I wish all the tutorials/guides/comparisons would be presented the way you do it. Quiet, clear voice with concise and straight information. I am about to purchase the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 and your video provides me with very valuable information to begin to get an idea about this world. Many thanks.
I think the Mk2 is definitely better, but I'm glad I settled for the Essential. It does what I need it to do, so I saved money! I also agree about taking it on the road over the Mk2
That sequencer info was really key for me. Thank you. I'm a hardware guy that only records in a daw. And I needed to know if it could sequence outside gear. Unfortunately it does not seem to or doesent do it very well so this really helped me decide what to get. Thanks man.
This was a great overview and extremely well presented. I was deciding between buying the Essentials and the MkII and you have convinced me to go for the MkII, thank you!
In my book, PADS should be on the right and FADERS on the left. Righties most often play drums with the right hand (helping with the left) and when you wanna use faders for changing expression and volume and similar, many play the keys with the right hand and move the faders with the left. Many disagree?
Yup. Especially if you are playing with the band. You don't need to use your left hand to play low notes all the time since you have a bass player (except if the song needs a low notes synth). So you can use your left hand for faders and knobs to adjust parameters while playing.
I bought the essential as a computer controller, and i hardly ever use it. I am very excited about the functionality I had no idea about! Thanks so much for this.
If you're gonna offer two different controller lines at two different price points, I think you'd be hard pressed to do better than Arturia. These are both really nice.
Can you tell me if the keyboard can have more than one midi channel? example: play two different sounds, one assigned to the left side, the other to the right side of the keyboard. Thank you.
Great walkthrough. 15:30 I have a Komplete Kontrol S61 mkII and the reason I’m here is because it’s absolutely useless as a midi controller with external hardware. So am looking for something that is useful. I’m honestly not sure why it has midi ports on the back as you can’t select midi channel - it’s always 1. And apart from the keys, mod, pitch and transpose buttons, none of the knobs or buttons do anything midi wise. They only work with the KK software, or daw, and can’t send and map midi through a daw as you need the KK software open - and there’s no way to trick it either by having say KK on a track - because as soon as you click off the plugin - everything on the keyboard switches off. On this though - looks great. I do wish Arturia would bring out a full size Keystep Pro with the additional functionality this has. I’d buy that in a heartbeat.
I've been looking at various priced 49-key midi controllers for the past 3 days, and this review gave me absolutely everything I needed, and I'm going to move forward with the MKII!
I went with a 49key mk2 used for like $360 instead of the 61key essential for $100 less, I haven't received it yet but I this really solidified my decision over all the others and I'm excited, thank you!
There are a couple of things I wished they would add with a firmware update... I think Arturia saved a bit on the wrong end in the Keylab Essential. Seriously, the competition has an onboard arpeggiator, and a lot more tricks in their budget keyboards. It's fine that Arturia want to distinguish between the cheaper and more expensive models, but, there are things which should be pretty much standard on these keyboards. Hope they'll add some more functionality on a potential mk2 Keylab Essentials. Things I'd like to see: Onboard arpeggiator, maybe a sequencer, and multiple pages of MIDI CC's for the controls in user mode.
Very good comparison and lots of detail. What this video failed to answer was the initial question (video title)... Arturia KeyLab MK2 vs Essential: Is it worth the price difference?
Thanks.... I guess - whenever I phrase a title as a question it means in my opinion is no right answer. My aim is to give the information so people can make the decision for themselves. Otherwise the title would be “don’t by this buy that”. One keyboard is perfect for a certain set of needs and budget, and one is not
Five years and the MKII is still one of the best midi keyboard controllers out there. All this and the CV interface too. Great demonstration of the CV functions. Excellent review.
These both look amazing. My dilemma is whether to pay £200 extra for the MkII just to get slightly better feel of keys, a few more DAW controls and... possibly a big deal: Aftertouch. Also the 'essentials' version will take up less space on my desk, which is a pretty big deal. Hmm.
@@TomGrimmy The keys of the MK2 are way better and worth the money against the essential. Plus the extra functions are a lot better for controlling Analog Lab. But the encoders are the same, not very good on both units.
@@axoplanet6081 are the black keys wider on the MK2 than the essential? I just bought the essential and the black keys feel akward width wise, not sure if its my head or what. I don't remember my M Audio Oxygen feeling this way.
@@andrewsalas1154 I don't know, sorry. But on the MK2, my fingers was slide of a bit from the black keys. So I don't think they are wider. I loved the keybed from the MK2. Very velocity responsive and nice to play on. A little light, but a way better response then on a MPK261 for example. But I sold it because of the encoders, after got it back from guarantee-repair. Now I have an Novation SL3.
I own a Keylab 88 Mk2: it is a well build and steady masterkeyboard, however for on stage (midi) it has some disadvantages - The keys are heavy and slow: it even takes more effort than playing a piano. My Roland XV88 with hammer weighted keys, play a lot lighter and faster - One more disadvantage: 88 keys, and Arturia does not allow zones with layers, ONLY 1 split - Only 10 memories, for more memories you need to bring your laptop - Selecting a new user memory does not send program changes: but the interfacing with Arturia's Midi Control center is flexible: i program the pads, to work as sound library for 1 song I never had a hanging key! I wrote to Arturia and they listened to my complaints: I hope the next firmware reveals a few zones in the keyboard The analogue interfacing works great and flawlessly And the Keylab Mk2 also has plenty of pedals (4 inputs) I wish they had spend more effort in adding extra midi-outs The Midi-in (DIN) does not transfer notes, or am i doing something wrong? It does merge midi over USB though. My conclusion: Arturia is qualitative a great Keyboard; it is not as far as cheaper manufacturers with features in the firmware (sequencing, presets that can be integrated or stored for sections of the functions)
We need to give Loopop an award for teaching a generation how to play electronic instruments. I keep coming back to his videos to learn more. Just excellent!
I have V Collection 6 but don't use it or automate parameters as often as I'd like due to the extra steps of browsing with keyboard and mouse and the extra steps of controller mapping. Thank you for this. I'll give the MK2 a try.
Damn... I was really hoping watching this would sell me on essential since i didn't wanna go for a a high end MIDI controller yet... But watching this reminded me of stuff i really care about in a keyboard... (Namely having pitchbend and modwheel next too keys) But oh dear - it will be nice when i can map out Analag Lab Pro with a fast click
Okay so terrific that I'm going to listen to it again. ! Q: I am a recurring deb, extremely creative / talented, with zero discipline. Now I have to score a channel and I'm excited to be forced to put into practice some very cool theory and get my fingers to obey and brain to lead. My favorite keybed for example is an old Hammond dual that I am keeping for instant comp. Incomparable for light action and pure play. No keybed noise at all, and easy to glide with one finger - but of course no VS, no AT. I bought an Oxygen Pro 61 to start and am getting the top gear SW for the show debut during the BF sales - the keyboard is an improvement over the base NI A61 that was abysmal, and it's fine, but I am such a deb that I want a keybed that I love. This keyboard is exciting me. All the music stores are tits-up. I can go with this 61Mk2 or the 88 - any comment to this effect of satisfying my inner piano Picasso will be solid. (Actually, I will be working 90% with Orch and Choir and Synth. It's the Divine thing. So....)
Thank you for the upload i just ordered the Arturia KeyLab MK2 im not a pianist i bought it just making my workflow on Cubase easier and faster btw very effective channel.
As always, a very useful video! I'm planning to upgrade to the black KeyLab Mk2 61 and integrate it with my Analog Lab. I'm the kind of person that needs time to fall in love with all the plugins around and less is more for me. Arturia did a tremendous job with their emulations, I jus't can't stop playing them and KeyLab is the perfect tool to finally get my eyes off the screen and let go of the mouse. I'm am always for hans on instrumenst rather than turning some virtual knobs. It just isn't the same when you're turning the filter knob with your hands and the KeyLab will fix that for me. I already have the Minibrute 2 so I'll continue to use it for sequencing since thats the only thing those two are missing. Thanks once again for this in depth comparison!
Wish Arturia wakes up and makes an MK3 version of the Essentials and the MK2. These are still good in 2021, imagine what would happen if they introduce a new version with better Ableton integration and control! We need a 37 key version too!
The knobs on Essential never ever worked since the day I've bought it. And then I've found that many people were facing (still facing) the same issue. Few responses from Arturia on the forum, just a beta firmware and an official release that doesn't do anything. The knobs are useless in my Essential 61.
Thanks for helping me to avoid buying the expensive MKII. I just ordered the essential one and when I will have enough of these smooth keys, I will connect an additional keyboard with harder touch.
Yap. With a very cheap one, which has aftertouch, I have ordered essential 88. I realized that I don't need mk ii, because I think mkii was designed for live player, but if you are a home studio "player" essential will be very useful.
Thanks for your in depth comparison of these midi keyboard/controllers. For such a premium controller one would expect the power supply to come with it. I know it's bus powered though I use the 5 pins to other devices aswell and prefer a power supply for stability and integrity. I don't take too well when companies leave out an important component that is required when the user/customer needs it. They don't even sell one for their product. So if I purchase my own power supply and fry the keyboard due to a faulty power supply then warranty is void. These kind of cost cutting measures steer me away from the product. I will look elsewhere. Thanks again for the comparison of these two fine midi keyboards.
All Arturia suffers from totally missing the location of the sliders. They should be on the LEFT side to support organ playing. Also, the 88 key mk2 really needs a new keybed. It is just not good. Way too hard. Check out the Nord or Kawai for a good keybed. Kawai has the best hammer action keybed. Arturia should get that instead of the one they have.
Hi. thanks for the video. I watch the all video...Have a doubt if they have morotized faders? The faders goes to the point where the software volume is automatically?
Great comparison! But build quality is more important than one can think. I’ve had a Novation Impulse 61 for the last years, but I could never use any of the parameters mapped on knobs and faders. The plastic, the encoders and the display are so cheap that even the slightest tremble would make the parameters go crazy. And it’s not even that cheap for a midi controller (360$). The price is important, but if the built quality is sh*t, then you end up not using the functions, so basically you pay for something that you don’t use at full capacity.
You might have actually had a faulty one - I had an Impulse 61 for about 8 years until it died this year and it was fine (although the knobs are light, I had no parameters change without me tweaking). I have had 1 Keylab MkII though which just got returned as the parameters on that WERE going crazy - they think a faulty motherboard. I'll probably just get another though, it's a great keyboard otherwise.
I’ve had a similar issue with MAUDIO Oxygen Pro 25. Recently I can’t turn it on with it interfering with I/O which makes it impossible to use Live or MPC - if I trigger rec it will start recording and immediately stop with about 1/20th of a second recorded. It’s probably a faulty controller as the OLED has become a smeared blur also for no reason I could find.
@@philmarsh5593I think my MAUDIO O2 Pro falls into that faulty category, but lucky me it didn’t start getting weird until I had had it for about a year.
Great review with in-depth exploration of the facilities! Wish you faded the index out after a minute or so since it sometimes obscures the view a bit.
Thanks for the comment and the feedback. If I faded it out it wouldn’t be useful throughout the video. I do I try to keep the important stuff always visible to the right of the index but it doesn’t always work out. In the past I got requests to completely block out the index part (check out my recent ableton video...) but I that’s a last resort visually (ableton is VERY busy on the left). Anyway, that’s a long way to say I’m always open to ideas on how to do it better ... other than fading it out...
loopop : well, you could of course have it in the description and then it would be clickable as well. My feeling would be that if someone wants to only know about a specific subject, they will go there right from the start anyway. But of course, it’s your video. 🙂
Thanks for the informative review! I have a question regarding Ableton integration. Is it possible to adjust parameters for other software synths (other than Arturia's) using the knobs/faders? The previous Keylab appears to have been capable of adjusting both instrument and fx parameters if youtube videos are to be believed... If it's not possible, can the Novation SL mk3 do it? Having a hard time finding this info.
You can manually map the hardware controls to any parameter, but it doesn't automatically map to control the device parameteres and swap devices like the MK3 or Push do. It's really a matter of their Ableton Script more than the hardware itself, so they might add it in the future, but currently you've got to map parameters manually (other than Arturia's synths where it does automap as you said).
I am waiting for mine from Sweetwater. Did you go with black or white? My only concern is, on the Axiom Pro, I use blue painters tape to scribble my BFD3 drum keypad assignments. I don't see any place to do that on the MkII as I have my drums spread over the 61 keys and the first octave has special printed info I don't want to cover up! I may have to go with thinner tape . . .
I own the V collection and love it. For MIDI control, I also have Push 2 but i just can't get used to playing melodies or chords on the grid style bed they have. I can actually play piano, so it's just weird for me and keeps me going over to my Kurzweil K2000 for playing. So i end up using the Push less...ugh. BUT having integration on the Keylab would be ideal. I really wish they just had a box with the browser options and faders/knobs. That's all i need. The K2000 keybed is great and supports poly aftertouch. Maybe i'll get the Essentials on the cheap just for the knobs/faders.
How do these compare to the older arturia analog experience 61. I like the size of it as opposed to the mk2. The essential seems a little plastic to me. Is the functionality the same?
Just bought the keylab essential 49 as a midi controller for my iPad Pro, works great, also hooked it up to my MacBook Pro and it works great with the Arturia V Collection. Although I like the semi weighted keys on my main midi keyboard controller, I have to admit that for a cheap $200 midi controller the keylab essential packs a lot of bang for the buck, especially the integration with the Arturia software. Now I’m considering the Keylab 88 with the weighted keys.
I'm looking for a great controller for my ipad. What apps are you running that use the keylab well? Does Arturia have apps available on ipad to support these controllers? Thanks!
@@anonymous_friend It works great as far as just plugging it in and playing and having 49 full size keys for $200 as far as the iPad goes but its nothing REALLY great as far as the iPad goes, you can map the knobs and faders with whatever software has midi learn but haven't ran across and pre mapped apps on the iPad for the Essential. If Arturia ever came out with Analog Lab for the iPad and it worked the same as the desktop version and it was an AUV3, that would be a whole other story and pretty much a game changer for me. After having it for a year it really shines using it with a laptop and Arturia software. Even if you didn't buy the V collection and just used Analog Lab which comes with it you'd be set. Btw I mostly use the Korg Microkey Air 37 with my iPad , it has bluetooth for when I just want to play and not have to use a usb cable.
Hi your videos are top notch. Thank you for providing such valuable and useful information for us fellow musicians. I still use hardware synth modules ( motif XS rack, Roland integra, and Korg triton) as well as soft synths on Mac and iOS. My goal is to integrate all of this where I can call up sounds on each external sound module and internal sounds with all the levels set etc. with the push of a button or foot switch. So I need advice on audio and midi interfaces, how to connect everything, how to map the keyboard controller, assign sounds to pads, identify MSB and LSB numbers and so on. If you have links to these questions awesome. If you provide paid instruction that’s awesome too. I just want to finally educate myself on this awesome technology. I’m a working musician and want to have all my sounds and sets in order. Thank you for your time.
@@tcr333Only the 88 key Keylab uses a Fatar keybed which is what Native S61 and S88 has and it's a shame because i personally like more weighted keys, i think the keys are a bit too soft for my liking on the 61 and 49 because the keys are different but they actually are surprisingly responsive to touch which is very important though. The pitch and modwheel are really good because they feel very premium and i like that they are made of metal instead of plastic as i have had bad experiences with plastic in the past like the mod and pitch wheel beginning to act on their own
Ok. Sorry if I already made this comment. But yeah this is SUCH a useful video. As companies have multiple product price points comparing within the same product line is so helpful. Thank you!
Lol am laughing my arse off , mate u did amazing am laughing on myself as I watched the whole video , which was super informative and realise I have a mark Ii
The keys on both are terrible. I compared them on the Novation Launchkey 61. Artiuria has good design, integration with plugins, but the keys are terrible. So far I like the keys on the Akai 261 and Novation Launchkey 61. Of course Studiologic are the best, but there are no pads, faders, etc.
Thank you for this review. It's very well produced and very informative. I wish you would have gone into more depth into keyboards not having 'MIDI Learn' option? That's kind of a bummer. I use some apps that offer MIDI learn. Does that mean both keyboards cannot MIDI learn? I'm new to synths. Again, thank you for this wonderful review. I'm leaning towards the 61 keys. It doesn't seem to be that much bigger than the MK.
I currently have NI A61 and want to get the 88 key Arturia essential mainly for the weighted keys. Don’t think the integration with NI will be much harder with the Arturia vs my Ni controller? I use Arturia plugins but also a lot of NI komplete. Right now the Ni midi controller seems to integrate with both software brands with little to no tweaking.
YOU NEVER DISAPPOINT LOOPOP!!!!!! Thanks for all your music and reviews. I've never seen a channel with more reviews than yours. and if could review the channel, i'd just say 7 stars.
Being a novice keyboard player with a home studio needing a good controller for software synthesis and editing drums ect...I had the same issue of which one of the Arturia's keylabs to buy. I chose the keylab 49 MKii for build quality and DAW integration with Studio One 4. Also wanting to explore modular synthesis in the future, the cv hookups will be needed now that's is getting affordable for the home studio owner/ musician/ artist.
Awesome review man. Simple, yet detailed descriptions of the differences and similarities of each controller. And great production and audio quality. Thank you!
I just subscribed and wish I had known about your channel earlier. I now know exactly what I need to know about these two models. Honestly, I don't have to make a trip down to the store to try them out after your tutorial. I know which model I will buy because your video was thorough and answered every question I had about three seconds after I thought of it. I'll also echo what others said. This is a fantastically produced video. Everything is very clearly explained and impeccably laid out. It's the model for others who aspire to make the best tutorial videos, really! What software do you use to produce the video? I loved what you did with the screen capture perspective at 8:18 and have no idea how to do it myself. Also loved that you posted time segments on the left side of the screen for the entire video. Superb work.
Watch both clips ;) generally speaking the Keylab is cheaper and comes with a ton of content, and the SL MkIII has an on board 8 track sequencer, arpeggiator, splits and better Ableton control - though it’s more expensive and doesn’t come a rich preset library
I saw it, it was a very nice review (as all). I now see I wrote wrongly the question: I forgot to specify the question comparing hoth keybeds, since you reviewed it carefully with the arturia models but not with the novation. Thank you.
I was going ask the same question, so thanks guys...however I already have the Push 2 and so would like a companion 61 key midi controller...I wonder if the Keylab is a better fit, as the Push 2 covers many of the MK111’s features?...too many choices out there! But once again a great video, thanks for posting! 👍😃
The SL Mk3 is not class compliant, and requires drivers and additional software in order to do any detailed midi remapping of virtual synth controls. I found this to be too much of a pain, and returned my unit. I'm now waiting for the Keylab 49 Mk2. Thanks for this handy comparison video. It answers a lot of questions!
I think that there was a little too much focus on the MK2. I left wondering in few occasions that how a certain thing would work in Esssential (or would it work at all). Still there was good information. Just needed a ittle more of it.
Thank you for great comparison. Subscribed. I have a question. Did you have a chance to compare the keybase of mkII with the komplete kontrol S-series? If so, which one do you prefer?
I purchased am Essential 61 to go with my hammer weighted 88 controller. The feel of the keybed is horendous. It feels like a childs toy, which is anoying as the build quality of the unit is great. Keyboard feel is so important, and this lets the arturia down.
Hi there! I'm wondering if I use both Arturia and NI plugins, will one of these Arturia keyboards let me edit NI instrument patches? Thanks! Great videos, by the way.
The akai mpk2 might be another alternative for the mkii keylab, as price goes and most functionality(no cv though), I bought an mpk261 before the slmkIII came out, so now I have both. Future video request, could you tackle nrpn? Specifically when using controllers, there are some synths that are riddled with nrpns and worse, not really a lot of computer editors, the Micron comes to mind here. If anyone could do an awesome cohesive nrpn vid, man, it's you...
Thanks for the feedback - sure - I have a video about a cool not yet released controller coming in a few weeks so it will be the perfect opportunity to weave it in (assuming it’s not delayed...)
This is a remarkably well-produced video. Thanks for working so hard on it, we really appreciate it. Subscribed!
Yeah sure of it. I don't remember seeing a more comprehensive or well edited review of anything.
ditto
Agreed,,,Loopop and Divkid make the best videos.
Yeah, this is as good as it gets.
The perspective corrected video overlay of the Arturia lab screen menu was very impressive
Three years later and this is still very helpful. Subscribed
I wish all the tutorials/guides/comparisons would be presented the way you do it. Quiet, clear voice with concise and straight information. I am about to purchase the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 and your video provides me with very valuable information to begin to get an idea about this world. Many thanks.
Lack of aftertouch on the Essential is the showstopper for me. Very in depth review. Well done.
Agree. Even monophonic would be acceptable at that price range IMHO.
Your presentation style and content is 100%. Your colleagues could learn a lot from you and thanks for pointing me at the mkii
I think the Mk2 is definitely better, but I'm glad I settled for the Essential. It does what I need it to do, so I saved money! I also agree about taking it on the road over the Mk2
That sequencer info was really key for me. Thank you. I'm a hardware guy that only records in a daw. And I needed to know if it could sequence outside gear. Unfortunately it does not seem to or doesent do it very well so this really helped me decide what to get. Thanks man.
You may have seen it already, but look into the brand new Arturia Keystep Pro! It looks like exactly what you are looking for
Great Video! You really broke down what I wanted to know without unwanted fluff. Thank You
This was a great overview and extremely well presented. I was deciding between buying the Essentials and the MkII and you have convinced me to go for the MkII, thank you!
In my book, PADS should be on the right and FADERS on the left. Righties most often play drums with the right hand (helping with the left) and when you wanna use faders for changing expression and volume and similar, many play the keys with the right hand and move the faders with the left. Many disagree?
Thought the same, but knobs easier with with right hand and pads do chords as well (left hand). Maybe?
I never thought about that, that might explain why I love the layout of the Keylab vs a lot of other MIDI keyboards as a lefty player.
Yes disagree (im left handed)
Yup. Especially if you are playing with the band. You don't need to use your left hand to play low notes all the time since you have a bass player (except if the song needs a low notes synth). So you can use your left hand for faders and knobs to adjust parameters while playing.
You're asolutely 💯 right. I love my Keylab 49 Mk2, but the layout of the pads and knobs should be swapped. A huge oversight, IMO
I bought the essential as a computer controller, and i hardly ever use it. I am very excited about the functionality I had no idea about! Thanks so much for this.
If you're gonna offer two different controller lines at two different price points, I think you'd be hard pressed to do better than Arturia. These are both really nice.
What do you dislike about arturia?
Great video. I have the essentials and this video confirms I don't need to upgrade to mk2.
Jaime-Andres Burgoa I agree
Why did you think it's not worth it?
Can you tell me if the keyboard can have more than one midi channel? example: play two different sounds, one assigned to the left side, the other to the right side of the keyboard. Thank you.
Ricardo Farinha Do you mean keyboard splitting?
If yes, the answer is yes, it can do that!
@@rolux4853 I'm kinda late, but how u do that?
Great walkthrough.
15:30 I have a Komplete Kontrol S61 mkII and the reason I’m here is because it’s absolutely useless as a midi controller with external hardware. So am looking for something that is useful. I’m honestly not sure why it has midi ports on the back as you can’t select midi channel - it’s always 1. And apart from the keys, mod, pitch and transpose buttons, none of the knobs or buttons do anything midi wise. They only work with the KK software, or daw, and can’t send and map midi through a daw as you need the KK software open - and there’s no way to trick it either by having say KK on a track - because as soon as you click off the plugin - everything on the keyboard switches off.
On this though - looks great. I do wish Arturia would bring out a full size Keystep Pro with the additional functionality this has. I’d buy that in a heartbeat.
Thanks for a very clear and helpful video. I was planning on getting the Essential 88 key version but now I might save up for the MKII 61 key version.
I've been looking at various priced 49-key midi controllers for the past 3 days, and this review gave me absolutely everything I needed, and I'm going to move forward with the MKII!
I have the essential 61, the analogue lab software is absolutely incredible
I went with a 49key mk2 used for like $360 instead of the 61key essential for $100 less, I haven't received it yet but I this really solidified my decision over all the others and I'm excited, thank you!
Isn't all the software make it worth buying the brand new one for the extra 100?
You are a beast of presenter!
Thank you so much for such detail comparison. It really helps.
Dude this was an amazingly informative and illustrative video- Arturia should hire you!!
Thank you for sharing!
Subscribed.
The essential can't send NRPN messages, but the mk2 has some options. I wish they would add NRPN support via firmware update.
Good comment - I'll add that to the description and give you credit - thanks!
@@loopop I know I’m late but what exactly is an NRPN?
A way to send high resolution values in midi (16000+ levels as opposed to 127 with regular ccs)
There are a couple of things I wished they would add with a firmware update... I think Arturia saved a bit on the wrong end in the Keylab Essential. Seriously, the competition has an onboard arpeggiator, and a lot more tricks in their budget keyboards. It's fine that Arturia want to distinguish between the cheaper and more expensive models, but, there are things which should be pretty much standard on these keyboards.
Hope they'll add some more functionality on a potential mk2 Keylab Essentials. Things I'd like to see: Onboard arpeggiator, maybe a sequencer, and multiple pages of MIDI CC's for the controls in user mode.
Is it compatible with FL Studio?
Yes you can map it accordingly
Very good comparison and lots of detail. What this video failed to answer was the initial question (video title)... Arturia KeyLab MK2 vs Essential: Is it worth the price difference?
Thanks.... I guess - whenever I phrase a title as a question it means in my opinion is no right answer. My aim is to give the information so people can make the decision for themselves. Otherwise the title would be “don’t by this buy that”. One keyboard is perfect for a certain set of needs and budget, and one is not
Five years and the MKII is still one of the best midi keyboard controllers out there. All this and the CV interface too. Great demonstration of the CV functions. Excellent review.
Very well presented and informative - thank you :)
Great video watched till the end♥️💪🏽
These both look amazing. My dilemma is whether to pay £200 extra for the MkII just to get slightly better feel of keys, a few more DAW controls and... possibly a big deal: Aftertouch. Also the 'essentials' version will take up less space on my desk, which is a pretty big deal. Hmm.
Which did you go for? I’m deciding this too 😅
@@TomGrimmy The keys of the MK2 are way better and worth the money against the essential. Plus the extra functions are a lot better for controlling Analog Lab. But the encoders are the same, not very good on both units.
@@axoplanet6081 are the black keys wider on the MK2 than the essential? I just bought the essential and the black keys feel akward width wise, not sure if its my head or what. I don't remember my M Audio Oxygen feeling this way.
@@andrewsalas1154 I don't know, sorry. But on the MK2, my fingers was slide of a bit from the black keys. So I don't think they are wider. I loved the keybed from the MK2. Very velocity responsive and nice to play on. A little light, but a way better response then on a MPK261 for example. But I sold it because of the encoders, after got it back from guarantee-repair. Now I have an Novation SL3.
@@axoplanet6081 I don’t think the novation works well with FL studio tho.
I own a Keylab 88 Mk2: it is a well build and steady masterkeyboard, however for on stage (midi) it has some disadvantages
- The keys are heavy and slow: it even takes more effort than playing a piano. My Roland XV88 with hammer weighted keys, play a lot lighter and faster
- One more disadvantage: 88 keys, and Arturia does not allow zones with layers, ONLY 1 split
- Only 10 memories, for more memories you need to bring your laptop
- Selecting a new user memory does not send program changes: but the interfacing with Arturia's Midi Control center is flexible: i program the pads, to work as sound library for 1 song
I never had a hanging key!
I wrote to Arturia and they listened to my complaints: I hope the next firmware reveals a few zones in the keyboard
The analogue interfacing works great and flawlessly
And the Keylab Mk2 also has plenty of pedals (4 inputs)
I wish they had spend more effort in adding extra midi-outs
The Midi-in (DIN) does not transfer notes, or am i doing something wrong? It does merge midi over USB though.
My conclusion: Arturia is qualitative a great Keyboard; it is not as far as cheaper manufacturers with features in the firmware (sequencing, presets that can be integrated or stored for sections of the functions)
We need to give Loopop an award for teaching a generation how to play electronic instruments. I keep coming back to his videos to learn more. Just excellent!
I have V Collection 6 but don't use it or automate parameters as often as I'd like due to the extra steps of browsing with keyboard and mouse and the extra steps of controller mapping. Thank you for this. I'll give the MK2 a try.
Damn... I was really hoping watching this would sell me on essential since i didn't wanna go for a a high end MIDI controller yet... But watching this reminded me of stuff i really care about in a keyboard... (Namely having pitchbend and modwheel next too keys) But oh dear - it will be nice when i can map out Analag Lab Pro with a fast click
Thanks for the awesome in depth review 👍
Okay so terrific that I'm going to listen to it again.
!
Q: I am a recurring deb, extremely creative / talented, with zero discipline. Now I have to score a channel and I'm excited to be forced to put into practice some very cool theory and get my fingers to obey and brain to lead.
My favorite keybed for example is an old Hammond dual that I am keeping for instant comp. Incomparable for light action and pure play. No keybed noise at all, and easy to glide with one finger - but of course no VS, no AT. I bought an Oxygen Pro 61 to start and am getting the top gear SW for the show debut during the BF sales - the keyboard is an improvement over the base NI A61 that was abysmal, and it's fine, but I am such a deb that I want a keybed that I love. This keyboard is exciting me. All the music stores are tits-up. I can go with this 61Mk2 or the 88 - any comment to this effect of satisfying my inner piano Picasso will be solid. (Actually, I will be working 90% with Orch and Choir and Synth. It's the Divine thing. So....)
Thank you for the upload i just ordered the Arturia KeyLab MK2 im not a pianist i bought it just making my workflow on Cubase easier and faster btw very effective channel.
great video, but why are the keyboard sounds hard panned left in headphones?
As always, a very useful video! I'm planning to upgrade to the black KeyLab Mk2 61 and integrate it with my Analog Lab. I'm the kind of person that needs time to fall in love with all the plugins around and less is more for me. Arturia did a tremendous job with their emulations, I jus't can't stop playing them and KeyLab is the perfect tool to finally get my eyes off the screen and let go of the mouse. I'm am always for hans on instrumenst rather than turning some virtual knobs. It just isn't the same when you're turning the filter knob with your hands and the KeyLab will fix that for me. I already have the Minibrute 2 so I'll continue to use it for sequencing since thats the only thing those two are missing. Thanks once again for this in depth comparison!
Thank you! This video totally helped me!
Great review, thanks for this awesome video.
Wish Arturia wakes up and makes an MK3 version of the Essentials and the MK2. These are still good in 2021, imagine what would happen if they introduce a new version with better Ableton integration and control! We need a 37 key version too!
Great job. keep em coming.
This video is so well-produced , damn ! ,a big thank you!
Real good job you've done with nice and useful pip addins 😉 thanks a lot
This is a very helpful video. Thanks!
After watching this video I decided to go with the 61 mkii.
If i program a pad to play C chord... then i transpose -1 on midi keyboard controller..... will the pad play B or C chord?
Thank you so much. My desicion is all set. MK2
I wanna buy some gear to start but it's all so complicated I don't understand shit of how to deal with all this 😤
Awesome video and presentation. Thank you for doing it so great. It helped me a lot to choose witch model to buy. / Best Regards Roberto
What a great review and comparison. Thank you!
Amazing video. Great work!!!
The knobs on Essential never ever worked since the day I've bought it. And then I've found that many people were facing (still facing) the same issue. Few responses from Arturia on the forum, just a beta firmware and an official release that doesn't do anything. The knobs are useless in my Essential 61.
Which DAW do you have?
@@frankb.3539 Several. Reaper, Ableton Live 10... and the bundled soft like Analog labs and others.
I had a Yamaha DX7 in 1986. It had the same screen.
How long has the essential been with you? Is it durable?
Excellent video, thanks, the work you put on it was amazing.
Thank you for this video. Can I map functions in my DAW to the buttons? I want to map quantise in Logic to one of the buttons. Is that possible?
Amazing video. Love it!
Thanks for helping me to avoid buying the expensive MKII. I just ordered the essential one and when I will have enough of these smooth keys, I will connect an additional keyboard with harder touch.
Yap. With a very cheap one, which has aftertouch, I have ordered essential 88. I realized that I don't need mk ii, because I think mkii was designed for live player, but if you are a home studio "player" essential will be very useful.
Great video 👍
Fantastic video!
Thanks for your in depth comparison of these midi keyboard/controllers. For such a premium controller one would expect the power supply to come with it. I know it's bus powered though I use the 5 pins to other devices aswell and prefer a power supply for stability and integrity. I don't take too well when companies leave out an important component that is required when the user/customer needs it. They don't even sell one for their product. So if I purchase my own power supply and fry the keyboard due to a faulty power supply then warranty is void. These kind of cost cutting measures steer me away from the product. I will look elsewhere. Thanks again for the comparison of these two fine midi keyboards.
All Arturia suffers from totally missing the location of the sliders. They should be on the LEFT side to support organ playing. Also, the 88 key mk2 really needs a new keybed. It is just not good. Way too hard. Check out the Nord or Kawai for a good keybed. Kawai has the best hammer action keybed. Arturia should get that instead of the one they have.
Hi. thanks for the video. I watch the all video...Have a doubt if they have morotized faders? The faders goes to the point where the software volume is automatically?
no motorized faders unfortunately
Nice and indepth cheers dude!
Great comparison! But build quality is more important than one can think. I’ve had a Novation Impulse 61 for the last years, but I could never use any of the parameters mapped on knobs and faders. The plastic, the encoders and the display are so cheap that even the slightest tremble would make the parameters go crazy. And it’s not even that cheap for a midi controller (360$). The price is important, but if the built quality is sh*t, then you end up not using the functions, so basically you pay for something that you don’t use at full capacity.
You might have actually had a faulty one - I had an Impulse 61 for about 8 years until it died this year and it was fine (although the knobs are light, I had no parameters change without me tweaking). I have had 1 Keylab MkII though which just got returned as the parameters on that WERE going crazy - they think a faulty motherboard. I'll probably just get another though, it's a great keyboard otherwise.
@@philmarsh5593 Same! My motherboard was swapped and it works perfectly now.
I’ve had a similar issue with MAUDIO Oxygen Pro 25. Recently I can’t turn it on with it interfering with I/O which makes it impossible to use Live or MPC - if I trigger rec it will start recording and immediately stop with about 1/20th of a second recorded. It’s probably a faulty controller as the OLED has become a smeared blur also for no reason I could find.
@@philmarsh5593I think my MAUDIO O2 Pro falls into that faulty category, but lucky me it didn’t start getting weird until I had had it for about a year.
Great review with in-depth exploration of the facilities! Wish you faded the index out after a minute or so since it sometimes obscures the view a bit.
Thanks for the comment and the feedback. If I faded it out it wouldn’t be useful throughout the video. I do I try to keep the important stuff always visible to the right of the index but it doesn’t always work out. In the past I got requests to completely block out the index part (check out my recent ableton video...) but I that’s a last resort visually (ableton is VERY busy on the left). Anyway, that’s a long way to say I’m always open to ideas on how to do it better ... other than fading it out...
loopop : well, you could of course have it in the description and then it would be clickable as well. My feeling would be that if someone wants to only know about a specific subject, they will go there right from the start anyway. But of course, it’s your video. 🙂
Of course - yeah I do that too (description). Anyway, thanks ;)
Great review thank you. No arpeggiator on either which is a let down.
Thanks for the informative review!
I have a question regarding Ableton integration. Is it possible to adjust parameters for other software synths (other than Arturia's) using the knobs/faders? The previous Keylab appears to have been capable of adjusting both instrument and fx parameters if youtube videos are to be believed... If it's not possible, can the Novation SL mk3 do it? Having a hard time finding this info.
You can manually map the hardware controls to any parameter, but it doesn't automatically map to control the device parameteres and swap devices like the MK3 or Push do. It's really a matter of their Ableton Script more than the hardware itself, so they might add it in the future, but currently you've got to map parameters manually (other than Arturia's synths where it does automap as you said).
I have the mk2 its a great controller
I am waiting for mine from Sweetwater. Did you go with black or white? My only concern is, on the Axiom Pro, I use blue painters tape to scribble my BFD3 drum keypad assignments. I don't see any place to do that on the MkII as I have my drums spread over the 61 keys and the first octave has special printed info I don't want to cover up! I may have to go with thinner tape . . .
gives a very good image off the 2 controllers, thank you! (previous reviews I've seen were shitty, although they had more viewers. keep up the work!)
I own the V collection and love it. For MIDI control, I also have Push 2 but i just can't get used to playing melodies or chords on the grid style bed they have. I can actually play piano, so it's just weird for me and keeps me going over to my Kurzweil K2000 for playing. So i end up using the Push less...ugh. BUT having integration on the Keylab would be ideal. I really wish they just had a box with the browser options and faders/knobs. That's all i need. The K2000 keybed is great and supports poly aftertouch. Maybe i'll get the Essentials on the cheap just for the knobs/faders.
How do these compare to the older arturia analog experience 61. I like the size of it as opposed to the mk2. The essential seems a little plastic to me. Is the functionality the same?
Thanks bro, terrific review man I learned a lot, very well done and very appreciated. Peace love and happiness to ya.
Just bought the keylab essential 49 as a midi controller for my iPad Pro, works great, also hooked it up to my MacBook Pro and it works great with the Arturia V Collection. Although I like the semi weighted keys on my main midi keyboard controller, I have to admit that for a cheap $200 midi controller the keylab essential packs a lot of bang for the buck, especially the integration with the Arturia software. Now I’m considering the Keylab 88 with the weighted keys.
I'm looking for a great controller for my ipad. What apps are you running that use the keylab well? Does Arturia have apps available on ipad to support these controllers? Thanks!
@@anonymous_friend It works great as far as just plugging it in and playing and having 49 full size keys for $200 as far as the iPad goes but its nothing REALLY great as far as the iPad goes, you can map the knobs and faders with whatever software has midi learn but haven't ran across and pre mapped apps on the iPad for the Essential. If Arturia ever came out with Analog Lab for the iPad and it worked the same as the desktop version and it was an AUV3, that would be a whole other story and pretty much a game changer for me. After having it for a year it really shines using it with a laptop and Arturia software. Even if you didn't buy the V collection and just used Analog Lab which comes with it you'd be set. Btw I mostly use the Korg Microkey Air 37 with my iPad , it has bluetooth for when I just want to play and not have to use a usb cable.
What a great video! Thanks for all the info, it’s really helpful and informative.
Hi your videos are top notch. Thank you for providing such valuable and useful information for us fellow musicians. I still use hardware synth modules ( motif XS rack, Roland integra, and Korg triton) as well as soft synths on Mac and iOS. My goal is to integrate all of this where I can call up sounds on each external sound module and internal sounds with all the levels set etc. with the push of a button or foot switch. So I need advice on audio and midi interfaces, how to connect everything, how to map the keyboard controller, assign sounds to pads, identify MSB and LSB numbers and so on. If you have links to these questions awesome. If you provide paid instruction that’s awesome too. I just want to finally educate myself on this awesome technology. I’m a working musician and want to have all my sounds and sets in order. Thank you for your time.
Thanks for the kind words! I don’t currently provide private lessons
Neither come with a power supply?? That is really disappointing. :(
I had a play with the MK2 in a local shop the other day, it is VERY high quality. Very impressed!!!
Are the keys better than on the native s61 mk2?
@@tcr333Only the 88 key Keylab uses a Fatar keybed which is what Native S61 and S88 has and it's a shame because i personally like more weighted keys, i think the keys are a bit too soft for my liking on the 61 and 49 because the keys are different but they actually are surprisingly responsive to touch which is very important though. The pitch and modwheel are really good because they feel very premium and i like that they are made of metal instead of plastic as i have had bad experiences with plastic in the past like the mod and pitch wheel beginning to act on their own
Great video! What is the monitor that you were using with the Mk II? Is that a tablet?
Thanks! It's not real, just an overlay I add in the video when editing it
Ok. Sorry if I already made this comment. But yeah this is SUCH a useful video. As companies have multiple product price points comparing within the same product line is so helpful. Thank you!
Lol am laughing my arse off , mate u did amazing am laughing on myself as I watched the whole video , which was super informative and realise I have a mark Ii
Thank you! I'm ordering a 61key MKII now
I want buy one
The keys on both are terrible. I compared them on the Novation Launchkey 61.
Artiuria has good design, integration with plugins, but the keys are terrible. So far I like the keys on the Akai 261 and Novation Launchkey 61. Of course Studiologic are the best, but there are no pads, faders, etc.
For a moment I thought "that's a really flat screen"
Just got the mkii today, needs more velocity options, the preset 3 aren't enough, keys play either too hard or too soft!!
use velocity midi effect in your daw
Thank you for this review. It's very well produced and very informative. I wish you would have gone into more depth into keyboards not having 'MIDI Learn' option? That's kind of a bummer. I use some apps that offer MIDI learn. Does that mean both keyboards cannot MIDI learn? I'm new to synths. Again, thank you for this wonderful review. I'm leaning towards the 61 keys. It doesn't seem to be that much bigger than the MK.
I currently have NI A61 and want to get the 88 key Arturia essential mainly for the weighted keys. Don’t think the integration with NI will be much harder with the Arturia vs my Ni controller? I use Arturia plugins but also a lot of NI komplete. Right now the Ni midi controller seems to integrate with both software brands with little to no tweaking.
Amazing review and comparison ! Awesome and VERY informative presentation ! Arturia Keylab MK2 white, or black, that is a question ..... ;)
YOU NEVER DISAPPOINT LOOPOP!!!!!! Thanks for all your music and reviews. I've never seen a channel with more reviews than yours. and if could review the channel, i'd just say 7 stars.
Being a novice keyboard player with a home studio needing a good controller for software synthesis and editing drums ect...I had the same issue of which one of the Arturia's keylabs to buy. I chose the keylab 49 MKii for build quality and DAW integration with Studio One 4. Also wanting to explore modular synthesis in the future, the cv hookups will be needed now that's is getting affordable for the home studio owner/ musician/ artist.
Does it work well with studio one?
Awesome review man. Simple, yet detailed descriptions of the differences and similarities of each controller. And great production and audio quality. Thank you!
I just subscribed and wish I had known about your channel earlier. I now know exactly what I need to know about these two models. Honestly, I don't have to make a trip down to the store to try them out after your tutorial. I know which model I will buy because your video was thorough and answered every question I had about three seconds after I thought of it.
I'll also echo what others said. This is a fantastically produced video. Everything is very clearly explained and impeccably laid out. It's the model for others who aspire to make the best tutorial videos, really! What software do you use to produce the video? I loved what you did with the screen capture perspective at 8:18 and have no idea how to do it myself. Also loved that you posted time segments on the left side of the screen for the entire video. Superb work.
Hello! What are your thougths comparing the Arturia Keylanb MKII versus the Novation SL MKIII? Thank you!
Watch both clips ;) generally speaking the Keylab is cheaper and comes with a ton of content, and the SL MkIII has an on board 8 track sequencer, arpeggiator, splits and better Ableton control - though it’s more expensive and doesn’t come a rich preset library
I saw it, it was a very nice review (as all). I now see I wrote wrongly the question: I forgot to specify the question comparing hoth keybeds, since you reviewed it carefully with the arturia models but not with the novation. Thank you.
I was going ask the same question, so thanks guys...however I already have the Push 2 and so would like a companion 61 key midi controller...I wonder if the Keylab is a better fit, as the Push 2 covers many of the MK111’s features?...too many choices out there! But once again a great video, thanks for posting! 👍😃
The SL Mk3 is not class compliant, and requires drivers and additional software in order to do any detailed midi remapping of virtual synth controls. I found this to be too much of a pain, and returned my unit. I'm now waiting for the Keylab 49 Mk2. Thanks for this handy comparison video. It answers a lot of questions!
Thank you
anyone know who sells laptop plate attachment for this. can't find anywhere
I think that there was a little too much focus on the MK2.
I left wondering in few occasions that how a certain thing would work in Esssential (or would it work at all).
Still there was good information.
Just needed a ittle more of it.
Thank you for great comparison. Subscribed.
I have a question. Did you have a chance to compare the keybase of mkII with the komplete kontrol S-series? If so, which one do you prefer?
They’re both high quality. Personally I didn’t feel a material difference but if you’re sensitive to these things you should try them in store
I purchased am Essential 61 to go with my hammer weighted 88 controller. The feel of the keybed is horendous. It feels like a childs toy, which is anoying as the build quality of the unit is great. Keyboard feel is so important, and this lets the arturia down.
does that matter if I'm someone who has never played a piano/keyboard before? I guess it's just a matter of being used to a "real" keybed?
Hi there! I'm wondering if I use both Arturia and NI plugins, will one of these Arturia keyboards let me edit NI instrument patches? Thanks! Great videos, by the way.
You found an answer?
Was thinking the same thing. Hope to get an answer
The akai mpk2 might be another alternative for the mkii keylab, as price goes and most functionality(no cv though), I bought an mpk261 before the slmkIII came out, so now I have both. Future video request, could you tackle nrpn? Specifically when using controllers, there are some synths that are riddled with nrpns and worse, not really a lot of computer editors, the Micron comes to mind here. If anyone could do an awesome cohesive nrpn vid, man, it's you...
Thanks for the feedback - sure - I have a video about a cool not yet released controller coming in a few weeks so it will be the perfect opportunity to weave it in (assuming it’s not delayed...)