Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

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Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

Arturia

KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

4.5 Expert Rating

Product Info

Article Number: 567142
Brand: Arturia
Model: KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black
Price: $213.40

* Prices may vary. Check retailer for current pricing and availability.

The KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 is a fantastic entry point for producers and electronic musicians. It’s packed with controls and integrates seamlessly with Analog Lab, making it super versatile for sequencing and sound design. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly MIDI controller with a lot to offer, this is a strong contender.

Product Description

  • Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black
  • USB Midi Keyboard
  • With 49 velocity-sensitive keys
  • 8 Velocity-sensitive RGB-lit pads
  • 1 Detented encoder
  • 9 Rotary knobs
  • 9 Faders
  • Transport section with 4 function keys
  • 2.5" LC display
  • Pitch bend and modulation wheel
  • Scale mode
  • Chord mode
  • Arpeggiator
  • Mackie/HUI Control compatible
  • 2000 Presets via Analog Lab
  • 1 Control pedal input: 6.3 mm jack
  • MIDI output: 5-pin DIN
  • 1 USB-C connector (supplies power as well as MIDI and control information)
  • USB class compliant
  • NKS support to seamlessly control over 2
  • 000 NKS compatible instruments and effects
  • Includes free Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select Bundle for a genre of choice to immediately explore and experience the NKS functionality
  • Dimensions (W x H x D): 784 x 76 x 248 mm
  • Weight: approx. 2.76 kg
  • Colour: Black
  • Incl. Ableton Live Lite
  • Arturia Analog Lab
  • UVI Model D Grand Piano
  • NI The Gentleman Upright Piano as well as a subscription for Loopcloud (2 months) and Melodics (unlimited trial subscription + bonus lessons)
PROS
  • • Solid, plastic build feels surprisingly robust for the price point.
  • • Velocity-sensitive pads offer responsive, playable drum and sample triggering.
  • • Comprehensive control surface with faders, knobs, and transport controls.
  • • Analog Lab integration provides instant access to a massive sound library.
CONS
  • • Keys are synth-action; not ideal for pianists seeking true weighted feel.
  • • Limited key travel and depth restricts expressive playing techniques.
  • • Plastic casing, while sturdy, lacks the premium feel of higher-end keyboards.

Product Video

Key Features

Keys 49
Key Type Synth-action
Pads 8 velocity-sensitive RGB
Knobs/Faders 9 encoders, 9 faders
Connections USB-C, MIDI Out (5-pin DIN), Control Pedal Input (6.3mm)
Weight approx. 3.2 kg

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Frequently Asked Questions

It's lighter and quicker, lacking the resistance of weighted keys, which is great for fast playing but not suitable for nuanced piano performance.
Absolutely! It functions as a standard MIDI controller, so it will work with any VST instrument; the NKS integration just simplifies control with compatible plugins.
They're purely for MIDI CC control, meaning they send MIDI messages and don't automatically move to reflect plugin parameters.

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