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Are you ready to take your music production to the next level? Then you’ll love the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2–it’s the perfect midi controller for any producer.
It’s got all the bells and whistles you could ask for, including hammer-action keys, assignable faders, rotary knobs, and 16 RGB backlit pads.
But don’t take our word for it – producers and sound designers with over 20 years of experience have been raving about this amazing controller.
So what are you waiting for? Get the KeyLab 88 Mk2 and start creating some beautiful music today!
Key Takeaways
- Highly recommended by James, a producer and sound designer with over 20 years of experience.
- High-quality MIDI controller with keys, pads, and faders.
- Excellent build quality and functionality.
- Comes with a great software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite and Arturia’s Analog Lab.
Build Quality
Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, you can expect the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 to have excellent build quality. It features a durable metal exterior with robust construction materials and solid knobs. The unit is heavy and robustly built, making it suitable for studio use. All the components are tightly put together, with no loose parts.
The keys are also well-constructed and are designed to last for a long time. The overall construction is such that it can withstand regular wear and tear. It also comes with a laptop stand, which is made of sturdy aluminum and designed to be very stable.
The KeyLab 88 Mk2 is sure to last for many years of regular use.
Keyboard Feel
Have you ever wondered how the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2’s hammer-action keys feel? The Mk2 has improved significantly from its predecessor, with the keys being more responsive, quieter, and better to play.
It’s clear that Arturia has taken the time to ensure that the keys are of a higher quality. When compared to the previous model, the Mk2 has a noticeably better keyboard feel. The responsiveness and quietness of the keys are far superior, making the playing experience more enjoyable.
Furthermore, the improvement in keys has resulted in a more natural playing experience. The KeyLab 88 Mk2 truly delivers on its promise of a great keyboard feel.
Assignable Controls
With nine assignable faders and nine assignable rotary knobs, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 offers some of the best assignable controls available in a MIDI controller. The controls are perfectly positioned for recording automation on the fly.
The pitch bend and modulation controls are located at the top left corner and are easily accessible. MIDI mapping options are also available, allowing users to quickly assign parameters to the controller.
All the controls can be easily tweaked and adjusted, making it easy to customize the controller to individual needs. The assignable controls provide a great level of control, allowing users to get the most out of their music production setup.
Production Tools
For production purposes, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 sports 16 RGB backlit pads, perfect for finger drumming. The pads are both responsive and comfortable to play, and can be used to trigger samples and perform drum rolls with ease.
The KeyLab 88 Mk2 also offers a variety of production tools for enhanced creativity. These tools include software integration for further performance capabilities.
All of these features can be accessed via the assignable controls on the controller, which are conveniently positioned for recording automation on the fly.
Final Verdict
Overall, the Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 is highly praised for its overall quality and functionality, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality MIDI controller.
It comes with a great software bundle, including Ableton Live Lite and Arturia’s Analog Lab, and features improved hammer-action keys that are more responsive, quieter, and feel better to play.
Its assignable controls, such as nine assignable faders and nine assignable rotary knobs, are perfectly positioned for recording automation on the fly. Additionally, it has 16 RGB backlit pads for finger drumming, as well as pitch bend and modulation wheels.
However, some users may find its lack of a larger display and heavy weight to be drawbacks.
Pros and cons aside, overall the KeyLab 88 Mk2 is a great choice for musicians and producers alike.
Conclusion
The Arturia KeyLab 88 Mk2 is an excellent MIDI controller that provides you with plenty of assignable controls and production tools to enhance your creative process. Its improved hammer-action keys, nine assignable faders, nine assignable rotary knobs, and 16 RGB backlit pads make it a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality MIDI controller.
It’s built to last with its excellent construction and laptop stand, and its CV connectivity makes it a great choice for any music producer.
All in all, the KeyLab 88 Mk2 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a powerful and versatile controller.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!