Overall, if you're looking for a cheap controller with a bundle of software, which can also be used live, and which will integrate easily into your DAW, this is a good option. Would prefer to be able to assign channels to zones, but I guess that's why Arturia sell more expensive / feature rich versions. Not really suitable for piano sounds, but is grand for synths and light organ work.Ģ. It's not the sturdiest keyboard in the world, and the keys are very light to the touch. I've had hours of fun with the vintage synths.ġ. The variety of sounds / synths in the bundled software is just fantastic. It took me a little while (and a youtube video) to figure this out, but it was really worth it to have the versatility of a second keyboard on the Nord sound engine and the ability to control the organ sounds from the midi controller.Ĥ. With the optional adaptor (Item 192043) I have also been able to use this in a live setting as a controller keyboard (in my case for a Nord Electro 6 HP), so it could operate as a top (B3 organ) board, including the assignment of the sliders to the Nord drawbar settings. The midi control centre, where you can save configurations to the User pads for easy recall is great.ģ. Relatively easy to set up and install, provided you follow the instructions and do everything in the right orderĢ. There are some limitations (eg the absence of zones / splits) but for less than £200 I can't really complain.ġ. In addition to the relatively low price, the bundled software made it a very good value purchase. I think this makes the keylab essential and excellent product overall, especially for those first getting into making music who perhaps don't have as many synths and samples yet. The big thing though is the inclusion of Aturia's analog lab.

For whatever reason the note-off doesn't get sent. My major complaint is the midi keys sometimes get stuck on. It's the same on my keystep pro, so it might be Arturia's thing. My minor complaint is that the pots move veeeery slowly. The programming software is easy to use, and an update within the last year made it not take a few minutes to actually load. I like the layout, lots of faders and pots to map things too. Nothing fancy beyond velocity and release velocity.

The keys are nice, though it's a typical synth keybed. Having five octaves in a pretty compact keyboard has been great as someone who doesn't have a whole lot of space.

Arturia key lab 61