Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Master-Keyboard Black

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 — Universal MIDI Controller for Modern Producers

The Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 is a 49-key universal MIDI controller built around a velocity-sensitive hybrid synth-piano keybed and deep DAW integration. Custom scripts for Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, Cubase, and Bitwig Studio pair with Analog Lab V for immediate hands-on control. The Black edition ships in a discreet housing with wood-look endpieces.

What Sets the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 Apart

A 2.5" LCD with contextual buttons and a clickable encoder delivers real-time feedback on presets and parameters. Eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads handle finger drumming, clip launching, and FL Studio step sequencing. The built-in arpeggiator, chord mode, scale mode, and hold function run independently of any DAW.

Keybed and Performance Controls

The 49-note keybed uses a hybrid synth-piano action with full velocity sensitivity for expressive playing.

• Keys: 49 velocity-sensitive — four-octave range suited to desktop studios
• Keybed action: hybrid synth-piano feel — responsive for melodic sketches
• Pitch bend / modulation: Yes — dedicated wheels for real-time expression

Encoders, Faders, Pads and Display

Nine rotary encoders and nine 30 mm faders mirror a mixer layout for plug-in and mixer control.

• Encoders & faders: 9 rotary + 9 × 30 mm faders — mixer-style layout for plug-in and track control
• Pads: 8 velocity- and pressure-sensitive, RGB-illuminated — drums, clips, and step sequencing
• Display: 2.5" LCD with contextual buttons and clickable encoder — direct preset browsing

Connectivity, Power, and Software Bundle

USB-C handles data and bus power, while a 5-pin DIN MIDI output and 6.3 mm TRS pedal input extend the controller into hardware setups. The bundle includes Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, UVI Model D, NI The Gentleman, Loopcloud 2-month, and Melodics.

• MIDI output: 5-pin DIN OUT — drives external hardware synths
• Pedal input: 6.3 mm TRS for sustain, expression, or footswitch
• Power & package: USB-C bus-powered (no battery); includes USB-C to USB-A cable and registration card