KeyLab Essential series from Arturia offers a streamlined approach

Arturia’s new KeyLab Essential series flaunts some exciting new features alongside the new, sleek and streamlined aesthetic.

Building on the success of the original KeyLab rag, Arturia decided to consolidate all the features that made the KeyLab such a hit, into a more slick and concise design. The KeyLab Essentials are a bit smaller and lighter than their predecessors – more in line with mobile or live use, and for a limited time Arturia is offering the KeyLab Essential series in a compelling black finish.

Arturia’s new KeyLab Essentials come in 49 and 61 key versions, both sporting banks of nine linear faders and nine rotary encoders that come pre-mapped to Arturia’s Analog Lab software or various DAW controls for controlling your mixer or device controls. Furthermore, there are eight dynamic, back-lit performance pads – allowing you to trigger drums or flip between various mapping options. Arturia KeyLab essentials feature a “Chord Play” section, allowing you to intelligently play and arrange chords on-the-fly.

At the heart of the KeyLab Essential series of MIDI Keyboards, are the extensive transport control section and intuitive browser. The transport section features the usual controls alongside a handy undo feature for quick editing.

Your very own analog synth collection, in software…

Arturia’s Analog Lab software gives you access to over 5000 of the best sounds from their award-winning V Collection series. Everything from multi-sampled analog synths and strings to organs and pianos. Analog Lab integrates tightly with the KeyLab Essential series, allowing you to browse presets and categories, using the intuitive browser section in the centre of the KeyLab controller.

Arturia KeyLab Essential keyboards also come bundled with Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano Model-D, a multi-sampled Steinway Grand Piano – the quintessential piano sound without the hassle of storage and tuning.

Whether you’re a beginner getting into music production, or a seasoned professional looking for an affordable option – definitely have a look at these new offering from Arturia. The KeyLab 49 retails for USD $249 (Around R3000 excl. duties) and the KeyLab 61 for USD $299 (Around R3600 excl. duties)