Arturia KEYLAB ESSENTIAL MK3 User Manual

USER MANUAL

_KEYLAB ESSENTIAL MK3

Special Thanks

DIRECTION

Frédéric Brun Kevin Molcard

DEVELOPMENT

Yannick Bellance (lead)

Nicolas Dubois (lead)

MANUFACTURING

Jérôme Blanc Antonio Eiras Lionel Ferragut Nadine Lantheaume

QUALITY

Emilie Jacuszin

QUALITY ASSURANCE

Julien Viannenc (Lead)

Bastien Hervieux

MANUAL

Sven Bornemark Jimmy Michon

BETA-TEST

Charles Capsis IV

Richard Courtel

Adrian Dybowski

Florian Rameau (lead)

Timothée Béhéty

Aurélien Mortha

Nicolas Naudin

Andrew Henderson

Are Leistad

Andrew Macaulay

Valentin Foare

Farès Mezdour

Nicolas Stermann

Terry Marsden

Paolo Apollo Negri

Grégory Roudgé

Thibault Sénac

TJ Trifeletti

© ARTURIA SA – 2023 – All rights reserved.
26 avenue Jean Kuntzmann
38330 Montbonnot-Saint-Martin
FRANCE

www.arturia.com

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is
provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.

All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Product version: 1.0.0

Revision date: 23 May 2023

Congratulations on purchasing the

Arturia KeyLab Essential mk3!

Get ready to start your musical journey.

KeyLab Essential is a class-compliant, universal MIDI controller, capable of harnessing the
power of practically any software instrument and DAW. It has been designed to enhance
your workflow, let you spend less time using a keyboard and mouse to create music, and
seamlessly integrate with Arturia Analog Lab V.

This instruction manual covers the general use and features of KeyLab Essential, and goes
into more detail on the technical aspects of the controller so you can make the most of its
advanced functionality.

In this package, you will find:

• KeyLab Essential controller keyboard

• USB cable

• Analog Lab V license for download

• Ableton Live Lite

• Native Instruments The Gentleman

• LoopCloud

• UVI Model D

• Melodics

Don’t lose your registration information! The serial numbers and activation codes detailed
in the Quick Start Guide are required to unlock your software.

Remember to register! It sounds boring, but it’s worth it. Registering is important because it
lets you download and activate Analog Lab V, as well as the Arturia MIDI Control Center.

Special Message Section

Specifications Subject to Change: The information contained in this manual is believed to
be correct at the time of printing. However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify
any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been
purchased.

IMPORTANT: The product and its software, when used in combination with an amplifier,
headphones or speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent
hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is
uncomfortable.

If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

NOTICE: Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function
or feature works (when the product is operating as designed) are not covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this
manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.

Precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Read and understand all the instructions.

2. Always follow the instructions on the instrument.

3. Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the USB cable. When cleaning,
use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any
other organic solutions; do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that's too wet.

4. Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink,
swimming pool or similar place.

5. Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally
fall over.

6. Do not place heavy objects on the instrument. Do not block openings or vents
of the instrument; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent the
instrument from overheating. Do not place the instrument near a heat vent at any
location with poor air circulation.

7. Do not open or insert anything into the instrument that may cause a fire or
electrical shock.

8. Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.

9. Always take the instrument to a qualified service center. You will invalidate your
warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly may cause
electrical shock or other malfunctions.

10. Do not use the instrument with thunder and lightning present; otherwise it may
cause long distance electrical shock.

11. Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.

12. Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.

13. Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper
operation of the instrument.

Table Of Contents

1. Welcome to KeyLab Essential ............................................................................................................................. 2

1.1. What’s KeyLab Essential?................................................................................................................................................ 2

1.2. KeyLab Essential Features Summary...................................................................................................................... 4

2. Installation....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

3. Hardware Overview.................................................................................................................................................. 6

3.1. Connecting KeyLab Essential........................................................................................................................................ 6

3.2. Front Panel................................................................................................................................................................................ 6

3.3. Rear Panel................................................................................................................................................................................. 8

3.4. Display......................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

4. KeyLab Essential operations ............................................................................................................................... 9

4.1. Wheels.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.2. MIDI Channel.......................................................................................................................................................................... 9

4.3. Bank ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 10

4.4. Transpose –/+ and Octave –/+..................................................................................................................................... 11

4.5. Pads ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 12

4.6. DAW Control Section ........................................................................................................................................................ 13

4.6.1. MIDI Setup in you DAW......................................................................................................................................................................................... 14

4.7. Prog.............................................................................................................................................................................................. 16

4.8. Part................................................................................................................................................................................................ 17

4.8.1. Setting Split Points ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

4.8.2. Editing Part 1 and 2 .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 18

4.9. Hold Mode................................................................................................................................................................................ 19

4.10. Chord Mode ....................................................................................................................................................................... 20

4.10.1. Playing Predefined Chords............................................................................................................................................................................. 20

4.10.2. Creating a Chord .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 21

4.11. Scale .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 22

4.12. Arpeggiator .......................................................................................................................................................................... 24

4.12.1. Activating and deactivating the Arpeggiator......................................................................................................................................... 24

4.12.2. Entering and leaving Arpeggio Edit............................................................................................................................................................ 25

4.12.3. Editing the Arpeggiator....................................................................................................................................................................................... 26

4.12.4. Arpeggiator Parameters..................................................................................................................................................................................... 27

4.13. Tap Tempo ............................................................................................................................................................................. 31

4.13.1. The Arpeggiator, Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Hold Mode....................................................................................................... 31

4.14. Vegas Mode......................................................................................................................................................................... 32

4.15. Factory Reset...................................................................................................................................................................... 33

5. KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V ............................................................................................................ 34

5.1. Important Note — It’s All Malleable......................................................................................................................... 34

5.2. Audio and MIDI Setup.................................................................................................................................................... 35

5.2.1. Analog Lab V MIDI Settings............................................................................................................................................................................... 35

5.3. Browsing Presets............................................................................................................................................................... 37

5.3.1. Browsing Within Types.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 38

5.4. Knobs and Faders............................................................................................................................................................. 38

5.5. Pads ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 39

5.6. Controlling Parts in Analog Lab V .......................................................................................................................... 39

5.6.1. Adding a Part in Analog Lab V......................................................................................................................................................................... 39

5.6.2. Editing an Existing Multi Preset...................................................................................................................................................................... 40

5.6.3. Editing in the Part Menu........................................................................................................................................................................................ 41

5.6.4. Controlling Parts ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 42

6. DAW Control ................................................................................................................................................................. 43

6.1. Custom Controlled DAWs .............................................................................................................................................. 43

6.1.1. Transport Control........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 44

6.2. DAW Control with Mackie Control Universal ................................................................................................... 45

7. Declaration of Conformity................................................................................................................................... 46

7.1. FCC ............................................................................................................................................................................................... 46

7.2. CANADA.................................................................................................................................................................................... 46

7.3. CE ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 46

7.4. ROHS .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 47

8. Software License Agreement............................................................................................................................ 48

1. WELCOME TO KEYLAB ESSENTIAL

1.1. What’s KeyLab Essential?

Congratulations – you have made a great choice!

KeyLab Essential has been designed to be your best friend when you're making music.
Whether on stage, in studio or while rehearsing and jamming, you need transparency and
direct routes to the sounds you have in your head.

KeyLab Essential is a lighweight and easy-to-use MIDI keyboard controller. But don’t let
its elegant appearance fool you — it’s huge on features usually found in more expensive
keyboards.

Not only can you use KeyLab Essential to play your sound modules (inside or outside of
your computer), but also control important functions inside your DAW. This will boost your
workflow!

KeyLab Essential automatically recognizes and controls popular DAWs including Ableton
Live, Apple Logic Pro, Bitwig Studio, Image-Line FL Studio, and Steinberg Cubase. On top of
that, KeyLab Essential can control any DAW using the MCU/HUI protocol.

You can control your DAW transport with dedicated Transport buttons, use the knobs to
tweak plug-in parameters, and adjust track volumes and pans by using the KeyLab Essential
faders.

A complete keyboard production studio, KeyLab Essential also comes with the incredible
Arturia Analog Lab V – your very own vintage and modern keyboard collection, with access
to over 2000 presets from the award-winning V Collection, ready to customize and play in
an instant.

Whether you want a searing-hot synth lead or an ethereal string pad, a vintage upright
piano or a complex, animated soundscape, KeyLab Essential gives you everything you need
to perform and record. All the ingredients of the cocktail are there and ready to be mixed
according to your own style.

2 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Welcome to KeyLab Essential

Nine endless encoder knobs and nine faders give you hands-on access to numerous sound
sculpting parameters inside Analog Lab V. Other V Collection instruments can also be
remotely controlled whis way, when you customize the settings in MIDI Control Center. Live
sound editing should always be this easy!

You’ll play KeyLab Essential's 49 or 61 velocity sensitive, synth-action keys. The eight backlit
performance pads sense velocity
Wheels, of course.

Please note, that the front and rear panels of the 49- and 61-key keyboards sport exactly the
same buttons, knobs, faders and connectivity. They're just spaced a bit differently on the
larger models.

On top of that, Arturia's MIDI Control Center software (a free download) lets you map
parameters directly to KeyLab Essential’s physical controls to create custom configurations.
You can then save these as user programs and recall them from the KeyLab Essential
hardware.

! For further information MIDI Control Center, please consult MIDI Control Center manual, an app



available for download from the Arturia website.

and

aftertouch. Plus there are Pitch Bend and Modulation

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Welcome to KeyLab Essential 3

1.2. KeyLab Essential Features Summary

• 49- or 61-key velocity-sensitive keyboard.

• Eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads.

• Two pad banks for a total of 16 functional pads.

• Dentented and clickable main encoder knob for navigation.

• Large easy-to-read display.

• DAW Transport control via dedicated buttons plus Save, Quantize, Undo, and
Redo.

• Nine endless encoder knobs and nine faders.

• Wheels for pitch-bend and modulation.

• Hold button for hands-free (and feet-free) sustain.

• Full-featured classic synth style arpeggiator.

• Chord play memorizes and plays user defined chords from one note.

• Scale mode makes it easy to always play in the right key and tonality.

• Hold, Arpeggiator, Chord, and Scale can be combined.

• Octave and semitone transpose functions.

• USB-C powered.

• MIDI via USB-C and standard 5-pin MIDI output.

• 1/4-inch TRS input accepts sustain, switch, or expression/continuous control
pedal.

• Included software:

• USB-C to USB-A cable included.

◦ Arturia Analog Lab V,

◦ Ableton Live Lite,

◦ Native Instruments The Gentleman,

◦ UVI Grand Piano Model D,

◦ Melodics subscription,

◦ Loopcloud subscription.

4 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Welcome to KeyLab Essential

2. INSTALLATION

The first thing to do upon receiving your KeyLab Essential keyboard, after having completed
the registration process, is to update its firmware. Indeed, Arturia releases periodic
firmware updates to add functionality and improve performance.

To proceed with the update, you'll first need to download and install the MIDI Control Center,
the powerful companion software we designed to work with our hardware, from the KeyLab

Essential's Resources page.

Once this is done, you can follow these steps to upgrade the firmware of KeyLab Essential:

1. Download the latest firmware from the KeyLab Essential's Resources page.

2. Launch MIDI Control Center.

3. Please make sure KeyLab Essential 3 is selected under Device in MIDI Control Center.

Click on the box showing the firmware revision:

4. Click “Upgrade” in the dialogue box that follows, then navigate to the firmware file on

your computer and select it. The four buttons are now lit in blue, running in cycle.

5. Follow the rest of the onscreen instructions. When the firmware loading is complete,

KeyLab Essential will restart and be ready for use.

Once your KeyLab Essential is ready, you can start using it to control various virtual
instruments, like our own Analog Lab V [p.34].

For more information on how the MIDI Control Center works with the KeyLab Essential,
please refer to the dedicated manual in the KeyLab Essential section of our Downloads &

Manuals page.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Installation 5

3. HARDWARE OVERVIEW

3.1. Connecting KeyLab Essential

First of all, we recommend that you install the Analog Lab V and MIDI Control Center and
be sure to register and authorize them. Connect KeyLab Essential to your computer using
the included USB cable. Power and data is supplied through this connection.

You are strongly recommended to download the MCC and let it install KeyLab Essential's
custom driver. Without this specific driver under Windows, you won't be able to use MIDI
with multiple instances that use MIDI protocol on your computer.

3.2. Front Panel

The controls on the front panel of KeyLab Essential are as follows.

Number Name Description

1. Wheels [p.9] These easy-to-reach controllers act as pitch-bend and modulation wheels.

2. MIDI Ch button This button lets you select MIDI out channel.

3. Bank button Choose to use Bank A or B for the Performance Pads.

4. Transp –/+ buttons Transpose the keyboard in semitone steps.

5. Octave –/+ buttons Transpose the keyboard up or down an octave.

6 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Hardware Overview

Number Name Description

6. Pads [p.12]

7.

8. DAW Command Center Remote controls for your DAW.

9. Large Display

10. Contextual buttons Four buttons with various tasks depending on context.

11. Dentented Main Encoder

12. Program button

13. Part button Handles Part selection and Split Points.

14. Hold button

15. Chord button A convenient function for playing chords with one finger.

16. Scale button

17. Arpeggio button A Controller Keyboard without an Arpeggiator? We don't think so.

18. Knobs and Faders Control parameters in plugins, e.g. instrument and effects.

19. MIDI Keyboard

Save/Quant/Undo/Redo

buttons

For finger drumming and playing MIDI notes. Velocity- and pressure-

sensitive.

This section lets you manage your Presets and quantize Scales and

Rhythm.

Shows parameter names, values, and all information about KeyLab

Essential status.

Navigates Presets in Analog Lab [p.34], navigates into KeyLab

Essential's feature menu, and performs other functions in DAWs [p.43].

Is also a clickable select button.

Navigates through the 3 main o perating modes: Arturia, DAW, and

User.

Sustains notes and arpeggios played from the keys (not the pads)

when active.

Reduces the number of notes on the keyboard to those that fit a

particular key and tonality.

49 or 61 velocity sensitive, synth-action keys. Velocity curve can be

edited in the MIDI Control Center App.

! Velocity sensitive: Both the MIDI keyboard and the pads on KeyLab Essential are sensitive to how



hard you play them. Hit harder for higher volume.

! Pressure Sensitivity: Playing a pad and then pressing it harder will send out Pressure data that can



trigger various modulation changes (filter, volume etc.).

Pressure sensivity is often called Aftertouch. KeyLab Essential pads use the more luxurious version

called Polyphonic Aftertouch, where each pad sends out individual data.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Hardware Overview 7

3.3. Rear Panel

Number Name Description

1. Kensington Lock Port This socket accepts a standard Kensington laptop lock for anti-theft.

2. Control Pedal Input

3. MIDI Out

4. USB-C port

1/4" TRS; accepts sustain pedal, footswitch, or a continuous controller

(expression pedal).

5-pin DIN MIDI output for controlling hardware synth modules. Can also

be used as MIDI Thru.

Use this socket to connect KeyLab Essential to your device. This USB-

C port provides both power, MIDI data, and control information.

Alternatively, a Power Supply Unit can connect to this port to power

KeyLab Essential, when the MIDI connector is used.

3.4. Display

By default, the main Display momentarily shows a graphic of whatever control you touch,
along with the value sent by that control as you move it. For example, this is what is
displayed when you move a knob:

When you strike a pad, the display first shows your initial velocity. If you then apply after­pressure, it will display that value.

8 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Hardware Overview

4. KEYLAB ESSENTIAL OPERATIONS

4.1. Wheels

To the left is the pitch-bend wheel. It is spring-loaded: If you push it in one direction and
then remove your finger, the wheel snaps back to its center position. The bend range can
be adjusted in the MIDI Control Center software (see separate manual). In fact, the MIDI
Control Center app allows you to customize the function of almost every physical control of
your KeyLab Essential or other Arturia controller.

Pushing the modulation wheel on the right increases the modulation amount. As with a
modulation wheel on any synth, the wheel and its current value stays where you leave it
when you remove your finger, until you manually move the modulation wheel again.

The modulation wheel by default sends MIDI CC 1 (the usual control number for
modulation), but this control number can also be changed in the MIDI Control Center app.
If you want to control the Volume or Filter Cutoff Frequency or any other parameter of your
sound device, this can be done.

Movements of these wheels will be reflected in the Display.

4.2. MIDI Channel

When working in a DAW or multiple hard- or software instruments, you may want to decide
what MIDI channel KeyLab Essential uses to send notes and controller data. You can easily
change that channel number by holding the MIDI Channel button and pressing the correct
key on the keyboard.

The notes from the lowest C to D# (Eb) in the second octave set MIDI channels to 1–16.
Example: If you want to transmit on channel 10, hold the MIDI Channel button and hit the
lowest A key.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 9

The MIDI channel numbers are printed on the front panel for easy reference.

4.3. Bank

KeyLab Essential has 8 Pads that allow you to conveniently play MIDI notes or drum sounds.
While only 8 pads may seem a bit meager, you can actually use 2 banks. This enables you
to play/trigger a total of 16 (8 + 8) notes.

By default, Bank 1 plays MIDI notes 36 (C1) to 43 (G1). Bank 2 plays 44 (G#1) to 51 (D#2).

Pad Bank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

A 40 (E1) 41 (F1) 42 (F#1) 43 (G1) 36 (C1) 37 (C#1) 38 (D1) 39 (D#1)

B 48 (C2) 48 (C#2) 50 (D2) 51 (D#2) 44 (G#1) 45 (A1) 46 (A#1) 47 (B1)

You can switch between Bank 1 and 2 by pressing the Bank button. While doing so, the
Display confirms what Bank is currently selected.

! When Bank B is selected, the Bank button shines brighter.



10 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.4. Transpose –/+ and Octave –/+

To transpose the keyboard up or down one semitone, press Transp– or Transp+. When the
keyboard is transposed one or several semitones, the button shines brighter.

! By pressing Transp– and Transp+ at the same time, any transposition shift is reset.



To shift the keyboard up or down an octave, press the Oct– or Oct+ button. You can transpose
3 octaves down and 3 octaves up. When the keyboard is transposed one or several octaves,
the button shines brighter.

! By pressing Oct– and Oct+ at the same time, any octave shift is reset.



The Display will reflect your action in either case. Transpose and Octave-shift apply to the
keyboard only, not the pads. The pads send MIDI note numbers, and those note numbers
may be edited in the MIDI Control Center app.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 11

4.5. Pads

The eight velocity- and poly pressure-sensitive pads on KeyLab Essential serve multiple
purposes. In their default state, they send MIDI notes on channel 10 – the channel most
commonly used for drums in a DAW or multi-timbral synthesizer.

Press Bank to switch between pad banks A and B. Bank B sends other MIDI notes, also on
channel 10. The default note numbers — which may all be changed for User Modes in the
MIDI Control Center app — are:

Pad Bank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

A 40 (E1) 41 (F1) 42 (F#1) 43 (G1) 36 (C1) 37 (C#1) 38 (D1) 39 (D#1)

B 48 (C2) 48 (C#2) 50 (D2) 51 (D#2) 44 (G#1) 45 (A1) 46 (A#1) 47 (B1)

! Every time you press the Bank button, the Display will confirm what Bank is currently selected.



12 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.6. DAW Control Section

KeyLab Essential allows you to remotely control your DAW. We have created DEEP scripts
for 5 major DAWs:

• Ableton Live

• Apple Logic Pro

• Bitwig Studio

• Image-Line FL Studio

• Steinberg Cubase

KeyLab Essential automatically recognizes the above DAWs. On top of that, KeyLab Essential
can control any DAW on the market thanks to the MCU and HUI protocols.

! In order to use this sophisticated version of DAW Control, the scripts must be properly installed. To



do so, please upload the latest version of your favorite DAW.

! You can download dedicated User Guides for each DAW from the KeyLab Essential's Resources



page.

You enter DAW mode by pressing the Prog button until the display says DAWs. This mode is
required if you want a deep integration using the scripts written for the 5 above mentioned
DAWs. DAW Control works in any of the Prog modes thanks to the MCU and HUI protocol.

The twelve buttons to the left of the Display are all DAW related, although Save, Undo and
Redo can also be used in Arturia Software. These buttons send control messages to your
software, and they are designed to work conveniently with any DAW. If you want, you can
re-configure these buttons in MIDI Control Center.

Using the industry standard Mackie HUI data language, KeyLab Essential gives you direct
access to the most frequently used commands in your recording software, including:

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 13

• Save: Saves your track.

• Quant: Turns Quantize on and off.

• Undo: Reverses your last action, such as deleting a track, or capturing a MIDI
performance.

• Redo: Reverses your last Undo action.

The DAW Command Center also puts popular transport controls at your fingertips:

• Loop: Toggles the Loop function in your DAW on and off. The loop region is set
within your software.

• Rewind/Fast-forward: Quickly jogs the playback cursor back and forth, letting
you conveniently find specific points in your track while editing.

• Metronome: Toggles your DAW’s metronome on and off.

• Stop: Stops playback. In some recording software, this will also return the
playback cursor to the start of the track.

• Play/Pause: Starts and pauses your track at the current position of the playback
cursor in your DAW.

• Record: Arms the record function in your DAW. Hitting the Record button while
the track is stopped will begin playback while recording. If the track is already
playing, hitting Record will begin recording from the current playback cursor
position.

• Tap: Tap Tempo to enter a BPM value.

The buttons in the DAW Command Center default to a general workable configuration, and
you can re-configure them in MIDI Control Center.

The output of the DAW Command Center can be toggled between MCU and HUI protocols
within the MCC.

NOTE: KeyLab Essential's compatibility with your chosen DAW will depend on how each



manufacturer handles the MCU and HUI protocols. For more information, consult the KeyLab Essential

page on the Arturia website, or the documentation of your preferred DAW.

• User Programs: KeyLab Essential can store u p to 6 User Programs — custom
control mappings you have created in the MIDI Control Center app (see separate
manual). User Presets may be individually enabled or disabled in the Device
Settings of the MIDI Control Center app. We will explain what to do in more detail
in Chapter 5, but for now, know that holding Prog and pressing a Pad will select
any

enabled

above.

user presets alongside the ARTURIA and DAWs modes as described

4.6.1. MIDI Setup in you DAW

When using KeyLab Essential with a DAW, it is important that you get the MIDI setings right.

In your DAW, probably under Preferences and Audio or MIDI setup, there should be a page
that describe the MIDI in puts and outputs. After selecting KL Essentrial 49/61 mk3 and your
MIDI controller, you'll fund further options.

14 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

This is the MIDI device settings page in Studio One

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 MIDI: Enables MIDI communication via the USB-C port
on KeyLab Essential.

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 DINTHRU: Passes outgoing MIDI information from the
host software through KeyLab Essential’s 5-pin MIDI out connector. This can be
useful when you want to sequence and control hardware synths with your DAW
using KeyLab Essential as a MIDI interface.

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 MCU/HUI: Enables KeyLab Essential as a Mackie
Control Universal surface via a dedicated port, to not interfere with other MIDI
messages as notes or control changes.

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 ALV Transmits screen messages from Analog Lab V to
KeyLab Essential.

You will almost always want KL Essential (49/61) mk3 MIDI turned on. If using KeyLab
Essential to control any of the custom supported DAWs [p.43], ensure KL Essential (49/61)
mk3 MCU/HUI is

not

activated.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 15

4.7. Prog

By pressing Prog repeatedly, you will cycle through KeyLab Essentials main modes.

• Arturia: This mode is used to control any instrument in your computer.

• DAWs: This mode enables the scripts written especially for these DAWs: Live,
Logic Pro, Bitwig Studio, FL Studio, and Cubase.

• User: You can use up to 6 User Programs of presets, i.e. those that are enabled in
MIDI Control Center.

! Alternatively, you can hold Prog and select any mode by pressing the appropriate Pad. ! When



controlling your DAW using the MCU/HUI protocol, KeyLab Essential may be in any Prog mode (Arturia,

DAWs, or User 1–6).

16 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.8. Part

This section will describe the features found when pressing the Part button.

The Part feature can be used in both User/DAW mode and Arturia mode. However, this
feature works differently in the first case and the second case.

In the first case, the purpose of this feature is to, for example, control different virtual
instruments or hardware products at the same time.

In the second case, the Part feature allows you to control remotely multi presets from
Analog Lab V.

Analog Lab V can, as many other virtual instruments, operate in
When using a Multi, you will often need greater control over the individual parts, and KeyLab
Essential gives you lots of options here.

To learn more about how to control parts in Analog Lab V, please refer to the Controlling Parts in



Analog Lab V [p.39] section of this manual.

Single

and

Multi

mode.

You exit Part mode by pressing the button below On.

Hitting the button below the Return symbol exits the Part section.

4.8.1. Setting Split Points

When first hitting the Part button, the Display will confirm that you're controlling Part 1.
Immediately pressing Part again takes you to Part 2. If no Split Point or Multi is activated,
the Display will invite you to create one or enter the menu.

By long-pressing Part, you will enter edit mode for Part 1 or 2. You can select what part to
edit by selecting one of the P1 and P2 buttons at the bottom of the screen.

On this page, you can also set the Split point. When you rotate the Main Encoder, you skip
through the four edit points:

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 17

• Lower limit for Part 1.

• Upper limit for Part 1.

• Lower limit for Part 2.

• Upper limit for Part 2.

You can edit any of those points by rotating to the desired point, then clicking the Main
Encoder and turning it to edit. Clicking again takes you back to select mode.

With this flexible layout, you can easily create overlaps or a very limited note range for any
part. And of course, with both parts covering the same note range, two sounds will play in
unison.

4.8.2. Editing Part 1 and 2

When in Multi or Split Point mode, you can edit Part 1 or 2 by pressing the button below P1
or P2. The heading on the screen will now read

By navigating this menu, you now have the option to change octave and MIDI channel for
the parts. Very straightforward.

Hitting the button below the Return symbol takes you back to the Part menu, and a second
press exits the Part section.

Editing Part 1

(or 2).

18 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.9. Hold Mode

The button marked Hold will hold the last note(s) played until a new note is played or until
you disengage the Hold function.

You activate Hold by pressing its button. The button will light up and the display will say Hold
mode ON. You turn off Hold by pressing the button again.

The Hold function differs from using a sustain pedal. After pressing a sustain pedal, every
note you play will keep sustaining until you release the pedal. In Hold mode, only notes that
are played simultaneously will be held. Example: Activate Hold mode and play C and G, then
release the keys. Those two notes will now keep on sounding until you hit a new key or keys;
C and G will stop playing and the newly added note(s) will be held.

! Hold can be activated in two ways – either by pressing the Hold button before playing the notes



or when the keys are actually played (before they are released). ! When Hold is active, the Hold button

shines brighter. ! Hold only works in conjunction with the keys, not the pads.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 19

4.10. Chord Mode

KeyLab Essential includes a Chord Mode that memorizes chords you in put and then allows
you to play them from one key, transposing as it goes.

Chord information is transmitted as MIDI data over the USB-C port and/or 5-pin MIDI output,
depending on which are selected in your host software’s MIDI settings.

To turn chord mode on and off, Chord button. With Chord on, playing one note will play the
last recorded chord.

! Chords can be scaled and can be fed into the Arpeggiator. ! The Chord Play mode (whether



the chord is playing or not) and the Chord Edit mode (where you tweak the chord) are somewhat

independent of each other, i.e. the Chord doesn't automatically play just because you enter Chord Edit

mode. Also, quitting Chord Edit mode doesn't turn off the Chord function.

4.10.1. Playing Predefined Chords

After long-pressing and releasing the Chord button, you can select any of the predefined
chords in KeyLab Essential. You will find them under Preset.

• Octave

• 5th

• Major Triad

• Minor Triad

• Sus 2

• Sus 4

• Major 7

• Minor 7

• Major 9

• Minor 9

• Major 11

• Minor 11

20 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.10.2. Creating a Chord

You enter Chord Edit mode by long-pressing the Chord button. Now the text in the Display
says

Create Chord

You leave Chord Edit mode by pressing the leftmost contextual button (under the down-left
pointing arrow).

Now, play the chord you want KeyLab Essential to memorize on the keyboard, either all at
once or adding a note at a time. The display shows the following:

Then, release the Chord button. Chord mode is automatically enabled. Your chord is now
memorized and will be retained if you leave Chord Mode and return, and even if KeyLab
Essential is powered off. To overwrite the chord with a new one, simply repeat the process.

.

! If you want the lowest note in the chord to be the root note (this should be the most common



preference), make sure to play the lowest note before the other notes (when creating a chord).

You exit Chord mode by pressing the Chord button again.

! When Chord is active, the Chord button shines brighter. ! Chord only works in conjunction with the



keys, not the pads.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 21

4.11. Scale

You enter Scale Edit mode by long-pressing the Scale button.

You leave Scale Edit mode by pressing the leftmost contextual button (under the down-left
pointing arrow).

The Scale function helps you stay in the right key and tonality when playing. Scale works by
simply redirecting those notes that don't belong to the scale selected. As a result, every note
you play on the KeyLab Essential will "sound right".

You activate Scale mode by pressing the Scale button. Whatever scale and key was last
selected, will now be activated.

By long-pressing Scale, you will be presented with the Scale page. Press the button below
Root and use the large Encoder Knob to select the key you want to use. Press the fourth
button, under Type, to choose the preferred type of scale.

There are a number of scales to choose from:

• Chromatic: Standard scale used on every western keyboard instrument.

• Major: Major scale.

• Minor: Natural minor.

• Dorian: Dorian (or doric) mode.

• Phrygian: Phrygian mode.

• Lydian: Lydian mode.

• Mixolydian: Mixolydian mode.

• Locrian: Locrian mode.,

• Harmonic Minor: Harmonic minor.

• Blues: Blues scale with only 6 notes.

• Pentatonic Major: 5 note pentatonic scale.

• Pentatonic Minor: 5 note pentatonic, also a simplified blues scale.

• Japanese: 5 note pentatonic scale.

• Gypsy: One of several Gypsy scales.

• Arabic: Arabic or double harmonic scale.

• Freygish: Freygish or Phrygian dominant scale.

22 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

The Scale display actually shows you what notes are included in the scale you have chosen.
Please look at the small keyboard in the Display.

The white notes are included in the scale and the black ones are omitted. The root key is
marked by an arrow.

To get back to standard keyboard mode (no Scale selected), press the Scale button.

! When Scale is active, the Scale button shines brighter. ! Scale only works in conjunction with



the keys, not the pads. ! The Scale Play mode (whether the scale is active or not) and the Scale Edit

mode (where you tweak the scale) are somewhat independent of each other, i.e. the Scale doesn't

automatically become active just because you enter Scale Edit mode. Also, quitting Scale Edit mode

doesn't turn off the Scale function.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 23

4.12. Arpeggiator

KeyLab Essential includes a fun and flexible Arpeggiator fashioned after those in classic
synths, letting you craft rolling, percolating patterns out of held chords.

An arpeggiator is included in many synthesizer models. It takes chords played on the
keyboard and converts them into arpeggios. An arpeggiator usually includes controls for
Speed, Range (in octaves), Mode (if the pattern moves up, down, or up/down etc.), and Hold
(continues playing the arpeggio after the keys have been released).

Arpeggiator information is transmitted as MIDI data over the USB-C port and/or 5-pin MIDI
output, depending on which are selected in your host software’s MIDI settings.

4.12.1. Activating and deactivating the Arpeggiator

To turn the arpeggiator on and off, press the Arpeggio button. The KeyLab Essential display
will momentarily reflect its state:

! The Arpeggiator is triggered only by the keyboard, not the pads. Also, when the Arpeggiator is



activated, the pads can still be used to trigger sounds.

24 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.12.2. Entering and leaving Arpeggio Edit

You enter the Arpeggio Edit pages by long-pressing the Arp button.

You leave Arpeggio Edit by pressing the leftmost contextual button (under the down-left
pointing arrow).

When in Arpeggiator Edit, the display will always show this:

! The Arpeggio Play state (whether the arpeggiator is running or not) and the Arpeggio Edit



status (where you tweak the arpeggiator's behavior) are somewhat independent of each other, i.e. the

Arpeggiator doesn't automatically start just because you enter the Arpeggiator Edit pages. Also, quitting

Arpeggio Edit doesn't turn off the Arpeggiator.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 25

4.12.3. Editing the Arpeggiator

Please read the previous chapters about the two distinct Arpeggiator states – Arpeggiator
Play and Arpeggiator Edit first. Once you've learned that part, we can start editing the way

the Arpeggiator plays patterns.

So, long-press the Arpeggiator button to get into the Arpeggiator Edit page. Then, hit the
Arpeggiator button to activate the Arpeggiator.

The display will now look like this:

The Arpeggio Edit functions occu py two pages. You can change pages by hitting the 1 or 2
buttons below the screen. An alternative method is to simply turn the Encoder knob.

The Arpeggiator parameters are:

• On/Off: Engages or disengages the Arpeggiator.

• Mode: Chooses the order in which the Arpeggiator plays notes.

• Division: Adjusts the rhythmic subdivision relative to master tempo.

• Gate: Adjusts the gate time of notes, i.e. the length of each arpeggiated note.

• Swing: Adds a swing factor for a “behind the beat” feel.

• Rate: Sets the Arpeggiator rate in beats per minute when Sync is set to Internal.

• Sync: Selects KeyLab Essential’s internal clock (Rate) or an external source such
as connected software or hardware (Ext) as the source of master tempo.

• Octaves: Chooses the octave range of played notes, from zero to three octaves.

To select a parameter for editing, click the Encoder. Then turn the Encoder to edit. When
done, click the Encoder again.

When browsing the parameters, the values are underscored.

When a parameter is ready for editing, its value is surrounded by a square.

26 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.12.4. Arpeggiator Parameters

Now let’s describe each arpeggiator parameter in more detail.

4.12.4.1. Arpeggiator On/Off

This parameter has two states: On or Off. Edit to turn Arpeggiator On off Or. A quicker
method is to hit the Arpeggiator button.

4.12.4.2. Mode

Mode governs the play order of arpeggiated notes. The choices are:

• Up: Plays notes in ascending order only.

• Down: Plays notes in descending order only.

• Inc: Inclusive. Plays notes in ascending and descending order and repeats the
highest and lowest notes in the pattern.

• Exc: Exclusive. Plays notes in ascending and descending order and does not
repeat the highest and lowest notes in the pattern.

• Rand: Random. Plays all held notes in random order.

• Order: Plays notes in the order in which you pressed keys on the keyboard.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 27

♪ While Order offers the most flexibility, random arpeggiation was a signature of ’80s synthpop hits



such as “Rio” by Duran Duran.

4.12.4.3. Division

This setting controls the rhythmic subdivision of the Arpeggiator relative to master tempo —
whether the tempo source is internal or external. Values include 1/4-, 1/8th-, 16th-, and 32nd­notes, both “straight” and with triplet feel options. “T” after the displayed value (e.g. “1/8T”)
indicates triplet feel.

! With 1/8 division chosen, even eighth notes are played. With 1/8T, 3 eighth note triplets will play.



This differs from Swing, where a Swing value of 67% will play eighth notes in a triple fashion.

4.12.4.4. Gate

Gate time is the duration window during which each note is allowed to “speak,” and it’s the
same from note to note. Lower gate times result in a more clipped or staccato sound, while
longer gate times give the full envelope of the notes more of a chance to play out.

♪ If the volume envelope of a sound has a long release, reducing the Gate time helps arpeggiated



notes sound more defined.

28 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.12.4.5. Swing

Swing is a “behind the beat” feeling instead of a perfectly even rhythmic pulse.

With 1/8 chosen as a division and Swing set to Off (which is actually 50%), all eighth notes
are played evenly. By increasing the Swing factor, every second note in an eighth note group
will play later. At 67%, you get a true (exact) swing feel. Values in the 55–64 range give a
slightly jerky feel that can be magic in some cases.

This behaviour of course applies to all divisions – 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32.

4.12.4.6. Rate

This parameter adjusts the rate of the Arpeggiator in beats per minute, but only when
the Sync parameter is set to Internal. If you turn this knob while external Sync is set, the
message “External Sync selected” is displayed.

♪ You can also set the rate using the Tap Tempo [p.31] button.



Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 29

4.12.4.7. Sync

There are two options here: Internal and External.

• Rate: Arpeggiator speed is determined by KeyLab Essential’s internal clock and
Rate setting (see above).

• Ext: Arpeggiator Rate is determined by the tempo set in host software such as
a DAW. If there is no clock detected by the Arpeggiator, playing the KeyLab
Essential keyboard will trigger a popup saying "Arp Sync: Ext - No clock detected".
Also, you'll have to make sure a clock is sent to the USB port of KeyLab Essential
and don't forget to press play in your DAW.

♪ Which one to use? If you’re playing Analog Lab in as a stand-alone instrument, using KeyLab



Essential’s internal tempo lets you quickly tweak the rate across everything you’re doing. Likewise

if you’re controlling a hardware synth module from the 5-pin MIDI port. If Analog Lab or another

instrument is a plug-in within a DAW session, then of course you’ll want to set KeyLab Essential to

External and let your DAW direct tempo. ♪ A DAW can only control the Arpeggiator Rate when the DAW

is playing; KeyLab Essential can't sync to a DAW that is stopped.

4.12.4.8. Octave

The Arpeggiator can play notes in a range of zero to three octaves up. At zero, it plays only
the actual notes as held on the keyboard, at 1 it adds one octave up and so on.

30 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.13. Tap Tempo

Tap Tempo lets you set KeyLab Essential’s internal clock for the Arpeggiator by tapping in a
beat. If performing with bandmates that include a live drummer — or drum machine that’s
not MIDI’ed or synced to anything — this lets you sync up KeyLab Essential by ear.

♪ The more times you tap, the better the clock will match whatever beat is in the air.



4.13.1. The Arpeggiator, Chord Mode, Scale Mode, and Hold
Mode

Chord Mode interacts with the Arpeggiator. If both are turned on, the Arpeggiator plays the
notes in the memorized chord, applying all of the other settings such as Mode, Division, etc.
Chords can also be scaled and fed into the Arpeggiator.

Scale interacts in a similar way, as the arpeggiated notes based on the chord will be
quantized to the selected scale.

Now, engage Hold, and you can change the musical key of the Arpeggiator by striking single
notes, setting your hands free to tweak other things in your session!

! Remember that Hold can be activated by its own for long evolving pads, for instance.



Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 31

4.14. Vegas Mode

If left idle, KeyLab Essential will go into what we call “Vegas Mode,” which is akin to a
computer screensaver. The Display will go dark and the pads will cycle through a rainbow
of colors.

Simply play a key or touch any control on KeyLab Essential to return to normal operation.

! In the MIDI Control Center app you can set the time before Vegas Mode kicks in or disable Vegas



mode and let KeyLab Essential go into sleep mode instead (with screen and LEDs off). By default, Vegas

Mode starts after 5 minutes.

32 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations

4.15. Factory Reset

! This procedure will erase all user presets and device settings and restore them to factory defaults.



Use the MIDI Control Center software to back up your changes first.

To reset the KeyLab Essential to its original factory settings:

1. Unplug the USB-C cable from the back of the keyboard.

2. Hold down the contextual buttons 1 and 2 below the screen.

3. Plug the USB-C cable back in and continue to hold the buttons until the screen says

Firmware / Exit / Reset.

4. Release buttons 1 and 2. Press Reset to reset KeyLab Essential to its original factory

settings or press Exit to exit to normal operation.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential operations 33

5. KEYLAB ESSENTIAL AND ANALOG LAB V

This chapter will focus mostly on how KeyLab Essential interacts with Analog Lab V – a
browser of preset sounds from keyboard and synth instruments that shaped music history.

Armed with Keylab Essential and Analog Lab V, you'll be able to cover every possible
musical situation.

5.1. Important Note — It’s All Malleable

Everything described here covers a default operating mode designed to get you up and
running quickly with KeyLab Essential and your Analog Lab V. The parameters assigned to
a Macro surely vary from Preset to Preset, so what you hear when you turn knobs 1-8 will
be different.

You can also treat KeyLab Essential as a generic MIDI controller, overriding the default
control assignments by directly MIDI “Learn”-ing new ones from within any Arturia
instrument — select the MIDI settings tab, click learn, choose a parameter onscreen, and
wiggle a control on KeyLab Essential.

! KeyLab Essential works like any other MIDI controller with non-Arturia software and plug-ins, but



with the advantage of MIDI Control Center letting you determine exactly what messages and values

each of its controls sends.

34 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V

5.2. Audio and MIDI Setup

The first thing to do after launching Analog Lab V
the software is set to output audio correctly and that it will receive MIDI from the KeyLab
Essential keyboard.

If running Analog Lab V in stand-alone mode, open its Audio MIDI Settings from the main
menu (the 3 horizontal lines in the upper left corner). If using Analog Lab V as a plug-in
inside your DAW, open the MIDI preferences in your DAW and select KeyLab Essential (49/

61) mk3 MIDI in the input list, then create an Analog Lab V track and arm it: You will now be
able to play and control Analog Lab V inside your favorite DAW.

The above screen shows the settings in Analog Lab V stand-alone. Configure your audio
device as desired. The important thing here are the three MIDI ports/devices that KeyLab
Essential shows to Analog Lab V or any DAW:

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 MIDI: Enables MIDI communication via the USB-C port
on KeyLab Essential.

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 DINTHRU: Passes outgoing MIDI information from the
host software through KeyLab Essential’s 5-pin MIDI out connector. This can be
useful when you want to sequence and control hardware synths with your DAW
using KeyLab Essential as a MIDI interface.

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 MCU/HUI: Enables KeyLab Essential as a Mackie
Control Universal surface via a dedicated port, to not interfere with other MIDI
messages as notes or control changes.

• KL Essential (49/61) mk3 ALV Transmits screen messages from Analog Lab V to
KeyLab Essential.

You will almost always want KL Essential (49/61) mk3 MIDI turned on. If using KeyLab
Essential to control any of the custom supported DAWs [p.43] described in the next chapter,
ensure KL Essential (49/61) mk3 MCU/HUI is

in stand-alone mode

not

activated.

, is to make sure

5.2.1. Analog Lab V MIDI Settings

Click the gear icon at the u pper right corner of Analog Lab V to open the Settings section.
Click on the MIDI tab and select
it has not already beed automatically detected.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V 35

KL Essential

from the MIDI Controller drop-down menu, if

This will select a template of custom controller mappings. When Controls is engaged in the
lower toolbar of Analog Lab V, a duplicate of KeyLab Essential’s controls are displayed at
the bottom of the screen, like so:

Now – and this is important – make sure the ARTURIA program mode is selected by clicking
the Prog button in KeyLab Essential. You may have to click a few times. You can also hold
the Prog button and press Pad 1.

36 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V

5.3. Browsing Presets

One of the first things KeyLab Essential can do in Analog Lab V is browse and select sound
Presets using the Main Encoder.

Turn the Main Encoder knob to scroll through the Presets shown in the central search results
area of Analog Lab V’s browser. Press the knob to load a Preset. The display in KeyLab
Essential will show the Preset name and its Type:

! A preset that has been selected but not loaded yet, shows a blinking name in the Display.



Long-pressing the knob will then add the Preset to your Liked Presets in Analog Lab V, or
remove it if it was previously Liked. Pressing the button below the heart symbol has the
same effect.

A heart icon appears in Analog Lab V to indicate a liked preset.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V 37

5.3.1. Browsing Within Types

You can also drill partway down into the “tree structure” of Analog Lab V’s Preset hierarchy,
specifically the categories of Presets known as Types.

Turn the main encoder (the one below the display) to browse through the different
instrument Types. Press the encoder to select that Type. You can now turn the encoder to
scroll through subtypes only within the chosen Type.

To go back up one level in the hierarchy when browsing Presets within a Type (i.e. to the
level where you’re selecting Types), press the button below Types

5.3.1.1. Navigating Types

• To browse between Types: Turn the Main encoder knob.

• To select a Type: Press encoder.

• To display all Presets within a Type: Click on the button below the Tick icon. All
Presets within that Type are now listed on your computer screen.

• To access subtypes, click on the main encoder.

• If you are in a subtypes list, clicking on the main encoder will enter the subtypes
preset list.

5.4. Knobs and Faders

With KeyLab Essential in ARTURIA mode (press Prog until you get there) and

Essential

are dedicated to parameters in a way intended to make your live performances and studio
tweaking super smooth.

The Knobs and Faders are assigned to the Arturia instrument’s Macros. Since you can assign
multiple parameters to a Macro, you can get a lot of mileage out of twisting a single knob on
KeyLab Essential. This is even more true if you own full versions of V Collection instruments,
which you can then open inside of Analog Lab V to map their internal parameters to Macros.

38 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V

selected as the MIDI controller in the MIDI settings [p.35], the knobs and faders

! Please make sure to select KL Essential 3 as your MIDI Controller under the cogwheel in Analog



Lab V's upper right corner. You can edit exactly what every Knob and Fader does in the MIDI Control

Center app.

KeyLab

5.5. Pads

The Pads in KeyLab Essential’s send MIDI notes as outlined in the previous chapter. The
default notes are:

Pad Bank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

A 40 (E1) 41 (F1) 42 (F#1) 43 (G1) 36 (C1) 37 (C#1) 38 (D1) 39 (D#1)

B 48 (C2) 48 (C#2) 50 (D2) 51 (D#2) 44 (G#1) 45 (A1) 46 (A#1) 47 (B1)

5.6. Controlling Parts in Analog Lab V

When KeyLab Essential is in Arturia mode (press the Prog button until you get there), the
Part feature allows you to remotely control multi presets in Analog Lab V.

To use this feature, you can either load a Multi preset (turn the Main Encoder and click to
select) or add a part to a single preset.

5.6.1. Adding a Part in Analog Lab V

To add a part, long-press the Part button while being on a Single preset. By doing so, you
will enter the Add Part menu.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V 39

This menu has four options.

• Types: Takes you to to the Types menu

• Validate part or Remove part: Validates or Removes a part (if no preset is loaded)

• Browse Up: Scrolls backwards in the preset list and loads the preset

• Browse Down: Scrolls forward in the preset list and loads the preset

To select a preset, and to be able to listen to it, click on the main encoder.



5.6.2. Editing an Existing Multi Preset

You can also edit a Multi preset that has been loaded in Analog Lab V. To do so, long-press
the Part button, then release it. This takes you to the Multi Part page.

Here you can create Splits by adjusting the split points for part 1 and 2.

Also on this page there a 4 dedicated functions.

• Back: Takes you back to the previous page

• Edit Part 1: Lets you tweak further parameters in part 1

• Edit Part 2: Lets you tweak further parameters in part 2

• Remove Part 2: Removes part 2

40 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V

5.6.3. Editing in the Part Menu

By pressing the button below the Edit Part 1 or Edit Part 2 symbol, you can edit a further set
of parameters.

• Back: Takes you back to the previous menu

• Replace Part 1 or Part 2: Gives you access to the Replace Part menu

• Octave: Changes the octave played by the part

• MIDI Channel: Set the MIDI channel of the part that Analog Lab V listens to

5.6.3.1. Replace part menu

This menu allows you to load a preset into a specific part. You have four options:

• Types: Access to the types menu

• Validate part or Remove part: Lets you validate or remove a part (if no preset is
loaded)

• Browse Up: Scrolls backwards in the preset list and loads the preset

• Browse Down: Scrolls forward in the preset list and loads the preset

! To load a preset, you can also click on the Main Encoder. Loading the preset allows you to listen to



the preset.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V 41

5.6.4. Controlling Parts

Controlling a part allows you to control the parameters of this specific part.

To select a part to control, short press the part button. It will switch between part 1 and part

2.

Clicking 3 times will get you back to the "Master" Part.



On the display, you will have four options:

• Types: Takes you to the Types list

• Replace Part: Allows you to replace part 1 or 2

• Browse Up: Scrolls backwards in the preset list and loads the preset

• Browse Down: Scrolls forward in the preset list and loads the preset

42 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - KeyLab Essential and Analog Lab V

6. DAW CONTROL

KeyLab Essential can control all popular DAW (digital audio workstation) software
programs. Some are directly integrated with KeyLab Essential and others utilize the widely
used Mackie Control Universal (MCU) or Human User Interface (HUI) protocols.

Functionality varies depending upon the software, but things KeyLab Essential can do
include browsing, selecting, and arming tracks; scrolling through the timeline; adjusting
track volumes and pans; adjusting select parameters inside plug-ins; and controlling the
transport using the DAW Transport Command Center.

6.1. Custom Controlled DAWs

This section provides some general information on how you can remotely control the DAWs
that enjoy advanced integration with KeyLab Essential.

This is what KeyLab Essential looks like in Cubase with advanced

For more details about these DAWs, please refer to our dedicated User Guides – one for each
DAW.

You can download them from the KeyLab Essential's Resources page.



To begin using KeyLab Essential in DAW Control mode, press the Prog button so the display
reads “DAWs Program”. KeyLab Essential is now ready to remotely control these fully
integrated DAWs:

• Ableton Live

• Bitwig Studio

• Apple Logic Pro

• Image-Line FL Studio

• Steinberg Cubase

Please prepare your DAW if you're using any of the five mentioned above. The DAW scripts
for KeyLab Essential may have to be installed manually. Once you've made sure that you're
fully u p to date, it'll be smooth sailing and your DAW will now recognize KeyLab Essential
automatically.

! Clarification: KeyLab Essential can remotely control Loop On/Off, Stop, Play, and Record in any



DAW. Full integration will be added to more DAWs in the future. In the meantime, the user can use create

similar functionality in MIDI Control Center.

integration in place.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - DAW Control 43

When set to DAWs Program, KeyLab Essential will automatically recognize and connect to
your DAW. If your DAW isn't recognized, please check your DAW's MIDI settings and make
sure your DAW is up to date.

If KeyLab Essential still doesn't recognize the DAW, please refer to these manuals for full
info on installation and trouble-shooting.

! Of course you can use all other KeyLab Essential features – like Hold, Chord, Arpeggiator, Transpose



etc. – in any DAW.

6.1.1. Transport Control

With KeyLab Essential in DAW mode, you can use the 6 Transport buttons to the left of the
screen to control your DAW transport plus Metronome and Tap Tempo. This works similarly
across all supported DAWs.

Pad Function Display

1 Loop Mode On/Off Loop Mode ON/OFF

2 Rewind Rewinds you DAW

3 Fast Forward Fast forwards your DAW

4 Metronome Turns DAW metronome ON/OFF

5 Stop PLAY icon in the lower left corner

6 Play/Pause PLAY icon in the lower left corner disappears

7 Record Record icon appears in the upper left corner

8 Tap Tempo

Tap Tempo XX BPM

when tapping this pad

Buttons are lit more brightly when their functions are engaged, as shown by the example of
the play button in the above photo.

In addition to the above functions, there are numerous DAW-specific functionality in the 5
DAWs currently supported. For full info, please refer to these manuals.

44 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - DAW Control

6.2. DAW Control with Mackie Control Universal

DAWs for which we do not have custom scripts as of KeyLab Essential’s release, may still be
controlled using the Mackie Control Universal (MCU) or Human User Interface (HUI) protocol.

By design, KeyLab Essential defaults to not outputting MCU or HUI in order to avoid certain
issues. You need to activate it in the MCC if you want to use these protocols.

Setting up MCU varies from one DAW to another, so consult your DAW’s documentation for
details. In general, however, you will take these steps:

• Enable the MIDI in put port
DAW’s MIDI preferences.

• Add and set up Mackie Control in your DAW’s “Control Surfaces” settings if it has
them.

KeyLab Essential (49/61) mk3 MCU/HUIM

in your

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - DAW Control 45

7. DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

7.1. FCC

WARNING: DO NOT MODIFY THE UNIT!

Any modifications or other changes to this unit not approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must acce pt any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

Responsible Party in USA: Zedra, 185 Alewife Brook Parkway, #210, Cambridge, MA 02138,
United States T: [phone]

Trade Name: ARTURIA, Model Number: KeyLab Essential mk3

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user
is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: •
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. • Increase the separation between the equipment
and receiver. • Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected. • Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.

7.2. CANADA

This class B digital apparatus meets complies with Canadian ICES-003.

Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada

7.3. CE

This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits of the European Council
Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to Electromagnetic
Compatibility according to 2014/30/EU, and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU.

46 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Declaration of Conformity

7.4. ROHS

This device has been produced with lead free solder and fulfills the requirements of the
ROHS directive 2011/65/EU.

This symbol indicates that the electrical and electronic equipment should not be disposed of
as general household waste at its end-of-life. Instead, the products should be handed over
to the applicable collection points for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment for
proper treatment, recovery, and recycling in accordance with your national legislation and
the Directive 2012/19/EU (WEEE – Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment).
For more information about collection points and recycling of these products, please contact
your local municipal office, your household waste disposal service, or the shop where you
purchased the product.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Declaration of Conformity 47

8. SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT

In consideration of payment of the Licensee fee, which is a portion of the price you paid,
Arturia, as Licensor, grants to you (hereinafter termed “Licensee”) a nonexclusive right to
use this copy of the Analog Lab V (hereinafter the “SOFTWARE”).

All intellectual property rights in the software belong to Arturia SA (hereinafter: “Arturia”).
Arturia permits you only to copy, download, install and use the software in accordance with
the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

The product contains product activation for protection against unlawful copying. The OEM
software can be used only following registration.

Internet access is required for the activation process. The terms and conditions for use of the
software by you, the end-user, appear below. By installing the software on your computer
you agree to these terms and conditions. Please read the following text carefully in its
entirety. If you do not approve these terms and conditions, you must not install this software.
In this event give the product back to where you have purchased it (including all written
material, the complete undamaged packing as well as the enclosed hardware) immediately
but at the latest within 30 days in return for a refund of the purchase price.

1. Software Ownership Arturia shall retain full and complete title to the SOFTWARE recorded
on the enclosed disks and all subsequent copies of the SOFTWARE, regardless of the media
or form on or in which the original disks or copies may exist. The License is not a sale of the
original SOFTWARE.

2. Grant of License Arturia grants you a non-exclusive license for the use of the software
according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. You may not lease, loan or sub­license the software.
The use of the software within a network is illegal where there is the possibility of a
contemporaneous multiple use of the program.
You are entitled to prepare a backup copy of the software which will not be used for
purposes other than storage purposes.
You shall have no further right or interest to use the software other than the limited rights as
specified in this Agreement. Arturia reserves all rights not expressly granted.

3. Activation of the Software Arturia may use a compulsory activation of the software and
a compulsory registration of the OEM software for license control to protect the software
against unlawful copying. If you do not accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
the software will not work.
In such a case the product including the software may only be returned within 30 days
following acquisition of the product. Upon return a claim according to § 11 shall not apply.

4. Support, Upgrades and Updates after Product Registration You can only receive support,
upgrades and u pdates following the personal product registration. Support is provided only
for the current version and for the previous version during one year after publication of the
new version. Arturia can modify and partly or completely adjust the nature of the support
(hotline, forum on the website etc.), upgrades and updates at any time.
The product registration is possible during the activation process or at any time later through
the Internet. In such a process you are asked to agree to the storage and use of your
personal data (name, address, contact, email-address, and license data) for the purposes
specified above. Arturia may also forward these data to engaged third parties, in particular
distributors, for support purposes and for the verification of the upgrade or u pdate right.

5. No Unbundling The software usually contains a variety of different files which in its
configuration ensure the complete functionality of the software. The software may be used
as one product only. It is not required that you use or install all components of the software.
You must not arrange components of the software in a new way and develop a modified
version of the software or a new product as a result. The configuration of the software may
not be modified for the purpose of distribution, assignment or resale.

48 Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Software License Agreement

6. Assignment of Rights You may assign all your rights to use the software to another
person subject to the conditions that (a) you assign to this other person (i) this Agreement
and (ii) the software or hardware provided with the software, packed or preinstalled
thereon, including all copies, upgrades, updates, backup copies and previous versions,
which granted a right to an update or u pgrade on this software, (b) you do not retain
upgrades, updates, backu p copies und previous versions of this software and (c) the
recipient accepts the terms and conditions of this Agreement as well as other regulations
pursuant to which you acquired a valid software license.
A return of the product due to a failure to accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement,
e.g. the product activation, shall not be possible following the assignment of rights.

7. Upgrades and Updates You must have a valid license for the previous or more inferior
version of the software in order to be allowed to use an upgrade or update for the software.
Upon transferring this previous or more inferior version of the software to third parties the
right to use the upgrade or update of the software shall expire.
The acquisition of an u pgrade or update does not in itself confer any right to use the
software.
The right of support for the previous or inferior version of the software expires u pon the
installation of an upgrade or update.

8. Limited Warranty Arturia warrants that the disks on which the software is furnished is
free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use for a period of thirty (30)
days from the date of purchase. Your receipt shall be evidence of the date of purchase. Any
implied warranties on the software are limited to thirty (30) days from the date of purchase.
Some states do not allow limitations on duration of an implied warranty, so the above
limitation may not apply to you. All programs and accompanying materials are provided “as
is” without warranty of any kind. The complete risk as to the quality and performance of the
programs is with you. Should the program prove defective, you assume the entire cost of all
necessary servicing, repair or correction.

9. Remedies Arturia's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be at Arturia's option
either (a) return of the purchase price or (b) replacement of the disk that does not meet the
Limited Warranty and which is returned to Arturia with a copy of your receipt. This limited
Warranty is void if failure of the software has resulted from accident, abuse, modification,
or misapplication. Any replacement software will be warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period or thirty (30) days, whichever is longer.

10. No other Warranties The above warranties are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed
or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose. No oral or written information or advice given by Arturia, its dealers,
distributors, agents or employees shall create a warranty or in any way increase the scope
of this limited warranty.

11. No Liability for Consequential Damages Neither Arturia nor anyone else involved in
the creation, production, or delivery of this product shall be liable for any direct, indirect,
consequential, or incidental damages arising out of the use of, or inability to use this product
(including without limitation, damages for loss of business profits, business interruption,
loss of business information and the like) even if Arturia was previously advised of the
possibility of such damages. Some states do not allow limitations on the length of an implied
warranty or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or 0consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal
rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Arturia - User Manual KeyLab Essential mk3 - Software License Agreement 49