Arturia KeyLab 61 MKII Controller Keyboard, White

Product discontinued

Arturia KeyLab 61 MKII Controller Keyboard, White

Product discontinued

Arturia KeyLab 61 MKII Controller Keyboard, White Overview

Arturia Keylab MKII Free Software Promo Banner

From 15/03/2023 until 31/05/2023: anyone who registers a new Keylab MKII will receive three of Arturia’s best software titles free.

The free titles included are:

  • Mellotron V - a virtual creation of the iconic Mellotron
  • Jun-6 V - a gorgeous emulation of the classic Roland Juno 6
  • OP-XA V - a stunning recreation of the legendary Oberheim OB-Xa

The latest flagship 61 key controller from Arturia is the superb Keylab MKII 61, a new generation of MIDI controller featuring an aluminium chassis of unparalleled quality, a superb keyboard and button array including 16 RGB backlit performance pads, modular connectivity, tactile controls and more.

To begin with, the Arturia Keylab MKII 61 offers a higher level of expression than found on many controllers before it, sporting the very same synth keybed as their flagship MatrixBrute analog synthesizer, the keys on the MKII feel luxurious to play thanks to careful calibration and a high sensitivity level, capturing every subtle nuance of your playing and along with aftertouch, provide a truly intuitive experience. The Keylab II also has configurable inputs that include sustain and expression as well as three AUX inputs to control sound on stage and in the studio. If you work with a range of analog equipment in the studio or on the stage the Keylab II has four CV connections including pitch, gate, and 2 modulation controls, allowing you to take control of your vintage outboard synths or modular devices.

The Keylab II 61’s layout has been carefully designed to minimise the learning curve, in addition to the key array, the Keylab has 16 touch-sensitive RGB backlit performance pads for playing in rhythms, chords and additional sounds into your DAW. There are 9 large faders and 9 smooth action rotary knobs to control any number of instrument, effects or DAW parameters. In addition, all 16 transport controls can be used to maximum effect thanks to magnetic overlays provided for the 10 most popular DAW’s on the market. The button array also features DAW track and global controls as well as a transport panel, so you can control every aspect of DAW navigation and recording at your fingertips, increasing workflow.

One of the most impressive things about the Keylab II is its build quality, the chassis is made from incredibly strong yet lightweight aluminium and capped with real wood side panels. The controller feels solid but doesn’t weigh a tonne and every button, fader, switch, wheel and key have a responsive and ultra-smooth action for great control.

Purchase of the Keylab II 61 also comes with a superb software package to get you started with everything you need for writing and recording sounds. Every Keylab II 61 packs a range of software instruments including the Arturia ‘Piano V’ studio hosting a collection of physically modelled piano tones, the awesome ‘Analog Lab’ instrument/VST that boasts a huge collection of synth presets (6500) and even a copy of Ableton Live Lite! The software include gives you everything you need to start writing, performing and recording music.

The Arturia Keylab II is unlike most Keyboard/MIDI controllers out there, it boasts superior quality, finish, connectivity and control when compared to any controllers in its price range and for that reason, it’s one of our favourite controllers on the market.

5 out of 5
5 reviews
  • 5 stars (3)
  • 4 stars (1)
  • 3 stars (1)
  • 2 stars (0)
  • 1 star (0)
Rated 5.00 out of 5 17/7/2024

This is an excellent piece of kit. Built like a tank and has many features. I am using it with Cubase and did have trouble mapping continuous controllers through the midi remote in version 12. The controllers work perfectly well using the Which Control method though. Comes with a great set of sounds via Analog Lab V. Keyboard feels nice. Great that it has aftertouch. The best feature by far is the ability to split the keyboard and control a vst and an external synth or module at the same time. Well done Arturia

Tim White

Rated 5.00 out of 5 30/11/2020

I been using a very old cheapo keyboard up until now. This feels like quality, solid build and has nice key action. Not a pianist myself, but the keys have a nice sensitive action. Its lovely.

David Cox

Rated 4.00 out of 5 22/1/2020

Great control when used in Analog Lab, control over individual V Collection instruments is very disappointing as knob/fader controls not automatically mapped. Also why nine knobs instead of ten to match the number in analog lab? Keyboard action is great, but the pads have a poor feel for velocity. Build is very solid, unit is pretty heavy so good for stability but not so much for portability.

Scott Beck

Rated 5.00 out of 5 11/11/2019

Great controller. Excellent quality. Does a lot more than what I need at the moment but I am enjoying working my way through the numerous features. No doubt I will “grow” into it. Recommended

Ian Sidlow

Rated 3.00 out of 5 31/7/2019

This is a quality keyboard and I don't doubt an excellent midi controller for people who need to control synths that don't have their own integrated keyboard. However, I was disappointed with the software integration for the plug in synths that are bundled with the hardware. It didn't "just work" as advertised. Even though I have a very fast new pc with the latest installs, I found that the bundled apps crashed and / or didn't recognise midi signals from the keyboard. I ended up having to restart both apps and the computer to get it to work again. All in all I found the experience of trying to use it with the "integrated" software to be too frustrating - I don't get much studio time & I don't want to spend it sorting out digital glitches. I returned this item.

Patrick Harper