Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 MIDI keyboard Black

49-Key MIDI Controller for Music Production

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is a USB MIDI controller crafted for producers seeking tactile control over virtual instruments and DAW workflows. At its core is a 49-note velocity-sensitive keybed that blends synth and piano feel. Focused editing tools — nine faders, nine rotary encoders, and eight pressure-sensitive pads — are packed into a compact, USB-C powered chassis. The included Analog Lab V software opens up more than 2,000 instrument presets, all accessible and editable without reaching for your mouse.

Integrated Display and DAW Control

Standing out from competitors in its segment, this model features a 2.5-inch LCD screen with contextual buttons, providing instant visual feedback for parameter changes, preset selection, and DAW navigation. With native scripts for FL Studio, Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio, users enjoy immediate transport, track selection, and mixer control as soon as they connect.

Keybed, Pads, and Expressive Input

Playing comfort and expressive features shape the intuitive front panel.

• Keyboard: 49 velocity-sensitive keys — the synth-action feel is ideal for fast melodic and chordal passages.
• Pitch and Modulation: dedicated bend and modulation wheels — apply expressive pitch bends and timbre changes on the fly during a session.
• With eight touch- and pressure-sensitive pads, you can trigger clips, launch drum sounds, or assign custom functions for dynamic performance.

Studio and Hardware Connectivity

Connecting to software and external gear is simple, thanks to three rear-panel ports.

• Computer Connection: USB-C — transmits MIDI data and powers the controller, so there’s no need for an external adapter.
• Hardware MIDI Output: 5-pin DIN MIDI OUT — link directly to synthesizers, drum modules, or hardware sound engines.
• Pedal Input: 6.3 mm control jack — assign sustain, expression, or footswitch functionality to suit your setup.

Software Bundle and Smart Creative Modes

Included software and built-in creative tools expand its possibilities.

• Analog Lab V offers over 2,000 presets, letting you browse and shape sounds directly using the controller’s screen and encoders.
• Chord and Scale Modes: built-in intelligent helpers — lock to scales or trigger complete chords with a single key.
• Arpeggiator: multi-mode with on-screen editing — generate evolving rhythmic patterns and tweak parameters right from the hardware.