Review MIDI keyboard Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
Arturia is a company based in Grenoble, France, specializing in the development of music software and hardware, with products aimed at both amateurs and professionals. I’ll tell you how this post is built. First I list the features of this Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 keyboard. Then you have a video or two, purchase links and useful comments from other users and then you have one of the most useful parts; comparison tables with similar keyboards so you can compare.
- With 49 speed-sensitive keys
- 8 speed-sensitive pads with Aftertouch
- 1 pulse able encoder
- 9 rotating knobs
- 13 buttons
- Transport section with 4 function switches
- LCD screen
- Tone and modulation wheel
- Mode of interpretation of chords
- Compatible with Mackie/HUI protocol
- USB port
- MIDI output
- Connection for sustain pedal
- Input for power supply (not included)
- Native USB support
- Includes Arturia Analog Lab 3, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano software
- Dimensions: 784 x 76 x 248mm (width x height x depth)
- Weight: 3Kg
- Attention: Internet connection required to authorize the product
This MIDI keyboard is usually priced at around €199/£177/$199 and offers 49 keys with sensitivity, allowing us to play melodies, rhythms, chords, and so on in our favorite audio software.
It also offers the following control options: 8 speed-sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 pushbutton encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, a transport section with 4 function switches (stop, play, rec, etc.) plus pitch bend and modulation wheels.
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 also offers a chord performance mode, which allows you to play a chord using only one key, it also has a sustain pedal connection and although it is USB powered, it also has a power supply input, which is sold separately.
Finally, this product includes the Arturia Analog Lab 3, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano software licenses. We need an internet connection to authorize the product.
Now that we have seen the features of this Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 keyboard watch these related videos to learn more.
Posts you may be interested in
- Ranking with the best midi keyboards
- My selection of cheap midi keyboards.
- Best MIDI Software to work with.
- MIDI Basic Guide.
- Midi Keyboards by Brand.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
What will you find in this post?
- 1 Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
- 2 Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
- 3 Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs M-Audio Code 49 Black
- 4 Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs Novation Impulse 49
- 5 Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?
- 6 Where to buy the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €199/£177/$199 and the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 is priced at €177/£159/$179, the difference is so small that this can vary. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- Both offer 49 speed-sensitive keys, and the Kontrol A49’s are semi-backward, which gives a better quality of touch to your keyboard.
- The Arturia offers 8 speed-sensitive pads with Aftertouch, 1 assignable push encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, a transport section with 4 function switches (rec, play, stop, etc) and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
- The Kontrol A49 offers 8 touch-sensitive encoders, pitch and modulation wheels and a 4D push-button encoder (4 dimensions).
- Both offer a sustain pedal connection and can be USB powered, although the Arturia also has a power supply input.
- The Arturia includes Arturia Analog Lab 3, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano software, while the Kontrol A49 includes Komplete effects and instruments: The Gentleman, Monark, Scarbee Mark I, Reaktor Prism, Reaktor Blocks Wired, Reaktor 6 Player, Kontakt 6 Player, Guitar Rig 5 Player, Komplete Kontrol Software, Maschine Essential.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 | Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 |
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We found an interesting comparison, with the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 which is a good controller with all its control functions, that if you want that, a comprehensive control system for your DAW, that will be your best option. On the other hand, we have the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 that having fewer functions offers semi-balanced keys and thus also a great number of licenses and effects, which for beginners are very valued. Depending on what you need, you will make the best decision.
And here is a video of the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49 review.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MIDI Keyboard has a price of €199/£177/$199s while the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 has a price of €239/£215/$240, having a difference of €40 between them. The main difference in their functions is only the number of keys that in the first one we find 4 octaves (49 keys) and in the second one, we have 5 octaves (61 keys). So depending on your space or need you will make your decision. Both are good options.
Let’s put the characteristics of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 | Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 |
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And here’s a video of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 review.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs M-Audio Code 49 Black
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MIDI keyboard and the M-Audio Code 49 Black are priced at €199/£177/$199. At the same price, this will be a very interesting comparison. Let’s take a look at it face-to-face:
- Both offer 49 speed-sensitive keys, and Code 49 has aftertouch.
- The Arturia offers 8 speed-sensitive pads with aftertouch, 1 assignable push encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, a transport section with 4 function switches (rec, play, stop, etc) and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
- The M-Audio Code 49 offers 4 assignable zones for splits and layers, 1 assignable XY control pad for HID control, 16 assignable speed-sensitive pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons, and a transport control (go to a specific clip point).
- Both offer a sustain pedal connection and can be USB powered, although the Arturia also has a power supply input. And the M-Audio has both a volume pedal and a MIDI input/output connection.
- The Arturia includes Arturia Analog Lab 3, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano software, while the M-Audio Code 49 includes Ableton Live Lite, Hybrid 3.0 and Loom by Air Music Technology.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 | M-Audio Code 49 Black |
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We found two quality MIDI controllers, the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 that we analyzed earlier, with its moderate control functions, and the M-Audio Code 49 that has the following functions: 49 sensitive and aftertouch keys, 1 assignable XY pad control, 16 assignable pads, 8 assignable knobs, 9 assignable faders, 9 assignable buttons and a transport control (for moving around in our session). This is where you’ll find the most features in the M-Audio, and that’s why this is the best choice.
Here’s a video of the M-Audio Code 49 Black keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the M-Audio Code 49 Black review.
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 vs Novation Impulse 49
The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 MIDI Keyboard is priced at €199/£177/$199 and the Novation Impulse 49 is priced at €223/£205/$228, with a difference of $44. Let’s move on to the face-to-face:
- Both offer 49 speed-sensitive keys, and the Novation’s have aftertouch and are semi-weighted.
- The Arturia offers 8 speed-sensitive pads with aftertouch, 1 assignable push encoder, 9 assignable knobs, 13 assignable buttons, a transport section with 4 function switches (rec, play, stop, etc) and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
- The Novation Impulse 49 offers 8 backlit Drum Pads, 9 55mm Faders, 9 assignable buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys (rec, stop, play, etc), octave up and down keys, beat-roll and clip-launch buttons, and pitch bend and modulation wheels.
- Both offer a sustain pedal connection and can be USB powered, although the Arturia also has a power supply input. And the Novation has an input for an expression pedal.
- The Arturia includes Arturia Analog Lab 3, Ableton Live Lite and UVI Grand Piano software, while the Novation Impulse 49 includes the Xcite+ Software Pack, with Ableton Live Lite.
Let’s put the features of these keyboards in a table so you can compare
Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 | Novation Impulse 49 |
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Again, we find an interesting comparison between the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 with its moderate controls and the Novation Impulse 49 which offers 8 backlit pads, 9 55mm faders, 9 assignable buttons, 8 assignable knobs, 6 transport keys, pitch and modulation wheels, and more. As you can see the Novation has more functions and according to that, we can say that it is the best option.
And here’s a video of the Novation Impulse 49 keyboard
If you want to know more about this option, click on the following link to see the Novation Impulse 49 review.
Which is the best of these MIDI keyboards if I am a beginner on a low budget?
While the answer to this question lies mostly in what specific need you have, for example, if you want to have a keyboard with the widest range of notes possible, or if you want to have as many control functions as possible, or perhaps a mix between the two, that is without leaving behind the different connections and software licenses that most MIDI controllers offer, we will give an objective opinion according to our experience in music production and thus also with the price demanded by the controllers, a kind of value for money.
In this post, we find MIDI controllers in an average of 200 euros, and our star MIDI controller is the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49, which for a price of 199 euros offers the control functions of pads, encoder, buttons, knobs all of them assignable, besides being compatible with the Mackie/HUI protocol which indicates that DAWs capable of supporting this protocol like Pro Tools, will have great compatibility. Excellent controller for a fair price.
Where to buy the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
Amazon
- Free Shipping and the possibility of shipping in one day with Amazon Premium.
- Full Guarantee but they are no experts in music equipment.
- Sometimes a better price.
- He’s got worse stock than Thomann.
Thomann
- Free Shipping.
- Full warranty. If you have any problems, they take care of everything.
- 100% reliable payment.
- A leader in trouble-free shipping.
- Usually the Best price.
- Best Reputation: They are the leading online store in Europe and have the best catalog and information.
Also, look at these models with a similar price and features:
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK3
- Akai MPK mini Mk2
- Akai MPK miniplay
- Roli Lightpad Block M Studio Ed.
- Arturia MiniLab MKII
- Roli Beatmaker Kit
- Novation Impulse 25
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white
- Alesis V25
- CME Xkey Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 25
- Akai APC Keys 25
- Akai LPK 25
- M-Audio Code 25 black
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A25
- Novation Launchkey Mini MK2
- Alesis V mini
- Arturia MicroLab Black
- Akai LPK 25 wireless
- Akai MPK mini Limited Black
- Arturia MiniLab MKII Inverted Edition
- M-Audio Oxygen 25 Mk4
- Korg nanoKEY Studio
- Swissonic EasyKey 25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 black
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Orange
- Korg nanoKEY 2 Limited Blue
- Akai MPK mini MK2 white – AIEP3 Bdl
- Nektar Impact LX25+
- Novation Launchkey 25 MK2
- Alesis Q25
- Akai MPK 225
- Korg microKEY 25
- Miditech Midistart Music 25
- Alesis VI25
- Korg nanoKEY 2 white
- Arturia MicroLab Blue
- Nektar SE25
- Korg microKEY Air 25
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 25
- Midiplus X2 mini
- Icon iKeyboard 3X
- Keith McMillen K-Board
- CME Xkey 25 silver
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32
- Alesis V49
- Arturia Keystep Black Edition
- Swissonic EasyKey 49
- Arturia Keystep
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49
- Nektar Impact LX49+
- M-Audio Code 49 Black
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2 Pro
- M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
- M-Audio Keystation Mini 32 MK3
- Novation Impulse 49
- Nektar Impact GX 49
- Novation Launchkey 49 Mk2
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A49
- M-Audio Oxygen 49 Mk4
- Alesis Q49 Keyboard Controller
- Roland A-300 Pro
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys I/O 49
- Alesis VI49
- Midiplus AK490
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2
- M-Audio Axiom Air Mini 32
- Alesis Vortex Wireless 2 Network
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 37 Pro
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 BE
- Haken Audio Continuum Half Size
- CME Xkey 37 LE
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys Pro
- Korg microKEY 49 MkII
- IK Multimedia iRig Keys 2
- Miditech Midistart Music 49
- Roland A-49 Black
- Korg microKEY 37 MkII
- Swissonic ControlKey 49
- Roland A-500 PRO
- Nektar SE49
- Korg microKEY Air 37
- Korg microKEY Air 49
- Roland A-49 White
- Nektar Panorama T4
- Miditech Garagekey mini
- Miditech Minicontrol-32
- Midiplus X3 mini
- Miditech i2-Control 37 Black
- Icon iKeyboard 4X
- Miditech i2-mini 32
- Midiplus X4 mini
- Miditech i2-mini 32 Bluetooth
- Icon iKeyboard 5X
- Acorn Masterkey 49
- M-Audio Code 61 Black
- Arturia KeyLab Essential 61
- Nektar Impact GX 61
- M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
- Alesis V61
- Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol A61
- Swissonic EasyKey 61
- M-Audio Oxygen 61 Mk4
- Roland A-800 Pro
- Korg microKEY Air 61
- GSi DMC-122
- Nektar Impact LX61+
- Alesis VI61
- Novation Launchkey 61 MK2
- Icon iKeyboard 6X
- Acorn Masterkey 61
- Miditech i2-61 Black Edition
- Midiplus X6 mini
- Korg microKEY 61 MkII
- Midiplus X-6 II
- Viscount Physis Piano K5 EX
- M-Audio Keystation 88 MkII
- Kawai VPC1
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH black
- Swissonic ControlKey 88
- Viscount Physis Piano K4 EX
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH grey
- Nektar Impact LX88+
- Haken Audio Continuum Full Size
- Midiplus Stage 88
- Studiologic Numa Concert
- Icon iKeyboard 8X
- Doepfer LMK2+ 88 GH without Case
- Midiplus X-8 II
- Doepfer LMK4+ 88 GH GR without Case