Musikmesse 2014: French gear-maker Arturia today announced the latest (and largest) in its KeyLab series, KeyLab 88, its 88-note MIDI keyboard controller and hybrid synthesizer solution.
KeyLab 88 is a MIDI keyboard controller with a hammer-action Fatar keybed, which comes with Arturia’s Analog Lab software synth (for Mac and PC), which has over 5,000 TAE (True Analog Emulation) presets.
KeyLab 88’s keyboard is complemented with a “feature-packed” panel with a selection of knobs and sliders, 16 back-lit pressure-sensitive pads, and LED screen.
The library of 5,000+ presets included in the Analog Lab software are taken from Arturia’s TAE synthesis-powered Mini V, Modular V, CS-80V, ARP2600 V, Jupiter-8V, Prophet V, and Oberheim SEM V soft synths, together with Wurlitzer V (based on the classic ‘Wurly’ electric piano). Two hundred adjustable multi patches are also included, organized by genre.
KeyLab 88 also acts as a controller which is compatible with any third-party software or hardware. Customizable MIDI assignments are accessible via the LED screen or the included MIDI Control Center software.
Pricing and Availability.
Arturia’s KeyLab 88 keyboard controller will be available to purchase by late summer from the Arturia online store and other retailers. Price is still to be determined.
Wodnder if it would have a proper hammer-action keyboard (fatar but of good quality)
Same here. I wish manufacturers would say what specific model of Fatar keyboard they’re using — saying the keybed type isn’t enough information.
Nice that it has the Fatar keybed (hopefully not bottom of the line version). Wish it had a ribbon controller for CS80V …. (waaaaaah). 😉
So does it have on board sounds?
That is the issue, or is it another computer dependent
I read: ‘KeyLab 88 is a MIDI keyboard controller with a hammer-action Fatar keybed, which comes with Arturia’s Analog Lab software synth (for Mac and PC),’ so it’s coming with sound engines for either Mac or PC. It has no sound on its own.
Looks pretty cool to me. My only complaint sans not feeling the action itself, is manufacturers these days putting the pitch and mod wheels on top of the key bed as opposed to the side like on the original Yamaha KX88, Roland A-80, Kawaii MP8II, etc. It just feels wrong to me soloing with em up there, but I guess I can understand the logic in trying to shave off some size and weight. All subjective of course.
The keybed in KL88 is a Fatar TP/100LR.