Arturia KeyLab 88 Essential: flagship MIDI keyboard from the KeyLab Essential range
Arturia's first full-size MIDI keyboard range appeared in 2013. Called KeyLab, it initially had 25-, 49-, and 61-key models. It was later joined by the hammer-action KeyLab 88, to meet the needs of demanding players. Even then, these keyboards integrated closely with Analog Lab and had many dedicated controls. The KeyLab name combines “Key” for Keyboard and “Lab” for Analog Lab. However, many controls are not always an advantage, especially for travel or tight spaces. The idea of a more compact keyboard with comparable Analog Lab control became KeyLab Essential in 2017. The range started with KeyLab Essential 49 and KeyLab Essential 61. In early 2020, KeyLab 88 Essential joined them. That is the model reviewed today.
KeyLab Essential differs from KeyLab mainly in fewer onboard controls and a simpler keyboard action. All main Analog Lab control functions remain, while these compact keyboards cost almost half as much.
Analog Lab is a powerful collection emulating classic analog synthesizers. It includes over 6500 presets from iconic instruments such as Mini Moog, CS-80, ARP 2600, Prophet, SEM, Jupiter-8, Wurlitzer, Matrix-12, and VOX. All instruments share one interface with a small set of adjustable settings.
KeyLab 88 Essential is the range's flagship. Its main feature is a seven-octave semi-weighted keyboard. It has the same number of controls as the smaller models: pads, faders, and knobs.
| Arturia KeyLab 88 Essential specifications | |
| Keyboard | 88 full-size keys Semi-weighted action Velocity-sensitive |
| Features and controllers | LCD display |
| Connections | USB port MIDI output Sustain pedal socket |
| Dimensions | 1260 × 260 × 65 mm |
| Weight | 8.3 kg |
| Package contents | USB cable Analog Lab with over 6500 presets UVI Model D Ableton Live Lite |
As noted in our earlier reviews, KeyLab is designed specifically for Analog Lab. When Analog Lab runs as a DAW plug-in rather than standalone, the controls can instantly switch to sequencer settings. First select Mackie HUI or MCU, depending on the application, then choose the correct port in the DAW. Detailed illustrated instructions for this simple setup are available on the manufacturer's website, so even beginners should have no difficulty. At the time of this review, supported DAWs include Ableton Live, Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, Reaper, Studio One, and FL Studio.
The keyboard has 8 main modes with different control assignments. Analog Lab controls the application of that name. DAW controls the sequencer. The other six hold user configurations created in MIDI Control Center.
Press Map Select and the corresponding pad to change modes. Instant switching lets users move between instrument control, external MIDI instruments, and mixer settings without stopping playback. This is important for live performance or complex setups. The whole keyboard's MIDI channel can also be changed quickly.
Pads have RGB lighting, velocity sensitivity, and pressure sensitivity. By default, they play the first eight chromatic notes in the octave below middle C, commonly used by virtual drum instruments. Other notes or MIDI commands can be assigned.
A large endless encoder and nearby buttons browse Analog Lab presets. The display clearly shows preset names, filter tags, the current parameter, and its changing value. This lets users focus on finding a sound without looking at the computer screen or reaching for a mouse or touchpad.
The selected sound can immediately be adjusted. Each preset already assigns useful, important parameters to the knobs and faders, providing flexible instrument control.
Part 1 and Part 2 buttons control Analog Lab's multitimbral mode. They select layers, giving the faders and encoders separate assignments for each. Live switches the controls to macros, volume, pan, and effect sends.
In DAW mode, knobs adjust pan and faders control the first eight mixer channels' volume. Buttons to the left of the faders navigate channels. Bank changes the navigation step between one channel and eight channels.
USB connects to a computer and supplies bus power. External synthesizer use requires a 9 V adapter, which is not included. Like the smaller models, KeyLab 88 Essential has one MIDI output and a sustain pedal socket.
The keyboard action differs slightly from the smaller models. We prefer the KeyLab 88 Essential action for its more predictable return and greater key travel. Keys remain fairly light and fast, and are comfortable to play. Their shape is also closer to a piano. Black keys are matte and more square. White keys are glossy, with full front edges rather than the shortened edges of synth-style keys.
KeyLab Essential includes Analog Lab, Ableton Live Lite, and UVI Grand Piano Model D. We discussed the latter in detail in earlier reviews of Arturia devices.
Conclusions
KeyLab 88 Essential is an excellent addition to the lighter Essential range and deserves its flagship position. It adds not only more keys, but a better action than the smaller models. If you have space, this is the Essential model we recommend. Analog Lab control is the same across the range and comes close to the higher-end KeyLab MKII series.
Note. This is an adapted machine translation into English. It follows the “In simple terms” approach. Read the original article at https://prosound.ixbt.com/keyboards/arturia-keylab-88es.shtml.