5 Most Popular MIDI Controllers By Arturia
Mar 31, 2024
Arturia is one of the most popular hardware and software developers in the music world. Its Analog Lab V has become an industry standard among many music producers as one of the best Synthesizer VSTs on the market. Moreover, the company has gained a reputation for manufacturing high-quality MIDI controllers. I myself use the Arturia KeyLab 49 in my studio as my daily driver.
The reasons behind Arturia MIDI controllers’ popularity are plenty. First, the build quality of these MIDI controllers is top-tier. Second, they pack a lot of features that allow you to unleash your creativity without unnecessary complexity in terms of setup and workflow. What’s more, most of Arturia’s hardware is bundled with unrivaled music-making software, including the aforementioned Analog Lab.
Arturia offers a wide range of MIDI controllers for different purposes. Choosing the right product depends on your intended use and budget. In this post, I’ll review five of the most popular MIDI controllers by Arturia and help you find out which one is for you. Here’s a quick look at the products I’ll review further in this article:
- Arturia MiniLab Mk3
- Arturia KeyLab Mk2
- Arturia KeyLab Essential Mk3
- Arturia KeyStep Pro
- Arturia BeatStep Pro
1. Arturia MiniLab Mk3
The MiniLab is Arturia’s portable MIDI controller that checks many boxes as the perfect companion for musicians on the go. Updated for the 3rd generation, the MiniLab Mk3 sports a more minimalistic look, USB-C connectivity, and swaps half of the rotary knobs with faders for more versatility. Also updated for the Mk3 version, the MiniLab comes with a small screen that allows you to navigate through your DAW more easily.
The MiniLab Mk3 features a two-octave velocity-sensitive slim keybed, eight backlit velocity-sensitive pads, eight rotary knobs, and four faders. The pitch bend and modulation wheel are touch-sensitive, which might take some time to get used to, but work just fine nonetheless. Since it supports USB-C, you don’t have to worry about carrying adapters if you use a Mac for music production.
Arturia bundles a bunch of valuable software with the MiniLab Mk3, including the Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Model D. The MIDI controller also comes with two months of subscription to LoopCloud and a subscription to Melodics.
You can purchase the Arturia MiniLab Mk3 on Amazon for $109.
2. Arturia KeyLab Mk2
The KeyLab series is Arturia’s most versatile MIDI controller lineup. Although the company hasn’t updated it for the Mk3 version, the Mk2 still offers plenty of functionality for music producers. The series includes three products with 49, 61, and full-size 88 keys. The 49- and 61-key models come with semi-weighted keys, whereas the KeyLab 88 features weighted hammer-action keys that resemble the piano’s keybed.
All Arturia KeyLab Mk2 models feature an extensive list of options for DAW control. Each unit comes with 16 velocity-sensitive pads, nine rotary knobs, nine faders, an LCD screen, and a bunch of buttons for controlling different parameters on your digital audio workstation. Moreover, another differentiator between the KeyLab and KeyLab Essential is that the former supports aftertouch.
Many praise keyLab MIDI keyboards for their sturdy build quality and seamless integration with popular DAWs like Logic Pro, Ableton Live, and Pro Tools. Also, users were happy with the responsiveness of the keys on 49- and 61-key versions despite not being fully weighted.
The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 comes at $999 on Amazon. Unless you really need access to 16 pads, aftertouch support, and all the additional knobs and buttons, I suggest going for the KeyLab Essential Mk3 series when opting for 49-key or 61-key MIDI controllers.
3. Arturia KeyLab Essential Mk3
With the KeyLab Essential series, Arturia delivers the primary features of its more pro-level MIDIs in a relatively more affordable package. Similar to the previous series, the KeyLab Essential comes in 49-, 61-, and 88-key models. All products feature eight velocity-sensitive pads, nine rotary knobs, and nine faders.
Another differentiator between the KeyLab and the KeyLab Essential series is that the latter does not come with fully weighted hammer-action keys, even with the 88-key model. So, if you’re a pianist looking for a MIDI controller that resembles your instrument the most, the KeyLab 88 Mk2 would be a better option, though more expensive.
Updated for the Mk3 version, KeyLab Essential MIDI keyboards feature a more minimalistic design and USB-C connectivity. Also, the LCD screen and some DAW controls have been updated to offer a more streamlined workflow.
The KeyLab Essential 49 Mk3 comes at $219 on Amazon. The price tag bumps up to $399 for the 88-key version.
4. Arturia KeyStep Pro
Primarily targeted at electronic music producers, the Arturia KeyStep Pro is an all-in-one MIDI controller for creating sequences of music in real time. It allows you to take full control of your modular rigs, outboard synths, and software studio all at the same time.
The KeyStep Pro comes with a 3-octave keyboard with velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, four independent polyphonic sequencer tracks, and a 24-part integrated drum sequencer. Moreover, you can this device supports MIDI, CV, and USB connectivity.
The Arturia KeyStep Pro can be a valuable device if you want to control external synths and virtual instruments all within the same device. You can purchase the KeyStep Pro on Amazon for $449.
5. Arturia BeatStep Pro
The BeatStep Pro offers a similar layout to the KeyStep Pro. The primary difference is that, instead of a 3-octave keyboard, the BeatStep Pro features 16 backlit velocity-sensitive pads. The pads allow you to create drums or sequence other sounds more easily.
The Arturia BeatStep Pro is an excellent device for controlling drum machines, virtual synths, DAW, and modular synths all in one place. Another advantage of the BeatStep Pro is its straightforward setup process. Needless to say, the BeatStep Pro offers seamless integration with all the popular DAWs like Logic Pro and Ableton Live.
You can click here to buy the Arturia BeatStep Pro on Amazon for $249.
Final Verdict: Which Arturia MIDI Controller Is For You?
Arturia offers a wide range of MIDI controllers for different purposes. If you’re looking for an affordable, compact, and feature-rich MIDI keyboard, the MiniLab Mk3 is one of the best models on the market.
For a more pro-level device, the KeyLab and KeyLab Essential series can answer your needs as a music producer. I recommend opting for the 61-key (5 octaves) option to ensure you won’t face any limitations when tracking piano and keyboard parts for your projects. On The other hand, if you’re looking for a full-size MIDI keyboard with hammer-action keys, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 is a solid choice.
Lastly, the KeyStep Pro and the BeatStep Pro can unite your hardware and software synths and allow you to control them in one place. I highly recommend checking them out if you’re creating electronic music.
