Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 White

The clickable encoder allows presets to be selected for each DAW via the 2.5" LCD screen. Above the two octavation buttons is the Chord button, which enables the activation of Chord mode, allowing the user to play a chord at the press of a single key. The eight pads provide access to corresponding maps in the KeyLab Essential software. The first two pads will allow the user to switch between controlling the DAW and the Analog Lab software, while the remaining six pads are assignable to maps, which can be created using the MIDI Control Center software. Undo and redo functions, a metronome, and a save facility for generated projects are all directly accessible via the DAW Command Center section. In addition to the MIDI output and USB-C connection, which can be used to supply power and transmit MIDI data to the computer, the back of the controller is also fitted with a connection for an optionally available sustain pedal.

Arturia's success story began with software emulations of well-known analogue synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog, Sequential Prophet-5, and Oberheim SEM. The popular software instruments included in the V Collection are still flagship products of the French developer today. Over time, Arturia has gradually expanded its range and now also offers a host of hardware devices, ranging from synthesizers and keyboard controllers to sequencers. Since then, the former software developer has thus also become a household name in the world of analogue synthesizers and other equipment.