The music-making
essentials
Whether you’re a beginner producer, an experienced music maker, or anyone in between, unlock your full creative potential with a MIDI controller that breaks down all the barriers between you, your DAW, and your perfect sound.
Find joy in your workflow
Find the right sound faster than ever. Customize your mix in real-time. Finish that track with ease. Music-making shouldn’t feel like work; KeyLab Essential removes barriers and puts the joy back into your workflow.
Your DAW, upgraded
Your favorite synth sounds, your DAW transport, and your mixing desk all in one. Enjoy next-level control over your sounds & DAW projects, seamless communication with Analog Lab, and a bundle of pro creative software to supercharge your sound.
Quickly inspire new ideas
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, and see where it can take your sound.
Quickly inspire new ideas
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, and see where it can take your sound.
That quality feeling
You want the feeling of a premium instrument, the flexibility of a top-class controller, and the ease-of-use of a beginner keyboard. KeyLab Essentials sensitive controls, hybrid synth-feel keybed, and smart layout puts it all at your fingertips.
Your keys to 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.
All the software & sounds
you need for making music
What software & sounds do you get with KeyLab Essential mk3? From a full copy of Analog Lab to a library of over 4 million samples, you’re fully equipped for whatever music you want to make.
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 10.13+
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or Apple Silicon 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