Arturia KeyLab MK2 vs Essential: Is it worth the price difference?

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Additional differences not in the video:
1. The MK2 has a hardware split option (in addition to the software option in Analog lab for both keyboards)
2. MK2 can send NPRN, Essential cannot (thanks René Bohne)

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Timeline:
0:00 What do they do?
1:45 Hardware compared
3:45 Control modes
4:05 User templates
5:55 Controls & chords
7:30 Analog Lab
8:45 Lab integration
10:10 DAW control
11:10 Ableton Live
12:05 Connectivity
13:00 MK2+Eurorack
15:10 Summary
15:30 Alternatives

NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
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[paulvash]

This is a remarkably well-produced video. Thanks for working so hard on it, we really appreciate it. Subscribed!

[frilanstranslator]

I wish all the tutorials/guides/comparisons would be presented the way you do it. Quiet, clear voice with concise and straight information. I am about to purchase the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 and your video provides me with very valuable information to begin to get an idea about this world. Many thanks.

[graxjpg]

I bought the essential as a computer controller, and i hardly ever use it. I am very excited about the functionality I had no idea about! Thanks so much for this.

[jonathancordero]

Awesome review man. Simple, yet detailed descriptions of the differences and similarities of each controller. And great production and audio quality. Thank you!

[Shoggy]

Three years later and this is still very helpful. Subscribed

[jvburnes]

Five years and the MKII is still one of the best midi keyboard controllers out there. All this and the CV interface too. Great demonstration of the CV functions. Excellent review.

[jessejohnson]

We need to give Loopop an award for teaching a generation how to play electronic instruments. I keep coming back to his videos to learn more. Just excellent!

[brandonmarquez]

This video is so well-produced, damn !, a big thank you!

[KaitavSapreMusic]

Excellent breakdown. Your videos are always helpful and concise. Keep up the good work!

[prod_by_slvg]

YOU NEVER DISAPPOINT Thanks for all your music and reviews. I've never seen a channel with more reviews than yours. and if could review the channel, i'd just say 7 stars.

[scott_pinzon]

REALLY helpful to this n00b electronic musician. Gives a great understanding of what the extra money gets you. After watching the video, I looked up the Mk II and for all you get, the price seems like a good value. i love the detail and accuracy of your videos. Your mind seems like a very well-organized space!

[michaelduff]

What a great review and comparison. Thank you!

[paulgrooveside]

Thank you for this well-paced and considerate thorough video discussion of the two keyboards. Very useful and has motivated me to subscribe.

[leopoldbluesky]

This was a great overview and extremely well presented. I was deciding between buying the Essentials and the MkII and you have convinced me to go for the MkII, thank you!

[drjthornley]

Your presentation style and content is 100%. Your colleagues could learn a lot from you and thanks for pointing me at the mkii

[ocelot]

As always, a very useful video! I'm planning to upgrade to the black KeyLab Mk2 61 and integrate it with my Analog Lab. I'm the kind of person that needs time to fall in love with all the plugins around and less is more for me. Arturia did a tremendous job with their emulations, I jus't can't stop playing them and KeyLab is the perfect tool to finally get my eyes off the screen and let go of the mouse. I'm am always for hans on instrumenst rather than turning some virtual knobs. It just isn't the same when you're turning the filter knob with your hands and the KeyLab will fix that for me. I already have the Minibrute 2 so I'll continue to use it for sequencing since thats the only thing those two are missing. Thanks once again for this in depth comparison!

[louierubio]

As usual, the best made + most informative video re the hardware. Thanks again!!!

[RENAADALD]

Thank you for taking the time and effort to make this ♥️

[sambodutch]

Thanks bro, terrific review man I learned a lot, very well done and very appreciated. Peace love and happiness to ya.

[sterling_max]

Excellent video, thanks, the work you put on it was amazing.