Keylab Essential mk3 Unboxing and First Impressions

Keylab Essential mk3 Unboxing and First Impressions

Welcome to my Keylab Essential mk3 unboxing and first impressions video! Arturia sent me this MIDI controller with no commitments to even make a video, and I said sure because I'm such a fan of the mk2! In this initial video, we'll try out the new arp and scale features, as well as play on the new drum pads. Next time we'll take a look at how it integrates with Ableton, and I'll let you know if I think it's worth the upgrade! Enjoy the video :)

GEAR IN THIS VIDEO

Questions? Ask them below!

If you enjoy this video, considering subscribing to the channel! It's free, and I upload new content every single day!

All links in this description are Amazon affiliate links, the gear is the same price to you, but I get a small kickback when you use these links! It's an easy way to support the channel at no extra cost.

[TonyDiaz.]

I'm a drummer, but I love synths. Just ordered this controller last week; can't wait to get it.

[zloboslav_]

Like always I forgot you're a drummer and you blew my mind on the pads! You're so good on those!

[Hammerman]

Had my Keylab Essentials 49 for just over a month. Loving it so far.

[TeleporterM]

Nice job Arturia. I am buying one just for the new Chord feature and the overall design. I wish it had aftertouch.

[thalaster]

I just bought a keystep 37 a month ago to start learning on and now I want this for better controls using bitwig and it seems like a more complex chord/arp mode. I’ve been teaching myself music theory and piano but my joint issues kind of puts a damper on it. This seems great.

[lordspam]

Been trying to find out if the chord and arp function would work on a synth. Thanks for showing it does!

[rexcellencemagee]

I’ve gone all 49 except for when there’s no choice. It really saves on room! As far as any midi controller goes the arterial pro is my favorite. My cobalt 5s and hydra synth explorer are both mini key and you get used to it! The mark 3 looks like hardware wise a clone
of the oxygen pro, it’s not set up the same way, but all the same features. Maybe less cost too! The pads going to the harder material is probably ceramic, great for bending and modulation (like the Orba). You’ll get used to it. peace Ty for sharing!

[SonicVibe]

Killed the drums love it shows velocity on screen 📺

[islandtony]

Great video thanks! Super curious about something (and I'm a MIDI newbie so sorry if the answer is an obvious one :) - if I use this as a MIDI controller for my stage piano (with weighted keys) to control my piano's organ sounds, will I be able to configure the Keylab's faders to control my piano's drawbar settings, and buttons to control the leslie speaker etc?

Thanks so much!

[leewightman]

Pretty cool first time seeing the keylab Arturia have some really nice looking keyboards are synths

[wiggesobk]

Oh yeah this looks really nice. Especielly for that price point! Great Review.

[dragonmytie]

Novation sl mk3 when I got it was mind-blowing 😊 I can also very recommend that one~ Have fun with the new midi controller😊 Maybe even upgrade to that one if you are looking for even more features

[crouge]

I just got my MK2 last week and got pissesd that I missed the new model :(
You said the keys feel the same as MK2? In that case it won't worth to change it I guess.

[Hammerman]

Ooooh….I wonder if it would be cool to use sticks on the pads?

[Yosser]

Looks nice but with todays release of Logic for the iPad, I hope we are going to see some dedicated midi controllers. I think Logic is going to be very popular and pick up a lot of users, so the first to market is going to do very well.

[ilovecatsandsynths]

Looks like a nice controller, especially with an arpeggiator that can be used along with the chord and scale modes. Super cool. But no aftertouch? If the Keysteps can have aftertouch, why not the Keylabs?

[Greemfy]

Thanks for the video!
I was seconds away from buying the M-Audio Oxygen Pro. How does the keys feel compared to a semi-weighted like the Oxygen Pro? The spec from Arturia says "61-note velocity-sensitive keyboard with hybrid synth-piano feel". Whats up with that?

[partypao]

Where is the software? I was expecting a CD inside. Im assuming you need to download it?

[kissless_]

How does the keybed feel? Does it still have that mushy feel that the old essentials had or did they give it a bit higher quality feel?

[rahfielbey]

I don't see a pitch or mod wheel on this model? I see ads with both wheels though?