A Full Arturia Keylab 49 MkII

In the world of MIDI controllers, Arturia stands out with offerings that promise not only high-quality builds but also unparalleled musical expression. The Arturia Keylab 49 MkII, a mid-range controller packed with features, aims to cater to both studio musicians and live performers alike. Let’s dive into what makes the Keylab 49 MkII a contender in its class.

Introduction

Since its inception in 1999, the French-based company Arturia has established itself as an industry heavyweight in the sphere of electronic musical instruments, specifically MIDI keyboard controllers. They’ve gained their reputation through the design and manufacture of hardware and software tailored around harnessing the creativity of musicians, producers, and DJs worldwide. One such product standing at the forefront of their offerings is the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII.

The Keylab 49 MkII is the next generation of Arturia’s esteemed Keylab series, aiming to serve as the central nerve center of any music production setup. With an assortment of assignable buttons, knobs, faders, and performance pads, along with a professional-feeling keybed, the Keylab 49 MkII offers a one-stop control surface designed for studio and live usage alike.

Predicted by many to be a game-changer in its class, the Keylab 49 MkII boasts of a diverse feature-set housed within a user-friendly layout, placing paramount importance on improved workflow, expressive capabilities, and software integration. In essence, this MIDI controller is designed for the discerning musician, being both robust enough for experienced players while still appearing approachable to those new or inexperienced with MIDI controllers.

The Keylab 49 MkII does not just strive to meet the demands of modern music creation but aims to redefine them. This review aims to unpack the promise and potential of this exciting instrument.

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII Design and Build Quality

From the moment you unbox the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII, one thing becomes apparent – this MIDI controller is no ordinary piece of equipment. The controller is housed in a sleek and sturdy aluminum casing, which emanates a professional aesthetic, blending seamlessly with any studio or stage setup. This offering from Arturia deploys a robust construction that feels solid, durable, and is built to endure countless hours of rigorous use.

The design aesthetics are both modern and minimalistic, which makes it apparent that the choice of materials was not a random decision. Careful attention to detail shines through with the matte black keys that are color-contrasted by the white markings, white pads, and well-finished wood panels on the sides of the controller; these accentuate the product’s premium appeal.

In terms of layout and form factor, the Keylab 49 MkII is pretty much on point. The interface is intuitive, with the essential tools and controls conveniently placed for quick reach. The 49 keys, 16 pads, numerous rotary knobs and faders, and a clickable encoder are thoughtfully distributed across the console, removing any chances of a cluttered look or feel.

The layout encourages workflow efficiency by placing the more frequently used controls at the forefront. The relatively compact form factor is impressive, given the number of features squeezed into the interface. It is designed in such a way that it enables the musician to easily traverse the controller, ensuring a smooth, immersive, and creative session, whether it’s experimentally producing music in a home studio, or performing live on stage.

The overall design does not undermine the usability aspect. It ensures the best of both worlds – premium aesthetics and functional layout. The Arturia Keylab 49 MkII, with its stylish design and strategic layout, feels as good as it looks, asserting its place in the world of mid-range MIDI controllers. It not only holds the promise of delivering high performance, but also does it with panache.

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII Key Features

Delving into the specifics of the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII, the first feature that simply cannot be overlooked is its keyboard. The keyboard boasts 49 keys with velocity and aftertouch, providing an incredibly expressive feel and response uncommon in many controllers within this price bracket. The key-bed has enough resistance for dynamic playability without being burdensome, and the aftertouch is fine-tuned to perfection.

Moving on from the keys, the Keylab 49 MkII also boasts 16 RGB backlit pads. These not only look great but also provide significant functionality for drumming and launching clips. They offer a tight response that suits rhythmic playing and step sequencing.

Next, we have the controller’s faders and knobs. Here we find 9 faders and 9 rotaries that open up a universe of manipulation possibilities, from adjusting levels to changing parameters on the fly. Each fader and knob feels solid and accurate, allowing for both bold strokes and fine-tuning operations.

But these physical controls only scratch the surface of the immense potential of the Keylab 49 MkII. Its software integration is where this MIDI controller shines the most. The controller integrates seamlessly with Arturia’s revered software suite, including Analog Lab, offering thousands of sounds at your fingertips. Piano emulations, analog synth classics, robust drum machines, and powerful modern digital synths can all be explored, edited and performed from the controller.

The Keylab 49 MkII also functions as an adept DAW controller. With the capability of controlling transport functions, track selection, mixing parameters, and more, the Keylab 49 MkII can become the central command of your music production setup, offering a hands-on approach to your workflow.

Rounding off its robust features, the Keylab 49 MkII provides options for custom mapping. This feature allows you to create unique setups that cater to your personal needs or specific production workflows, making each session a customizable experience.

In summary, the Keylab 49 MkII’s feature set is thoroughly comprehensive, which makes it abide by its promise to deliver versatile control and advanced functionality to musicians of all genres.

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII Connectivity

A glance at the rear panel of the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII unveils a myriad of connectivity options designed to cater to the needs of different types of musicians. The controller features a universal MIDI IN/OUT port which ensures smooth integration with other outboard MIDI gear. This is a boon for professional musicians looking to incorporate the Keylab 49 MkII into a larger setup.

The Keylab 49 MkII doesn’t fall short of expectations on the USB front either, coming equipped with a sturdy USB Type B port. It allows direct connection to your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) without the need for a MIDI interface. It’s worth noting that the controller can be powered with this USB connection alone, proving it to be a low-maintenance companion for musicians.

In addition to these options, you’ll also find inputs for three pedals: sustain, expression, and auxiliary. This is a thoughtful inclusion, particularly for keyboard players used to traditional piano playing with a sustain pedal. The dedicated expression and auxiliary pedal inputs add another dimension of control, giving you more ways to tailor your sound.

Perhaps uniquely, the Keylab 49 MkII also features CV (Control Voltage) inputs and outputs. This opens up direct, analog connection options to a modular synth rig or other gear that supports CV, a nod to Arturia’s vintage synth roots.

One of the aspects that make the Keylab 49 MkII stand out is its ease of integration. Setting it up with your existing studio hardware or live performance setup is an almost plug-and-play experience. The controller automatically configures to your DAW, and the included MIDI Control Center software allows for in-depth customization of the knobs, faders, and pads.

Despite the multiple options, the Keylab 49 MkII’s connectivity never feels overwhelming. Arturia has done an excellent job creating intuitive, easy-to-understand processes for getting your controller up and running quickly, in multiple contexts. Whether you’re plugging into your computer, an amplifier, a soundboard, or a vintage synth, this controller paves the way for creative expression without roadblocks.

In the realm of connectivity, Arturia Keylab 49 MkII manages to marry an impressive array of options with an ease of use that’s appealing to both novices and seasoned professionals. This robust flexibility solidifies Arturia’s offering as a top contender in the MIDI controller space.

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII Performance and User Experience

As with any MIDI controller, the real test of the Keylab 49 MkII lies in its performance and user experience. After spending a substantial amount of time with this controller, I can confirm that it’s more than just a pretty package – it’s a beautifully functioning piece of hardware.

The keyboard on the Keylab 49 MkII has a semi-weighted feel, which strikes a nice balance – not too heavy for synth players and not too light for piano players. The aftertouch response is nothing short of phenomenal, perfectly sensitive without being hair-trigger touchy.

The pads feel great and are super responsive, with a nice velocity and pressure sensitivity. They do an excellent job of capturing nuanced finger drumming, giving way to a wide range of expressive possibilities.

The faders and knobs, meanwhile, offer satisfactory resistance and smooth action, providing the much-needed tactile feedback when adjusting parameters. The overall usability of the control surface is top-notch, with the layout being intuitive enough for immediate use while still leaving room to delve into more complex operations.

The integration of the Arturia software suite is as seamless as promised. The unprecedented access to thousands of synth and keyboard sounds via Analog Lab offers an enormous scope for creativity. Besides, the Keylab 49 MkII’s deep DAW integration simplifies the recording and producing process, fortifying the controller’s place in a modern musician’s workflow.

In terms of learning curve, beginners might initially face a slight challenge due to the sheer depth of features and functionalities the Keylab 49 MkII offers. However, the beautifully arranged interface and the helpful manual make the learning process easier. For seasoned professionals, the Keylab 49 MkII is a playground that encourages exploration, promising an ever-evolving experience in your musical journey.

This Arturia offering truly blurs the line between a traditional MIDI controller and an instrument, offering such a rich palette for expression and control rarely found in this price range. It effortlessly handles the demands of composing, performing, and producing, proving itself to be a valuable tool in both the studio and the live setup.

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII Pros and Cons

Let’s dig deeper into the strengths and weaknesses of the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII.

Starting with the positives, the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII immediately impresses with its sturdy and premium build quality. The durable metal frame coupled with its comfortable keybed and well-placed controls adds confidence to its long-term studio or stage use. Another standout strength is the depth of customizability and control; each control is more than just a knob or fader — it’s a doorway to deep sonic exploration due to its ability to seamlessly integrate with Arturia’s included Analog Lab software. The Keylab 49 MkII also effectively replaces your mouse with its fine-tuned DAW control.

The keyboard action feels great, successfully bridging the gap between weighted piano action and synth action. Furthermore, the pads, while being small, provide high sensitivity and are excellent for triggering samples or percussion. Finally, the aesthetics marry form and function—there’s a sense of coherence and sophistication in its design.

Now for the less stellar aspects. One significant drawback is its price point. For some, the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII may be a hefty investment, and while it does come with a robust feature set and a premium build, it might appear costly when compared to competitors. The device is also relatively bulky and might prove cumbersome if frequently travelling or if space is a constraint in your studio setup.

While the software integration is a strength, it might also overwhelm beginners due to its complex functionalities. Hence, there is a learning curve to master, especially for those new to music production. Lastly, the white finish, although visually appealing, is rather prone to showing dirt and wear over time.

In terms of its positioning, the Keylab 49 MkII carves a niche for itself as a premium, feature-rich MIDI controller targeted more towards semi-pros and professionals rather than beginners. The value proposition is clear – the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII is bit of a splurge, but in return, you get a robustly built, versatile tool that promises to be a long-term companion in your musical journey.

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII Comparisons

In any review, comparisons to similar products in its class are absolutely necessary, if not vital. In this case, it is only fitting to compare the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII with MIDI controllers from other respected brands like Native Instruments, Novation, and Akai.

Native Instruments’ offerings, such as the Komplete Kontrol series, offer deep integration with their Komplete software suite, much like Arturia. However, the Keylab 49 MkII stands out with its larger set of control options, including more faders and pads, providing musicians with additional expressive options.

On the other hand, Novation’s SL MkIII MIDI controllers offer a solid alternative, with a particular focus on DAW integration and sequencing abilities. Though this makes it a strong contender, the Keylab 49 MkII still wins against Novation’s products for its superior software suite, Analog Lab, which boasts over 6000 synth and keyboard sounds.

Finally, we consider Akai, a brand renowned for its legendary MPC series. Akai’s range of MIDI controllers, particularly the Advance series, offers high-quality keybeds and performance pads. However, the Keylab 49 MkII ultimately provides better control layout and bespoke integration with a richer, more complete software library.

This is not to say that other controllers do not measure up, but Arturia’s Keylab 49 MkII does have certain aspects that put it ahead of the pack. Ultimately, it all boils down to what the user requires from their MIDI controller. If you are looking for a well-rounded, fully-featured MIDI keyboard that offers excellent integration with a robust software suite, the Arturia Keylab 49 MkII is a strong contender. It provides all these and more for composers, producers, and performers seeking a seamless solution to maximize their creativity.

Seamless Integration with Arturia’s Software Suite

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII shines significantly through its integration with Arturia’s software suite. This unique integration opens up a world of vintage synths and keyboards for the users. With the increasing software-centered approach in music production and performance, this feature makes Arturia Keylab 49 MkII an appealing choice.

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII User-Friendly and Intuitive Interface

Arturia Keylab 49 MkII is recommended for both beginners and professional musicians owing to its intuitive yet advanced start-up experience. Despite the abundant features, the usability of this synthesizer remains uncompromised. For beginners, the multitude of controls may initially seem a tad overwhelming. However, as one gets used to it, Keylab 49 MkII might prove itself as a trusted aide during their musical journey. For professionals, the versatility and high-degree customization means the controller could seamlessly integrate into their workflow, irrespective of its complexity.

Concluding Thoughts on Arturia Keylab 49 MkII

To sum it up, Arturia Keylab 49 MkII is an impressive package that is hard to overlook in its price range. It successfully blends a sturdy build quality with a feature-rich set, further complemented by a well-crafted software bundle. Arturia Keylab 49 MkII is designed to fit effortlessly within and elevate a musician’s workflow – an instrument with the potential to reshape one’s approach to music, offering a rewarding creative experience.

Whether a budding bedroom producer or a seasoned professional seeking broader terrains for musical exploration, Arturia Keylab 49 MkII stands as a strong contender worthy of consideration. This MIDI controller is a faithful hardware companion that can truly unlock your potential within music production and performance. To us, it’s not just a tool; it is a partner in your musical journey.