KeyLab Essential 49 Mk3

This is a controller not a synthesizer. Controllers are keyboards that control other devices via MIDI. This controller does MIDI over USB or 5-pin MIDI port. It comes with a fantastic software bundle, including Analog Lab Pro which is a collection of soft synths that normally costs $200 by itself, Ableton Live Lite which is only bundled with keyboards and is nearly identical to Ableton Live Intro which sells for $99, and The Gentleman piano which sells for $99, as well as several other other pieces of software. That is well over $400 in software included with a keyboard that costs about half that. This is probably the best quality keyboard you can find in this price range as well. They keys feel great, the knobs and sliders feel sturdy while also moving smoothly. The large display is easy to read. The keyboard just works with the included software, but you can also easily program the sliders, knobs, and buttons to map them to specific functions on other MIDI gear. There are 6 user programmable banks to store custom configuration (in addition to the two read only banks used for controlling the included software and digital audio workstations). The only thing I wish it had was polyphonic aftertouch, however I have yet to see a keyboard in this price range with that functionality. It ticks every other box and it is worth it for the software alone.

Normally I don't like to brag however the Arturia KayLab Essential 49 is flawless as a standalone controller. It's competition (Novat***) can't even come close. Here is why. PROS: The Keybed is from Fatar (A huge plus) The ARPS are killer The display is easy to navigate and read The pitch and mod wheels feel excellent Modern USB-C and Standard Midi with sustain jack. Powered by USB Faders and knobs feel really good when moving them The included software is so much better than its competitor *** Works Flawlessly with Akai Force and MPC One, One+ and MPC Software. *** *** Works so good with Roland MC 707, Aria Rythm composer and Verselab MV-1 *** The "Midi Learn" on the Akai force and MPC series allows you to instantly control your drum rolls, Envelopes, drops and samples right off the que from the Arturia KeyLab Essential. (This is super fantastic). No other controller that I have used has this ability to work so well with Akai. (Not even the MPKs or Mini) In my opinion. The chord progression is fantastic on the KeyLab Essential 49. I love how you can assign the samples to your scores and recall them in with the pads on the Arturia KeyLab 49. CONS: No matter which Arturia KeyLab you purchase it has the "ugly fake wooden sides". Arturia, for a few extra dollars should include vinyl color sides for you to stick on or leave the sides the color of the board. For all you AKAI OWNERS, you will love this. (my opinion only) Overall, out of 8 different controllers that I use for Hardware Groove Boxes like Akai & Roland, there is noting that comes close. Thank you Arturia! Money well spent!

An amazing instrument. Great quality, great sound, not weighted but the keyboard, with its 'springy' feel, feels real good. Analog V and Abelton Live Lite 12 (DAW) + two other high-priced virtual instrument plug-ins, in themselves make it a great buy for both beginners and experienced MIDI controller users. Very powerful, loaded with features only available in very high-priced controllers. My only regret is, I should have bought the 61 key model instead of the 49-key model for $50 more. Yet, I remain in awe. After you get over the installation of the keyboard and configuring all the software that comes with it and are required to use this (and, TBH, that could be daunting), this machine is genuinely a pleasure to use.

The Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3-49 keys MEDI Keyboard Controller is the best MIDI and best value for money I have found so far. It is easy to install the software and works immediately with my DAW. The bundled software, KeyLab Analog V is excellent and also easy to use as well as giving me more than enough virtual instruments and sounds to help me make the music want to make quickly and seamlessly.

works great, very customizable and works good with my daw

So far, no issues. Seems good quality and well built. I haven’t had enough time with it to give 5 stars, and the key springs/weight seems a bit much, but overall I’m quite happy with the purchase and would recommend it. Good job, Arturia!

Fantastic controller that integrates easily with the Arturia line of plugins (V collection). It's easy to program thanks to the midi control software and they provide scripts for most DAW control. My only wish is that the keybed has a better feel to it. Overall, solid controller.

👍👍👍 This is my favorite controller to work with. It is highly versatile and seamlessly integrated with various platforms. I highly recommend it, whether you're a beginner or an expert.