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Average Price: $340

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$200

$501+

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Description

Elevate your music production game with the Arturia KeyLab 88, a masterful blend of innovation and tradition. Engineered for musicians who demand precision and responsiveness, this MIDI controller features a hammer-weighted 88-key Fatar keybed that replicates the authentic feel of a grand piano. Whether you're composing a symphony or layering complex synth textures, the KeyLab 88 provides you with a seamless, immersive experience.

Unleash your creativity with the powerful combination of nine faders, ten encoders, and 16 velocity-sensitive pads, offering unparalleled control over your soundscapes. The integration with Arturia’s renowned Analog Lab software opens a sonic universe of over 5000 presets, from iconic synthesizers like the ARP 2600 and Moog Minimoog to lush orchestral instruments and ethereal electronic sounds. The KeyLab 88 is designed to work harmoniously with major DAWs, making it an essential tool for any modern studio setup.

Whether you are performing live or crafting in the studio, the KeyLab 88's customizable control layout and robust build quality ensure it will be a reliable companion in your musical journey. Its sleek interface and intuitive design mean you'll spend less time configuring and more time creating.

Key Features:

  • Hammer-weighted 88-key Fatar keybed for authentic piano feel
  • Integrated with Analog Lab software featuring over 5000 presets
  • Nine faders and ten encoders for comprehensive control
  • 16 velocity-sensitive pads for dynamic beat programming
  • Seamless DAW integration with customizable controls
  • Durable build quality ideal for both studio and live performance

Product specs

Brand Arturia
Model KeyLab 88 Black Edition MIDI Controller, KeyLab 88 MIDI Controller MIDI Controller
Finish Black, White
Year 2015 - 2017
Categories Keyboard MIDI Controllers, Pad MIDI Controllers
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Synth Action, Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, USB MIDI
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Number of Pads 16 Pads

FAQs

Is the Arturia KeyLab 88 suitable for professional studio use?

Yes, the Arturia KeyLab 88 is ideal for professional studio use thanks to its fully-weighted hammer-action keys, comprehensive MIDI connectivity, and integration with popular DAWs, offering a realistic piano feel and versatile control options.

Does the Arturia KeyLab 88 include any bundled software?

The Arturia KeyLab 88 comes with Analog Lab V software, providing access to thousands of sounds from Arturia's award-winning V Collection, making it a powerful tool for music production and performance right out of the box.

How does the Arturia KeyLab 88 integrate with DAWs?

The Arturia KeyLab 88 offers seamless integration with major DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and Pro Tools, featuring dedicated transport controls and customizable mappings for an efficient workflow.

What type of key action does the Arturia KeyLab 88 have?

The Arturia KeyLab 88 features fully-weighted hammer-action keys, providing a realistic piano-like feel, which is ideal for pianists and keyboardists seeking an authentic playing experience.

Can the Arturia KeyLab 88 be used for live performances?

Yes, the Arturia KeyLab 88 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build, versatile control options, and the ability to quickly switch between sounds using the included Analog Lab software.

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Sanjay C

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Sanjay C

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Arturia

Video thumbnail for Review: Arturia KeyLab 88 Hammer-Action MIDI Controller - SoundsandGear.com by SoundsAndGear

Review: Arturia KeyLab 88 Hammer-Action MIDI Controller - SoundsandGear.com

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SoundsAndGear

Video thumbnail for Arturia Keylab 88 MIDI Keyboard review by Ask.Audio

Arturia Keylab 88 MIDI Keyboard review

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Ask.Audio

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Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII Weighted Keyboard Controller Demo

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Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for This Is Probably The Best Controller I've Touched! |Arturia Keylab 88 MKII Review!| by John Mike

This Is Probably The Best Controller I've Touched! |Arturia Keylab 88 MKII Review!|

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John Mike

Reviews

PROS

  • Highly realistic Fatar keyboard action, praised for its feel and responsiveness

  • Excellent build quality with sturdy metal case, durable even after accidental drops

  • Comprehensive software package, intuitive setup with Arturia V series

  • Extensive MIDI customization, offering a wide range of control options

  • Lightweight for an 88-key with true hammer action, ideal for live use

  • Lower fatigue with responsive keys, beneficial for extended playing sessions

  • Reliable key retriggering close to the stroke's bottom, great for fast playing

  • Easy license transfer process through Arturia account

CONS

  • Certain keys may intermittently stop working, reported by multiple users

  • MIDI assignment issues with DAWs, requiring extensive manual setup

  • Ink on buttons wears off quickly, affecting navigability

  • Workstation components feel cheap compared to other high-end models

  • Fully-weighted keys have an upward spring feel, not universally liked

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia KeyLab 88.

Build quality

  • Owners mention a sensitivity imbalance, with black keys being more sensitive than white keys, affecting playability.

    Source
  • Arturia is considered to have superior build quality over NI, with some owners experiencing malfunctioning black keys on the NI S88 after a month.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The piano-weighted keys on the 88 version may feel heavier than an actual piano, impacting the ability to play fast passages smoothly.

    Source
  • The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII requires connection to a computer or synth modules to produce sound, as it functions as a MIDI controller only.

    Source
  • The KeyLab 88 MKII includes 16 pads, 9 encoder dials, and 9 faders, while the NI S88 lacks pads but features 8 encoder dials and a large display.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The KeyLab 88 MKII is considered a bargain at €699 in Spain, significantly lower than typical pricing.

    Source
  • The KeyLab 88 MkII was noted to have previously reached a sale price of $749, indicating potential for further discounts beyond standard offerings.

    Source
  • During Christmas sales, Arturia Analog Lab was available for $99, and V Complete for $299, though no additional discounts with keyboard purchase.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The controller's extensive range of pads, faders, and pots makes it versatile for hardware synths and modular setups.

    Source
  • It's been highlighted that KeyLab is advantageous for those interested in electronic music production and DAW integration, rather than standalone piano practice.

    Source
  • For those focused on NI instruments, the S88 is preferred, while Arturia is recommended for users outside the NI ecosystem.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the pads insufficiently sensitive, requiring hard hits to register, which may limit utility for certain playing styles.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Owners recommend ensuring your computer has sufficient specs, like a fast CPU and at least 32GB RAM, to handle the bundled software effectively.

    Source
  • Arturia’s V Collection offers full NKS support, allowing integration with the NI S88's large screen, though integration is tighter with Arturia’s own controllers.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roland FP-E50, priced similarly to the KeyLab, offers built-in speakers and various sounds without needing additional hardware, contrasting its ease of use with the KeyLab's MIDI dependence.

    Source
  • The Arturia KeyLab 88 MKII has a fully weighted felt MIDI 1.0 channel aftertouch keybed, while the NI S88 features a Fatar MIDI 2.0 polyphonic aftertouch keybed.

    Source

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kygo uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Kygo

Keyboardist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video Kygo was playing on Arturia KeyLab 88

See how Howard Jones uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Howard Jones

Singer, Keyboardist

The Conspirators

...
Verified via EMusician

"On this tour, I’m actually using the Arturia KeyLab 88 controller because it’s got all of the faders and knobs, and now I have everything on one surface. I’d been looking for something like that for ages, and finally Arturia came out with it. I’m really enjoying it."

See how T-Pain uses Arturia KeyLab 88

T-Pain

Singer, Rapper

Z-Pain

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video T-pain and kenny beats were using the keyboard from arturia to make a song, not a remix.

See how Alexandre Desplat uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Alexandre Desplat

Composer

...
Verified via Photo

Alexandre Desplat mentions using the Arturia KeyLab 88 in an article on the Arturia website, as seen in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Paul 'Wix' Wickens uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Paul 'Wix' Wickens

Singer, Keyboardist

Paul McCartney (Live Band)

...
Verified via Photo

Paul 'Wix' Wickens is shown using the Arturia KeyLab 88 in a user-uploaded photo on the Arturia website.

See how Babyface uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Babyface

Singer, Music Producer

The Deele

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo on the Arturia website, Babyface is shown using the Arturia KeyLab 88.

See how Hans-Peter Lindstrøm AKA 'Lindstrøm' uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Hans-Peter Lindstrøm AKA 'Lindstrøm'

...
Verified via YouTube

In the "Lindstrøm In The Studio With Future Music" video by MusicRadar Tech on YouTube, Hans-Peter Lindstrøm is seen using the Arturia KeyLab 88.

See how I See Stars uses Arturia KeyLab 88

I See Stars

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video at 0:49, Devin Oliver can be seen with the Arturia Keylab 88 MkII.

See how Diego Tejeida uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Diego Tejeida

Keyboardist

Haken

...
Verified via Photo

During this Haken show at Essigfabrik, Cologne on February 19, 2019, Diego was seen using the white Arturia KeyLab 88 as his main keyboard.

See how Hazel Mills uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Hazel Mills

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Hazel Mills has mentioned using the Arturia KeyLab 88 in an article on the Arturia website.

See how Steve Nieve uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Steve Nieve

Singer, Keyboardist

Madness

...
Verified via YouTube

Minute 1:34:43 you can see Steve's KeyLab-88 as part of his rig above the Red Steinway Grand Piano

Elvis Costello and the Imposters - June 15, 2017 - Central Park SummerStage NYC Larry Rulz Published on Jun 19, 2017 Recorded on June 15, 2017 at Central Park SummerStage in New York, NY.

See how Steve Ferlazzo uses Arturia KeyLab 88

Steve Ferlazzo

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Avril Lavigne (Band)

...
Verified via Photo

On this picture taken during Avril lavigne's "Head Above Water tour" rehearsals we can see Arturia Keylab 61 and Keylab 88, a M-Audio SP-2 sustain pedal and a Roland FV-500L volume pedal.

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia KeyLab 88, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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