Description
KeyLab 88 MkII Keyboard Controller
CONTROLLER SUPREME
Your ultimate companion for studio and stage.
Piano action controller keyboard with powerful software instruments
KeyLab 88 MkII is a piano-feel master controller that’s a joy to play, looks the part, is built to last, features effortless integration, and comes complete with a professional software instrument collection.
Piano feel, any sound
The industry standard controller keyboard just got even better.
Redefining what a controller is capable of, KeyLab 88 MkII takes all of the things that professional users loved about our premier piano-feel controller and infuses the powerful, contemporary “MkII” feature set. Now you can play any instrument, control any synth, perform with any modular rig, all with the timeless feeling of a piano at your fingertips. The most expressive controller ever made, it also features multiple, assignable expression pedal inputs so you can have total control of your sound.
Looks that kill
It shouldn’t matter, but it does.
A full size controller keyboard is a big piece of kit, and if it’s going to be the centerpiece of your setup, it should look the part. KeyLab 88 MkII is not only packed full of awesome features, it looks like a timeless, well designed piece of studio gear that’s designed to be used day in, day out, and inspire you.
Amazing software bundle
Whether you’re an experienced veteren of the industry, or just starting out as a music producer, you’ll love the awesome instruments that come with KeyLab MkII 88.
Awesome integration
With smart-mapping controls, clear labels, and even unique magnetic strips for each DAW, KeyLab 88 MkII takes the guesswork out of playing, recording, and mixing.
The rotary knobs, faders, and buttons are all automatically assigned to the most appropriate parameters in any Arturia software instrument, but it doesn’t stop there! KeyLab 88 MkII features CV/gate connectivity so you can also control your modular rig and vintage synths. It features MIDI ports, as well as MIDI over USB. It can even draw all its power via the same USB connection!
Tour ready
Beautiful, but ergonomic. Stylish, but understandable. Robust, but elegant.
KeyLab MkII 88 has been specially designed with touring professionals in mind. Its aluminium and wood chassis don’t bend or flex as you play, its build quality is unmatched. Not a wobbly knob in sight! Just as countless pro musicians depended on the original KeyLab 88 time and time again, KeyLab 88 MkII is destined to become a firm favorite among busy session players and performers.
Smart, but simple
This amazing workhorse features some seriously useful add-ons. Nicely designed, but satisfyingly “low-tech”, these hardware options let you configure this controller to your taste.
UPRIGHT STAND
Included with every KeyLab 88 MkII, this stand is perfect for sheet music, gig notes, a tablet, or your phone. It securely mounts onto the back of the controller, and is made of clear plastic so your audience can still see your gorgeous face.
FLAT STAND
Also included with every controller, the flat stand lets you extend the surface area of the right side, giving you a perfect place to set up your laptop or audio interface. It securely locks in place, so your precious computer is in safe hands.
WOODEN LEGS
The perfect companion for the most comprehensive controller piano on the market. The Wooden Legs are easy to set up, ultra-sturdy, and beautiful in appearance – a professional ergonomic solution for studio and stage that’s as reliable as it is stylish.
The solid ash design and beautiful cinnamon finish will look just as good at home as it will on stage. A classic, elegant aesthetic.
Optimal height
The Wooden Legs are built with the perfect height and recommended posture in mind, so you can perform comfortably for hours on end.
Adjustable, adaptable
Easily adjust 2 of the legs to suit your requirements. If you’re working on an uneven or slanted surface, your KeyLab 88 MkII will remain balanced and stable.
Robust design
Mount and unmount in minutes, hassle-free. The Wooden Legs fit securely into KeyLab 88 MkII’s frame, and have been rigorously road-tested for reliability.
What makes the perfect controller keyboard?
Is it the build quality? A full-size piano action keybed? Maybe it’s the software integration, or workflow enhancing features. Sometimes a controller comes along that simply ticks all the boxes.
That controller is KeyLab 88 MkII.
Ultimate expression
KeyLab 88 MkII features one of the finest hammer-action, piano-weighted, aftertouch-enabled keybeds ever made: the Fatar TP/100LR.
When a light-weight keyboard simply won’t do, Arturia’s premier controller keyboard rises to the challenge of even the most demanding pianists and session players. The superb Fatar design is well known in the industry as the “weapon of choice” when it comes to high quality keybeds, providing beautifully tactile response. A weighted hammer action with real moving mechanical parts perfectly emulates the iconic balance and strike feeling of a traditional acoustic piano, but with all the benefits of a modern MIDI controller.
KeyLab 88 MkII’s back panel sports a wealth of pedal inputs too, and can be geared up to offer unmatched control in the studio and on stage. On top of the usual sustain and expression pedal inputs, you’ll also find three – yes, three – auxiliary pedal inputs that can be assigned in the Arturia MCC. Maybe you’d like to control amp gain, tremolo speed, and keyboard balance when you’re using an organ VST instrument like you’ll be able to find in Analog Lab? No problem. If you’re a guitarist who uses amp simulation on stage, can you imagine how incredible it would be to be able to have dedicated pedals for your wah, volume, and reverb levels? Whatever custom creative setup you can imagine, KeyLab 88 MkII can make it happen.
Workflow that works
When you’re in the creative zone, you need music tools that encourage you.
Every aspect of KeyLab 88 MkII has been carefully crafted to keep distractions to a minimum, and provide time-saving shortcuts that will keep your mind in the game. KeyLab 88 MkII features three distinct modes that you can instantly switch between for insanely efficient workflow.
ANALOG LAB MODE
Its Analog Lab mode gives you ultimate control over this powerful included software, automatically mapping KeyLab 88 MkII’s controls to specific functions and parameters within Analog Lab. The Category buttons let you immediately refine your search for the right sound, while the jog wheel gives you precise control over preset browsing and selection. The Live button can be used to activate Split mode and set the split point. Choose from three layers of definable controller assignments and Macros within a Multi, giving you the ultimate hands-on Analog Lab experience to bring the sound of those iconic vintage synths and keyboards to life.
DAW MODE
The DAW mode quickly switches control to elements within your recording software. In this mode, the central jog wheel lets you move the playback cursor; the Next and Prev buttons let you shift focus on tracks by 1 or 8 channels at a time; the faders and knobs control the track levels and pan; and the Track Select buttons let you focus on particular tracks, letting you use the extensive DAW Commands on specific tracks.
USER MODE
The User mode lets you decide how KeyLab 88 MkII works. Quickly choose one of the 10 User maps using the jog wheel, and practically every button, knob, fader, and pad on KeyLab 88 MkII will react exactly as you choose. Using the full-featured Arturia MIDI Control Center, you’ll be able to assign any MIDI CC function you desire to any control you wish, as well as set the minimum and maximum values to make sure you’re always hitting the sweet spot. Do you use Massive, Serum, or Omnisphere? Create a map just for them! In a mixing session? Create a map to control your effects and audio busses. Mastering? Get hands on, tactile control of every sensitive parameter in your multiband compressors, EQs, and limiters. You can even use a single map to control your favorite parameters in multiple effects and instruments at once!
DAW COMMANDS
Not only does KeyLab 88 MkII offer thorough DAW control using the industry standard Mackie HUI data language, it also features 10 presets for some of the most popular recording software titles out there. To keep your session free of guesswork, KeyLab 88 MkII also provides you with 6 magnetic DAW overlays, so you’ll know exactly what every button does in your recording environment.
This controller includes overlays for Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools, Cubase, Studio One, Reaper, as well as standard Mackie and HUI setups.
More incredible software
KeyLab 88 MkII comes with a veritable treasure trove of high quality music software that makes the most out of its awesome keys, controls, and potential.
Modular control
Lovers of vintage synth gear and modern Eurorack modular, we have something special in store for you. KeyLab 88 MkII’s modular options let you unite the worlds of MIDI and CV / gate like no other controller out there, and give you huge scope for integrating your modular gear with your DAW.
The rear panel includes five control voltage connections: Pitch Out, Gate Out, 2 Mod Outs and CV In. The CV outputs can be used to send control voltages and triggers to a modular synthesis system, while the input can be used to output CV signals from MIDI data in your DAW. The voltage range can quickly be defined using the quick access “User Edit” mode, or through the free, dedicated hardware hub Arturia MCC.
Thanks to this connectivity, KeyLab 88 MkII can interface with practically any kind of music-making technology, letting you use external modulation sources for plug-in instruments in your DAW, like Analog Lab. You can also start to integrate your modular setup into your software projects by sending perfect, automated data to your modular gear. This level of control is what KeyLab 88 MkII is all about.
Performance master
KeyLab 88 MkII’s RGB-backlit, touch and pressure-sensitive pads are not only the perfect surface for finger-drummer or triggering samples, they will also open up exciting new ways of performing with chords. The pads can be used in 3 different modes:
Pad Mode
The Pad mode is used to send MIDI notes or CC data, depending on how you’ve assigned it in the MCC. The dynamic, high-quality pads are great fun to perform and record percussion, and the colours can be assigned to specific pads to make it clear what type of sound, sample, or loop you’re triggering.
Chord Memory
KeyLab 88 MkII’s Chord Memory mode lets you store up to 16 unique chords, each containing up to 6 notes. This can be easily be set using the controller itself, or the Arturia MCC. Using this mode, you’ll be able to trigger chords with your left hand and play a melody on the keyboard with your right hand. You’ll be able to enjoy some factory preset chords straight away, too!
Chord Transpose
The Chord Transpose mode is a little more advanced, letting you trigger chord shapes selected by the pads when playing notes on the keyboard. The note selected is played as the route note, and the pad you choose builds the chord around it. The creative potential this gives you is huge, letting you experiment with harmonic overtones in your polyphonic lead sounds, create evolving, drifting pads, and much, much more.
Platform Requirements
Windows 7 (SP1) or later (64-bit)
- 1GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
10.11+: 4 GB RAM; 2.5 GHz CPU.
- 1GB free hard disk space
- OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
Required configuration
- Works in Standalone, VST 2.4, VST 3, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).
Box contents
- KeyLab 88 MkII unit
- USB cable
- Laptop plate
- Musical sheet holder
Size & weight
- Instrument size : 50.9 x 12.7 x 4.4 inches (1293 x 322 x 112mm)
- Instrument weight : 32.4 lbs. (14.7 Kg)
