https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keylab-mk3/overview
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The only thing I can think of after seeing this release is that Arturia is going to release a Keylab Pro.
This Mk3 brings the controller up to snuff with other controllers already on the market, but barely. It’s almost old news/dead on arrival, but the price stays the same…
So I feel like Arturia must be preparing to release a Keylab Pro with more advanced features, more advanced connectivity (cv, etc) and the Full/Poly Aftertouch keybed.
Probably coming in at $750/850 range to compete more directly with the higher end controllers from novation and NI
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This is the impression I got too - I was waiting for this version to drop as my old m-audio desperately needs an upgrade, but this is definitely not the keyboard I was hoping for or expecting…
This looks like a solid midrange entry in the controller market, but I think what people are missing is that this is basically an ITB Astrolab. The integration with Analog Lab and the V Collection lets you do a lot without touching the computer, even setting up splits and layers.
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Second this. You can even control Ableton Live stock synths and effects as far as I can tell from Loopop video.
I believe Arturia is trying to market their controllers as some kind of hardware synths that require to be connected to computer while being used, not just a controllers but sort of instruments. Moreover, the whole controllers category has hybrid-synths in the link on their website: Arturia - The Sound Explorers
And in a description for Lab range there is a statement:
Integrated software instruments and midi controllers
So, it’s instruments first and only then controllers for Arturia. Probably it also explains that MK3 iteration lacks connectivity options comparing to MK2 (no cv/gates) and the fact that they were clearly focused on improvements regarding software integration: big screen, touch-sensitive encoders, etc.
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I was expecting the polyphonic aftertouch keyboard with the multi gesture magic stuff instead of this and I am also hoping for a “pro” version. I already own too many controller keyboards, I even think that the integration of Analog Lab with NKS and Native Instruments keyboards is better than their own solution.
I had the MKII and what I really did not like was that all the knobs and faders are not consistent with the different synths and you do not know what they do because they do not have little displays. maybe better now with the new screen, I have not yet watched any videos.
I’m very interested to hear what people think of the new keyboard design. The reason I bought the 88-key Mk2 is mostly down to the keys. I’m not in the market for a new one, but I wonder what’s different.
It doesn’t feel an upgrade from my mk2 from what I can see. Fewer pads, seems like only one bank of encoders+faders, no CV. It has an arpeggiator and chord voicings, but I don’t see much use for those when it comes to playing. I dunno, seems like it’s leaning into “preset browser” a bit too hard for my tastes. I don’t really want an Analog Lab controller. Maybe the new keybed will save it?
Can I say, besides polyphonic aftertouch, it’s all there.
From an overview video that I watched, it seems that they removed more features than they added with this new version.
It looks like they removed the piano weighting and hammer action. Now it’s semi-weighted synth action. Definitely worse for me, but perhaps better for others.
IIRC, the fully weighted keys were only on the 88-key version. I’m waiting for either that or a Full Touch MPE controller to upgrade my little Keylab 3. Still feels weird to me that Pigments has MPE but Arturia doesn’t make a controller for it.
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Yeah only the mk2 88 was hammer action, 61 and 49 were synth action.
It is somewhat maddening that Arturia has to resort to the Microfreak in their demo videos whenever they need poly aftertouch. It’s a great synth but is there really nothing they can do between the Microfreak and the Polybrute 12?
I’m knocking off points for the lack of a thermostat in the middle
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Until I get a chance to try one in a shop, can someone share their thoughts about the Fader controllers, please?
Some reviews mention that the potentiometers offer some resistance and bring a good feeling, but I couldn’t find a mention about the faders.
My buddy has one and the faders feel like I want to buy one too. The whole thing is class imo.
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Can anyone with one of these talk about integration with Arturia’s plugins other than Analog Lab? Specifically Pigments, CMI V, and SQ80 V?
I’d like a controller again and this is up against the Novation SLMKiii which has better zones and a sequencer (a clunky sequencer, but a sequencer all the same), so the VST integration is going to be the clincher.
I have got this controller and I agree with @Annihilation_Squares about the good feeling overall. I’m satisfied with the faders too.
Just in case Linux users are wondering about compatibility, this is what I have found so far: https://forum.arturia.com/t/status-of-keylab-mk3-analog-lab-on-linux/5294.
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