Hello I am Andrea and this is the new KeyLab MkII by Arturia. The KeyLab MkII is a high-end keyboard controller integrated with a superb set of software resources that offer a wide range of controls, smart built-in features, and seamless integration with DAWs, allowing for maximum flexibility. KeyLab MkII is made to adapt to the creative environment of all musicians and to be both an inspiring instrument and an effective tool. Welcome to the KeyLab MkII tutorial series. In these videos we will go in depth with the new features and possibilities you have with your new high-end MIDI controller. A keyboard controller is the main control panel of a home studio. This series of tutorials will let you discover all the elements that allow KeyLab MkII to play this role to perfection. In this first episode we will go over a guided tour of the KeyLab MkII. Registering your product is required before downloading and installing the set of software resources. So if you just received your new KeyLab MkII, let's start registration via the link in the description below. This will just take a few minutes and then you are free to start playing with your new keyboard controller. Ok, now let's look at the main sections of the KeyLab MkII. The KeyLab MkII is a high quality keyboard constructed with a robust metal chassis for extreme durability. It includes velocity, after touch and a built-in split feature that allows for maximum expressivity and provides an ultra comfortable sensation while playing. Here we are reviewing the KeyLab MkII with 61 keys and just a reminder that Arturia also offers a 49 key version (and 88) of the exact model. the MkII has two metallic wheels that control pitch Bend and modulation these animate you're playing with an additional level of expressivity. The built-in transpose feature works per octave or semitones. This allows you to play beyond the initial range of your keyboard or to make life easy when you are forced to shift the tonality of your part. Press and hold the MIDI channel button and play one of the first 16 keys to select the user MIDI channel. The set of sixteen multifunction pads with velocity, polyphonic aftertouch and RGB backlighting, which functions change according to the pad mode. A set of buttons using the MCU/HUI protocol to control the most important features of your DAW. The central navigation zone has three mode buttons. The Analog Lab mode where all these controls are pre mapped to Aanalog Lab. The DAW mode has these buttons and these controls pre-mapped to your DAW. Under the user mode all pads, buttons and controls are freely assignable. The large knob, the category preset and arrow buttons are dedicated to browse presets in Arturia Software. The screen displays information about the currently used feature or information received from DAWs and virtual instruments. It allows to browse the advanced settings of the KeyLab MkII. There is an extensive set of nine knobs, nine faders and nine buttons that change function corresponding with your mode selected. Now let's take a look at the rear panel of the KeyLab MkII. DC power input, This is an optional power supply when the USB connection isn't used. Or, when it is connected to a device that would not provide enough power such as some tablets or phones. Class compliant USB connection, this allows you to exchange information with a computer or any other compatible device. In the case where the KeyLab MkII is connected to a computer it doesn't need another power source. CV input, allows to convert a CV signal into a MIDI signal to use it as a source of modulation for your virtual instruments or to record automations within a DAW. Five pedal input, this may be used for a sustain pedal, expression pedal and three assignable auxiliary inputs, that could be supplementary expression pedals or foot switchers. MIDI in and out, This is a traditional din port to connect with almost any synthesizer or expander. CV out, send an analog signal from a MIDI note or CC that can be generated by the KeyLab MkII. Next let's take a deeper look at the built-in features of the KeyLab MkII. Each of the controls of the KeyLab MkII, the keyboard, knobs, faders and buttons can either be assigned to determine a MIDI channel from 1 to 16 or to the user MIDI channel. The advantage of the user MIDI channel, is that it can be modified in a flash, thanks to the MIDI Channel button. Built-in keyboard split, this feature allows you to assign an instrument to a specific section of the keyboard. To engage the keyboard split mode and set the split point, make sure to be in user mode by pushing the user button. Hold the user mode for a few seconds to enter in edit mode. Turn the central main knob until the screen displays split mode. Click the main knob to select the parameter and turn it one notch to the right to switch it on. Click again to select. Turn the central main knob one notch to the right to access the split point parameter. Click the main knob to select the parameter and turn it one notch to the right to switch it on. Click again to select. Push the user button and click on the main knob to save the current configuration. You will find other parameters in this menu such as the MIDI channel related to each part. Watch the episode dedicated to the user mode to learn more details about the user edit mode. Basic chord mode, this mode allows you to save a chord and then transpose it while playing it on the keyboard. Saving a chord, hold the chord button, play up to six notes that will compose the chord. The lowest note is considered the root note of the chord. Release the chord button to stop adding notes to your chord. You are now in basic chord mode. Play the notes on the keyboard. Each of them will be considered as the root note on which the transposed chord will be based on. Push again the chord button to switch off the basic chord mode. The chord remains in the memory until the new chord is entered, or until the KeyLab MkII is switched off. Chord memory mode, this feature allows you to save an absolute chord to each of the sixteen pads and trigger them on the fly just by hitting the pad. To save a chord hold the chord button, and push a pad to select it as the memory slot in which the chord will be saved. While holding the chord button, play up to six notes that will compose the chord. Release the chord button to stop adding notes to your chord. Simply hit a pad to trigger this chord. To play your saved chord make sure the chord memory button is lit. Chord transpose mode, This mode is very similar to basic chord mode except it allows you to recall a chord from each of the pads and then transpose it with the keys. Thank you for watching the first episode of the KeyLab MkII tutorials. Hopefully you found these features not only practical but also help you boost your creativity.
