The latest announcement from Arturia sees the company add an 88-key model to their popular range of controller keyboards. The KeyLab 88 Mk3 joins the existing 49- and 61-key versions, and is said to combine minimalist elegance with a robust, tour-ready build.
Equipped with a premium Fatar TP/110 hammer-action keybed, the KeyLab 88 Mk3 promises to deliver an uncompromising feel, providing players with a highly reactive and dynamic playing experience. A 3.5-inch colour display paired with a set of eight contextual buttons provides intuitive navigation with visual feedback, and is joined by the same set of hands-on controls featured across the Mk3 range. There are nine touch-sensitive rotary encoders present, along with 12 velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads with four banks, and some DAW control is provided by a transport section and dedicated save, undo, and redo function buttons. The device boasts seamless integration with Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase and Bitwig Studio thanks to dedicated MIDI mappings and support for MCU and HUI.
As for performance features, the KeyLab 88 Mk3 includes a Scale Mode that will automatically shift notes to a selected scale, a Chord Play function that supports both fixed chords and progressions, and an updated arpeggiator that now includes a Random mode capable of generating new and interesting patterns. There’s plenty of customisation on offer, too, with users able to set up custom MIDI messages and velocity curves as well as changing the colour of the pads.
The KeyLab 88 Mk3 comes bundled with a range of software including Ableton Live Lite and Native Instruments’ The Gentleman, along with Arturia’s own Analog Lab Pro, Mini V, Piano V, Augmented Strings and Rev Plate-140. It also includes trial subscriptions and a selection of content from Melodics and Loopcloud.
Pricing & Availability
The KeyLab 88 Mk3 is available now, priced at €999.
www.arturia.com/products/hybrid-synths/keylab-88-mk3/overview
