KeyLab 88 MkII ready for Modular and More
UPDATE – See our review here KeyLab 88 MKII Review
Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII (Affiliate Link) is a piano-feel master controller that’s a joy to play, looks the part. The Keyboard built to last, features effortless integration and comes complete with a professional software instrument collection. We did review the KeyLab 49 MKII earlier. Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII (Affiliate Link) takes all of the things that professional users loved about our premier piano-feel controller and infuses the powerful, contemporary “MkII” feature set. Now you can play any instrument, control any synth, perform with any modular rig, all with the timeless feeling of a piano at your fingertips. The most expressive controller Arturia ever made. It also features multiple, assignable expression pedal inputs so you can have total control of your sound.
Modular control
KeyLab 88 MkII’s modular options let you unite the worlds of MIDI and CV/gate like no other controller out there. Gives you a huge scope for integrating your modular gear with your DAW.
The rear panel includes five control voltage connections: Pitch Out, Gate Out, 2 Mod Outs and CV In. The CV outputs can be used to send control voltages and triggers to a modular synthesis system. The input can be used to output CV signals from MIDI data in your DAW. The voltage range can quickly be defined using the quick access “User Edit” mode or through the free, dedicated hardware hub Arturia MCC. KeyLab 88 MkII can interface with practically any kind of music-making technology. Letting you use external modulation sources for plug-in instruments in your DAW, like Analog Lab. You can also start to integrate your modular setup into your software projects by sending perfect, automated data to your modular gear. This level of control is what KeyLab 88 MkII is all about.
88 Note Keybed
This top-tier controller keyboard features the superb piano-feel 88 note keybed found in the industry-standard original, but with the updated feature set of the KeyLab MkII series, and an amazing software collection worth over $700.
Designed for professional musicians, session players, live performers, studio engineers, and demanding producers who want the best of the best, with no sacrifice made in terms of playability, expression, versatility, and sheer quality. Whether the proud owner of a KeyLab 88 MkII is an experienced pro, or an aspiring producer, they will make great use of the amazing included software titles, DAW control, customizable setups, and seamless integration.
KeyLab 88 MkII key features
- 88 note, velocity sensitive Fatar TP/100LR piano weighted keybed with aftertouch
- 9 customizable faders
- 9 rotary encoders
- 4 CV/gate connections: pitch, gate, mod, input
- Perfect Analog Lab integration
- Full integration with all Arturia software instruments
- Universal MIDI controller: control any software or MIDI-enabled hardware
- Powers via USB
- Control presets for different DAWs, magnetic overlays for easy reference
- Huge pedal connectivity: expression, sustain, 3 customizable connections
- Mackie / HUI compliant DAW Command Center
- Comprehensive music software bundle included
- Optional sustain pedal and DC power supply
Bundled Software
KeyLab 88 MkII includes the following software titles:
Analog Lab
A collection of over 6,000 keyboards presets taken from the award-winning Arturia V Collection, powered their exclusive TAE® and Phi modeling technologies. Featuring every type of keyboard sound you can imagine, from analog monosynths to lush pianos, organs to digital powerhouses, samplers, string machines, and quirky modular gear. All accessible through an easy to navigate, tag-based browser, with options to add effects, create powerful combi sounds, create sets, and hit the stage with a dedicated Concerts mode.
Piano V
Arturia’s acclaimed piano studio software instrument. This software title is the equivalent of having a customizable studio full of the classic upright, concert grand, and esoteric pianos at your disposal. Each one tuned to perfection, ready for you to explore. Recreated through physical modeling, you can change the tonality and response in any way you like.
Wurli V
“You’re My Best Friend”, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, “Get Back”, all these classic tracks used the famous Wurlitzer to pulse away with that vibrant, organic tone. KeyLab 88 MkII comes complete with Wurli V, the most accurate version of a vintage Wurli ever created in software. Now users can enjoy the same sound that captivated Queen, Marvin Gaye, and The Beatles.
VOX Continental V
A perfectly modeled recreation of the classic transistor organ whose burning tone was loved by everyone from The Doors to The Stranglers. The circuitry and drawbars behind this classic organ have been perfectly recreated in software, letting you play the sound of some of the greatest hits of the ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s and beyond, all from the comfort of your computer and controller.
Ableton Live Lite
An introduction to the world of Ableton Live, a high-powered software suite used by top producers, DJs, performers, and remixers all around the world. Live Lite lets you record your ideas, layer tracks, warp audio, and release your productions.
