There's also a security slot at the right-hand side. On the rear panel there's the ubiquitous USB‑B computer connection, a DIN MIDI output, a sustain pedal input and an inlet for a 500mA 9V power supply. The back panel is home to a full-size MIDI Out socket, a quarter-inch sustain pedal input, a USB port and a socket for the external power supply.
The central grouping of display, knob and buttons are dedicated to control of Analog Lab and other Arturia soft synths: at other times the LCD reports controller values but the accompanying buttons and the dial are disabled.
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Nine endless encoder knobs and accompanying 30mm faders fulfil real-time control duties, alongside the compact mod and pitch wheels. They also transmit Poly Pressure from aftertouch manipulation, so with compatible synths you get a taste of what a full-blown MPE controller is like. The eight pads are small but good, firing reliably wherever you hit them, and with good velocity response. It's a shame not to see aftertouch, but you can't have everything at this price, and at least release velocity is transmitted. It's not as plush as something like a Fatar TP/9S (found in many Sequential synths and the Studiologic Sledge) but it's a long way from a flyaway budget action, and a lot better than some KeyLabs of yesteryear. The white key dip is a chunky and positive 12mm with a fairly light resistance into a hard keybed. The 88 velocity-sensitive keys, which Arturia describe as having a hybrid synth/piano action, employ a full-size octave span but are a bit shorter (at 14cm) than those of a typical decent hammer-action controller or a real acoustic piano. It's a pleasingly affordable package, a big brother to the existing 49- and 61–note models, but how many compromises are being made compared to the more expensive MkII KeyLabs? Apparatus
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The new KeyLab Essential 88 on test here continues that tradition, with the combination of an 88-note synth-action keyboard and a handy software bundle that includes the latest version of Analog Lab. The hardware/software tie-in technology is mature now and bears comparison with Native Instruments' NKS system and S-series controllers, albeit generally coming in at a lower price and with a somewhat less ambitious scope. Works in Standalone, VST 2.Arturia's budget 88-note controller offers tremendous value for money.Īrturia have a long history of producing MIDI keyboards that can take on many general controller duties as well as offering tight integration with their Analog Lab virtual synth compendium.
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With just 4 buttons and 2 touch strips, MicroLab still gives you an awesome level of control. It features the same keybed as the award-winning KeyStep, it’s responsive, and velocity-sensitive. Unlike other mini-key controllers, you’ll actually enjoy playing MicroLab. Want to get hands on with your music software? The Arturia MicroLab gives you instant, effective control, letting you play all your soft-synths and virtual instruments, wherever, whenever. Digital Adapters & Miscellaneous Cables.