Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 adds a flagship version with 88 Fatar keys to its recently updated hardware/software KeyLab MIDI keyboard series.
Last summer (August 2024), Arturia unveiled the long-awaited new generation of their top-line MIDI keyboards, KeyLab Mk3. A full review can be found here. At that time, a 49-key and a 61-key version premiered.
Half a year later, the flagship model is now available. Today, Arturia released the KeyLab 88 mk3, an 88-key version of its new MIDI keyboard controller series.
Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3
KeyLab 88 Mk3 has the same modern design as the other Mk3 keyboards but has one big difference. It uses a full-size Fatar TP/110 hammer-action keyboard with velocity and aftertouch support – no polyphonic aftertouch.
According to Arturia, the KeyLab 88 mk3 keybed captures every nuance, from soft, delicate passages to powerful, dynamic chords. The user interface is identical to the other KeyLab mk3 keyboards.
However, since there are more keys, this one has been moved to the left, which means there is space on the right to place a laptop or tablet. To have even more space, Arturia provides an extra attachable surface in the keyboard’s color, so you can place larger laptops or even desktop synths on it.
Otherwise, there are no differences to the features of the other KeyLab mk3 keyboards: 12 velocity/aftertouch sensitive pads, DAW transport control, and nine touch-sensitive knobs and sliders.
Hardware & Software Integration
Also, in the 88 version, the heart of the keyboard is the display with the surrounding buttons. With these, you can adapt the keyboard, encoders, sliders, etc., entirely to your wishes, including creating MIDI templates.
Part of this is also the clever, deep integration with Arturia’s virtual instruments (Analog Lab / V Collection) that requires no extra software. When you open a plugin, the controller is automatically mapped to the respective parameters. Plus, there is a visual representation of the instrument and a built-in preset browser.
It also comes with the same level of integration with Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio, with dedicated MIDI mappings plus MCU and HUI.
The new Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 MIDI also works as a standalone MIDI keyboard controller with hardware synths. This also applies to the built-in, extensive chord function with scales and the inspiring, feature-rich arpeggiator.
Connectivity
The connections on the back are also the same as on his little brothers: a power on/off button, a USB-C port for powering and data, a power supply input, 5-pin MIDI in/out sockets, and four pedal inputs (sustain, expression, and two AUX ins).
Like the others, the CV/gate functionality from the Mk2 version has been removed on the Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3.
Finally, Arturia also ships the keyboard with a big software bundle, including various in-house plugins (Analog Lab Pro, Mini V, Piano V, Augmented Strings, Rev Plate-140) and Native Instruments The Gentleman for Kontakt Player.
Plus, you get a license for Ableton Live Lite and subscriptions for the Melodics with extra sessions and Loopcloud with additional sounds.
First Impression
That’s no surprise. An 88 version with hammer keys was expected to be added shortly after the release of the synth-action keyboard versions.
Arturia KeyLab 88 mk3 costs 999€ and will be available in white in April and black in May 2025.
More information here: Arturia
its 2025, you have to have Poly aftertouch on these keyboards!
dealbreker
This product feels poorly designed. They should have removed the drum pads, added a larger, more functional display, and included polyphonic aftertouch.
….
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