Crazy, I was just thinking this the other day! Recently got the Arturia Keylab 49 a few days ago, almost by accident. I bought an A25 and only decided to give the Arturia a try after returning the A25 due to disappointment with it. I decided to shell out the few extra bucks for the Keylab and boy am I happy I did! After having worked with the Komplete Kontrol keyboard series for about a year now, I can say there's a pretty dramatic difference in quality between these two keyboard line ups. Arturia gives you much more bang for your buck. Only "buy in" for Komplete Kontrol is if, like me, you are an avid user of the Komplete Kontrol software.
I went for the komplete kontrol A61, mostly for the key bed and software. Maschine is a solid DAW for looping and making decent songs, in my little experience maschine has not really limited me. Komplete kontrol software lets you easily go through thousands of sounds and various instruments that are all honestly decent. I also much prefer playing drums on the keys. I personally have it set up on my desk, and when using a mouse you can navigate everything really quickly and easily. I prefer having a mouse over any other method of control, and the knobs auto-assign very well. The semi-weighted keybed feels really nice for the price range. It’s a little clickity-clackity but not nearly as bad as nektar or keystations I’ve tried. I think that if it’s your first piece of gear, the software and keybed kind of make the A61 a no brainer. But if you already have a full DAW, some experience producing, some sound kits or programs, and are into the drum pads, then go for the arturia.
@@alphapolarfrequency2787 man, try assigning the sounds you want to play to 6-7 black keys on the keyboard. It's fantastic. You can set the same sound to 2 keys(c# and d# for example) and really get some good tempo on them while controlling the velocity. Also, the A61 comes with guitar rig 6... I have a NI audio interface and can make my acoustic sound like Jimmy Hendrick's Gibson. If this is your first piece of gear, you're mostly trying to jam as opposed to making well produced and mastered songs, this keyboard and software is ideal. If you're not in this boat, you know you gotta spend 3x as much on the S series or Arturia or something, but I hope most of these people started out on a dinkier keyboard like this one. My only complaint is key sizing. Not enough space in between black keys, and not enough length/height to move your hands up on weird chords. But hey, I got mine used for 250$, could not ask for more at that price.
Nice review. I'm satisfied with my komplete Kontrol A49 though. I'm able to control nearly all of the most important parameters in my native instruments software, nks 3rd party plugins, and some of the controls in studio one with the A49.
Great vid bro but I have the arturia and it actually does come with the full version of analog lab 4 as a well as a few other virtual instrument plugins
Great comparison. Good news though for anyone who happens to already have the Komplete Kontrol A, is keyboards such as the MODX, Montage, and Kronos actually work with usb controllers.
mane, you literaly have everything i search for, i get so happy seeing you as the first recommendation for my searches, big ups bro, i love your content
Your videos have been such a huge help in my midi keyboard search! I already have a NI mikro so I’ve got all the software from that so I’m gonna go for the arturia
Thanks very much for your videos John. Have been eyeing-up the A61 for a while now, but holding my horses until the NI summer sale, as hoping to pick it up with Komplete 12 at a very reasonable price. Keep up the good work!
Currently, in Europe (Thomann), the KeyLab is basicly in between A and S: Komplete Kontrol... A49 € 179, A61 € 219 - with which you can control Arturia's synths with NKS , but with little info on the keyboard Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 € 439 (with 4 x 4 pads now) - with which you can control Analog Lab to control Arturia's synths. Komplete Kontrol S49 mkII € 664, S61 mkII € 759 - with which you can control Arturia's synths with NKS, with multiple rows of info on the keyboard. And keylights for range.
About Komplete Select... I've been a Komplete user since Komplete 8 (still at 12 somehow at the moment) and let me tell you. It contains: Massive - still an awesome synth even though Serum is king of wavetablesynths now (but almost $ 200 for that alone), Monark - an awesome Minimoog, Etheral Earth - amazing soundscapes, Hybrid Keys - awesome keyboard, pianos and the like, The Gentleman - a splendid piano, Vintage Organs - Hammond, Farfisa & Vox and you get Phasis - faser, Raum - an amazing reverb which I want, but I'm waiting for K14(U)(CE), I guess an Replika - a nice delay. No EchoBoy or Timeless, but perfectly fine! Great sounds! A steal!!!
Arturia keys feels too soft but the keys on KK are deeper and firm. In my opinion the A61 keys feel better than the Arturia. Arturia has less travel, it’s like the difference between a mechanical pc keyboard and a cheaper pc keyboard where as the cheaper ones give easily. I love how the arturia looks and maybe it’s functions will be worth it. So far if you care about looks and functionality than arturia. If you are sensitive about keys than neither of them are ideal but komplete kontrol has the better keys in my opinion since I have both.
Problem is the S series of KK boards are the only ones that use the Fatar Key bed. The same keybed used in the NORD stage 3 which are the best semi weighted in the industry.
"Full version" of what? Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 comes with FULL version of Analog Lab 4 which contains over 6500+ presets, so it's not the LITE version which comes with MiniLab MKII. Yeah there is Arturia V-collection what they sell, but if over 5000 presets isn't enough for you it's kind ridiculous. Only "LITE" version in this package is Ableton LITE and it's a BIG plus for beginners. And also Arturia Keylab Essential comes with UVI Grand Piano Model D software/plugin too. That midi port in this price point is huge advantage too. I really suggest you to get the facts right when you do these review and comparisons, because it can give false information especially for beginners. Otherwise great video! :)
Hey man, do you know if the Keylab 61 MK2 comes with the same pluggins that you describe in your comment, also, which one of those 2 models it's better. I'm looking forward to buy one of them, or on the other hand, a Novation Launchkey. If you can give me any advice, I'd really aprecciate it. Thank you!
@@andreorozco-quio419 Hey! Keylab 61 MK2 contains Analog Lab 4, Mini V3 and Stage-73 V. But you need to consider if you are using Ableton then Novation Launchkey as a controller will be better integrated with that DAW. I'm using KeyLab Essential 49 with Ableton and i have been happy with it, but if you are looking better integration as a controller with Ableton go with the Novation. You should look for youtube videos which are comparing them and make your choice. Good luck buddy!
Native instruments A series controller keyboard don't come with Komplete Select, that bundle is given with the more expensive S series controller keyboards. He got the information for both Arturia and Native Instrument keyboards wrong 😑.
the presets sort of crap though. Idk they all sounds similar and like old style. I have the Arturia Keylab MKII. Love it and hate it all at the same time right now.
You're the first person I've seen talking about the Komplete like it has better software than the Arturia. I got a KeyLab 61 because of the Analog Lab software (and the MIDI out) because I wanted to play with the different synths. I have an old Komplete M32 and I've never even installed any of the software. I think the springy keys on the M32 are kinda cheap-not-cheap. They're not super cheap, but they're definitely not nice weighted ones. But the A61 probably has better keys. I just think it's silly how much wasted space is on the Komplete. My KeyLab 61 has faders and drum pads, and it's still a lot more compact than the Kontrol A61. The Arturias and LaunchKeys definitely have much better DAW integration.
Lovely comparison, I bought an arturia keylab, the keybed wasn't good, in fact had to return the keyboard 2 years ago, anyother thing is OK, I heard and read that the keylab mk2's keybed is way better.
Yeah the Keylab mk2s keybed is better. But its a completely different price range. The smallest keylab mk2 (49 keys) is more than twice as expensive as the Keylab Essential 61.
Good video. Just wanted to say that the A series comes with Komplete Start and not Komplete Select. It's still a good software package, but it is more limited than Select and doesn't contain Massive. The S series comes with Select.
Janso gotcha...thanks for clearing that up! I always get confused about that...because I have both the A-series and the S-Series and I have Komplete Ultimate
Komplete Start is *freeware* anyway, you don't need to buy NI hardware to get it. Registering an A keyboard at NI opens an upgrade path to Komplete Select though. Very questionable if this is worth the abandonment of a set of controllers, faders and pads which are matter of course in this price range.
@@legalize.brokkoli Good point. I think that the A series also comes with some other software besides Komplete Start, though. It has Monark, the Gentleman (a sampled piano), Maschine essentials, and some others. I don't think these are available for free. I myself have the Arturia Keylab mkii and love Analog Lab. I'm not sure how different my full version is to the essential version of Analog Lab, though. I think the lighter version still has 5000 presets but a lot depends on which 1,500 or so presets have been removed in deciding on the quality. The Native Instruments keyboards are really best for those who plan to commit to the whole NI ecosystem by purchasing, Komplete 12 and/or Maschine. etc.
@@janso7979 Not sure about that either. I'd say my point is, choosing a master keyboard based on the bundled software is probably not the best idea ever.
@@legalize.brokkoli True enough. The point of my initial post was to encourage people to check the software out for themselves because I felt John had somewhat exagerrated the value of the software and what was included. Better to go with which hardware suits your needs .
I´ve had the Arturia Essential 61 for some time, but I never liked the keybed at all and after some months, I´ve got really annoyed. I liked it for the other features, though. I have to say, that even the low budget entry level home keyboard Casio CTX has a way better keybed. but no control functions, of course.
i also want an answer about this. i have the keystation now but it's lacking the controls that i need that the arturia has. I plan to change it to arturia but im hesitant because im not sure how the keybed feels on the arturia.
I don't care about software packages. The reason I didn't get the Keylab Essential is it doesn't offer aftertouch. Arturia feels that aftertouch, which has been on $200 keyboards for over a decade, demands a $300+ premium-the lowest you'll pay for an aftertouch-enabled Arturia is $550.
Two I would love to see you review: Nektar T4 or 6. I got the 49. Unique keys. Nothing else like them. Mild clack. Long throw. Unbelievable aftertouch. Nice company too. Then, Novation Impulse 49/61 great deals and people like the bed. Many feel it’s best bang for buck now for something really nice. I just found a 61sl ‘remote’ aka mk1 for 300 NIB, so I hope to be good on 61, with that fatar TP9s semi/encapped. Someday I hope you try the Fatar TP8O, legendary organ action. Love to see you play :)
There are a lot of people who seem to think that John Mike is blindly criticizing the A61. This isn't the case, in the video he says that it has a pretty big advantage with its software, which may be a good enough reason for some people to get it.
When I bought my A61, it had the only decent keybed at that price point. Was the KeyLab there at the music store? I can’t recall. Everything else I tried though felt so hollow and cheap or solid and too expensive. That said, I rarely use the Komplete software much anymore. Aw, man.
Currently as of this comment, until 7 April 2022 just buy any cheap crappy A series Native Instrument controller (cheaper the better) to get the marvellous software. Then sell/give away the board and get an Arturia board of choice with sliders/pads (you can control multiple sliders with one hand which is nigh on impossible with rotary knobs on NI boards) PLUS their limited software too :-) Upshot is NOW your are affiliated with BOTH of these wonderful companies and will be first in line for future deals/discounts :-)
Hello John, thank you for your great videos ! I have been using Logic pro for years and I don’t wish to change my Daw. I now have to buy a new keyboard. Which one would be the best or easiest keyboard to connect to Logic ? Arturia Keylab or Komplete Kontrol keyboard ? And also what sound library sounds the best : Komplete Kontrol or Analog Lab ? Thanks !
Good questions...as far as ease of connect the KK wins...but as far as functionality with what you can control the arturia wins...sounds is a hard one...I’m partial to Komplete but analog lab is great as well...it’s hard cause I like and would recommend both
Hi, thanks for the great work with the videos! I have just bought a Maschine mk3 and want to buy a midi keyboard for use alongside it. My main DAW is Logic X. I would like a plug-n-play situation without having to map the pots and faders etc. I expect the Kontrol to do this, but any ideas about the Arturia doing the same? I also already have most of the software that comes with the Kontrol when I got the Maschine. So... I’m really struggling to decide!
Thank for your review ! I think I will buy a Komplete Kontrol S Series, but I can't afford it right now. I've got a Maschine MK3, with a lot of NI instruments, so... I think I'm gonna choose the Arturia ! Any Avdice, maybe ?
THE KK S series uses the best Semi Weighted Synth Keybed in the industry. The subcontract it out ot Fatar who also supplies NORD with there stage 3's. The exact same Keybed. The A series feels cheap compared to it.
Hey John, I really enjoyed this video because I want to buy a keyboard and I'm on a tight budget. I'm primarily a guitarist and I want to learn to play the keyboard. I only know basic chords on keys at the moment. Do you recommend these keyboards over full-sized keyboards? I like the idea of these small MIDI ones because all my guitar pedals have MIDI ports and I like that it is more portable over full-sized keyboards, but I wasn't sure if this would "impair" my learning to play the keyboard. What should I do? Any advice is appreciated
appreciate your videos bro. I have the White Arturia Keylab MK11. Just got it a few weeks ago. The Arturia doesn't show up as a midi controller in logic preferences. Has anyone else had this issue and have a solution? I figured out how to get the keyboard to work with logic just fine, but it would be nice if I could use the logic presets that were already set by logic for this midi controller(the controller also has a preset in it for selecting which DAW, in this case logic, neither work properly) so I can use the knobs and other keyboard functionality. Overall, Arturia just looks beautiful and feels like an actual piece of equipment. Compatibility issues sort of annoying though.
@@Johnmike They both suck. Problem is the manufacturer only give you the good keys when you buy there premium line of Midi/Synths. For example the Native Instruments S series MK2 midi/Keyboards have the Fatar Semi Weighted keys, They are amazing but you have to buy there S49,S61 or 88 and they are 250-300% more expensive than the A series.
@@paulj9821 Agree with you, thought I don't have NI keyboard, but I have one Arturia Keylab 61 Black Edition(and it is not cheap), after maybe 2 years of using, the pitchbend broke, and the modulation wheel start creating data in DAW, when I opened it up, the build quality inside is really rough. The keys quality are OK, but since I have to draw pitchbend by mouse, and modulation wheel jumping around, it just hard to do any serious work like create a string expression or a guitar slide, so I am looking for next one KB, and end up here. I was intend to buy A61, but after your mentioned, I gonna check out how S61 works.
This is exactly what I was going to say. I have an m32 to control the NI instruments plugins & a Keylab mkII because it integrates well with the wonderful sounds of Analog Lab
All I want to know is, does the Arturia allow me to navigate patches on the Komplete Kontrol plugin/app? Do the rotary encoder knobs on the Aurturia kkeyboard map to the KK plugin/app macros? I have NI Komplete 12 Collectors edition. But I like the extra functionality of the Arturia. I want the best of both worlds. (I already own AnalogLab Lite).
@@AlexAlexBoBalex No I still have not bought a controller yet. I think I'll end up getting the native instruments one just because of NKI and Komplete Kontrol. If I had the money, I would get machine for the KK browsing and Arturia for everything else :)
Thx for the Video. Does it make sense to buy the Komplete Kontrol Keyboard when u already have the Native Instrument select software? (came with my Maschine MK3) Im now thinking, it would be a waste of money when i pay for the same software twice. Are there any problems using the software instruments with the arturia keyboard?
Hi. I just want to use midi for playing ensturments especially piano. I already have Nektar Impact lx25+ so i dont need the drumpads. My DAW is FL Studio. So which one do you recommend? I want the feel like im playing piano on it... So keybed feel is the important one. Arturia Keylab 61 Essential or NI KK A61?
Can you recommend a Midi Controller with as close an action as possible to a real piano but also good for production? I want to do production but also play classical pieces on it. Or would I be better off getting two keyboards, each one for a different purpose? I was looking at the Roland 800 series with hammer action but those don't seem to have the feature set of the arturia
Native Instruments S88 has fully weighted hammer action keys. Much better than all their other keybeds. Look for a bundle with the komplete software to get the most for your money.
@@xXUsualxSuspectXx Don't forget the S49 and S61 use the best Semi Weighted Keys in the industry that comes from FATAR. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because they’re responsible for the keys on all Nord keyboards, as well as the new up and coming company Dexibell. The S88 as mentioned here is different since it utilizes a Fully Weighted Hammer action keybed to simulate a real Piano.
i returned my arturia. diffi ult to set. multiple redundant logins. often would not recognize password. customer support was horrible. My A25 was easier to set up. VSTs are complicated to me, but i need to sit and learn them. On a side note, my $200Cdn Nektar Impact L49 is amazing. Crapy keybed, but so easy to set up and use
how about the original keylab? before the essential series there was a series of keylab that has metal chasis and come with bitwig but it was lost over the year and is hard to look up on internet
hey mike really needed an opinion of yours.....cant decide between nektar lx61 vs arturia essential 61 considering i am a beginner. Also which one is better in terms of feel of keybed and velocity response of drum pads? plz help..
@@Johnmike glad you replied man!! Thanks for the opinion also would your opinion takes the keybed feel and action into consideration as I generally prefer semi weighted keys!
I wana make my mini home studio, Wat do u think i shud get Set 1. 1. Ableton push2 2.maschine mk3 3.komplete kontrol s61 Set 2. 1. Logic pro 2. Machine Mk3 3.Arturia keylab 61 M confused wat to go, if i buy both Maschine and komplete s61 ,it will integrate well but , will b a loss as both are bundled with a same software, but i could get both software of arturia and native komplete select bundle , if i buy Arturia Keylab with maschinemk3, And again , if i get maschinemk3 the pad on the keylab would b useless, , N shud i go with logic or Ableton, wat if i need to perform live , i cant do live lr looping with logic , so i guess i shud go for Ableton, as in my country its suite version comes bundled with push 2, n one doubt can i control and play all the native Instruments plugins in Arturia Keylab, i dnt need all those midi in out connection on Keylab,but i like the looks of white keylab more than komplete s61, One more question , maschinemk3 comes with 2 software komplete select and Maschine 2.0 , but komplete s61 comes with only 1 software komplete s61, so can i get than machine software without buying maschinemk3 mk3, but wen i went in their website , theres no Maschine software available to buy M so confused , plsss help with all my confusion
You can do live looping in maschine...better flow might be set 2 because Ableton lite comes with the Keylab...so you’ll get the best amount of software with set 2
@@joezazasin7 46k views...100+ comments...you’re the first to ask me to turn it on lol! But jokes aside...I have comparison videos where I do turn them both on when it makes sense to...when It’s something I need to show not just talk about...most of the time I try to make these type videos quick and concise as possible...highlighting the pros and cons...cause most people are watching with money in hand and are trying to make a decision between the two and don’t need a full tutorial on what this or that does...I reserve those things for my full reviews
Naa there’s actually a really good reason they didn’t...Maschine...they make a drum machine midi controller that starts in the $250 range as well...so putting pads on the keyboard would eat into Maschine sales and or make it useless to buy that...
John Mike exactly so people would be forced to buy a separate controller and since NI makes really good ones chances are they’re gonna buy a drum controller from them which is what I meant and that kinda makes me mad because I’m on a budget but for someone like you it’s prob not that much of an inconvenience
Jackson Wurth Lol man I got 6 kids...I’m always on a budget ha ha...only reason I have both is because NI sent them to me to do the reviews...but I definitely get your point...but that’s business economics 101...they serve two types of users...beat makers and composers...so they are actually smart to separate those two demographics...yea they’ll loose some users in the middle that want a “toaster fridge”(hybrid product) but it also divides their focus so they can’t try to serve each market successfully
Yea because I’ve already covered these keyboards extensively in previous videos...so why rehash the same information and have a super long video? The purpose is to cover the differences, pros and cons...and I’d like my pizza with pepperoni and sausage!
Crazy, I was just thinking this the other day! Recently got the Arturia Keylab 49 a few days ago, almost by accident. I bought an A25 and only decided to give the Arturia a try after returning the A25 due to disappointment with it. I decided to shell out the few extra bucks for the Keylab and boy am I happy I did! After having worked with the Komplete Kontrol keyboard series for about a year now, I can say there's a pretty dramatic difference in quality between these two keyboard line ups. Arturia gives you much more bang for your buck. Only "buy in" for Komplete Kontrol is if, like me, you are an avid user of the Komplete Kontrol software.
Thx for sharing
I went for the komplete kontrol A61, mostly for the key bed and software.
Maschine is a solid DAW for looping and making decent songs, in my little experience maschine has not really limited me. Komplete kontrol software lets you easily go through thousands of sounds and various instruments that are all honestly decent. I also much prefer playing drums on the keys. I personally have it set up on my desk, and when using a mouse you can navigate everything really quickly and easily. I prefer having a mouse over any other method of control, and the knobs auto-assign very well.
The semi-weighted keybed feels really nice for the price range. It’s a little clickity-clackity but not nearly as bad as nektar or keystations I’ve tried.
I think that if it’s your first piece of gear, the software and keybed kind of make the A61 a no brainer. But if you already have a full DAW, some experience producing, some sound kits or programs, and are into the drum pads, then go for the arturia.
And they have smart keys even i love A 61 and even like native cons is they dont have pads.
@@alphapolarfrequency2787 man, try assigning the sounds you want to play to 6-7 black keys on the keyboard. It's fantastic. You can set the same sound to 2 keys(c# and d# for example) and really get some good tempo on them while controlling the velocity. Also, the A61 comes with guitar rig 6... I have a NI audio interface and can make my acoustic sound like Jimmy Hendrick's Gibson. If this is your first piece of gear, you're mostly trying to jam as opposed to making well produced and mastered songs, this keyboard and software is ideal. If you're not in this boat, you know you gotta spend 3x as much on the S series or Arturia or something, but I hope most of these people started out on a dinkier keyboard like this one. My only complaint is key sizing. Not enough space in between black keys, and not enough length/height to move your hands up on weird chords. But hey, I got mine used for 250$, could not ask for more at that price.
Nice review. I'm satisfied with my komplete Kontrol A49 though. I'm able to control nearly all of the most important parameters in my native instruments software, nks 3rd party plugins, and some of the controls in studio one with the A49.
The Arturia also seems to have longer keys which is especially important for the black ones.
Great vid bro but I have the arturia and it actually does come with the full version of analog lab 4 as a well as a few other virtual instrument plugins
Great comparison. Good news though for anyone who happens to already have the Komplete Kontrol A, is keyboards such as the MODX, Montage, and Kronos actually work with usb controllers.
Yeah, you're right. He didn't have his facts right saying the opposite about the montage in the vid
I bought the Arturia because...even when software cost a lot that does not mean it is quality or what it is you specifically want.
mane, you literaly have everything i search for, i get so happy seeing you as the first recommendation for my searches, big ups bro, i love your content
🙏🏾🙏🏾
Your videos have been such a huge help in my midi keyboard search! I already have a NI mikro so I’ve got all the software from that so I’m gonna go for the arturia
Thanks very much for your videos John. Have been eyeing-up the A61 for a while now, but holding my horses until the NI summer sale, as hoping to pick it up with Komplete 12 at a very reasonable price. Keep up the good work!
Thanks, just ordered the Arturia.. Next day delivery lol
Was 100% worth it, make a beat or 2 a day now with mad smooth sounds
Currently, in Europe (Thomann), the KeyLab is basicly in between A and S:
Komplete Kontrol... A49 € 179, A61 € 219 - with which you can control Arturia's synths with NKS , but with little info on the keyboard
Arturia KeyLab MkII 49 € 439 (with 4 x 4 pads now) - with which you can control Analog Lab to control Arturia's synths.
Komplete Kontrol S49 mkII € 664, S61 mkII € 759 - with which you can control Arturia's synths with NKS, with multiple rows of info on the keyboard. And keylights for range.
About Komplete Select... I've been a Komplete user since Komplete 8 (still at 12 somehow at the moment) and let me tell you. It contains:
Massive - still an awesome synth even though Serum is king of wavetablesynths now (but almost $ 200 for that alone), Monark - an awesome Minimoog, Etheral Earth - amazing soundscapes, Hybrid Keys - awesome keyboard, pianos and the like, The Gentleman - a splendid piano, Vintage Organs - Hammond, Farfisa & Vox and you get Phasis - faser, Raum - an amazing reverb which I want, but I'm waiting for K14(U)(CE), I guess an Replika - a nice delay. No EchoBoy or Timeless, but perfectly fine! Great sounds! A steal!!!
so glad i stumbled on your channel!! you've helped me decide on a first controller!! thanks a bunch :)
Arturia keys feels too soft but the keys on KK are deeper and firm. In my opinion the A61 keys feel better than the Arturia. Arturia has less travel, it’s like the difference between a mechanical pc keyboard and a cheaper pc keyboard where as the cheaper ones give easily. I love how the arturia looks and maybe it’s functions will be worth it. So far if you care about looks and functionality than arturia. If you are sensitive about keys than neither of them are ideal but komplete kontrol has the better keys in my opinion since I have both.
Problem is the S series of KK boards are the only ones that use the Fatar Key bed. The same keybed used in the NORD stage 3 which are the best semi weighted in the industry.
For me velocity sensitivity is most important so i can play soft and loud but i didnt hear about that
"Full version" of what? Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 comes with FULL version of Analog Lab 4 which contains over 6500+ presets, so it's not the LITE version which comes with MiniLab MKII. Yeah there is Arturia V-collection what they sell, but if over 5000 presets isn't enough for you it's kind ridiculous. Only "LITE" version in this package is Ableton LITE and it's a BIG plus for beginners. And also Arturia Keylab Essential comes with UVI Grand Piano Model D software/plugin too. That midi port in this price point is huge advantage too. I really suggest you to get the facts right when you do these review and comparisons, because it can give false information especially for beginners. Otherwise great video! :)
Hey man, do you know if the Keylab 61 MK2 comes with the same pluggins that you describe in your comment, also, which one of those 2 models it's better. I'm looking forward to buy one of them, or on the other hand, a Novation Launchkey. If you can give me any advice, I'd really aprecciate it. Thank you!
@@andreorozco-quio419 Hey! Keylab 61 MK2 contains Analog Lab 4, Mini V3 and Stage-73 V. But you need to consider if you are using Ableton then Novation Launchkey as a controller will be better integrated with that DAW. I'm using KeyLab Essential 49 with Ableton and i have been happy with it, but if you are looking better integration as a controller with Ableton go with the Novation. You should look for youtube videos which are comparing them and make your choice. Good luck buddy!
Native instruments A series controller keyboard don't come with Komplete Select, that bundle is given with the more expensive S series controller keyboards. He got the information for both Arturia and Native Instrument keyboards wrong 😑.
the presets sort of crap though. Idk they all sounds similar and like old style. I have the Arturia Keylab MKII. Love it and hate it all at the same time right now.
@@x_d3bug_x that's the point tho, synth-old school sounds
This was so informative and helpful! Thank you so much!
Thanks man. Just the kind of review I needed.
Depends of what kind of music you are playing. If you make pop music, 61 keys are minimum
You're the first person I've seen talking about the Komplete like it has better software than the Arturia. I got a KeyLab 61 because of the Analog Lab software (and the MIDI out) because I wanted to play with the different synths. I have an old Komplete M32 and I've never even installed any of the software. I think the springy keys on the M32 are kinda cheap-not-cheap. They're not super cheap, but they're definitely not nice weighted ones. But the A61 probably has better keys. I just think it's silly how much wasted space is on the Komplete. My KeyLab 61 has faders and drum pads, and it's still a lot more compact than the Kontrol A61. The Arturias and LaunchKeys definitely have much better DAW integration.
Lovely comparison, I bought an arturia keylab, the keybed wasn't good, in fact had to return the keyboard 2 years ago, anyother thing is OK, I heard and read that the keylab mk2's keybed is way better.
Yeah the Keylab mk2s keybed is better. But its a completely different price range. The smallest keylab mk2 (49 keys) is more than twice as expensive as the Keylab Essential 61.
@@Mooooov0815 I think I will get the mk2 then
Thank you so much for this. I was leaning towards the Aururia 61 but now really torn.... having all those NI packages would be sweet.
Good video. Just wanted to say that the A series comes with Komplete Start and not Komplete Select. It's still a good software package, but it is more limited than Select and doesn't contain Massive. The S series comes with Select.
Janso gotcha...thanks for clearing that up! I always get confused about that...because I have both the A-series and the S-Series and I have Komplete Ultimate
Komplete Start is *freeware* anyway, you don't need to buy NI hardware to get it.
Registering an A keyboard at NI opens an upgrade path to Komplete Select though. Very questionable if this is worth the abandonment of a set of controllers, faders and pads which are matter of course in this price range.
@@legalize.brokkoli Good point. I think that the A series also comes with some other software besides Komplete Start, though. It has Monark, the Gentleman (a sampled piano), Maschine essentials, and some others. I don't think these are available for free. I myself have the Arturia Keylab mkii and love Analog Lab. I'm not sure how different my full version is to the essential version of Analog Lab, though. I think the lighter version still has 5000 presets but a lot depends on which 1,500 or so presets have been removed in deciding on the quality. The Native Instruments keyboards are really best for those who plan to commit to the whole NI ecosystem by purchasing, Komplete 12 and/or Maschine. etc.
@@janso7979 Not sure about that either. I'd say my point is, choosing a master keyboard based on the bundled software is probably not the best idea ever.
@@legalize.brokkoli True enough. The point of my initial post was to encourage people to check the software out for themselves because I felt John had somewhat exagerrated the value of the software and what was included. Better to go with which hardware suits your needs .
Excellent review, thanks so much!
I´ve had the Arturia Essential 61 for some time, but I never liked the keybed at all and after some months, I´ve got really annoyed. I liked it for the other features, though. I have to say, that even the low budget entry level home keyboard Casio CTX has a way better keybed. but no control functions, of course.
CTX700/800, but even the Casiotone Ct300 has a better keybed!
As far as the keys go, which is better: The Keylab or the M-Audio Keystation?
i also want an answer about this. i have the keystation now but it's lacking the controls that i need that the arturia has. I plan to change it to arturia but im hesitant because im not sure how the keybed feels on the arturia.
he said in the comments of the arturia review he liked it better than the keystation
If I already have the software for both companies, which of the two would you choose?
I don't care about software packages. The reason I didn't get the Keylab Essential is it doesn't offer aftertouch. Arturia feels that aftertouch, which has been on $200 keyboards for over a decade, demands a $300+ premium-the lowest you'll pay for an aftertouch-enabled Arturia is $550.
Great comparison. Subbed!
Two I would love to see you review: Nektar T4 or 6. I got the 49. Unique keys. Nothing else like them. Mild clack. Long throw. Unbelievable aftertouch. Nice company too. Then, Novation Impulse 49/61 great deals and people like the bed. Many feel it’s best bang for buck now for something really nice. I just found a 61sl ‘remote’ aka mk1 for 300 NIB, so I hope to be good on 61, with that fatar TP9s semi/encapped. Someday I hope you try the Fatar TP8O, legendary organ action. Love to see you play :)
Thanks! The T6 will be in soon and I will do a review on it
There are a lot of people who seem to think that John Mike is blindly criticizing the A61. This isn't the case, in the video he says that it has a pretty big advantage with its software, which may be a good enough reason for some people to get it.
Best software package of just about any keyboard on the market
is it just me that didn't like the NI software?
@@Johnmike No the NI KK S series is the best Midi Keyboard. Don't you own the KK S model?
When I bought my A61, it had the only decent keybed at that price point. Was the KeyLab there at the music store? I can’t recall. Everything else I tried though felt so hollow and cheap or solid and too expensive. That said, I rarely use the Komplete software much anymore. Aw, man.
Great video!! I want buy Keylab but i have a question... will be Keylab compatible with MPC software?? Thanks for reply guys 🤙
Currently as of this comment, until 7 April 2022 just buy any cheap crappy A series Native Instrument controller (cheaper the better) to get the marvellous software. Then sell/give away the board and get an Arturia board of choice with sliders/pads (you can control multiple sliders with one hand which is nigh on impossible with rotary knobs on NI boards) PLUS their limited software too :-)
Upshot is NOW your are affiliated with BOTH of these wonderful companies and will be first in line for future deals/discounts :-)
Hello John, thank you for your great videos ! I have been using Logic pro for years and I don’t wish to change my Daw. I now have to buy a new keyboard. Which one would be the best or easiest keyboard to connect to Logic ? Arturia Keylab or Komplete Kontrol keyboard ? And also what
sound library sounds the best : Komplete Kontrol or Analog Lab ? Thanks !
Good questions...as far as ease of connect the KK wins...but as far as functionality with what you can control the arturia wins...sounds is a hard one...I’m partial to Komplete but analog lab is great as well...it’s hard cause I like and would recommend both
BIG THANK! bought Arturia
Since we have only 8 physical knobs, how do I access another bank of knobs just like I can do it in Minilab MK2?
Hi, thanks for the great work with the videos! I have just bought a Maschine mk3 and want to buy a midi keyboard for use alongside it. My main DAW is Logic X. I would like a plug-n-play situation without having to map the pots and faders etc. I expect the Kontrol to do this, but any ideas about the Arturia doing the same? I also already have most of the software that comes with the Kontrol when I got the Maschine. So... I’m really struggling to decide!
The arturia will work as “keys”only with maschine but not to control it...the komplete Kontrol would do better
John Mike thanks! Gone for the Komplete Kontrol. Hope you are keeping safe and well, look forward to seeing more of your videos. Great channel!
Thank for your review !
I think I will buy a Komplete Kontrol S Series, but I can't afford it right now. I've got a Maschine MK3, with a lot of NI instruments, so... I think I'm gonna choose the Arturia ! Any Avdice, maybe ?
Arturia is a great buy! You’d get more since you already have the NI stuff with maschine...the Arturia would add more sounds to your arsenal
THE KK S series uses the best Semi Weighted Synth Keybed in the industry. The subcontract it out ot Fatar who also supplies NORD with there stage 3's. The exact same Keybed. The A series feels cheap compared to it.
Hey John, I really enjoyed this video because I want to buy a keyboard and I'm on a tight budget. I'm primarily a guitarist and I want to learn to play the keyboard. I only know basic chords on keys at the moment. Do you recommend these keyboards over full-sized keyboards? I like the idea of these small MIDI ones because all my guitar pedals have MIDI ports and I like that it is more portable over full-sized keyboards, but I wasn't sure if this would "impair" my learning to play the keyboard. What should I do? Any advice is appreciated
These keyboards would be good for learning on
Dear John, can you tell me the height of the Arturia keyboard? It says 76mm, but I am not sure...
appreciate your videos bro. I have the White Arturia Keylab MK11. Just got it a few weeks ago. The Arturia doesn't show up as a midi controller in logic preferences. Has anyone else had this issue and have a solution? I figured out how to get the keyboard to work with logic just fine, but it would be nice if I could use the logic presets that were already set by logic for this midi controller(the controller also has a preset in it for selecting which DAW, in this case logic, neither work properly) so I can use the knobs and other keyboard functionality. Overall, Arturia just looks beautiful and feels like an actual piece of equipment. Compatibility issues sort of annoying though.
Great comparison.
Wich keys do you like better? Im gettin ready to get one or the other.
Hard choice but I think the arturia is better
@@Johnmike They both suck. Problem is the manufacturer only give you the good keys when you buy there premium line of Midi/Synths. For example the Native Instruments S series MK2 midi/Keyboards have the Fatar Semi Weighted keys, They are amazing but you have to buy there S49,S61 or 88 and they are 250-300% more expensive than the A series.
@@paulj9821 Agree with you, thought I don't have NI keyboard, but I have one Arturia Keylab 61 Black Edition(and it is not cheap), after maybe 2 years of using, the pitchbend broke, and the modulation wheel start creating data in DAW, when I opened it up, the build quality inside is really rough. The keys quality are OK, but since I have to draw pitchbend by mouse, and modulation wheel jumping around, it just hard to do any serious work like create a string expression or a guitar slide, so I am looking for next one KB, and end up here. I was intend to buy A61, but after your mentioned, I gonna check out how S61 works.
Ever heard of people buying multiple midi controller keyboard just to tell why A is better than K?
This is exactly what I was going to say. I have an m32 to control the NI instruments plugins & a Keylab mkII because it integrates well with the wonderful sounds of Analog Lab
All I want to know is, does the Arturia allow me to navigate patches on the Komplete Kontrol plugin/app? Do the rotary encoder knobs on the Aurturia kkeyboard map to the KK plugin/app macros? I have NI Komplete 12 Collectors edition. But I like the extra functionality of the Arturia. I want the best of both worlds. (I already own AnalogLab Lite).
Not that I’ve found..they are pretty much proprietary
@@Johnmike good to know. appreciate you sharing your experience.
@@TerenceKearns Were you able to find a way for the arturia or other controllers (not including NI ones) to navigate through KK?
@@AlexAlexBoBalex No I still have not bought a controller yet. I think I'll end up getting the native instruments one just because of NKI and Komplete Kontrol. If I had the money, I would get machine for the KK browsing and Arturia for everything else :)
Thx for the Video. Does it make sense to buy the Komplete Kontrol Keyboard when u already have the Native Instrument select software? (came with my Maschine MK3) Im now thinking, it would be a waste of money when i pay for the same software twice. Are there any problems using the software instruments with the arturia keyboard?
Yea you would just buy the KK for the keys since you have the software...but you could still use the arturia software synths in with Maschine
@@Johnmike so native instruments is incentivising me to buy keyboards from another brand when i already own one of their products...
fuuuuuuuuck, I just bought the A61. I was on the fence about the essential 88 and should have just did it
Is the keylab essential keybed any different from the minilab one?
Yes a whole lot different...especially since they are two different sizes...micro keys vs full size
Hi. I just want to use midi for playing ensturments especially piano. I already have Nektar Impact lx25+ so i dont need the drumpads. My DAW is FL Studio. So which one do you recommend? I want the feel like im playing piano on it... So keybed feel is the important one. Arturia Keylab 61 Essential or NI KK A61?
Keylab is a better feel to me
@@Johnmike oh... I actually got A61 today and the keybed feeling is perfect for me.
Can you recommend a Midi Controller with as close an action as possible to a real piano but also good for production? I want to do production but also play classical pieces on it. Or would I be better off getting two keyboards, each one for a different purpose? I was looking at the Roland 800 series with hammer action but those don't seem to have the feature set of the arturia
Native Instruments S88 has fully weighted hammer action keys. Much better than all their other keybeds. Look for a bundle with the komplete software to get the most for your money.
@@xXUsualxSuspectXx Don't forget the S49 and S61 use the best Semi Weighted Keys in the industry that comes from FATAR. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because they’re responsible for the keys on all Nord keyboards, as well as the new up and coming company Dexibell. The S88 as mentioned here is different since it utilizes a Fully Weighted Hammer action keybed to simulate a real Piano.
Support the channel by using these affiliate links:
Native Instruments A61: amzn.to/2uJwnfA
Arturia Keylab Essential: amzn.to/2uLxsU1
The arturia links broken lol
Distorted sorry about that! I just fixed it but Try this! amzn.to/2uLxsU1
A61 apparently doesn’t have velocity curve adjustment . Is it true?
It doesn’t
@@Johnmike that’s a lot of dollars to not have velocity curve adjustments :( . It’ll be the Arturia then
how about arturia keylab 61 MK2 vs KK S61?
i returned my arturia. diffi ult to set. multiple redundant logins. often would not recognize password. customer support was horrible.
My A25 was easier to set up. VSTs are complicated to me, but i need to sit and learn them.
On a side note, my $200Cdn Nektar Impact L49 is amazing. Crapy keybed, but so easy to set up and use
I love my keylab
does arturia keyboard support the NI vsts ? I've heard there're some problems.
Really?
What would you recommend for ipad midi playing?
Sure...I’ve used an iPad tons of times in a Live situation to play keys
Does anyone know if Arturia Essentials 49 comes with Analog Lab 3 or 4? Most product descriptions I find say that Analog Lab 3 is included.
Yes
Upgrading is free to the latest analog lab 5 as well
Does the Keylab Essentials have aftertouch ?
No
how about the original keylab? before the essential series there was a series of keylab that has metal chasis and come with bitwig but it was lost over the year and is hard to look up on internet
Yup...I’m trying to get my hands on the original Keylab
There is no competition. Arturia wins !
And yeah, I hit the Like and Subscribe 😃
Which one do you think is best for Logic Pro X?
I would go with the A61 it has better integration and is pretty much plug and play
@@Johnmike Even with the new Logic Pro X 10.5?
Al Tad should work fine
hey mike really needed an opinion of yours.....cant decide between nektar lx61 vs arturia essential 61 considering i am a beginner. Also which one is better in terms of feel of keybed and velocity response of drum pads? plz help..
The Keylab is miles better in my opinion
@@Johnmike glad you replied man!! Thanks for the opinion also would your opinion takes the keybed feel and action into consideration as I generally prefer semi weighted keys!
thankyou
yeah
I wana make my mini home studio,
Wat do u think i shud get
Set 1.
1. Ableton push2
2.maschine mk3
3.komplete kontrol s61
Set 2.
1. Logic pro
2. Machine Mk3
3.Arturia keylab 61
M confused wat to go, if i buy both Maschine and komplete s61 ,it will integrate well but , will b a loss as both are bundled with a same software, but i could get both software of arturia and native komplete select bundle , if i buy
Arturia Keylab with maschinemk3,
And again , if i get maschinemk3 the pad on the keylab would b useless,
, N shud i go with logic or Ableton, wat if i need to perform live , i cant do live lr looping with logic , so i guess i shud go for Ableton, as in my country its suite version comes bundled with push 2, n one doubt can i control and play all the native Instruments plugins in Arturia Keylab, i dnt need all those midi in out connection on Keylab,but i like the looks of white keylab more than komplete s61,
One more question , maschinemk3 comes with 2 software komplete select and Maschine 2.0 , but komplete s61 comes with only 1 software komplete s61, so can i get than machine software without buying maschinemk3 mk3, but wen i went in their website , theres no Maschine software available to buy
M so confused , plsss help with all my confusion
You can do live looping in maschine...better flow might be set 2 because Ableton lite comes with the Keylab...so you’ll get the best amount of software with set 2
I would go with set one because of what John mentioned, but the push 2 comes with Ableton live intro, which is slightly better than Ableton live lite
Thanks.
A49 vs Korg Talktile 49 🙏🙏🙏
Taktile doesn't have aftertouch. Plus it's *discontinued*.
Isn't the Korg a synthesizer? Synthesizers and midi controllers are 2 very different things
Since I already have machine essential,the komplete software (free version) and I don't care about Ableton lite. Should I go for the arturia instead ?
Tough call cause I like both...but the arturia definitely gives you more to work with over the A-series
No arturia is not better because have the pads! and you know that !!!
They're not even plugged in... 🙈
I’ve played them in my original videos about these...I’m just explaining the differences between the two in this vid
@@Johnmike It's nice to turn it on, ppl do wanna see how they compete against each other. It actually have to qualify that way
@@joezazasin7 46k views...100+ comments...you’re the first to ask me to turn it on lol! But jokes aside...I have comparison videos where I do turn them both on when it makes sense to...when It’s something I need to show not just talk about...most of the time I try to make these type videos quick and concise as possible...highlighting the pros and cons...cause most people are watching with money in hand and are trying to make a decision between the two and don’t need a full tutorial on what this or that does...I reserve those things for my full reviews
@@Johnmike I do like and watch your videos Mike ✌️💯🔥
Keylab vs a series, who winner?? Sorry, I don't think videos, bad speak
Ok but there is not a single reason NI didn’t put drum pads on the keyboard. Definition of money hungry.
Naa there’s actually a really good reason they didn’t...Maschine...they make a drum machine midi controller that starts in the $250 range as well...so putting pads on the keyboard would eat into Maschine sales and or make it useless to buy that...
John Mike exactly so people would be forced to buy a separate controller and since NI makes really good ones chances are they’re gonna buy a drum controller from them which is what I meant and that kinda makes me mad because I’m on a budget but for someone like you it’s prob not that much of an inconvenience
Jackson Wurth Lol man I got 6 kids...I’m always on a budget ha ha...only reason I have both is because NI sent them to me to do the reviews...but I definitely get your point...but that’s business economics 101...they serve two types of users...beat makers and composers...so they are actually smart to separate those two demographics...yea they’ll loose some users in the middle that want a “toaster fridge”(hybrid product) but it also divides their focus so they can’t try to serve each market successfully
Meant “can try” not “can’t try”
John Mike sry I didn’t know you had kids but that’s not my fault
Not trying to come off as aggressive
5;20
You called that a 69 😕
Be careful with your words. Functional doesn't mean what you seem to think it means.
talkin'too much... no demo, no nothing, no daw, just an video,... may i show you how do i unpack pizza???
Yea because I’ve already covered these keyboards extensively in previous videos...so why rehash the same information and have a super long video? The purpose is to cover the differences, pros and cons...and I’d like my pizza with pepperoni and sausage!