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Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

4.8 out of 5 stars from 40 customer ratings

USB MIDI Keyboard

  • 49 velocity-sensitive keys
  • Built-in creative tools such as hold function, scale mode, chord mode and arpeggiator
  • Prepared for seamless integration with Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro, Image-Line FL Studio, Steinberg Cubase and Bitwig Studio, as well as Mackie MCU and HUI support
  • Extended integration for Arturia software
  • NKS support for direct control of compatible instruments and effects
  • Eight velocity-sensitive RGB-illuminated pads with bank switch
  • Transport section with eight buttons and four DAW function buttons
  • 2.5" LC display with four context-sensitive buttons and push encoder for value input
  • Nine rotary controls and nine faders in familiar mixer layout
  • Pitchbend and modulation wheel
  • Transpose and octave button
  • Button for selecting the MIDI channel
  • One multi-functional pedal input for sustain pedal, footswitch or expression pedal: 6.3 mm TRS jack
  • MIDI output: 5-pin DIN
  • USB-C connector
  • Dimensions (W x D x H): 790 x 240 x 70 mm
  • Weight: 2.76 kg
  • Colour: Black
  • Includes comprehensive software package with Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select Bundle for a genre of choice for immediate testing and use of NKS functionality, as well as Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Analog Lab and UVI Model D Grand Piano, plus 2 months' access to Loopcloud and a trial subscription with bonus lessons for Melodics
  • Available since May 2023
  • Item number 567142
  • Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
  • Aftertouch No
  • Split Zones 0
  • Layer function No
  • Pitch Bend / Modulation Yes
  • Rotary Encoder 9
  • Fader 9
  • Pads 8
  • Display Yes
  • MIDI Interface 1x Out
  • Sustain Pedal Connection Yes
  • USB-port Yes
  • Mains Operation No
  • Battery Operation No
  • Bus-Powered Yes
  • Dimensions 790 x 240 x 70
  • Weight in kg 2,8 kg
  • Special Features incl. Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select, Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Analog Lab, UVI Model D Grand Piano, Access to Loopcloud for 2 moths, unlimited Trial Subspription and Bonus Lessons for Melodics
2.222 kr
All prices incl. VAT
In stock within 1-2 weeks
1

Universal MIDI controller

Front view of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is Arturia's streamlined universal MIDI controller, combining a 49-note velocity-sensitive hybrid synth-action keybed with focused DAW integration and creative performance tools. Compact yet capable, it provides a responsive playing surface suited to melodic production, beat-making, and software-based composition. Designed to bridge virtual instruments and recording workflows, it offers hands-on control over plug-ins, mixer functions and project navigation. A bright 2.5" LCD display with contextual buttons provides direct access to chord, scale, and arpeggiator functions, while pre-mapped integration with Analog Lab Pro and major DAWs via custom scripts ensures immediate compatibility. More than a simple controller, KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 functions as a complete creative hub for modern production environments. Its robust housing, set off nicely by Arturia's signature wood-look endpieces, comes in a black and a white finish.

Keys and screen on the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

Fully decked-out

The KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 organises its controls intuitively into clearly defined performance and production sections. Pitch and modulation wheels sit to the left alongside octave and transpose controls for rapid range adjustment. Eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads handle drums, clips, and MIDI triggering, while dedicated buttons activate chord, scale, arpeggiator, and hold functions. At the centre, the 2.5" LCD works with contextual buttons and a clickable encoder for browsing presets, adjusting parameters, and managing DAW assignments. The Part function enables two-layer keyboard splits and quick switching between performance setups. A dedicated DAW Command Center provides transport control including play, record, undo, and metronome functions, while nine rotary encoders and nine 30mm faders offer tactile control over mixer levels, plug-in parameters, and automation.

Keys, knobs, and faders on the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

For producers, creators and mobile studios

Arturia's KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is aimed at producers, songwriters, and performers who require a compact keyboard without sacrificing control. Its four-octave range is ideal for desktop studios, portable rigs, and space-conscious setups, while still offering enough scope for expressive melodic playing and layered arrangements. Equally suited to home studios, educational settings, and live setups, it provides streamlined access to mixing, instrument parameters, and DAW navigation, supporting efficient project development. Creative tools such as chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes further encourage experimentation while keeping workflow straightforward. For musicians seeking an accessible yet capable production controller, KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 balances portability, integration, and hands-on control within a unified design.

Arturia logo on the back of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black

About Arturia

Arturia's success story began with software emulations of well-known analogue synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog, Sequential Prophet-5, and Oberheim SEM. The popular software instruments included in the V Collection are still flagship products of the French developer today. Over time, Arturia has gradually expanded its range and now also offers a host of hardware devices, ranging from synthesizers and keyboard controllers to sequencers. Since then, the former software developer has thus also become a household name in the world of analogue synthesizers and other equipment.

Connectivity and integration

Connectivity centres on USB-C, providing bus power and MIDI communication with DAWs and the Arturia Software Center. The KeyLab's 5-pin MIDI output enables direct connection to external hardware instruments, extending its use beyond purely software-based setups. The rear panel includes a freely assignable pedal input for sustain, expression, or footswitch control. Support for custom DAW scripts alongside MCU and HUI protocols ensures integration with major platforms including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, and Bitwig Studio. Seamless mapping with Analog Lab Pro and NKS compatibility further extend its adaptability within software-based environments. Up to six user presets can be stored internally, allowing tailored MIDI configurations for different production or performance contexts to be recalled instantly.

In the spotlight

40 Customer ratings

4.8 / 5

handling

features

quality

22 Reviews

o
A wonderful price-value product
ooziee 02.11.2023
The product feels like a premium quality, while being on the budget price range. Being able to control the instruments and extensive options is great to have. The software library, especially the Analog V that comes with it just superb. I can do nothing but recommend this piece.
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The Magget 29.09.2025
I just got my hands on the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 (in the black version), and I’m pretty happy with it. The build feels solid and well-put-together for the price, and the new 2.5" display with contextual soft keys is genuinely helpful when tweaking sounds or switching modes. The keys have a “hybrid synth-piano feel” — not ultra-premium, but responsive enough for quick sketches and production work. I particularly like how the faders, knobs, and pads are tightly integrated with Arturia’s software (especially Analog Lab), so changing presets, tweaking filters, or adjusting levels often means I don’t need to touch the mouse. That said, it’s not perfect — the display sometimes times out too quickly when navigating menus, and if you’re looking for a truly expressive, piano-grade keybed, this won’t fully satisfy you. But for what it is — a midrange MIDI controller with lots of control and software power — it punches well above its weight.
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GD
Very cool
Gulnoz Davletova 14.10.2023
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MK3 Black is a superb MIDI controller. It offers a great balance between functionality and affordability. The sleek black design, intuitive controls, and included software make it an excellent choice for music producers and keyboard enthusiasts.
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E
Great Service and Safe delivery
Eben04 13.08.2024
A colleague introduced me to Thomann and I decided to check out their website, I was impressed with the range of musical instruments, softwares and accessories. I ordered for a keyboard and lightening adaptor and had it delivered safely, I would recommend Thomann to all my friends.
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