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Love it
By: JRA
Submitted: 3/4/2024
Product Rating
Product Review
I love everything about this controller. The feel of the keys are amazing. The pitch bend wheel is fantastic. Nothing feels cheap. I also love that I can use the controller for my Arturia V Collection and Analog Lab. Don't hesitate to get this one!
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This is perfect for me doing music.
By: Moleyroley
Submitted: 1/5/2024
Product Review
This is a really good keyboard music and more and I love it.
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Quality!
By: Tony G
Submitted: 6/29/2023
Product Review
The first thing I noticed is the quality of the build. I wasn't super impressed with how the keys felt on my MPK mini. With the Keylab, they feel solid while playing and not like they could break at any second. Not only the keys, but the faders, knobs, mod and pitch wheels, etc. all feel, for lack of better terms, solid! I love how easily I could integrate it with Logic Pro and control much of the essential functions right from the keyboard. The inclusion of Analog Lab is great too. I've yet to explore all the available sounds. After a few months of use, I really have no complaints!
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Almost perfect integration
By: Joshua Kincheloe
Submitted: 6/29/2023
Product Review
I’m usually a big fan of 88 key keyboards, and I was thinking of getting another Studio logic, but I figured I’d try this. I had a pretty good experience with a 49 Akai one time, so I figured I’d try out a better version. Or at least a version that was said to be better. The integration with Arturia software first off is perfect. I had so much fun going through all the synthesizers quickly and seamlessly and patch after patch, I begin to fall in love with the new workflow. The keys and the pads feel amazing and being able to twist knobs after being stuck with just a mouse for so long felt a lot more tactile. All of this made me feel good about my purchase right off the bat. The only negative that I found was it didn’t immediately work with shuttle controls for logic. I don’t really care about this too much, but I would imagine that would irritate some people. everything else about the construction of this unit though is top notch and feels extremely solid. If you pick this up, you won’t regret it. I would’ve given it five stars if when I hit the play button logic played to.
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Perfect controller
By: Shawn Pickel
Submitted: 4/24/2023
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
This controller does everything you expect it to do and more. So far it has been a joy to work with, easy to set up, Great software package, and does the job better than my expectations.
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The Best Keybed On A 49Key Controller
By: T. White
Submitted: 1/14/2022
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
I LOVE this controller! The keybed on feels real smooth and there is no heavy resistance. The new and improved velocity settings also makes this controller stand out. If you are looking for a 49 key midi controller and don't know where to turn....then look no further!
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An Excellent Feeling Keyboard that Inspires
By: Justin Suarez
Submitted: 12/11/2021
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
I bought the Arturia Keylab 49 mkII last month from AMS because I needed another 49 key controller for my auxiliary rig. I was using the Korg Taktile for my main rig which is a decent keyboard with some nifty tricks, but the Arturia is in another league entirely in terms of build quality and the fantastic feeling key-bed. It also looks sleek and elegant at the same time which is always welcome.
In the past I’ve owned a Roland XP-50 which had great keys and a Novation Remote SL with nice keys but a cheap and creaky plastic chassis. I sold those long ago and over the past 14 years have been making do with various budget controllers.
After playing the Arturia for a few weeks I am thrilled to say this thing has brought back my mojo and love for playing the keys. I’m not using step sequencers or piano rolls as much as I had been. I had forgotten how important that physical / mental connection is when jamming or composing. This thing removes that disembodied feeling you get when playing a synth module or plugin. It makes all of my synths without keys feel like I’m playing an instrument like a musician instead of just controlling them.
Not only that, but since it’s such a joy to play I’ve noticed my chops are coming back and getting better. I’m feeling more inspired every time I sit down at my workstation and I believe this purchase is actually making me a better musician, as my passages and ideas are becoming more varied and creative.
If I had to sum up my experience and feelings about it in one word, it would be “inspiring”. That’s a really bold and unusual statement for describing something as seemingly mundane as a MIDI controller. I can assure you, the Keylab series will not come across as a mundane purchase of necessity. It will be an investment which brings a smile to your face and add new creative depth to your music.
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BEST. KEYBOARD/CONTROLLER. EVER!
By: Chris
Submitted: 4/5/2021
Product Review
I’ve used many USB keyboard controllers in my time. Buying this 49 key MKII was the best decision! Right out of the box, I was blown away by the design, quality of parts, thoughtfulness in design and layout of the most commonly used buttons and features. Arturia really makes recording a hassle free experience. Having full DAW control at my fingertips helps keep workflow moving along. The keyboard itself has smooth keys with natural action, awesome job on the key velocity, even if they aren’t weighted keys. I’m thoroughly happy with this keyboard and the Logic Pro X integration was a breeze!
I only wish they gave you full use of some software elements instead of a trial.
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A great controller
By: Edgaba
Submitted: 3/17/2021
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
I’ve always wanted a controller that one could use without a degree in astrophysics and and electronic engineering. One that was simple and obvious to program for your needs. Finally here is the Arturia keylabs. I personally use Logic Pro to record and when it comes to mixing, sometimes it can be a bit frustrating without a control surface. Out of the box ( in the correct mode) the keylab lines up with logic perfectly. I also is Omnisphere and other plugins in almost all my productions and here is where it can be confusing with other controllers. The Arturia keylab has 3 modes The Lab that controls
All included sounds (amazing sounds of almost all synths that exist) the DAW mode which lines up with the DAW of your choice and the one I love is the User Mode which allows you to program any knob or fader to anything you want in the plugin. And save those settings within the keyboard or with the file. Either way while you are mixing you can change modes on the fly and adjust your multi track plugins and all other logic tracks right from the keyboard without the need to touch you mouse. It really speeds up the workflow. The keyboard itself feels nice I have the 49 version and I have also played the 61 version and it rivals the feel rivals the full of a Motif or Montage. It’s one of the few controllers of this kind that has after touch. And the build quality is impressive, it is not plastic and it looks so nice! There I there sexy. I’m very happy with this purchase and I finally have the controller I wanted. I would prefer the 61 note however my desk real state is precious and as I’m recording tracks and instruments one at the time 49 keys are sufficient. Do I recommend this keyboard? Yes!!!
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Best of the best
By: Ciara
Submitted: 1/8/2021
Product Review
LOVE this midi keyboard. Had a mini and could not even compare to this! Love the features and flow of playing on the keyboard. Very responsive. Recommend to beginners and experts!
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This controller is Awesome
By: Hector Orlando
Submitted: 12/29/2020
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
Definitely the music I been making is unreal..!!!!
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This is beyond a controller, analog lab is awesome, the key bed is very nice
By: Gregory Elisca
Submitted: 7/3/2020
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
The keybed feels great, analog lab is awesome, this is beyond a midi controller. Would recommend this keyboard to any serious producer. 5 stars
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Completely Enhances My Workflow
By: Gary Ray
Submitted: 6/25/2020
Product Review
What a beautiful piece of equipment this is and the best purchase I made this year. It completely replaces my Korg Krome which I have been using for the past 5 years. It integrates so easily and perfectly with Abelton Live 10, my preferred DAW, and I found out real quick how little you will need to use a mouse to navigate around. All the knobs and sliders work really well and the User mode is awesome in that everything is assignable. I love the all metal body and oh yes, the lights. The pads are velocity sensitive and it has a chord memory function that comes in real handy when creating chord progressions. I've had this MIDI controller now for almost 3 months and have been using it every single day for hours and hours. I am so happy and very satisfied with Arturia's Keylab 49 MKII. I also have a Push 1 unit but this thing is just more fun if you're more into the feel of real keys and want something that cost less than $1,000.00. And thanks to AMS you can get one on a payment plan like I did and be enjoying making music with this thing.
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Best Controller
By: Joel Cox
Submitted: 4/17/2020
Product Review
What an awesome controller. Best of best there is
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Solidly built. Made to inspire.
By: Alef Martins
Submitted: 1/6/2020
Product Review
I’ve been a big fan of the Arturia products since the V3 was released as a bundle software accompanying the Arturia Analog Experience - The Laboratory 61 which I still own to this day and it’s a working horse. The Keylab 49 MkII follows the same characteristics of all Arturia controllers with its sturdy quality built. With a metal body on wood finish this controller feels like a tank. A very attractive one I may add. All the buttons, knobs and drum pads are multicolored LED back lit and the keybed feels great. The integration between the controller and the AnalogLab is seamless although I haven’t be able to get the transport buttons to communicate with my DAW (Logic) even after following the instructions very closely.
I’m currently blaming the glitch on the DAW itself. At least for now since Logic has been a bit iffy since its last update and I haven’t tinkered with it yet. The drum pads feel ok. I do prefer a more soft rubber type of material featured in the earlier versions of the Arturia controllers instead of the more hard plastic feeling ones featured on the Keylab MkII but the pad sensitivity is one of the best I’ve worked with allowing for a level of expression that surpasses all the other drum pads that I’ve used before.
I love the layout of the Keylab 49 MkII and I found that having the drum pads located on the left side of the board instead of on the right side as usual, allows for a more expressive performance.
All in all, with a sturdy build, elegant profile and superb quality components, I know I will be using the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII for a good ol’ while.
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Quality product! Paired with AMS payment plans and excellent customer service, I give it 5 stars!
By: David in MS
Submitted: 12/11/2019
1 person found this review helpful.
Product Review
I needed a keyboard for my home studio and the Keylab 49 MKII fits my needs perfectly. I'm not a great keyboard player but with Arturia's integration with the major DAWs out there its a win! The included software will give me a ton of instruments to use in my music. Thank you Arturia and American Music Supply!
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Best Controller
By: Brock
Submitted: 11/8/2019
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This is by far the best quality controller I have owned. I love the feel of the keys and the templates it comes with for the different DAWS. The availble sounds in the free software are amazing!
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Best 49 Key Controller For The Synth Lover!
By: Ron
Submitted: 3/6/2019
3 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
There are many controllers on the market today that address all styles of play. If you are a synth player/programmer the Arturia Keylab MKII may be the best choice for you. Its tactile surface with pads, knobs, and sliders are a sound designers dream. The included Analog Lab software includes thousands of patches from analog and digital synth engines to keep topi busy for months. From the Sequential Circuits Prophet V to the Fairlight CMI, you will love the pallet of synth textures. Also, if you have external modules the CV In and MIDI Ports will allow you to have extensive control of your analog or digital desktop or modular devices.
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Pleasantly Surprised
By: Joseph J
Submitted: 1/6/2019
2 people found this review helpful.
Product Review
This was my first 49 key controller after a long while of researching. The Arturia KeyLab 49 MKII beat out the Akai MPK249 and the Novation LaunchKey 49. I liked the pads on the Akai, but the placement of the pitch/ mod wheels rub me the wrong way. I liked the Ableton integration on the Novation, but the pads are awful and the build seemed cheap. I own products from both companies, an Akai MPK Mini MKII and a Novation LaunchKey 49.
I love the build of the KeyLab. The aluminum feels premium and the wood cheeks are very pleasing on the eye. The keybad is fantastic, the right amount of play and spring. Pitch/ mod wheels (also made of aluminum) are in the right places. Analog Lab 3 is worth 5 stars on its own and the KeyLab seems like it was built for it (it also plays well with Ableton Live 10.0.5).
Overall, I don't regret this purchase one bit and it's making me write more music. Which was the point. It's an inspiring piece of gear.