Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII Review
The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is not just another MIDI controller; it's a powerhouse tool for musicians and producers. After an extensive period of use in various settings, from studio production to live performance, I've delved deep into its capabilities and features. This review will give you an in-depth look at what makes the KeyLab 88 MkII a standout in its class.
Price and Availability
Sthe Arturia Keylab 88 MkII is a popular enough product that you could find it in brick and mortar stores. Certainly any good music shop should be able to order one for you but by far the easiest way to source one is online. Many retail stores with an online presence will usually carry some stock and we have found it is not a hard to find product. Feel free to check the links below to view pricing at the respective reetailers.
Design and Build Quality
The KeyLab 88 MkII immediately impresses with its robust build and stylish design. The chassis is made of a solid metal frame, ensuring durability and stability. The wooden side panels add a touch of elegance, making it stand out visually in any studio setup. The clean monotone lines ad a bit of retro and overall make it a joy to use. I envision this as a Scandinavian design meeting German functionality and a bit of Apple-grade finishing. I love it.
Keybed and Playability
The 88-key Fatar TP/100LR keybed is a highlight of this controller. The keys offer a weighted hammer-action feel, closely mimicking the response of a grand piano. This makes it an ideal choice for pianists and keyboardists who require a realistic touch.
Each key responds accurately to velocity, allowing for expressive and dynamic performances. It’s really impressive to see how far manufacturers have come in recent years in recreating a realistic playing experience. On the whole, it makes it feel far more like an instrument than a piece of technology. I feel more like I’m playing and less like pushing buttons to activate a machine. To me, this makes it a more acoustic and natural process to create music with.
This is something that is going to be hard to explain to people who haven’t used a high-end Midi controller before. Yes, you can get the same end result from using a cheaper Midi, but it’s not nearly as enjoyable a process. For me, that’s important. I also play guitar, and everyone can agree on the pleasure of playing on a quality instrument. It’s the same here it is something worth investing in from a pure enjoyment standpoint.
Controls and Functionality
The KeyLab 88 MkII is equipped with a plethora of controls, further enhancing its versatility:
Performance Pads: It features 16 RGB backlit pads that are velocity and pressure-sensitive, ideal for triggering samples, loops, or sequencing.
Rotary Encoders and Faders: There are 9 rotary encoders and 9 faders, all of which are customizable and provide precise control over your DAW and virtual instruments.
DAW Command Center: The integrated DAW command center includes transport controls, offering seamless integration and control over major DAWs.
Additional Controls: The unit also includes pitch bend and modulation wheels, along with various function buttons for comprehensive control over your music production.
While there is a learning curve with the Arturia Keylab 88 MkII, the layout made things a whole lot more intuitive. The clean aesthetic translated into making the unit a lot easier to use with everything stacked up and easily accessible.
Many competitors would be inclined to use the space available to spread things out above the keyrow thus making it actually too spread out and harder to create a smooth workflow with. Here, everything is pivoted to the left-hand side, making for a compact and logical setup that seemed to help me get into the flow better when producing.
I really like this setup, and for me, it just felt so logical to the point that I can’t see myself using another MIDI for a while.
Connectivity
The rear panel of the KeyLab 88 MkII is a hub of connectivity:
MIDI In/Out: Traditional 5-pin MIDI ports for connecting to hardware synths and modules.
USB Connectivity: USB Type-B port for connecting to a computer and powering the unit.
Pedal Inputs: Sustain, expression, and three auxiliary pedal inputs provide extended control for dynamic playing.
CV/Gate Outputs: This unique feature allows for direct control of modular gear, making it an excellent choice for analog enthusiasts.
Software Integration
Arturia's software integration is seamless and user-friendly:
Analog Lab Integration: The KeyLab 88 MkII comes with Analog Lab, offering over 6,000 preset sounds from Arturia’s V Collection.
DAW Integration: It works flawlessly with major DAWs, and the included Ableton Live Lite is a great platform for starting music production.
Additional Software: Piano V is another inclusion, offering beautifully emulated piano sounds, adding significant value to the package.
User Experience and Workflow
The user interface is intuitive, catering to both beginners and advanced users. The customizable nature of the controls means you can set up the KeyLab 88 MkII to match your workflow preferences. The LCD screen provides clear feedback, making navigating through settings and parameters easy.
Again, the benefit of products like this is, essentially, it create a blank canvas on which you can create your own workflow. In that regard, it’s so easy and intuitive to get started and tweak that I just loved using it. The other thing was the overall feel; it just feels quality.
Portability and Suitability
Despite its extensive features, the KeyLab 88 MkII remains relatively portable for an 88-key controller, balancing weight and durability effectively. It's suitable for studio environments and can be taken on stage for live performances, offering great versatility.
For me, this wasn’t as important because it has been set up in my home studio and will likely stay there for the duration of its life, but the minimal design makes it easy to store when not in use. It’s not an intrusive lump at all and can work well with adaptable spaces.
Final Assessment
The Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII is a formidable tool in the world of MIDI controllers. Its exceptional keybed, comprehensive control layout, extensive connectivity options, and seamless software integration make it a top choice for serious musicians and producers. Whether you're composing intricate piano pieces, producing electronic music, or performing live, the KeyLab 88 MkII is equipped to handle a wide range of musical needs with finesse and reliability. This controller is not just an instrument; it's a complete solution for modern music creation.
