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Description

Unlock your musical potential with the Arturia KeyLab 61 Black Edition, a 61-key MIDI keyboard controller designed to seamlessly integrate with your creative workflow. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, this versatile controller offers an intuitive interface with deep software integration, ensuring you can focus more on creating and less on setup. The KeyLab 61 comes equipped with velocity-sensitive keys and aftertouch, providing a responsive and expressive performance experience.

Tailored for musicians and producers who demand precision and control, the KeyLab 61 features a robust build and a sleek design. It includes a comprehensive range of rotary knobs, faders, and pads, all fully assignable, giving you total command over your digital audio workstation (DAW) and other software instruments. The accompanying Analog Lab software gives you access to thousands of presets from Arturia's acclaimed V Collection, turning your keyboard into a versatile powerhouse.

Designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software, the KeyLab 61 offers seamless integration with your DAW, including popular platforms like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and FL Studio. This ensures that your creative process remains uninterrupted, allowing for a fluid transition between inspiration and execution.

Key Features:

  • 61 velocity-sensitive keys with aftertouch for expressive play
  • 16 backlit performance pads for dynamic beatmaking
  • 9 large faders and 9 rotary encoders for real-time control
  • Seamless integration with major DAWs
  • Includes Analog Lab software with over 6,500 sounds
  • High-quality aluminum chassis and wood side panels for durability
  • USB, MIDI, and CV connectivity options for versatile setups

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia KeyLab 61 Black Edition.

Build quality

  • Several owners report the keybed as spongy and unnatural; keys may become loose and stick after extended use.

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  • Owners note the KeyLab 61 MK3's overall build quality and attention to detail as significant improvements over previous models, with a more premium feel.

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  • The 61 MKII's buttons are described as "nice and clicky," but the keys, while easy to control velocity, lack the resistance expected from semi-weighted keys.

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Features and functionality

  • The KeyLab does not have aftertouch, which is a noted omission by users who value expressive playability.

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  • The KeyLab's arpeggiator is praised for its seamless integration with external synths, which is critical for some users.

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  • The KeyLab 61 MKII's keybed is noted for being closer to synth action than traditional semi-weighted, which might affect playability preferences.

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  • The KeyLab 61 MKII's pads may require firm pressure to activate, which could impact their suitability for sensitive finger drumming applications.

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Software and compatibility

  • Integration with Arturia's VSTs is seamless, though one user found FL Studio setup cumbersome without built-in transport mapping.

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  • The KeyLab MK3 allows users to open Analog Lab without needing to open a DAW, streamlining workflow for Arturia VST users.

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  • Users report that Logic integration requires using the Mackie Control layout for full functionality, suggesting potential setup challenges without proper guidance.

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User experience

  • Users note that the KeyLab is well-suited for use with Arturia's own software and instruments, enhancing workflow.

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  • Users report positive experiences with the KeyLab's keybed compared to the NI Kontrol, noting it feels better and less "squishy," especially on the black keys.

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  • Some users occasionally experience double presses with the pads during finger drumming, possibly due to technique rather than pad sensitivity.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to Novation Launchkey, the KeyLab's knobs and sliders feel less robust, with some users preferring Novation's build and feature set.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners mention replacing knobs due to sturdiness issues, although specific replacement brands or models aren't provided.

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Value and pricing

  • The KeyLab's included software bundle is often highlighted as a significant value, making the overall package appealing despite hardware criticisms.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings

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Artist usage

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See how Kimbra uses Arturia KeyLab 61 Black Edition

Kimbra

Singer, Composer

...
Verified via Arturia

On this article, on the Arturia website, Kimbra claimed to use Keylab 61 Black Edition

See how Yousef uses Arturia KeyLab 61 Black Edition

Yousef

...
Verified via Arturia

On this article, on the Arturia website, Yousef claimed to use Keylab 61 black edition

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Community setups

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D

dgrafrica

Gear IQ 70

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