Gearank High Notes
- 2020.04: Equal Highest Rated 49 Key MIDI Controller Keyboard
Tied With:Nektar Panorama P4
ROLI Seaboard Rise 49
Gearank Recommended
Cons
- It’s not cheap so I would have liked to see a bigger screen at this price
Pros
- The semi-weighted keys have a nice feel to them
- Solid, roadworthy piece of gear
- Analog Lab comes bundled free
The KeyLab 49 has a few things in common with Arturia’s flagship MatrixBrute synth; namely the latter’s velocity sensitive aftertouch keybed.
With 9 faders, 9 encoders, 4 CV outputs, 5 expression control inputs, including great bundled software, the Keylab 49mkII is nothing short of feature-packed.
All housed in a sturdy aluminum body that I’d be happy to take on the road.
It also comes in the two colors pictured above, so you won’t have any problem getting one that fits with the aesthetics of your studio.
In addition to an excellent keyboard, you also get Arturia’s Analog Lab bundled with it for free, which usually sells for $199. This plugin has way too many sounds and presets to describe here, but you can download a free trial copy to test – the piano sounds don’t disappoint!
With its excellent keybed as the star, the KeyLab 49 is sure to satisfy the most sensitive of touches; a feat in itself for a MIDI Controller.
| Website | Source | *Rating Value |
| Sound On Sound | Simon Sherbourne | 90/100 |
| Strong Mocha | Thorsten Meyer | 100/100 |