Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 White — a 49-key universal MIDI controller with a hybrid synth-piano keybed feel, in a white finish with wood-look end panels. It pairs a set of performance controls with ready-made DAW integration and a substantial software bundle.
The velocity-sensitive keybed has a hybrid feel combining the lightness of a synth-action keyboard with a touch closer to piano action, working well both for programming synth parts and for more pianistic lines. A central 2.5" LCD screen with contextual buttons and a clickable encoder gives direct access to Chord, Scale, and the built-in arpeggiator, shortening the path from a melodic idea to a finished phrase without switching to a computer screen.
DAW control without manually mapping every parameter
A producer connecting a new controller usually loses time manually assigning faders and encoders to mixer or plugin parameters. KeyLab Essential mk3 uses ready-made integration scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and other DAWs, using MCU and HUI protocols to control transport, mixing, and project navigation right after connecting, with no setup required.
Expressive playing and beat-making on one surface
8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads handle both finger drumming and triggering clips or MIDI notes, while Chord and Scale modes quantize entered chords and melodies to a chosen key — useful for quickly sketching ideas without needing music theory in your head. The multi-purpose pedal input supports sustain, footswitch, or expression pedal depending on the session's needs.
KEY FEATURES
- 49 velocity-sensitive keys, hybrid synth/piano feel
- 2.5" LCD screen with contextual buttons and clickable encoder
- 1 clickable master encoder, 9 additional encoders, 9 faders
- 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads
- 6 transport switches, 4 command switches
- Pitch bend and modulation wheels
- Chord, Scale modes, and built-in arpeggiator
- Ready-made DAW integration scripts (MCU/HUI): Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more
- Included: Analog Lab Pro, Ableton Live Lite, UVI Model D, NI The Gentleman, Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select, 2 months of Loopcloud, Melodics trial subscription
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Keybed: 49 keys, velocity-sensitive, hybrid feel
- Display: 2.5" LCD
- Pedal input: multi-purpose (sustain / footswitch / expression)
- MIDI: 5-pin DIN output
- Computer connection: USB-C
- Software compatibility: Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs)
- Dimensions: 790 x 240 x 70mm
- Weight: 2.76kg
- Finish: White, wood-look end panels