The world of MIDI controllers is fast-paced, with new additions hitting the market every now and then. Amid this crowd, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 stands apart as a commanding presence. In this Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 review, we will uncover why this keyboard holds such a distinctive position in its category. Whether you’re a professional digital artist or an amateur music enthusiast, you’ll find engaging insights about one of the most celebrated MIDI controllers.
When it comes to delivering exceptional performance combined with aesthetic design features and user-friendly interface, very few products can match up to the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2. From recording studios to personal practice sessions at home studio setups, its application is widespread and well appreciated by users across platforms.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Keys | 88-note Fatar TP/100LR keybed |
| Key Type | Hammer-action, weighted |
| Aftertouch | Yes |
| Pads | 16 RGB-backlit, velocity and pressure sensitive |
| Faders | 9 |
| Encoders | 1 (clickable) + 9 |
| Transport Controls | 6 |
| Connectivity | USB |
| Included Software | Arturia V Collection 9, Analog Lab software, Ableton Live Lite and more. |
| Compatible Devices | Laptop |
| Weight | 17 kg |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 129.3 cm x32.2 cm x11.2 cm |
Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2: A Quick Overview
The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 is a premium MIDI controller built for musicians and producers who prioritize quality and flexibility. This advanced keyboard features 88 hammer-action keys with aftertouch, delivering an experience akin to playing an acoustic piano. Additionally, its comprehensive control panel includes nine faders, nine rotary encoders, and a wide array of buttons that are fully customizable, offering extensive possibilities for DAW integration and virtual instrument control.
Being highly versatile, the KeyLab 88 Mk2 also connects seamlessly with multiple types of software and hardware setups. It is equipped with pitch bend and modulation wheels, as well as dedicated transport controls to manage your recording sessions efficiently. Its robust construction ensures longevity while the sleek design enhances any studio or stage setup. Whether used by live performers or studio producers, this MIDI controller stands out for its reliability and adaptability in various musical environments.
Also Read: Yamaha Piaggero NP-12: Your Ultimate, Comprehensive Review
Unpacking
When you open the package of your new Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2, the first thing that catches your eye is how neatly everything is laid out. This gives you an instant positive feeling about your decision to pick an Arturia product.
The package includes:
- The attractive Arturia Keylab 88 MKII keyboard.
- A USB cable for connecting to other devices.
- A power adapter in case your USB connection does not deliver enough power.
- An instruction manual that guides you on how to set it up and get started.
When you lift the keyboard out, it’s tangible quality strikes you instantly — a strong hint towards its superior performance. The Keys feel heavy indicating high-grade weighted keys, another gravitating sign of innovative design, and advanced technology at work behind it.
So right from opening the box, there’s an inbuilt assurance that this full-size professional MIDI controller can spur creativity while effortlessly living up to expectations.
Classic Design with Modern Functionality
The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 is a sight to behold and a joy to use. It nicely blends the old and new, offering users the best of both worlds in an exciting blend of traditional design elements and modern functionalities.
Let’s start by talking about its immediate visual appeal. The classic wood side panels give it a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of legendary pianos from bygone eras. But don’t be fooled by its old-world look — this is a contemporary piece of technology packed full with impressive features.
In today’s digital age, portability is an essential aspect for most musicians. Despite being a full-size keyboard boasting 88 keys, the KeyLab 88 Mk2 manages to strike an impressive balance between form and function. The smartly designed keybed structure gives it both size and weight advantages over many other keyboards in its class, making it easier to carry around to gigs or studios.
Performance that Amplifies Creativity
When we talk about a MIDI controller, it is crucial that its performance has the capacity to widen our creative horizons. With Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2, it does not just meet expectations but sets new custodies for creativity and spontaneity.
Superior sound quality and sampling capabilities: The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 comes equipped with groundbreaking sound quality. The included software gives you numerous preset sounds to start with and experiment. The keyboard itself produces sounds of the highest quality. Every key stroke emits clear, rich tones no matter how softly or strongly you play it. Also, the impressive sampling capabilities mean you can record your custom sounds for later use in music productions or performances. This paves the way for deeply personalized compositions.
Highly customizable interface: Arturia understands how each artist is unique; hence they created an interface that suits everyone’s individual needs on this controller. The KeyLab 88 Mk2 offers up a large amount of customize-able controls including faders, knobs, and buttons which can be programmed according to your preferences and workflow demands.
When it comes to performative controls, this controller steps up its game too! It includes pitch bend wheels, modulation wheels as well as velocity-sensitive pads which are perfect for drum programming or triggering samples during live performances. These features equip artists with all they need for an immersive live music experience.
Also Read: Arturia MiniLab Mk2 Review: A Detailed Analysis
Connectivity Options
Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2, this beautiful piece of technology is more than just a full-sized keyboard. Its wide range of connectivity options turns it into a versatile tool, essential for any modern-day music artist or composer. Let’s delve deep and find out what makes this unique in the world of keyboards:
- Multiple Connectivity Options: The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 offers multiple ports that allow you to connect it to various devices. At the back, you can locate MIDI In/Out, USB port, and features three additional auxiliary pedal inputs.
- USB Compatibility: Probably one of the most useful features on this keyboard is its USB connectivity. This allows connection with your laptop for synchronized operations. It greatly simplifies setup times and also aids in faster data transfers.
- Pedal Inputs: Besides being an efficient MIDI controller, Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 provides options for pedal inputs as well. Musicians who like to maintain some traditional elements in their performances would appreciate these added controls based on their requirements.
This combination offers an exceptional blend between classic appeal and trendy functionality making the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 not just a keyboard but an attractive multi-functional instrument in any musical set-up. By amplifying your performance experience and providing easy access for altering sounds senarios with these extensive connectivity features truly make this device more than just another ordinary keyboard!
Features
The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 is much more than just a simple MIDI keyboard. It campaigns a class-leading feature set that holds the potential to amplify your music creation session. Here’s a detailed consideration of what makes the offer so appealing:
- Fatar TP/100LR keybed: The meat and potatoes of any keyboard are its keys. The KeyLab 88 Mk2 steps in with an 88-note Fatar TP/100LR keybed. This top-notch hammer-action, weighted keyboard offers supreme playability and feels similar to playing a real piano. Every touch, every press is responsive and provides incredible dynamics.
- Supreme Control Options: The seemingly endless banks of control options make this instrument extremely adaptable to your personal needs. It boasts as many as 9 faders and 10 encoders, one being clickable which intensifies your control over nuances present in sound creation.
- Performative Pads: Further permutation possibilities are inspired by the onboard performative pads. These 16 RGB-backlit pads individually map unique sound effects or samples, velocity-sensitive, epsilon press initiation ensures you achieve impressive rave-ups subtly or dramatically.
–Incorporated Aftertouch Capability: One particularly captivating feature is integrated aftertouch which chases an extra expressivity vista aligned with user performance flair when needed.
- Extensive Software Suite Included: Last but not least, this package arrives accompanied by Arturia’s exceptional software suite such as Arturia V Collection 9, Analog Lab software. You’ll also get Ableton Live Lite + Piano-V Wurli-V + Vox Continental-V virtual instrument software; amplified aura musical inspiration cockpit is bonus complimented at no extra cost!
Put simply, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 unfolds as an exceptionally well-rounded MIDI controller to slip on into studio setting oozing with full-feature inspirational opportunity. Whether you’re digging the keys, feeling the controls or exploring software capabilities, this keyboard is an encouraging companion on your musical journey.
Also Read: Pioneer DJ DM-50D Review: Your Ultimate Studio Upgrade
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Full-sized, weighted keys bring a piano-like experience | The 17 kg weight may prohibit portability |
| Comes with Arturia’s top software like V Collection 9 and Piano-V | Might not suit beginners due to the range of advanced options |
| Offers exceptional connectivity options including USB- MIDI, MIDI in/out, and sustain pedal among others | May seem a bit expensive for some users |
| Use of quality materials offering durability and longevity | Size may be a problem if you have limited space |
| Fully customizable interface that suits all musicians regardless of their genre or style | Some users reported issues with software registration |
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 is a potent combination of classic design and modern functionality, delivering high performance that’s sure to amplify any user’s creativity. Its impressive range of connectivity options sets it apart from competitors, making it more than just a keyboard. And with its superior sound quality and highly customizable interface, it’s no wonder that this Arturia product stands out in the marketplace. However, like any other product, it has its cons along with many pros. Overall though, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 leaves a lasting impression as an invaluable tool for all music enthusiasts out there.
Leave a Comment