Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 Black
USB MIDI-Keyboard
- 88 velocity-sensitive keys
- Eight velocity-sensitive pads with aftertouch
- One detented encoder
- Nine rotary controls
- Nine faders (30 mm)
- Transport section
- 2.5" LCD display
- Pitch bend and modulation wheel
- Scale mode
- Chord play mode
- Arpeggiator
- Mackie/HUI Control compatible
- Seamless integration with Analog Lab (included)
- USB class compliant
- NKS support for direct control of over 2,000 NKS-compatible instruments and effects
- Includes free Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select Bundle for a genre of your choice for immediate testing and use of the NKS functionality
- Dimensions: (W x H x D): 1258 x 88 x 255 mm
- Weight: 8.2 kg
- Colour: Black
- Includes Arturia Analog Lab software, Ableton Live Lite licence, UVI Model D piano licence and Native Instruments The Gentleman pianos
Connections:
- Control pedal input: 6.3 mm jack
- MIDI output: 5-pin DIN
- USB-C connection (supplies power as well as MIDI and control information)
Note: Internet connection required for authorisation.
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Available since April 2024
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Item number 586185
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Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
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Number of Keys 88
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Hammer Action Keys No
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Aftertouch No
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Split Zones 1
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Layer function No
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Pitch Bend / Modulation Yes
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Rotary Encoder 9
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Fader (Amount) 9
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Pads 8
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Display Yes
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MIDI interface 1x Out
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Sustain Pedal Connection Yes
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USB-port Yes
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Mains Operation No
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Battery Operation No
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Bus-Powered Yes
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Width in mm 1258
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Height in mm 88
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Depth in mm 255
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Weight in kg 8,2 kg
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Speacial Features incl. Arturia Analog Lab Software, Ableton Live Lite Licence, UVI Model D Piano Licence and Native Instruments The Gentleman Pianos
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88-key universal MIDI controller
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KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 is Arturia's full-length universal MIDI controller, combining an 88-note semi-weighted hybrid synth-piano keybed with streamlined DAW integration and creative performance tools. Its velocity-sensitive keyboard spans seven octaves, making it well suited to piano-based compositions, layered textures, and contemporary production workflows. Designed to bridge software instruments and recording environments, it offers hands-on control over virtual instruments and mixing tasks alike. A bright 2.5" LCD display with contextual buttons puts chord, scale, and arpeggiator functions at the player's fingertips, while pre-mapped integration with Analog Lab Pro and major DAWs (via custom scripts) ensures immediate compatibility. Far more than a basic MIDI keyboard, KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 operates as a cohesive control centre for studio or stage use. Its robust housing, set off nicely by Arturia's signature wood-look endpieces, comes in a black and a white finish.
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Fully decked-out
For intuitive operation, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 organises its controls into clearly defined performance and production sections. Pitch and modulation wheels sit to the left alongside octave and transpose buttons for rapid range adjustment. Eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads handle drum programming, clip launching and MIDI triggering, while dedicated buttons activate chord, scale, arpeggiator and Hold functions without menu diving. 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 manages transport control, including play, record, undo and metronome access, while nine rotary encoders and nine 30mm faders provide tactile control over mixer levels, plug-in parameters and automation.
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Performing keyboardists and modern producers
KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 is aimed at musicians who require the full span of an 88-note keyboard without the cost or complexity of a flagship controller. Pianists, composers, and songwriters benefit from its extended range for layered and split setups, while producers gain immediate control over DAW mixing, virtual instruments, and automation via the streamlined control surface. Equally suited to home studios, educational settings and live setups, it adapts easily to different workflows. Creative functions such as chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes help develop ideas while keeping operation straightforward. For players seeking a complete yet accessible production keyboard, Arturia's KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 balances range, control and affordability within a unified design.
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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, which provides bus power and MIDI communication with DAWs and the Arturia Software Center. A 5-pin MIDI output connects directly to external hardware instruments, extending its use beyond a purely software-based setup. The rear panel also 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.
In the spotlight
A complete production starter suite
The KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 ships with a comprehensive software package designed to facilitate immediate music production. Analog Lab Pro provides over 2,000 presets drawn from Arturia's flagship V Collection, spanning synths, keys, and orchestral and hybrid textures with intuitively mapped macros for real-time sound shaping. Ableton Live Lite offers a streamlined version of Ableton’s production environment, while UVI Model D and Native Instruments' The Gentleman deliver detailed concert grand piano sounds. Users can select one Komplete 15 Select bundle – Beats, Band, or Electronic – tailored to their production style. A time-limited Loopcloud subscription adds access to royalty-free samples, and Melodics offers guided lessons for developing keyboard and pad technique. As bundled software may evolve, the manufacturer's website should be consulted for current details.
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