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Are you looking for a powerful and affordable MIDI controller? Then you’ll want to check out the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88!
Featuring nine assignable faders and rotary knobs, eight pads, transport controls, and chord play mode, this controller is perfect for creating complex beats and melodies.
Plus, with its USB and MIDI Out connectivity, you can quickly and reliably connect to your computer.
So if you’re a beginner producer or experienced musician, the KeyLab Essential 88 is the perfect choice for you.
Key Takeaways
- KeyLab Essential 88 is a great alternative for those who don’t need weighted keys and can’t afford the flagship model.
- The keyboard controller comes with an impressive number of assignable faders and rotary knobs, making it a fantastic choice for home studio setups.
- The production tools of KeyLab Essential 88, including the backlit pads and Chord Play mode, enhance both studio production and live performance.
- The controller’s workflow enhancement features, such as onboard transport controls and a clickable jog wheel, make it easy to control your DAW and browse/edit presets and parameters.
Assignable Controls
You’ll appreciate the nine assignable faders and nine assignable rotary knobs on the KeyLab Essential 88. This impressive number of knobs and sliders offer plenty of creative possibilities, allowing you to customize your performance.
The pitch and modulation wheels/sticks included are essential for getting the most out of synth sounds.
The eight backlit pads let you trigger samples, loops, and more with ease.
The Chord Play mode lets you trigger a chord of up to 10 user-defined notes with a single key, making it easier to experiment with different harmony.
The onboard transport controls and jog wheel make it easy to control your DAW.
With MIDI Out, USB, and a 1/4 sustain pedal input, connectivity is enough to get started with the KeyLab Essential 88.
Production Tools
Building on the assignable controls of the KeyLab Essential 88, production tools make music production easier or add a different dimension.
The unit comes with eight backlit pads for triggering samples, loops, etc., as well as a Chord Play mode. This mode allows users to trigger a chord of up to 10 user-defined notes with a single key and encourages more creative harmony.
Browsing and editing presets and parameters is a quick process between the keyboard’s display screen and the computer.
The backlit pads are beneficial in both studio production and live performance.
All in all, the KeyLab Essential 88 provides an impressive range of production tools to expand your music production capabilities.
Workflow Enhancement
With its onboard transport controls and clickable jog wheel, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 makes it easy to control your DAW. It’s a great tool for streamlining workflow, with the faders and knobs being easily accessible and the display allowing quick preset and parameter editing. Integration with software plugins is seamless, making it easy to automate parameters.
The jog wheel can be used to move quickly between points in the timeline, and the transport controls are positioned for quick access. The KeyLab Essential 88 is a great choice for anyone looking to speed up their production process.
Connectivity Options
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 offers a fair range of connectivity options for its price. This includes a MIDI Out port, USB (Type B), and a 1/4 inch sustain pedal input.
The MIDI Out port offers a versatile means of connecting to other instruments and equipment, though some may prefer alternatives such as USB.
USB is also included, which is necessary for connecting to a computer and using the included software.
The pedal input is great for piano-style playing, and is a nice bonus.
All in all, the connectivity options are fair for the price, though not as impressive as the rest of the unit.
Overview
Overall, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 is a great choice for those seeking a quality mid-level controller without the need for weighted keys. It’s an ideal alternative for those who can’t afford the flagship model, and a fantastic option if you don’t need weighted keys.
When comparing prices, few options offer more features or a better software bundle. Assignable controls include nine faders and knobs, plus pitch and modulation wheels. Production tools include eight backlit pads and the Chord Play mode. Workflow is enhanced with onboard transport and jog wheel control. Connectivity options are fair for the price, with MIDI Out, USB (Type B), and a 1/4 sustain pedal input.
User reviews consistently praise the KeyLab Essential 88 for its value and features.
Conclusion
Overall, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 88 is an affordable and powerful MIDI controller that’s perfect for beginner producers and experienced musicians alike.
With its assignable controls, production tools, workflow enhancements, and connectivity options, you can create complex beats and melodies with ease.
Plus, the USB and MIDI Out connections make it easy to connect to your computer.
It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable MIDI 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!