Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 Review | Best Budget MIDI For Pros?

As a producer, I’m more than familiar with the convenience of good, decent musical instruments. More importantly, I know that quality isn’t everything. The price tag also matters. A decent instrument is one that strikes a balance between quality and price.

MIDI controllers are one of the essential music production equipment in any studio. If you want to dabble in music, you won’t go far without a controller. In a market saturated with MIDI controllers, each vying for attention, the Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 promises a balance between functionality and affordability. 

In this review, I will dissect the ins and outs of this MIDI controller and explore its strengths and weaknesses.

Overview of Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3

The Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 is a MIDI controller designed to cater to the needs of producers and musicians across various genres. It comes in two forms: 49-key and 61-key, each available in black or white. This controller positions itself as a versatile tool, offering a range of expressive features and integrating seamlessly with popular DAWs and software instruments. 

Let's break down its key features before delving into the specifics:

• Durable velocity-sensitive keys
• 8 RGB backlit performance pads
• 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders
• Dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels
• Customizable mappings
• Chord, scale, arp, and hold modes 
• Transport controls
• Comprehensive DAW integration
• Bundled with Analog Lab software

You can get the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49-key for $220 on Sweet Water. Keep the affordable price in mind while reading this review, and you’ll see for yourself why this might be one of the best music-producing equipment for beginners, and even pros.

Advantages of Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3

a. Comprehensive Control Layout

 The KeyLab Essential MK3 impresses with its well-thought-out control layout. The velocity-sensitive keys provide a nuanced playing experience, and the inclusion of dedicated pitch bend and modulation wheels adds to the expressiveness. The 9 rotary encoders and 9 faders offer hands-on control over various parameters, enhancing the tactile experience of music creation.

The 2.5” display with four backlit contextual buttons is a major upgrade to its predecessor, providing tons of function and insight.

b. Seamless Integration with DAWs

Arturia has invested significantly in ensuring that the KeyLab Essential MK3 integrates seamlessly with major DAWs. The controller ships with the Analog Lab software, providing a vast array of high-quality sounds right out of the box. 

The integration extends beyond the bundled software, with automatic mapping to popular DAWs like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, and more. This ensures that producers can focus on creativity without being bogged down by tedious setup procedures.

You can use the Prog button to swap between different mappings, including DAW, Arturia, and user-defined mappings. The Part button allows you to customize split and multi-sound presets. 

c. Performance Pads and Chord Mode

The 8 RGB backlit performance pads are a standout feature of the KeyLab Essential MK3. They are not only responsive but also offer aftertouch, allowing for expressive and dynamic performances. 

The inclusion of a Chord mode is a creative touch, enabling you to trigger complex chords with a single pad press. This feature is particularly beneficial if you’re looking to add harmonic richness to your productions without extensive music theory knowledge.

d. Portability and Compact Design

Mobility is becoming increasingly essential. The KeyLab Essential MK3 strikes a balance between functionality and portability. Its compact design makes it easy to transport, establishing it as an excellent choice for producers who find themselves on the move. Despite its size, the controller doesn't compromise on features, making it suitable for both studio and live setups.

e. Analog Lab Software

The inclusion of the Analog Lab software significantly enhances the value proposition of the KeyLab Essential MK3. With a vast library of sounds derived from Arturia's renowned V Collection, producers have access to a wide palette of classic and modern sounds. The software integrates seamlessly with the controller, providing a cohesive music-creation environment.

The bundled goodies don’t stop there though. The Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 also includes:

• Ableton Live
• UVI Model D
• Native Instruments The Gentleman
• 40 Free Lessons on Melodics
• 2 Month Studio License on Loopcloud 

On top of all the integration convenience, the KeyLab Essential MK3 also provides the convenience of USB-C connectivity, making it one of the best USB-C MIDI keyboards. The cable comes included, and with the DAW integration, setting up the KeyLab Essential MK3 is only a matter of plug-and-play.

Disadvantages of Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3
 

a. Build Quality

One of the notable trade-offs for the KeyLab Essential MK3's portability is its plastic construction. While this contributes to its lightweight design, it may raise concerns among users who prioritize a more robust build.

All in all, the build quality of the KeyLab Essential MK3 is a mixed bag. The plastic construction, as mentioned earlier, contributes to its portability. The keys, while not as luxurious as those on premium controllers, offer a decent playing experience with adequate sensitivity. The encoders and faders are responsive, adding to the overall tactile feel.

It's important to highlight that the build quality aligns with the controller's price point. While it may not compete with high-end controllers with metal chassis, it holds its own in the mid-range market. 

As with any gear, longevity depends on how well you handle it and whether you subject it to the rigors of constant travel.

b. Limited Performance Controls and Connectivity

Although the KeyLab Essential MK3 is newer it costs significantly less than its older brother. You can get the KeyLab MK2 49-key for $449 on Sweet Water. The affordable price, of course, isn’t out of charity. The KeyLab Essential MK3 compromises on some more advanced features.

Compared to the KeyLab MK2, the KeyLab Essential MK3 has half the pads. Moreover, it doesn’t come with ports that some producers might deem necessary. The KeyLab MK2 packs four CV outputs, separate AUX and pedal inputs, and a CV input. The newer KeyLab Essential MK3 comes with a minimalist package of ports, including only a MIDI output, a pedal input, and a bus-powered USB-C port.

While this might not be a dealbreaker, if you’re thinking of setting up a modular multi-instrument setup, you may find the KeyLab Essential MK3 lacking what it takes to serve as your main controller. However, don’t let all that throw you off the price tag. The Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 provides great functionality for what it’s worth.

Final Thoughts on Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3

The Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 emerges as a commendable MIDI controller that caters to a broad spectrum of users. Its comprehensive control layout, seamless DAW integration, and portability make it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced producers. The inclusion of the Analog Lab software significantly enhances its value, providing a rich sonic palette to jumpstart your creativity.

However, the plastic construction and limited connection ports may be potential drawbacks for some users. It's essential to acknowledge that these are compromises made to keep the controller within a certain price range, and they are offset by the KeyLab Essential MK3's myriad strengths.

As with any gear, the suitability of the KeyLab Essential MK3 depends on your individual preferences, workflow requirements, and budget constraints. If you’re in the market for a versatile and budget-friendly MIDI controller that balances functionality and portability, the Arturia KeyLab Essential MK3 stands as a compelling choice.