The latest loopop video takes a look at Arturia’s KeyLab MK2, including a comparison with its cheaper sibling, KeyLab Essential.

Available in a 49-key or 61-key version, the KeyLab MkII can be used with software synths, as a DAW controller or to control your synth hardware.

Features:

• MIDI- and USB-compatible controller with Mackie HUI recording software control
• 49 or 61 Arturia Pro-Feel semi-weighted keyboard with velocity and pressure sensitivity
• Aluminium chassis
• Metal pitch bend and modulation wheels
• 4 CV outputs and 1 CV input for modular connectivity
• DAW Commands with magnetic overlays
• Total Analog Lab integration with dedicated “Category” buttons for quick navigation
• Three banks of 9 MIDI-assignable knobs, faders, and RGB buttons, preconfigured to work with Analog Lab 3 instruments
• 16 backlit RGB multi-function pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity
• 2 customizable chord modes
• 32-character LCD screen
• Sustain and expression pedal inputs, as well as 3 additional auxiliary pedal inputs

Topics covered:

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