Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 Review

This is my review on the Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 MIDI Controller. This review will include a general overview of the keyboard & included software, but instead of focusing on using the keyboard with DAW apps, my review focuses on using the Keylab for controlling other hardware; in this case setting up custom MIDI setups to use the Keylab to control organ settings on my Yamaha CK88 piano.

If you are ONLY interested in using the Keylab Essential MK3 as a hardware controller, you can skip my overview of the MK3 and go straight to the main topic of this review using the links in the section: "KEYLAB ESSENTIAL AS A CONTROLLER KEYBOARD".

Here are some affiliate links if you would like to check out current prices on the Arturia Keylab Essential MK3, as well as some links to some piano training I recommend.

Check Prices Online:

Controlling Your Yamaha CK Series With A Controller Keyboard:

Online Piano Training I Recommend:

CHAPTER LINKS
Introduction: 0:00

KEYLAB ESSENTIAL OVERVIEW
Introduction: 2:04
Key Action: 2:38
Included Software: 5:54
Analog Lab V Demo: 6:35
User Interface: 13:01
(Modes, controls)
DAW Integration (Overview): 18:10
Connectivity: 19:06

KEYLAB ESSENTIAL AS A CONTROLLER KEYBOARD
MIDI Control Centre: 19:24
(creating custom MIDI message setups)
Demo Connected to Yamaha CK88: 26:14
(faders, mod wheel & knobs)
Keylab Issue: No "Jump" or "Catch": 32:27
Yamaha CK Issue: 36:30
(cannot "turn on" rotary with MIDI)

VERDICT (As A Controller Keyboard): 38:07
VERDICT (As A MIDI Controller): 40:03

Thanks a bunch for stopping by the channel, please subscribe (really helps me out!) and happy piano playing (& shopping!)

Please note that this description contains affiliate links which I may earn commissions from on qualifying purchases.

[kkenny]

I very much appreciate you dedicating a section talking about just the keybed. I hope this video gets pushed by the algorithm so more people get to hear your comprehensive review. Thanks!

[tmarkrogers]

For someone with virtually no experience of customizing/controlling midi between instruments, that was a clear and extremely helpful video for my set up of Art. Keylab 61 Mk 2 and CK88. 👍 Thank you very much Tony 👏

[Hammerman]

That sound you hear when you run down the keys picked up on your mic often used to be heard on old Hammond organs on record…..I like it. It adds a percussive sound!

[iansharmacook]

This is just the review I needed as I am DAWless and want to control other hardware!

[christopherfarrell-artist]

Thank you, this is the first video I have seen to show a hardware setup. Almost all the others YT'ers focus on DAW, which is fine as the primary use for the keyboard is DAW. I want to use the 49key version and integrate it in my DAWless set with 4 synths ( MC-101. S-1, TB-03 and Blofeld ) currently controlled via Keystep. I am hoping to extended ( Keystep MIDI-IN to Essentials MIDI-OUT ) to have two midi controllers. I still want the Keystep for it's aftertouch and I aim to use the Essentials for playing separate MIDI channels with knob and fader control for the MC-101.

[Hammerman]

I have had the 49 key version in black for a month now…..really enjoying it. I use it with Logic Audio.

[paulcaskey]

Interesting review. I enjoyed your take on things.

[leolansbergen]

Hi Tony, thanks for the video focussing on dawless set up and controlling hardware synths. Question: did I understand well I only need a computer connection to customize the midi signals from the controller to my hardware synth in the Arturia midi control center. After that I do not need any computer connection and can use the controller to steer my hardware synth (Roland SH-4d).

[operationshutdown]

Great video. I am trying to understand MIDI for the first time and videos like this are a help.

[スバルユキ]

Wait so when you buy the arutria keylab essentials mk3, you get analog lab v and Ableton live lite for free?

[MarkOffski]

Nice Informative video!.
I really like my Keylab MK3 61 its my second controller, my first being a Korg Triton Traktile 49key, (which a got for a real bargain in a shop flash sale).
The Korg is great, (once you get past the driver hassles with the provided korg universal driver!), but requires a certain amount of effort to get to work correctly with my chosen DAW, (Ableton live 12).
The Keylab MK3 on the other hand is an absolute breeze to use, with total integration with both Ableton and the "fantastic" Analog lab 5, and also works perfectly with other plugins i use, but with the inclusion of the MIDI Control Centre everything is completely programable easily as you say in the video, it even has a drawbar mode which is great.
So all in all, with included software, integration capabilities, and just general usefulness of the controller, its a no brainer.
I would however recommend you get the 61 or 88 note if they are within your budget, as the extra octaves make a lot of difference when it comes down to laying down tracks with ease.

[mfurman]

Thank you for this review Tony. I am deciding if I should get MIDI controller with Yamaha Reface YC or Yamaha CK61
I really appreciate that you tested the keyboard action noise!

Michael

[sectiondrecords]

Thanks for the review. This keyboard is a non starter for me as it doesn't have after touch.

[skullhqx]

Hi, thanks for the quality review. Do you know if this keyboard can send tempo (and how to dial it in) over midi for dawless setups? Thanks!

[sonicgr]

Action seems to be a very personal thing. I bought this having used for a bit the Arturia Minifreak synth which, while having mini keys, feels amazing to touch. I could not get used to the action of the keylab. Reminded me of cheap PSR keyboards from the past. Nothing else wrong with it, the integration with analog lab is amazing. I ended up gifting to a friend. The novation launchkey feels much better to me. I suggest you try it if you can get hold of one.

[SVSV-sz]

Thanks so much for a different take on this keyboard, I am trying to connect my Yamaha PSR-E473 to an external MIDI keyboard with a built in sequencer to be able to use the in built drums and sequence them without a computer and I can’t find much information how to do it, would you have any suggestions? Thanks

[aaronmyram]

As far as the 'snap back' sound bleeding into the vocal mic, you should try using the Arturia as a lower manual in your organ set up as it would be further from a vocal mic. That was my plan using it with my YC 61. I also have a CK coming incase I like that setup better.

[mfurman]

One more question, Tony: what do you think about the new Yamaha Montage M8X? It may not be exactly portable though 😄

[mfurman]

Thank you for your review Tony. I was very much considering Arturia KeyLab but only 88 key model and only to use it with my piano VSTs. I am only interested in light weighted hammer action (~50g on C4 and never heavier than 57g). Fatar actions are too heavy and noisy for me.

Michael

Ps. Since you play in a band, have you considered getting a Studio Logic Numa X or even Nord Electro 6?

[felipe]

Good video. Thanks. Does the arpeggiator works on Arturia with CK?