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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

Does the Arturia KeyLab 49 have semi-weighted keys?

Yes, the Arturia KeyLab 49 features semi-weighted keys, providing a responsive and comfortable playing experience suitable for both live performances and studio work.

What software is included with the Arturia KeyLab 49?

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.

How many keys and pads does the Arturia KeyLab 49 have?

The Arturia KeyLab 49 is equipped with 49 full-size keys and 16 velocity-sensitive pads, offering ample control for composing and performing.

Is the Arturia KeyLab 49 compatible with DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro?

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.

What connectivity options does the Arturia KeyLab 49 offer?

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.

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Reviews

PROS

  • Solid construction with a heavy, metal chassis

  • Aftertouch feature allows for expressive playing

  • Integrates well with software like Ableton Live and Analog Lab

  • Versatile: USB and MIDI compatibility

  • Comes with thousands of classic patches via Analog Lab 3

  • Knobs, faders, and semi-weighted keys provide a professional feel

  • Can easily control other hardware

  • Wooden/metal body enhances durability and aesthetics

CONS

  • Flimsy keybed and faulty USB port reported

  • Pads are hard to play, requiring significant force

  • MIDI mapping and channel switching can be unintuitive

  • Lacks regular updates and support from Arturia

  • 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

  • The keybed on the KeyLab 49 mk3 is significantly more substantial and feels better compared to the older Essential model.

    Source
  • Multiple owners note that the knobs can feel inconsistent, with some spinning at different rates, affecting usability.

    Source
  • The KeyLab 49 Mk2 features a steel body, offering a solid feel and substantial heft compared to competitors.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users find the polarity of the sustain pedal can't be saved, requiring frequent manual reversal.

    Source
  • A user highlights that the middle dial only interacts with Arturia software and doesn't transmit MIDI CC, limiting its versatility.

    Source
  • The KeyLab Mk2 doesn't include an arpeggiator but offers a chord mode; Ableton's built-in features can compensate.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • 49 keys may limit those who frequently use orchestral sample libraries due to key switch restrictions.

    Source
  • The KeyLab is praised for its integration with Arturia plugins like Analog Lab and Pigments, as the faders and knobs are pre-mapped.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • 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.

    Source
  • KeyLab Mk2 comes with Analog Lab Pro, providing around 2000 tweakable synth sounds, enhancing integration with Arturia software.

    Source
  • The KeyLab Mk2 has built-in DAW mode for easy integration with Ableton, simplifying setup for beginners.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A user found the KeyLab 49 for $135 on clearance, suggesting it can be an affordable entry point into the Arturia ecosystem.

    Source

User experience

  • The lack of aftertouch is noted as a significant omission, especially for those who prioritize expressive play.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 39 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
kiel

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.

jetmuzik

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.

kevin_zelaya

Great Midi Controller

Feels like a Hardware synth. Comes with Mini V (a miniMoog emulation). Wooden/metal body.

S

disappointing

this board bummed me out. it's the most beautiful board i've ever seen, but the program was a disappointment, and the keys broke and popped up right away

george_rondina

Not sure just got it

Not sure just got itNot sure just got itNot sure just got itNot sure just got itNot sure just got itNot sure just got it

r4ns0m

New for 2015.

Got this via a combined gift from relatives for my birthday.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Angello uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Steve Angello

Music Producer

Swedish House Mafia

...
Verified via Instagram

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.

See how Grimes uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Grimes

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Picture from Grimes' home studio. The Arturia Keylab can be seen on her right.

See how Moby uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Moby

Music Producer

Hanzel und Gretyl

...
Verified via Photo

This is the older version of the Arturia KeyLab49

See how Jon Hopkins uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Jon Hopkins

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

Seen using a Keylab in Pitchfork live performance

See how Robin Schulz uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Robin Schulz

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

It's an interview in his studio, in the Background one can see that he is using the Arturia KeyLab49.

See how Laurent Garnier uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Laurent Garnier

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Laurent Garnier uses the Arturia KeyLab 49 and Analog Lab, as mentioned in an article on the Arturia website.

See how Jean F. uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Jean F.

Singer, Guitarist

SLIFT

...
Verified via Flickr

In this photo, taken at Slift's KEXP performance, Jean can be seen playing the Arturia KeyLab 49.

See how Emancipator uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Emancipator

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

Emancipator is shown using the Arturia KeyLab 49 in photos posted by Ashley Marie Downing on Facebook.

See how Pamungkas uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Pamungkas

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Pamungkas is seen using the Arturia KeyLab 49 in a post on his Instagram account, captioned "what day is it."

See how Hans-Peter Lindstrøm AKA 'Lindstrøm' uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Hans-Peter Lindstrøm AKA 'Lindstrøm'

...
Verified via YouTube

Lindstrøm In The Studio With Future Music

See how Griff uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Griff

Singer

...
Verified via Photo

Griff is seen in this Instagram video performing with an Arturia KeyLab 49 controller.

See how Christina Cimorelli uses Arturia KeyLab 49

Christina Cimorelli

Singer, Keyboardist

Cimorelli

...
Verified via YouTube

At 00:31 you can see Christina using the KeyLab49 clearly.

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.

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Community setups

Show yours
marouanechakib

marouanechakib

Gear IQ 275

pezzer22

pezzer22

Gear IQ 82

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