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Average Price: $920
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Description
The Arturia KeyLab 61 is a powerhouse in the world of MIDI keyboard controllers, seamlessly bridging the gap between hardware control and digital production. Designed for musicians who demand precision and versatility, this controller boasts 61 responsive semi-weighted keys, offering a tactile experience that feels both expressive and intuitive. Perfect for live performances or studio sessions, the KeyLab 61 is equipped with a suite of controls that include nine faders, ten encoders, and a set of 16 velocity-sensitive pads that bring your rhythms to life.
At the heart of the Arturia KeyLab 61 is its integration with Arturia's Analog Lab software, giving you immediate access to over 5000 sounds from the renowned V-Collection. Whether it's the iconic tones of the ARP 2600, the legendary warmth of the Moog Minimoog, or the classic vibes of the Roland Jupiter 8, you'll find these sounds and more at your fingertips. The controller's intuitive layout ensures seamless navigation and control, allowing you to focus on creativity without getting bogged down by technicalities.
Whether you're a seasoned producer or a budding musician, the KeyLab 61 is ready to elevate your musical journey, offering a blend of innovation and tradition in a single, sleek package.
Key Features:
- 61 responsive semi-weighted keys
- Nine faders and ten encoders for comprehensive control
- 16 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic rhythmic programming
- Seamless integration with Analog Lab software
- Access to over 5000 presets from the V-Collection
- Compatible with major DAWs for versatile production options
Product specs
| Brand | Arturia |
| Model | KeyLab 61 Black Edition MIDI Controller, KeyLab 61 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 | 61 Keys |
| Number of Pads | 16 Pads |
FAQs
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Does the Arturia KeyLab 61 have weighted keys?
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The Arturia KeyLab 61 features a synth action keybed, which provides a responsive feel suitable for both synth and organ playing but is not fully weighted like a traditional piano.
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What software is included with the Arturia KeyLab 61?
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The Arturia KeyLab 61 comes with Analog Lab software, offering a vast collection of sounds and presets to enhance your music production experience.
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How many pads are available on the Arturia KeyLab 61?
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The Arturia KeyLab 61 is equipped with 16 velocity-sensitive pads, allowing for expressive beat-making and triggering of samples.
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What are the connectivity options for the Arturia KeyLab 61?
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The Arturia KeyLab 61 includes MIDI input and output, as well as USB MIDI, providing versatile connectivity for various setups and devices.
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Is the Arturia KeyLab 61 compatible with popular DAWs?
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Yes, the Arturia KeyLab 61 is designed to integrate seamlessly with major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio, offering extensive control and mapping capabilities.
Videos
Arturia
Arturia announces the KeyLab Essential Series
Reviews
PROS
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Comes with a variety of software, enhancing production capabilities
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Easy integration with Arturia plugins for a seamless workflow
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Features numerous knobs, sliders, and pads for extensive control
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Responsive customer support for maintenance and troubleshooting
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USB + MIDI connectivity simplifies setup with various devices
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Good for light touch use and aftertouch features
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Sturdy build quality, suitable for serious producers
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Ideal for accessing vintage synthesizer sounds
CONS
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Some keys may fail or break, requiring repairs
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Keybed quality and durability under heavy use can be disappointing
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Configuration from the panel can be complex and unintuitive
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Synchronization between CC values can be slow
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia KeyLab 61.
Build quality
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Some users find the keybed spongy and odd, with one key's spring breaking and causing it to stick up and catch fingers during fast play.
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The MkIII version is praised for a premium Fatar key feel, considered an improvement over the spongier keys of the MkII model.
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Multiple owners describe the Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3's keybed as feeling cheap, impacting the overall tactile experience negatively.
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Features and functionality
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The middle dial on the KeyLab 61 only interacts with Arturia software and is not MIDI CC mappable, limiting its versatility.
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The KeyLab MkIII lacks true polyphonic aftertouch, but supports single-key aftertouch, which may be sufficient for beginners exploring expressive playing.
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Novation Launchkey MK4 supports splitting the keyboard to play two instruments simultaneously, a feature some users appreciate for versatility in live settings.
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Software and compatibility
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The KeyLab 61 integrates well with Arturia's V Collection and Pigments, but some users encounter issues with sync arpeggios in Ableton losing BPM.
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In India, the KeyLab 61 includes the full V Collection 11 Pro for free, an unusual offer compared to typical bundled software packages.
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Despite preferring Novation's build and functions, some users struggle with choosing Arturia for its valuable bundled Analog Lab software.
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Comparisons
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The Novation Launchkey is noted for better build quality and features, including excellent velocity sensitivity and functional pads, compared to the Arturia KeyLab 61.
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The Novation Launchkey MK4 offers superior DAW integration and chord mode with visual feedback, making it advantageous for music theory learning.
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User experience
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Some owners report that the KeyLab 61's knobs spin at different rates, affecting uniform control, and the pads are considered stiff and unresponsive by some users.
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Arturia's controllers are notably heavy, which can be cumbersome for gigging or frequent transportation.
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Arturia's Essential series is noted for portability due to its small footprint, making it suitable for mobile gigs where plug-in control isn't required.
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Use cases and applications
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The 61-key version is generally adequate for learning and music production, with octave shift buttons providing access to full note range.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 8 Reviews and 25 Ratings
126
Not as rugged as I'd like
I had to replace the keyboard a while back after some keys failed (long out of warranty). It turned out to be fairly easy to do, and their support was very responsive.
I've never really gotten the hang of configuring it from the panel, but with the software it's reasonable. The touch is pretty consistent, tho I prefer using the Casio PX-110 for general use for the weighted keys. I use it for the controls, for aftertouch and for stuff where a lighter touch works well.
126
I don't use Analog Labs to any significant degree; for analog I usually use Strobe2.
115
Great Product and Great Value
I have been very impressed with this keyboard and the software it comes with. I am using is both in the studio and live. Using Mainstage with the Keylab61 along with two other keyboards in my current live sets. Importing any of the Arturia Analog Lab Software Synths is a breeze via Mainstage! I purchased this controller to have access to thousands of vintage synthesizers and was impressed with all the knobs sliders and pads that easily obtainable. However, the Arturia Keylab61 does not have a very sturdy keyboard. In less than a year I had to repair (with super glue) three broken plastic key parts (inside where the key is connected to a black plastic part that connects the key to the hammer action). I don't recommend playing heavy organ parts on this keyboard. I now use my Keylab61 or pads, some leads and strings patches.
196
Super useful and well built
I use it mainly with my Arturia plugins and I must admit that the build quality is as high as a high-end synth.
71
Good
When buying, you get a lot of new software, included the Mini V VST witch is great! It's somewhat big but that's not a big problem.
Artist usage
Add artist
Tiësto is quoted in Arturia's webpage, meaning that he uses this Hybrid Synhesizer.
Quote:
We love using the Arturia virtual synths. They are top notch when it comes to analog synthesizer emulation. And now with the KeyLab you have a direct access to all these sounds in a simple and classy way
Original source here.
Stephan Bodzin uploaded this photo to his Instagram from his studio. The text with te post:
stephanbodzinBOUNCE!!! @marcromboy #hypernova #stephanbodzinremix #PowersOfTen
Syn Cole features a Keylab 61 on the bottom of this Facebook photo of his recording studio.
In this picture of Grabbitz studio, an Arturia KeyLab61 MIDI Keyboard can be clearly seen.
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 61, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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