Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 Black

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USB MIDI Keyboard

61 velocity-sensitive keys
Built-in creative tools such as hold function, scale mode, chord mode and arpeggiator
Prepared for seamless integration with Ableton Live, Apple Logic Pro, Image-Line FL Studio, Steinberg Cubase and Bitwig Studio, as well as Mackie MCU and HUI support
Extended integration for Arturia software
NKS support for direct control of compatible instruments and effects
Eight velocity-sensitive RGB-illuminated pads with bank switch
Transport section with eight buttons and four DAW function buttons
2.5" LCD screen with four context-sensitive buttons and push encoder for value input
Nine rotary controls and nine faders in familiar mixer layout
Pitchbend and modulation wheel
Transpose and octave button
Button for selecting the MIDI channel
One multi-functional pedal input for sustain pedal, footswitch or expression pedal: 6.3 mm TRS jack
MIDI output: 5-pin DIN
USB-C connector
Dimensions (W x D x H): 890 x 240 x 70 mm
Weight: 3.08 kg
Colour: Black
Includes comprehensive software package with Native Instruments Komplete 15 Select Bundle for a genre of the user's choice for immediate testing and use of NKS functionality, as well as Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Analog Lab and UVI Model D Grand Piano, plus 2 months' access to Loopcloud and a trial subscription with bonus lessons for Melodics

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3-Year Thomann Warranty

Available since May 2023
Item number 567153
Sales Unit 1 piece(s)
Aftertouch No
Split Zones 0
Layer function No
Pitch Bend / Modulation Yes
Rotary Encoder 9
Fader (Amount) 9
Pads 8
Display Yes
MIDI interface 1x Out
Pedal input Yes
USB-port Yes
Mains Operation No
Battery Operation No
Bus-Powered Yes
Dimensions 890 x 240 x 70
Weight in kg 3,1 kg
Special Features incl. Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Analog Lab, UVI Model D Grand Piano, NI The Gentleman Upright Piano and 2 Months Loopcloud Abo and Melodics (Endless Test Version + Bonus Lessons)

$219

The shipping costs are calculated on the checkout page.

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in Master Keyboards (up to 61 Keys)

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Universal MIDI controller

Front view of the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MK3 Black

The KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is Arturia's streamlined universal MIDI controller, combining a 61-note velocity-sensitive hybrid synth-action keybed with focused DAW integration and creative performance tools. Its velocity-sensitive keyboard spans five octaves, offering a balanced playing experience suited to keyboard and synth work, detailed arrangement tasks, and studio composition, while remaining compact enough for desktop production. Designed to bridge virtual instruments and recording workflows, it offers hands-on control over plug-ins, mixer functions, and project navigation. A bright 2.5" LCD screen with contextual buttons provides direct access to chord, scale, and arpeggiator functions, while pre-mapped integration with Analog Lab Pro and major DAWs via custom scripts supports immediate compatibility. More than a simple controller, KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 functions as a flexible hub for modern software-based music making. Its robust housing, set off nicely by Arturia's signature wood-look endpieces, comes in a black and a white finish.

Keys, rotary encoders, and faders on the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MK3 Black

Fully decked-out

For intuitive operation, the KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 organises its controls into clearly defined performance and production sections. Pitch and modulation wheels sit to the left alongside octave and transpose buttons for rapid range adjustment. Eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads handle drum programming, clip launching, and MIDI triggering, while dedicated buttons activate chord, scale, arpeggiator, and Hold functions without menu diving. At the centre, the 2.5" LCD screen works with contextual buttons and a clickable encoder for browsing presets, adjusting parameters, and managing DAW assignments. The Part function enables two-layer keyboard splits and quick switching between performance setups. A dedicated DAW Command Center manages transport control, including play, record, undo, and metronome access, while nine rotary encoders and nine 30mm faders provide tactile control over mixer levels, plug-in parameters, and automation.

Keys and screen on the Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 MK3 White

For performers, producers and hybrid studios

Arturia's KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 is aimed at producers, songwriters, and performers who want an extended key range without stepping up to a flagship controller. Its five-octave span accommodates layered parts and split configurations, while the streamlined control surface keeps mixing, instrument parameters, and DAW navigation close at hand. Equally suited to home studios, educational settings, and portable rigs, it adapts easily to different workflows. Creative tools such as chord, scale, and arpeggiator modes encourage experimentation while keeping operation straightforward. For musicians seeking an accessible production controller with expanded range, KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 balances integration and hands-on control within a unified design.

About Arturia

Arturia's success story began with software emulations of well-known analogue synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog, Sequential Prophet-5, and Oberheim SEM. The popular software instruments included in the V Collection are still flagship products of the French developer today. Over time, Arturia has gradually expanded its range and now also offers a host of hardware devices, ranging from synthesizers and keyboard controllers to sequencers. Since then, the former software developer has thus also become a household name in the world of analogue synthesizers and other equipment.

Connectivity and integration

Connectivity centres on USB-C, providing bus power and MIDI communication with DAWs and the Arturia Software Center. The KeyLab Essential 61 also has a 5-pin MIDI output, enabling direct connection to external hardware instruments, extending its use beyond purely software-based setups. The rear panel includes a freely assignable pedal input for sustain, expression or footswitch control. Support for custom DAW scripts alongside MCU and HUI protocols ensures integration with major platforms including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, Cubase, FL Studio, and Bitwig Studio. Seamless mapping with Analog Lab Pro and NKS compatibility further extend its adaptability within software-based environments. Up to six user presets can be stored internally, allowing tailored MIDI configurations for different production or performance contexts to be recalled instantly.

In the spotlight

A complete production starter suite

Arturia's KeyLab Essential 61 mk3 ships with a comprehensive software package designed to facilitate immediate music production. Analog Lab Pro provides over 2,000 presets drawn from Arturia's flagship V Collection, spanning synths, keys, orchestral and hybrid textures with intuitively mapped macros for real-time sound shaping. Ableton Live Lite offers a streamlined version of Ableton's production environment, while UVI Model D and Native Instruments' The Gentleman deliver pristine concert grand pianos. Users can select one Komplete 15 Select bundle – Beats, Band or Electronic – tailored to their production style. A time-limited Loopcloud subscription adds access to royalty-free samples, and Melodics offers guided lessons for developing keyboard and pad technique. As bundled software may evolve, the manufacturer's website should be consulted for current details.

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36 Customer ratings

5 25 Customers 4 9 Customers 3 1 Customer 2 1 Customer 1 0 Customers

4.6 / 5

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25 Reviews

Guitarist tries synth/piano

Harry F 19.08.2023

As a guitarist of only two years I purchased this as a sort of compliment to that. I use it to record some basic enough chords as I've not had it long but with the wide variety of sounds it opens up another layer of creativity, not only does it inspire me to learn the way of the keys but how I can use it to compliment my guitar playing as it is, it's an incredibly easy to set up piece of kit that comes with lots of very good software so overall as a bundle it's a great started keyboard/synth for the beginner who's looking to get started without having to spend too much

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Great mid range keyboard

Kayne 25.07.2023

Perfect for a small home studio. Great features and really easy to setup. One of the few keyboards with USB C which was one of the key things i was looking for. Only slight criticism on an otherwise perfect keyboard is the keys can be a bit loud. Not really an issue for midi recordings.

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Quick delivery, Exact Product.

Babu Kuku 05.06.2024

Order from Thomann, or don't order anywhere. There is only these two options if you want this Product. Thank you Thomann.

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Always awesome to by from Thomann

Dakos 05.11.2024

All goods delivered in perfect condition, perfect packing and on predefined time. The instrument was exactly as described. Stock availability leaves you no choice but to buy from Thomann even if goods ara available in your country.

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Arturia KeyLab Essential 61 Mk3 Black

USB MIDI Keyboard