NEWS  Musical Instruments  February 26, 2024  Reading time: 2 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Arturia has long been synonymous with innovation, quality, and affordability. Continuing this tradition, Arturia has expanded its KeyLab Essential series with the introduction of the KeyLab Essential 88 MK3. Building upon the success of its predecessors, this latest addition to the lineup promises to redefine the standard for value in the 88-key MIDI keyboard market.

Last year witnessed the introduction of the revamped KeyLab Essential series, featuring refreshed designs and enhanced functionality across the 49 and 61-key versions. Now, Arturia is broadening its offering with the inclusion of an 88-key version, catering to the needs of musicians and producers who require a full-range keyboard experience without compromising on quality or affordability.

The KeyLab Essential 88 MK3 maintains the series' hallmark features, including a semi-weighted keybed with velocity sensitivity. While aftertouch functionality is not included, Arturia ensures that the keybed's performance has been refined in the MK3 version, delivering an unparalleled playing experience. This makes it ideal for DAW production, hybrid setups, and controlling MIDI hardware instruments with precision and ease.

Incorporating modern features found in its predecessors, the KeyLab Essential 88 MK3 offers a range of creative tools such as scale mode, chord mode, and an arpeggiator, empowering musicians to explore new musical horizons effortlessly.

Aesthetically, the control panel has undergone a redesign, optimizing usability while retaining essential elements. With nine assignable faders and knobs, two wheels for pitch bend and modulation, and eight RGB-lit pads for intuitive drumming or clip launching, the KeyLab Essential 88 MK3 provides comprehensive control over music production workflows.

Enhancing user interaction, Arturia has upgraded the display from a 2-line to a 2.5-inch LC display, accompanied by context-dependent buttons for streamlined navigation and operation.

Furthermore, seamless integration with popular DAWs such as FL Studio, Ableton Live, and Logic Pro, coupled with custom mappings for Arturia software products, ensures a cohesive production experience tailored to individual preferences and workflows.

On the connectivity front, the KeyLab Essential 88 MK3 offers a sustain pedal input, a 5-pin MIDI output, and a USB-C connection, providing versatile options for interfacing with external devices and software platforms.

In addition to its hardware capabilities, the KeyLab Essential 88 MK3 comes bundled with a comprehensive software package, featuring Arturia Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments The Gentleman, and UVI Model D, along with trial subscriptions for Loopcloud and Melodics. This value-packed offering empowers users to dive into music production right out of the box, unleashing their creativity without constraints.

In conclusion, with the KeyLab Essential 88 MK3, Arturia reaffirms its commitment to democratizing music production tools without compromising on quality or performance. For more information, visit Arturia's official website.

 MEDIA CREDITS: ARTURIA