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Average Price: $425
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Description
Step into the world of limitless creativity with the Arturia KeyLab 49, a powerhouse MIDI keyboard controller that seamlessly bridges your musical ideas with their sonic realities. Designed for musicians and producers who demand hands-on control, this versatile tool integrates effortlessly with your digital audio workstation (DAW). With 49 semi-weighted keys, the KeyLab 49 provides a responsive, tactile feel that’s perfect for expressive playing.
The controller is equipped with nine faders and ten encoders, offering precise manipulation of sound parameters for crafting your signature tone. Dive into Arturia’s renowned Analog Lab software, which comes packed with 5000 presets from the iconic V-Collection. This includes meticulously modeled sounds from legendary synthesizers like the ARP 2600, Moog Minimoog, and Roland Jupiter 8, expanding your sonic palette with classic and contemporary tones.
Add a dynamic edge to your compositions using the 16 velocity-sensitive pads, ideal for programming beats or triggering samples. Whether it's lush strings or pounding beats, the KeyLab 49 ensures you have everything at your fingertips to bring your music to life. Compatible with all major DAWs, it integrates smoothly into any studio setup, ensuring efficient and intuitive music production.
Key Features:
- 49 semi-weighted keys for expressive performance
- Nine faders and ten encoders for detailed control
- Includes Analog Lab software with 5000 presets
- 16 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic beat programming
- Seamless integration with major DAWs
- USB and MIDI connectivity for versatile interfacing
Product specs
| Brand | Arturia |
| Model | KeyLab 49 Black Edition MIDI Controller, KeyLab 49 MIDI Controller |
| Finish | Black, White |
| Year | 2013 - 2017 |
| Categories | Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI |
| Number of Keys | 49 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 16 Pads |
FAQs
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Does the Arturia KeyLab 49 have semi-weighted keys?
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Yes, the Arturia KeyLab 49 features semi-weighted keys, providing a responsive and comfortable playing experience suitable for both live performances and studio work.
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What software is included with the Arturia KeyLab 49?
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The Arturia KeyLab 49 comes with a comprehensive software bundle, including Analog Lab, Mini V, Piano V, and Ableton Live Lite, among others, to enhance your music production capabilities.
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How many keys and pads does the Arturia KeyLab 49 have?
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The Arturia KeyLab 49 is equipped with 49 full-size keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads, offering ample control for composing and performing.
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Is the Arturia KeyLab 49 compatible with DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro?
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Yes, the Arturia KeyLab 49 is designed to integrate seamlessly with popular DAWs such as Ableton Live and Logic Pro, providing control over your software instruments and effects.
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What connectivity options does the Arturia KeyLab 49 offer?
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The Arturia KeyLab 49 includes MIDI In/Out ports and USB MIDI connectivity, allowing it to interface with a wide range of hardware and software setups.
Videos
loopop
Arturia KeyLab MK2 vs Essential: Is it worth the price difference?
Reviews
PROS
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Solid construction with a heavy, metal chassis
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Aftertouch feature allows for expressive playing
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Integrates well with software like Ableton Live and Analog Lab
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Versatile: USB and MIDI compatibility
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Comes with thousands of classic patches via Analog Lab 3
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Knobs, faders, and semi-weighted keys provide a professional feel
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Can easily control other hardware
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Wooden/metal body enhances durability and aesthetics
CONS
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Flimsy keybed and faulty USB port reported
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Pads are hard to play, requiring significant force
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MIDI mapping and channel switching can be unintuitive
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Lacks regular updates and support from Arturia
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Some users report key action could be more professional
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia KeyLab 49.
Build quality
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The keybed on the KeyLab 49 mk3 is significantly more substantial and feels better compared to the older Essential model.
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Multiple owners note that the knobs can feel inconsistent, with some spinning at different rates, affecting usability.
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The KeyLab 49 Mk2 features a steel body, offering a solid feel and substantial heft compared to competitors.
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Features and functionality
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Some users find the polarity of the sustain pedal can't be saved, requiring frequent manual reversal.
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A user highlights that the middle dial only interacts with Arturia software and doesn't transmit MIDI CC, limiting its versatility.
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The KeyLab Mk2 doesn't include an arpeggiator but offers a chord mode; Ableton's built-in features can compensate.
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Comparisons
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The Novation Launchkey 37 mk3 is considered by one owner to be cheaper, more robust, and better suited for Ableton than the KeyLab 49 mk3.
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The Novation SL is highlighted for its superior build quality and feature set compared to the Arturia, especially for those needing a sequencer and better DAW integration.
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Use cases and applications
Software and compatibility
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Some owners mention that the KeyLab lacks a tap tempo button and the ability to navigate between time markers, which can be a drawback for certain DAWs.
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KeyLab Mk2 comes with Analog Lab Pro, providing around 2000 tweakable synth sounds, enhancing integration with Arturia software.
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The KeyLab Mk2 has built-in DAW mode for easy integration with Ableton, simplifying setup for beginners.
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Value and pricing
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A user found the KeyLab 49 for $135 on clearance, suggesting it can be an affordable entry point into the Arturia ecosystem.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 39 Ratings
60
beautiful solid keyboard
Solid construction, heavy, metal chasis, nice touch of the keys (not soft), it has aftertouch!, good integration with ableton live, very successful, it is not necessary to map to use the knobs and faders. Pads do not work well, they are f.. hard to play, velocity sensitive pad but, for god sake you have to hit them hard, but the keyboard's keys are pretty nice, it's a beautiful white keyboard, i am happy with it.
194
I Love ARTURIA
This was one of my 1st major controller purchases. I no longer have this controller because i upgraded to the Arturia Key Lab 49 Black Edition. The feel of the keys is amazing compared to a lot of other controllers. I love the standalone plugin that comes with it as well. Knobs are great and I love the sync feats as well.
53
Great Midi Controller
Feels like a Hardware synth. Comes with Mini V (a miniMoog emulation). Wooden/metal body.
Not sure just got it
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Artist usage
Add artist
In this video on Steve's Instagram, where he has made a song where his kid sings, you can clearly see the Arturia infront off the screen.
It's an interview in his studio, in the Background one can see that he is using the Arturia KeyLab49.
Laurent Garnier uses the Arturia KeyLab 49 and Analog Lab, as mentioned in an article on the Arturia website.
In this photo, taken at Slift's KEXP performance, Jean can be seen playing the Arturia KeyLab 49.
Emancipator is shown using the Arturia KeyLab 49 in photos posted by Ashley Marie Downing on Facebook.
Pamungkas is seen using the Arturia KeyLab 49 in a post on his Instagram account, captioned "what day is it."
Album Usage
The Arturia KeyLab 49 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia KeyLab 49, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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