Loopcloud & Melodics)
• Multi-purpose pedal input (Sustain, Footswitch or Expression)
• Eco-designed
• Durable velocity-sensitive keyboard
• DAW integration (5 dedicated DAW scripts + MCU/HUI)
• 128x64px black & white screen
• Fully customisable User Programs
• Pitch and Modulation wheels
• 9 endless knobs & 9 faders
• Octave and semitone transposition
• 8 velocity and pressure sensitive pads
• Dedicated MIDI channel button
• Transport control & DAW commands (save, undo, redo etc.)
• Pedal Input
• MIDI Out
• USB-C (Powered through USB, class compliant)

Arturia is Distributed by CMI Music & Audio in Australia