Best Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black Alternatives

Based on 5 reviews

The good: - polifonic or chanel pressure aftertouch (easy to set up via the app) - pressure sensitive everything - 3 octaves - low profile - sexy - feels like a mac keyboard - had fun with it - you can enable shortcuts mode on the key that allows you to switch channels, velocity curves, aftertouch mode (poly or mono) and transpose The bad: - feel like a mac keyboard - aftertouch is sensitive (but can be configured) - everything is touch sensitive, need to train those fingers - only cable it comes with is the usb one (others sold separately and have a proprietary soket) - polyphonic aftertouch is only compatible with some apps (anymoog for ipad for example) so you have to switch often between mono and poly. Fortunately this is easy if you enable key shortcuts using the xkey app

Based on 4 reviews

As suggested in the title, I'm really liking this midi keyboard. My main reasons for this feeling are: - Very deep daw integration (I have used it with Reaper and Reason, but it supports more) - Good price. I think the keybed is ok. Not the best I have ever used, but very playable. Much better than my M-Audio Oxygen 49 (3rd gen) for sure. The knobs are a bit small, but still offer good control. Faders are also small, but nice and sturdy so you don't move them too quickly. The layout of the controls is very good and even the combined functions work nicely. (shift + key) The pads are nice and I like them for hammering in drum patterns. The display is good, although the P version will probably be better (color display) It is nice to have midi out to control other hardware and the keyboard...

Based on 3 reviews

I used to use an AKAI MPK Mini controller. I had it for 4 years and didn't really need anything else, I had keys and pads and I chop up samples using Serato so you just switch the octave etc. It finally broke and I decided I wanted a larger keyboard MIDI controller as I want to learn to play piano. I was not expecting the amount of features and complexity that this device has. It's overwhelming If you're somebody who doesn't know about MIDI programming, CC, etc. I never learned it because like I said, my plugins did the job. Serato, Kontakt, plus multiple others. It comes with a free copy of Ableton lite, MPC Daw production packs etc. Just read the features list. I use FL studio and it arrived a week ago and sometimes when making beats I barely have to touch the mouse. It comes with...

Based on 1 reviews

Man, these are amazing! I've been thinking a long time which ones should I get after my Arturia MiniLab MKII broke down and decided to go with Nectar after a thorough consideration. I regret nothing! The instrument is robust, heavy, built like a tank. For this price (given it has 49 real sized keys), I was expecting something light, fragile and amateur. But... I've got a really nice, well crafted piece. All controls are working (the arpeggiator is amazing!), the keys are nicely weighted, they respond very well and overall I couldn't be more satisfied. Keys have a ton of outputs that can serve every need one could have in studio. Also, the USB cable provided isn't a cheap short pos that usually comes with tons of instruments nowadays. I didn't yet try the software...

Based on 1 reviews

I was dubious at first, as I was worried about the Komplete integration being a bit laggy, as I have found in the past. Im glad to say that it seems to be a lot faster than previous versions. the integration with the my daw/vsts is good. The third party integration is good, but not as pretty as the nks integrated synths. Overall it's a good buy. Bought this to replace my Akai advanced which is a great keyboard. With very similar functionality. But it started throwing out random midi messages. It served me well though. So it's on to the Next Chapter with S49 Mk3. Hopefully there will be a few more updates, with more tricks up there sleeves. To add to a very Komplete keyboard Already. 🙂

Based on 24 reviews

Native Instruments stands for kontakt player,which is well-known in midi arrangement.Now Maschine and Komplete get more and more popular.And this,is the best hardware for these software use. S49 Mk2 equiped with the best semi-weighted keyboard in the market(fatar).The respond and the feeling are professional and pleasant.Also,the design of the controller feels so cool.It has two screens,displayed different section of software.After correct installation of software,you can control the software with S49 though the knob and button.So helpful for live use. In a word.Komplete Kontrol S49 is a nice controller.choose it and you won't regret it.

Based on 15 reviews

I was pleasantly surprised by this midi controller. It is very compact and still has all the basic functionally you could expect. I am using it most of the time with my iPad, and the preset for Cubase got me everything working with zero config (faders, pan, transport controls, back/forward/repeat, selecting tracks, arming/muting them). The pads are good enough for a portable midi controller, and the note repeat can be configured and used easily enough. It has arp/chord mode, and while I tested it and it works fine I don't really care for it so no much to say on this. On a negative side, the daw controls are very "clicky" so if you want a silent operation this is not it. It doesn't bother me though. Also the keybed could be better, but for this size (and price) you are not...

Based on 15 reviews

I've been using the Keystep Pro with a multitude of instruments: Software, new hardware, old/vintage hardware. As long as you can connect it, you'll be able to mess with it. The additional CV outputs just add another cherry on top of this already "sort of modular" workflow of the Keystep Pro. Once you learn how it works (and once you set it all up with your instruments), it's super easy to get into & just start creating new tracks. I love that the Keystep Pro doesn't hinder any creativity; it just creates this universal control unit to operate everything else you have. It's great!

Based on 23 reviews

I have been using the Arturia Keylab Essential 49 for a month and I'm really happy with it. The keyboard is very solid with very good materials. The sound is really good, I have used it with Garageband and Ableton live. The only drawback that I have detected is in Analog Lab. it's true that you have thousands of sounds and in theory, you are also able to modify the synth preset but you only have access to a specific subset of presets mapped into the nobs and sliders. If you want to map other presets or create more sounds with synthesizers you need a license of the specific synth (around 150$ per synth or 500$ for a synth collection)

Based on 11 reviews

No slim, short, mini, 30% scaled down keys; you got 37 standard sized keys to shred and lay down chords with USB and MIDI OUT. Good synth action and sensitivity, not too noisy, wheels with good grip and decently spaced rotary pots. Pads are colorful but they aren't going to flash while you play, even when they are close to your computer monitor. Arpeggiator, chords and scale mode are fun but I still have to dig them. I needed lightweight a 3 octaves keyboard to hook to computer via USB and synth rack via MIDI when the 88 keys are not needed. So far I am really happy with the Novation Launchkey 37 MK3, great playability and no fluff. It's class compliant so you don't need any software unless you want it deeply integrated with your DAW; arpeggiator, chords and scale work without any...