The endless encoder knobs are wonderful, automatically remembering and picking up values from when they were last moved. The LED screen becomes even more useful when combined with Analog Lab and Ableton, displaying brief patch information and mappings. The LED doesn’t simply show the data of the last MIDI control you moved it also displays the name of the control and its CC value. It’s far more informative than most other controllers on the market. The KeyLab Essential 61’s LED screen is one of its best features. An additional cool feature: the drum pads are backlit by colour-changing LEDs, and the transport’s “Record” button is backlit by a red LED for added contrast. Though transport controls are standard on most controllers, this controller goes above and beyond with extra controls for saving, undoing, punch recording, and toggling the metronome. Once configured, the KeyLab Essential 61’s second drum pad serves as a shortcut to your DAW, so you can dive right into the production process. Using the included copy of Ableton Live Lite, I was able to easily use the pre-assigned controls to start working on a beat. On the right-hand side, the controller features 9 endless encoder knobs and 9 fader controls. On its left, MIDI transposition, drum pads, and transport controls are concisely arranged, and the drum pads double as software shortcuts. An informative LED screen and 360º preset selector is nested in the middle. The Essential 61’s control surface is structured in a refreshingly intuitive manner. The KeyLab Essential series is geared toward efficiency, and the omission of this feature would only affect the most dedicated MIDI organists on the scene. While I’d prefer to have an additional expression pedal input, this certainly isn’t a deal-breaker.
The back of the controller features an optional 9V DC power adapter jack, USB/MIDI out jacks, and a sustain pedal control input. Best pianos: acoustic and digital pianos for beginners and pros.
Best synthesizers: keyboards, module and semi-modular synths.The best MIDI keyboards for beginner and pro musicians.While it’s extremely light - weighing just over seven pounds, the controller feels sturdy and suitable for onstage and studio use. In a world where many MIDI controllers seem cheaply made, Arturia certainly didn’t skimp on the construction of this keyboard. Right off the bat, I was impressed by the KeyLab Essential 61’s design.