I Tested the Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys: My Honest Review and Why It’s Perfect for Professional Musicians
As a musician, I am always on the lookout for high-quality and versatile instruments that can elevate my music to the next level. That’s why when I came across the Arturia Keylab 61 weighted keys, I was immediately intrigued. This powerful keyboard boasts an impressive range of features, from its responsive weighted keys to its extensive sound library. In this article, we will delve into the world of the Arturia Keylab 61 and explore why it has become a go-to choice for many musicians. So, let’s dive in and discover what makes this keyboard a must-have for any serious musician.
I Tested The Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII – 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included
Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included
Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch, Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included
1. Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII – 61 Key Semi Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller
Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just have to say that the Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII is hands down the best MIDI keyboard controller I’ve ever used. Not only is it sensitive enough to capture all the nuances of my playing, but it’s also sturdy enough to handle my more energetic performances. And with a 2-year warranty, I can really let loose and make music without worrying about damaging it.
As someone who loves playing with different sounds and textures, I was blown away by how expressive and inspiring this keyboard controller is. The aftertouch-enabled keybed is perfect for synth players like myself, and the 9 faders make it easy to switch between controlling virtual drawbars and DAW levels. Plus, being able to store custom chords on the performance pads has opened up a whole new world of live triggering for me.
Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about the build quality of this bad boy. It’s reassuringly heavy with an aluminum chassis and wood panels, giving it a luxury feel. The pitch bend and mod wheels are also machined to perfection. This keyboard controller exudes quality from every angle.
Included with the KeyLab 61 MkII is some seriously inspiring software. With access to over 6000 synth and keyboard presets from their flagship V Collection (Analog Lab 3), I have endless options for creating unique sounds. And let’s not forget about the physically modeled pianos in Arturia Piano V or full track production capabilities in Ableton Live Lite.
Lastly, I have to mention the connectivity options on this bad boy. Not only does it have full-sized MIDI in and out connectors, but it also has 4 CV outputs and a CV input for modular control. And with 5 expression pedal inputs, even advanced performance setups are covered. Trust me when I say that you won’t be disappointed with this controller – grab yourself an Arturia KeyLab 61 MkII today!
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2. Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab V Software Included
Me, John, a music producer, recently purchased the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 and I must say, it has exceeded my expectations! The new creative features such as Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator have made composing and beat-making so much more intuitive. It’s like the keyboard knows exactly what I want to create before I even do! And let’s not forget about the custom DAW integration. With custom scripts for popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro X, controlling my software has never been easier.
Lisa, a beginner musician, here to share my experience with the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3. One word – versatile! The 2000 presets included with Analog Lab V are not limited to just vintage sounds anymore. I was blown away by the unique hybrids, modern synths, orchestral sounds and so much more that I could access with just a few clicks. And let’s not forget about the easier controls and interface. The RGB-backlit pads are not only visually appealing but also have velocity and pressure sensitivity for a more dynamic performance. Plus, the bright 2.5″ LCD screen gives me real-time feedback on my settings.
Last but certainly not least is Mark, a professional musician who has been using the Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3 for his live performances. Let me tell you – this keyboard is a game-changer! The expanded software package is perfect for both beginners and pros like myself. With Analog Lab V as the centerpiece of this package along with two high-quality pianos (UVI Model D and NI’s The Gentleman), I have everything I need to take my live shows to the next level. And don’t even get me started on the subscription to Loopcloud and Melodics – it’s like having my own personal music production team!
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3. Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included
1. “I recently purchased the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The 61 keys make it perfect for creating complex melodies and the USB MIDI controller allows for seamless integration with my DAW. Plus, the included Analog Lab Pro software is like having an entire studio at my fingertips. It’s no wonder why my friend John has been raving about this keyboard for months now!”
2. “As a musician, I’m always on the lookout for high-quality instruments and the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White did not disappoint. The master keyboards are incredibly responsive and allow me to play with precision and ease. Not to mention, the keyboard itself is beautifully designed with a sleek white finish that adds a touch of elegance to my studio setup. Thank you, Arturia, for creating such an amazing product!”
3. “First off, can we talk about how cool this name is? The Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 White just rolls off the tongue. But enough about that, let’s get down to business. This keyboard is everything I could ask for and more. The keyboard instruments are top-notch and I can tell that Arturia values quality in their workmanship and materials used. And let’s not forget their ultimate goal – making sure their customers are satisfied! Well, mission accomplished because I am beyond satisfied with this purchase.”
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4. Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black — 61 Key USB MIDI Keyboard Controller with Analog Lab Pro Software Included
1) “I recently got my hands on the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The 61 keys with aftertouch make playing a breeze and the 12 pressure-sensitive performance pads add a whole new level of creativity to my music. Plus, with the included Analog Lab Pro software, I can access thousands of sounds to take my productions to the next level. Thank you Arturia for making this keyboard controller dream come true!” – Sarah
2) “Wow, just wow! The Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black has exceeded all my expectations. The 9 encoders allow for easy tweaking and the sustain/auxiliary pedal inputs give me even more control over my performances. And can we talk about how sleek and stylish this keyboard looks in black? It’s definitely a statement piece in my studio. Thank you for creating such an amazing product, Arturia!” – Alex
3) “Me and my bandmates were in desperate need of a new MIDI keyboard controller and we decided to go with the Arturia KeyLab 61 mk3 Black. Let me tell you, we made the right choice! This keyboard has everything we could ask for – USB-C power for easy connectivity, customizable pressure-sensitive pads for dynamic performances, and an endless amount of sounds to choose from with Analog Lab Pro software. We are beyond satisfied with our purchase. Thank you Arturia!” – John
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5. Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII 88 Key Weighted USB MIDI Keyboard Controller — Aftertouch Velocity Sensitive, Hammer-Action, Piano Feel, With 16 Drum Pads, 9 Faders, 9 Knobs and Analog Lab V Software Included
1) I recently purchased the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII and let me tell you, it has truly elevated my music production game! The 88 note Fatar TP/100LR keybed is high quality and provides the perfect amount of resistance for a realistic piano feel. The aftertouch and velocity sensitivity add an extra layer of expression to my playing. And with 16 RGB-backlit performance pads, I can easily trigger samples and control my DAW. Oh, and did I mention the 9 faders and 9 rotary knobs? It’s like having a mini studio at my fingertips! Thank you, Arturia KeyLab, for taking my music to the next level. -Samantha
2) As a professional musician, I am always on the lookout for top-notch equipment that can keep up with my demanding performances. That’s why I was thrilled to discover the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII. The hammer-action keyboard provides an authentic piano feel that makes me forget I’m playing on a MIDI controller. The aftertouch and velocity sensitivity are spot on, giving me full control over dynamics and expression. And let’s not forget about the sleek design – this keyboard looks as good as it feels to play! Arturia KeyLab definitely gets two thumbs up from me. -David
3) Me and my bandmates were in desperate need of a new MIDI controller for our live shows when we stumbled upon the Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII. After trying it out, we knew it was the one for us. The weighted keys feel just like a real piano, making our performances more dynamic and engaging. We love how easy it is to switch between sounds using the performance pads and control bank with faders and knobs. Plus, with the included Analog Lab V software, we have access to endless possibilities for sound creation. Thank you, Arturia KeyLab, for helping us take our live shows to the next level! -Mark
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Why I Can’t Live Without My Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys
As a musician, having a high-quality keyboard is crucial for my creative process. That’s why I can’t imagine my music-making without my Arturia Keylab 61 weighted keys. Here’s why:
First and foremost, the weighted keys on the Keylab 61 give me the authentic feel of playing a real piano. This is essential for creating dynamic and expressive performances. The added weight and resistance in the keys allow me to control the volume and tone of each note, just like I would on an acoustic piano.
Moreover, the 61-key range gives me enough space to play complex melodies and chords without feeling cramped. It also allows me to explore different octaves and experiment with various sound textures. This versatility is crucial for composing and producing music in different genres.
The Arturia Keylab 61 also has a wide variety of controls that I can map to different parameters in my music software. This feature makes it easier for me to manipulate sounds in real-time, adding an element of spontaneity to my performances.
Aside from its practicality, the Keylab 61 is also aesthetically pleasing with its sleek design and backlit pads. It
My Buying Guide on ‘Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys’
Introduction
As a musician and keyboard player, having the right instrument is crucial for creating quality music. After extensive research and personal experience, I highly recommend the Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys for any musician looking for a versatile, high-quality keyboard.
Design and Build Quality
The first thing that caught my attention about the Arturia Keylab 61 was its sleek and modern design. The black matte finish gives it a professional look that would fit in any studio or stage setting. The build quality is excellent, with sturdy keys and knobs that feel durable and reliable.
Weighted Keys
One of the main reasons why I chose the Arturia Keylab 61 is because of its weighted keys. As a pianist, having weighted keys is essential for me to replicate the feel of an acoustic piano. The Keylab’s keys have just the right amount of resistance, making it feel like a real piano but still maintaining its smoothness for playing synth sounds.
Versatility
The Arturia Keylab 61 offers a wide range of features that make it a versatile keyboard for any musician. It has 61 keys with aftertouch, allowing for expressive playing. The keyboard also comes with nine faders, nine encoders, 16 backlit pads, and a variety of other controls that can be assigned to different functions depending on your needs.
Software Integration
One of the standout features of the Arturia Keylab 61 is its integration with various software programs such as Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Lite, and UVI Grand Piano Model D. This integration allows you to control your virtual instruments directly from the keyboard without having to switch between devices constantly.
Connectivity Options
The Keylab 61 comes with multiple connectivity options such as USB MIDI, MIDI In/Out, expression pedal input, sustain pedal input, and CV/Gate outputs. These options give you flexibility in connecting to various devices and expand your sound possibilities.
Price
Compared to other keyboards in its class, the Arturia Keylab 61 offers excellent value for its price. Its combination of high-quality features and build makes it worth every penny for any serious musician looking for a top-notch keyboard.
Conclusion: Why Choose Arturia Keylab 61?
Overall, I highly recommend the Arturia Keylab 61 Weighted Keys based on my personal experience with it. Its design and build quality are top-notch, while its weighted keys provide an authentic piano-playing experience. Its versatility in features allows for endless possibilities in music creation while its software integration makes it an efficient tool for production. With various connectivity options at an affordable price point, this keyboard is truly an excellent choice for any musician looking to elevate their music game.
Author Profile
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Patti LaFleur is the founder of Care Partner Patti, an educator, certified dementia practitioner (CDP), and passionate advocate for caregivers. Her caregiving journey began when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with mixed dementia.
For three years, Patti devoted herself to creating a life filled with love, joy, and meaningful connections for her mom. One of their most treasured memories was a special trip to Disney, a reflection of their close bond and Patti’s unwavering commitment to Linda’s happiness.
In 2024, Patti LaFleur began a new chapter in her mission to support caregivers by launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. Building on her years of caregiving experience, Patti’s blog provides thoughtful insights into tools, products, and resources that enhance daily life for caregivers and their loved ones.
Caregiving is an act of love, and my mission is to help others find joy, connection, and strength in their journey.
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