KeyLab MkII MIDI Controller Released by Arturia

Arturia announces the Keylab MKII, an improved version of their MIDI controller. Keylab MKII will be available in two versions, as a 49-key keyboard and as a 61-key keyboard, and will combine the features of the predecessor with Keylab Essential features and some new features.

On the hardware side, the controllers are equipped with a high-quality, semi-weighted Pro-Feel keyboard, 16 performance pads with RGB backlight, 9 faders, 9 knobs and 9 buttons (each with three banks).

In addition, there are buttons for the transport control (Mackie HUI standard) and further function keys as well as a display with 32 characters to display the adjustable parameters.

With separate keys, Keylab MKII can switch directly between Analog Lab mode, DAW mode and User mode. Analog Lab mode automatically maps the parameters and special functions of Analog Lab.

In DAW mode, you have direct access to the controls of the recording software and the jog wheel allows you to control the playback cursor, while the faders and knobs are assigned to level and pan in the DAW mixer.

In user mode, you can decide on the use and address of all controls and customize their working environment. You can create mappings for any software instruments and effect plug-ins.

There are three modes for the velocity-sensitive Performance Pads: Pade Mode for sending notes or MIDI CCs, Chord Mode for playing up to 16 pre-stored, six-note chords, and Chord Transpose Mode, where the chords are played can also be transposed via the keyboard.

Keylab MKII can be connected via MIDI and USB to a computer. For connecting analog or modular devices, there are four CV outputs (Pitch, Gate, Mod1, Mod2) and one CV input. There are also sustain and expression pedal connectors and three additional auxiliary pedal inputs.

Keylab MKII comes with a software bundle consisting of Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Analog Lab with over 6500 sounds from the V-Collection and Arturia Piano V. In addition, all Arturia software products can be seamlessly integrated.

For the various DAWs, there are 10 magnetic overlays that can be placed on the surface and are designed for the most common applications, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper.

More Details: Keylab MKII