KeyLab Essential 61 : Excellent value midi keyboard

I got this for my home studio set up. In addition to the relatively low price, the bundled software made it a very good value purchase. There are some limitations (eg the absence of zones / splits) but for less than £200 I can't really complain.

Pros

1. Relatively easy to set up and install, provided you follow the instructions and do everything in the right order

2. The midi control centre, where you can save configurations to the User pads for easy recall is great.

3. With the optional adaptor (Item 192043) I have also been able to use this in a live setting as a controller keyboard (in my case for a Nord Electro 6 HP), so it could operate as a top (B3 organ) board, including the assignment of the sliders to the Nord drawbar settings. It took me a little while (and a youtube video) to figure this out, but it was really worth it to have the versatility of a second keyboard on the Nord sound engine and the ability to control the organ sounds from the midi controller.

4. The variety of sounds / synths in the bundled software is just fantastic. I've had hours of fun with the vintage synths.

Cons

1. It's not the sturdiest keyboard in the world, and the keys are very light to the touch. Not really suitable for piano sounds, but is grand for synths and light organ work.

2. Would prefer to be able to assign channels to zones, but I guess that's why Arturia sell more expensive / feature rich versions.

Overall, if you're looking for a cheap controller with a bundle of software, which can also be used live, and which will integrate easily into your DAW, this is a good option.