A Guitar And Gear Support Forum

So this past Monday I go into my studio only to discover my 15 year old M-Audio 49 Key Controller had gone belly up. OH THE HORROR!

So my wife Lyuba sez your birthday is coming up April and go find a reasonably priced replacement on The Internets.

Lo and behold I stumble upon the dream Midi Keyboard Controller on Sweetwater. Better yet it's on a ONE DAY sale with an additional $100 OFF. Ended up costing $250 shipped and includes "Analog Lab V", some KILLER DAW software Virtual Instruments which sell for $100 by itself!

After watching about two hours of YouTube videos and reviews I pulled the trigger.

Ladies and Gentlemen (and I use the terms generously) I give you...The Arturia KeyLab 88 Essential MKII in stunning WHITE.

You may recall I just built a new Studio Desk with a Keyboard shelf underneath big enough for a full size 88 Key unit.

It's as if The Gods have smiled upon me by bestowing forethought...that and a helluva wife.

https://www.arturia.com/products/hybrid ... 8/overview

Nice! I usually take the plastic off.

BatUtilityBelt wrote: ↑Fri Feb 26, 2021 8:15 pm Nice! I usually take the plastic off.

Me too but our dog "Buddy" was getting very "inquisitive" so I just took a quick pic.

Setting it up tomorrow.

Well this was a let-down... I thought "NKD" stood for "New Kite Day".

BTW, Rick Wakeman didn't need 88 keys.

Just kidding... Congratulations!

I have a Novation Impulse 49, and I don't know where I would fit an 88-key controller.

Installed and up and running!

Analog Lab V is...SMOKIN"!

I REALLY like the key feel and action too but I suppose after so long the Axiom 49 was technically light years behind.

Has Aftertouch too!

Ok, dumb, non studio-savvy q here, but when you say it's a "controller", does that mean it's used to control synth plugins?

Rollin Hand wrote: ↑Sat Feb 27, 2021 11:30 am Ok, dumb, non studio-savvy q here, but when you say it's a "controller", does that mean it's used to control synth plugins?

Yes Sir!

Rollin Hand wrote: ↑Sat Feb 27, 2021 11:30 am Ok, dumb, non studio-savvy q here, but when you say it's a "controller", does that mean it's used to control synth plugins?

Or you could use it to control a modular synth, or a drum machine, or a Commodore 64.


Or an iPad... Anything that uses MIDI.

I say it all started with marrying well above your pay grade.

I'm sorry, I was wrong... Apparently Rick Wakeman does need 88 keys. Or at least more than 49...



...and a pedal!