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Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII

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Features
Connectivity
Size and Portability
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3 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [3]

100
Total expert reviews: 3
  • with a score: 1
  • without a score: 2

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
Arturia Keylab MKII Review – Phenomenal Option
The Arturia Keylab MKII is a top-of-the-line MIDI keyboard that offers durability, improved features, and a range of control options. It is a reliable and sturdy option for musicians, especially for live performances.
+ pros
  • Arturia Keylab MKII is built like a tank and is extremely durable.
  • The addition of aftertouch on the keys provides more expression and is a win for Arturia.
  • The included software, Analog Lab, has over 6,000 sounds and works well with the MIDI controller.
  • The modular control feature allows for integration with vintage synth gear and eurorack modules.
  • The MIDI controller is compatible with all major DAWs and comes with overlays for most DAWs.
  • The metal pitch bend and mod wheels, as well as the real wood side panels, add to the durability and quality of the keyboard.
- cons
  • The Keylab MKII does not have a built-in arpeggiator, which may be inconvenient for live use.
  • The author mentions that Akai and Novation have keyboards with arpeggiator functions, which the Keylab MKII lacks.
  • The author also mentions that older MIDI controllers can have sync problems and connectivity issues, emphasizing the importance of using up-to-date controllers.
100
a Keyboard MIDI Controller by Arturia
The KeyLab 49 MKII by Arturia is a high-quality MIDI keyboard controller that offers a robust build, excellent keybed, and seamless integration with major DAWs. It also comes with a wide range of software synths and sounds, making it a versatile and powerful tool for professional music creators.
+ pros
  • Robust and tour-ready aluminum chassis.
  • Semi-weighted "Pro Feel" keybed.
  • 16 RGB backlit, multi-function performance pads.
  • Nine assignable faders and rotary knobs.
  • Ten dedicated DAW Commands switches with magnetic overlays.
  • Six universal transport controls.
  • Control center with LCD screen and clickable wheel for fast browsing, editing, and saving.
  • Category shortcuts for instantly sorting sounds.
  • Support for vintage outboard, synths, modular, and Eurorack with dedicated CV/Gate connections.
  • Excellent build quality and integration with different DAWs.
  • Stellar support and integration with Arturia's analog lab.
  • Bundled hardware and software synths in a high-quality package.
  • Ridiculously good looking design.
- cons
  • Lack of a full-blown LCD screen and graphical interface.
  • Absence of an arpeggiator.
  • Limited sound sets and included tools in other hardware.
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Expert consensus

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a highly regarded MIDI controller with a lusciously playable keybed, versatile connectivity options, and exceptional build quality, making it a reliable and feature-rich tool for musicians and producers.

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features for musicians and producers. It features 49 full-size keys with a lusciously playable and sensitive keybed, making it suitable for capturing delicate playing nuances as well as high-impact playing.

The controller includes 9 fully assignable knobs and 9 faders, providing control over various parameters in software instruments and effects. This makes it a versatile tool for creating and controlling music.

In terms of connectivity, the KeyLab 49 MkII offers a comprehensive range of options. It has MIDI in and out connectors for connecting to external MIDI devices, making it ideal for incorporating external gear into your setup. It also has CV outputs and a CV input for sending and receiving signals to and from Eurorack gear or vintage synths, making it a great choice for modular synth enthusiasts.

Additionally, it has 5 expression pedal inputs for adding expressive elements to performances.

The KeyLab 49 MkII is compact and portable, making it suitable for travel and transportation. While it does not come with a carrying case or bag, it is described as solid and roadworthy, ensuring durability during travel.

The build quality of the KeyLab 49 MkII is exceptional, with high-quality materials and a solid construction. The metal mod and pitch bend wheels, as well as the real wood side panels, contribute to its durability. The controller is built like a tank and has good resistance on the knobs and sliders.

It provides a luxurious feel and is suitable for professional use.

Overall, the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a versatile and high-quality MIDI controller that is suitable for musicians and producers who want a reliable and feature-rich tool for creating and controlling music. It is particularly well-suited for those who want to incorporate external gear, modular synths, or expressive elements into their musical setups.

Features

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a MIDI controller with lusciously playable keys, robust keyboard action, and a range of assignable knobs and faders, making it a versatile tool for musicians and producers.

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a MIDI controller that comes with 49 full-size keys. The keys are described as lusciously playable, sensitive enough to capture delicate playing nuances, and robust enough for high-impact playing. The keyboard action is Arturia's Pro-Feel action, which is the same keybed used in their MatrixBrute and MiniBrute 2 synthesizers.

This keybed is sensitive enough to accurately capture the subtleties and nuances of delicate playing, while still being robust enough to feel the energy of high-impact playing. The semi-weighted keys provide a comfortable and responsive playing experience.

In terms of controls, the KeyLab 49 MkII features 9 fully assignable knobs. These knobs allow you to control various parameters of your software instruments and effects. Additionally, the controller includes 9 faders that are also fully assignable. These faders give you control over various parameters in your virtual instruments, effects, and recording environment.

Overall, the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a versatile MIDI controller that offers a range of features for musicians and producers. It provides a high-quality keyboard action, a generous number of assignable knobs and faders, and a comfortable playing experience. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist producer, the KeyLab 49 MkII can be a valuable tool for creating and controlling your music.

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Connectivity

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a versatile MIDI controller with comprehensive connectivity options, including MIDI in and out, CV outputs and input, expression pedal inputs, and USB connectivity, making it suitable for a variety of musical setups and preferences.

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, making it a versatile MIDI controller for both software and hardware setups. It features full-sized MIDI in and out connectors, allowing you to connect to external MIDI devices such as synthesizers, drum machines, or sound modules.

This is particularly useful for musicians who want to incorporate external gear into their setup.

Additionally, the KeyLab 49 MkII has 4 CV outputs and a CV input, which enable you to send and receive pitch, gate, and modulation signals to and from Eurorack gear or vintage outboard synths. This makes it a great choice for modular synth enthusiasts or those who want to integrate their MIDI controller with analog gear.

Furthermore, the KeyLab 49 MkII boasts 5 expression pedal inputs, providing flexibility for advanced performance setups. These inputs can be used to connect expression pedals or other compatible controllers, allowing you to control various parameters in your virtual instruments or DAW.

This is ideal for musicians who want to add expressive elements to their performances.

In terms of USB connectivity, the KeyLab 49 MkII has one USB port available for connecting to your computer or other devices. This USB port serves as both a power source and a means of data communication. This means that you can easily connect the controller to your computer without the need for additional power cables.

Overall, the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII offers a wide range of connectivity options that cater to different needs and preferences. Whether you're a musician looking to integrate external gear, a modular synth enthusiast, or someone who wants to add expressive elements to their performances, this MIDI controller provides the necessary connectivity to enhance your musical setup.

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Size and Portability

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is a compact and portable MIDI controller, but not specifically designed for on-the-go use.

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII has dimensions of approximately 32. 2 inches in length, 10. 2 inches in width, and 2. 9 inches in height, providing a compact and portable design for a MIDI controller. While it does not come with a carrying case or bag included, it is described as a solid and roadworthy piece of gear, implying that it is designed to withstand travel and transportation.

However, it is not specifically designed to be compact and lightweight for on-the-go use. If portability is a priority, there are other MIDI controllers available that are more suitable for on-the-go use.

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Build Quality

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII MIDI Controller is praised for its exceptional build quality, with high-quality materials and a luxurious feel, making it durable and suitable for professional use.

The Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII MIDI Controller is praised by experts for its exceptional build quality. It is constructed with high-quality materials, including metal mod and pitch bend wheels, which contribute to its durability. The side panels of the keyboard are made of real wood, providing a heavy and durable feel.

The keyboard is described as being built like a tank and is considered extremely durable. It has a solid build, with knobs and sliders that have good resistance. The KeyLab MkII is also noted for its luxurious feel, providing a treat for the fingertips.

Overall, the build quality of the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII is highly regarded and suitable for professional use, ensuring longevity and reliability in various musical applications.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all MIDI controllers.

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1
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Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software.
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7
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- $79
Akai MPK Mini MK3
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers.
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5
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2
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4
3
- $360
Akai Pro MPK249
The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
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1
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4
- $119
M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII did not receive any endorsements this month.

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ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. midi controllers below are at the top of our ranking this December.

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Price
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The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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