Arturia KeyLab 88 MkII

French musical equipment manufacturer Arturia released its first KeyLab 88 hammer action midi keyboard over 5 years ago and it was a huge success. The updated version of KeyLab 88 MK2 has got everything so that you can start working right away and not think about additional equipment. The miracle model is not cheap, about $ 1400, but in accordance with the quality and characteristics.

Design Features

The 129x11x32 cm midi keyboard is made in a white metal case with beautiful wooden inserts on the sides and to the left and right of the keys. The set includes a slide-out shelf for a laptop with an anti-slip surface and a music stand. The product turned out to be heavy — almost 15 kg, but reliable and strong.

The weighted keys are equipped with Fatar hammer action and have the same force as a classical piano. The aftertouch function, not normally found on digital pianos, will allow you to manipulate electronic tones.

Perfect functionality

The model contains controls for volume, pitch, octave shift, 6 transport control buttons, 9 encoders (2 banks each), 9 sliders (2 banks each), 16 illuminated pads that respond to the force and speed of pressing, and 10 switches that can be programme.

Combined with the UVI Grand Piano, Pianoteq Stage 5, Arturia Analogue Lab, Piano V and MIDI Control Centre suite of virtual software, the instrument becomes a full-fledged musician's assistant with enormous possibilities. All current settings are displayed on the LCD.

The MIDI controller has no connection restrictions: MIDI input and output, USB port, CV gates for connecting analogue devices, three Aux jacks and inputs for sustain and expression pedals.

Arturia KeyLab 88 MK 2 is perhaps the best choice for the demanding musician, arranger and composer. There is nothing to complain about here.