New releases today: All genres

Notes: Control your DAW, play with MIDI hardware, and get hands-on with your own style of music-making with KeyLab Essential mk3 88. This full-range keyboard controller removes barriers and makes creativity simple, with expressive semi-weighted keys, idea-sparking creative functions, and the most inspiring music software included as standard.

The streamlined piano range keyboard

Expand your musical horizons with a semi-weighted 88-note keyboard that removes barriers and makes your creative life easier. From studio to stage, DAW to MIDI hardware, KeyLab Essential 88 mk3 keeps things simple so you can focus on your music with full piano-range expressivity.

Your essential ingredients for creativity

KeyLab Essential provides an array of useful & intuitive controls that'll get the job done. Enjoy a comfy keybed, tactile faders/encoders/pads, and thoughtful layout that'll make sense for your setup. Enjoy a hands-on instrument experience balanced with software flexibility.

The best DAW integration

Get creative right out the box with KeyLab Essential's custom DAW scripts, bringing pre-mapped controls into your workflow with any major DAW. Not only that, but the KeyLab Essential controls work seamlessly with Analog Lab V, the included sound anthology plugin - letting you freely explore thousands of sounds, old and new.

Your musical workhorse

For when you want to get experimental, find a new sound, or just need a bit of extra inspiration, KeyLab Essential has a few tricks up its sleeve. Create fun ever-changing melodies with the Arpeggiator, weave rich chord voicings with Chord play, and always stay in key thanks to Scale mode.

What's new compared to the previous version?

A bigger display with 4 contextual buttons
5 dedicated DAW scripts, plus MCU & HUI protocols, for controlling any DAW
Enhanced integration with Arturia Software
Creative features: Scale mode, Chord Play, Arpeggiator (with presets), Hold function
2 Pad Banks (for finger drumming, clip launching, or User configuration)
Bigger software bundle (Analog Lab V, Ableton Live Lite, NI The Gentleman, UVI
Model D, Loopcloud & Melodics)
Multi-purpose pedal input (Sustain, Footswitch or Expression)
USB-C
Eco-designed

Premium Keybed quality
88-note velocity-sensitive semi-weighted keyboard

Pads & controls
1 clickable encoder
9 rotary encoders
9 x 30mm faders
8 transport switches
4 command switches
1 modulation wheel & bend wheel
8 touch & pressure-sensitive pads

Display control
2.5" LCD display with contextual buttons
Real-time feedback on tweaks and controls

Smart features
Multi-mode arpeggiator
Chord mode
Scale mode
Hold function
Semitone transpose

Software integration
Seamless integration with Analog Lab Pro and V Collection: select sounds, browse presets, smart-assigned controls
Custom DAW scripts for FL Studio, Logic Pro, Ableton Live, Cubase, Bitwig Studio
Also compatible with MCU/HUI control
Up to 6 user presets for a totally customizable experience

Included Software titles & services
Analog Lab Pro software with 2000+ sounds
Ableton Live Lite
Native Instruments' The Gentleman
UVI Model D
2-month Loopcloud subscription
Melodics subscription for 40 lessons

Connectivity
USB-C connects to computers and MIDI Control Center
MIDI 5-pin DIN output for connection to external instruments, gear
Control input for pedal: sustain, expression, or footswitch
USB-C powered

Platform specifications

Windows
Win 10+ (64bit)
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost)
3GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU
ARM processors not supported on Windows

Apple
Mac OS 11+
4 GB RAM
4 cores CPU, 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz Turbo-boost) or M1 CPU
3GB free hard disk space
OpenGL 2.0 compatible GPU

Required configuration

Works in Standalone, VST, AAX, Audio Unit, NKS (64-bit DAWs only).

Work with ASC

An elegant and simple solution to help you install, activate, and update your Arturia software instruments.

Box content

KeyLab Essential Unit
USB-A to USB-C cable
Registration card

Dimensions

Size : 49.53 x 10.04 x 2.63 inches (1258 x 255 x 66.8mm)
Weight : 18.08 lbs. (8.2 Kg)


Included Software

You'll also get 6 titles giving you everything you need to make music your own way - here's

What's included:

Analog Lab V software with 2000 synth & keyboard sounds
Ableton Live Lite
UVI Model D & Native Instruments The Gentleman pianos
Loopcloud subscription
Melodics subscription

Box content

Quick Start
Registration card
USB Cable (C/A)

Notes: The PreSonus FaderPort 8, acclaimed for revolutionising mixing and production workflows with its eight-channel control and user-friendly design, has quickly become a centrepiece in contemporary studios. Recognising its importance and in response to widespread requests, Decksaver are delighted to unveil the Decksaver cover for the PreSonus FaderPort 8. Forged from high-strength polycarbonate, this cover is painstakingly crafted to provide sturdy protection against dust, spills, and accidental impacts, ensuring your FaderPort 8 remains in optimal condition.

This Decksaver cover is precision-engineered to fit perfectly with the PreSonus FaderPort 8, ensuring a close fit over its faders, buttons, and knobs, whilst conveniently allowing for all necessary connections. This design demonstrates a profound understanding of audio professionals' requirements, offering ease of use for those who need quick access for setup and disassembly. Whether you're operating in a bustling studio, a home recording environment, or transporting your equipment, this cover serves as a protective barrier, shielding the sensitive components of your FaderPort 8 from the rigours of daily use.

Choosing this Decksaver cover for your PreSonus FaderPort 8 is more than just a protective step; it's a commitment to the durability and longevity of a crucial component of your studio setup. Highly coveted by industry professionals, this cover is the definitive choice for anyone serious about keeping their PreSonus FaderPort 8 in flawless operational condition, ready for any creative project or mixing challenge that lies ahead.

Dimensions

Weight: 0.365 kg
Length: 34 cm
Width: 30.9 cm
Height: 3.4 cm
Material: Smoked clear polycarbonate.

WARNING: When your Decksaver cover is in place, please ensure that your equipment is kept away from direct and high heat sources, such as radiators, fires and sunlight.

Review: Dave Lee's "AC Soul Symphony" alias has been releasing delectable and sultry disco since 2005 but reached his magnus opus in 2023 with the release of the "Metamorphosis" LP. Here we find two tracks handpicked from the album and delivered, for the first time, in a 7" format. The single starts much as the album does with the track "Windy City Theme", beautifully scored, recorded, and produced legato strings envelope the track, punctuated with horns and vocals reminiscent of a Love Unlimited Orchestra production. This version of the track has been rearranged, speeding up the pacing of the track and reaching the juicy parts in a really satisfying way. On the flip side we have the title track from the album "Metamorphosis", which is the first time the vocal version has been made available on Vinyl. A bass laden intro gives ways to glistening pianos and those signature strings (have we mentioned how good the strings are?). A more laid back and seductive track than the A side, but no less appealing. Again, due to the limitations of the 7" format, "Metamorphosis" has been expertly rearranged with loving care and attention.

Review: 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine' represents a pivotal moment for Roy Ayers and Ubiquity, marking a departure towards a funkier and more laid-back sound in 1976. With its languid tempo and dreamy atmosphere, captures the essence of summer with its joyful lyrics and hypnotic groove. Ayers' vibraphone melodies intertwine seamlessly with the band's instrumentation, creating a mesmerizing sonic landscape that resonates with listeners. The song's universal appeal lies in its ability to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, making it a timeless classic that continues to enchant audiences across generations.

Review: Cool Million's Tonight featuring the legendary Glenn Jones is a catchy fusion of 80s soul and funk with modern flair. Jones's soulful vocals effortlessly glide over smooth lyrics, perfectly complementing the infectious groove laid down by Cool Million and the track exudes a nostalgic vibe while still feeling fresh and contemporary, showcasing the duo's adeptness at blending retro influences with modern production. 'Tonight' has a timeless appeal of soul and funk, making it a entertaining listen for fans of both classic and contemporary music alike.

Review: Cool Million featuring Kenny Thomas on vocals is a refreshing return to the soulful sounds of yesteryear. With Without Your Love, the duo, Rob Hardt and Frank Ryle, once again showcase their talent for crafting infectious grooves that harken back to a more musically satisfying era. Thomas's soulful delivery shines on this track, serving as the perfect complement to the funky rhythm and melody. The song exudes a timeless quality, reminiscent of classic soul and R&B from the 80s, with its boogie-inspired feel and soulful synths reminiscent of artists like Paul Laurence and Kashif. Originally released in 2012, this track now get's its own 7" for DJs and collectors to highlight the standout track.

Review: Especial Specials has recently helped to take the Japanese label Chill Mountain Record into the world of wax after it previously operated only in the digital world. Now it carries on with a similar MO as it works with Multi Culti label head, DJ and producer Dreems on new set of limited-edition EPs. He has already landed on the likes of Kompakt, Pinchy & Friends and Futureboogie and now digs into his vaults to serve up some edits and dubs that are hard to pin down but often doused in psychedelic overtones, acid and dub. Each one is a unique work in its own right but they all add up to one helluva good EP.

Review: Especial Specials always deal in releases with a story often as interesting as the music itself. This time out they enlist DJ and producer Dreems for a fine collection of limited-edition 12"s. Angus Gruzman aka Dreems is the man behind the vital Multi Culti label and has dropped his own wares on the likes of Kompakt, Pinchy & Friends and Futureboogie but somehow remains rather in the shadows. This deep dive into his vaults should change that - these are edits and dubs that come doused in psychedelia as they trip through several genres. There is off-kilter dub, melon-twisting dub, intensely percussive and tribal dub, and more besides across the five fantastic tracks.

Review: Few labels do minimal as well as Trelik and in terms of artists, Edwards is also as good as they come right now. This perfect pairing opens up with the deeply alluring 'Time' with its woozy pads and smeared chords over warm and rubbery drums. It's a hypnagogic affair then 'Vacuum Tube' has a more menacing air thanks to the wispy and unsettling synth details and clunky hooks. 'Watch Out' brings a more spangled and rubbery rhythm that has colourful details peeling off the beats and last of all, 'Stream' ups the ante with some thudding deep house and widescreen ambient synth work.

Review: Itsu Uno's Juke Joint, presented on vibrant orange vinyl, is a nostalgic nod to breakbeat culture. The title track kicks off with a sample-heavy infusion of Public Enemy's iconic 'Security of the First World' beat, later immortalised in Madonna's 'Justify My Love,' layered with ragga-tinged vibes. It's a fun and infectious journey through breakbeat nostalgia, guaranteed to get bodies moving on the dancefloor. Following suit, 'The Splash' continues the onslaught with its own arsenal of sample-heavy urban breakbeats. Clocking in at just over four minutes, it's a concise yet potent offering that is sure to cause heads to turn and trainspotters to ask you "who is this?!"

Review: Lawrence's Epiphany Remixes, a release from the German record label Giegling, presents four distinct interpretations of the title track. Each remixer brings a unique approach to the original piece, resulting in a diverse and captivating soundscape. Zoe Polanski's version transforms the track into a crystallized melody, creating a cold yet beautiful atmosphere. Lowtec's remix explores deep techno, delivering a smooth and dreamy ambiance with a touch of sadness. M Pittman Ladder's interpretation adds a gritty, chunky bassline, while Tobias' remix elevates the tempo, creating a pulsating and mechanical percussion elements. These remixes showcase the versatility of Lawrence's original composition, demonstrating how different artists can reinterpret and reshape it to create new and engaging experiences.

Review: Contemporary tastemakers Geilgling return with a set of remixes of material from Leafier Legiv's recent album, Mirror. First up it is German minimal maestro Isolee who flips 'Fade' into some of his signature sounds - smeared synths and abstract designs all weave together over a minimal beat to make for something seductive and late night. Polish loop master Jan Jelinek then flips 'Fade' into a slow motion shuffle with bright, celestial shards of melodic light and downbeat, melancholic vocals over a chugging beat. Last of all is a mix of 'Jing' that is all broken loops, chopped vocal fragments and hallucinogenic synths.

Review: A quirky new ambient electro follow-up to the 'Quadrifonia' V/A from Positive Not Happy, with wicked contributions from The Lumens, AT, Floog and Paradise City Breakers. From the jump, we're hit with bursty bright arps and hard-hitting kicks on 'Transformazione'; gurgling, bitcrushed, yoying groundswells on 'Ga Ga'; lo-fi ruminative movements verging on speed garage with 'Deviate'; and creative, dynamic future swellups on 'The Butterfly Man'. Mostly breezy, hardly cheesy.

Review: Mousse T.'s latest album, Melodie, is a testament to his enduring prowess in the realm of dance music. Following a string of successful remixes and collaborations, Mousse T. teams up with The Shapeshifters and Tensnake to deliver a sophisticated groover that exudes disco nostalgia. Featuring the enchanting vocals of Cleah, 'Melodie' captures the essence of classic disco while infusing it with modern flair. From start to finish, the album is a journey through infectious beats, funky basslines and irresistible melodies, showcasing Mousse T.'s impeccable production skills and his ability to create music that keeps the dance floor grooving. With its timeless sound and undeniable energy, 'Melodie' solidifies Mousse T.'s status as a master of the disco 3000 sound, ensuring that his music will continue to captivate audiences around the world.

Review: The crucial Mr K is back with a special repress for Record Store Day 2024. This one throws it back to his two superb edits of Kratwerk's 'Trans Euro Express' which is cited often as the start of techno. Side A offers stripped-down, bare drum bones, with naked drums shaped into futuristic fusion, while Part II adds synthetic context. Deconstructing Kraftwerk's original sci-fi masterpiece at a slow, smouldering pace, it presents a classic in an entirely new light. This release unlocks doors of serious DJ creativity and should be snapped up quickly before it's gone again.

Review: Mukatsuku has got another little treasure on its hands here with a tune from MBE and UK Soul legend Omar. It dates back to 2004 and has never been on 7" before having become something of a classic after original release on 12". Dons like Gilles Peterson and IG Culture were early supporters of the driving, peak time broken beat sound and the tune was often a highpoint of Omar's live sets. It has never been released as an instrumental either - until now. Both tunes now together on one 45 make for an essential cop for soul fans and, as always, there is strictly no repress on this one so move fast.

Review: Mosaic main man and peerless UK dub techno titan Steve O'Sullivan has paired off against Fletcher for this latest heavyweight 12". As ever the foundations are solid on the opener 'Passenger' - smooth drums and bass perfectly sit with one another, but this one really comes alive with the most impossibly subtle but inescapably uplifting little chords that suggest that no matter what shit you have going on in your life, things will be OK. It's a classic amongst many on this label. 'With That' is another tight, compelling and tech tinged dub roller with real bite and drive, and 'Treading Water' then blisses you out with its liquid chords and sense of endless infinite groove.

Review: The second drop on Storytellers comes from the mighty Mihai Pol, one of the brightest lights in the Rominimal scene right now. 'Tell Me' sets the record off in superlative fashion, toying with th plushest synth work and crafty, dubbed-out sound design all gliding across the top of the crisp, undulating rhythm section. It's delicate and impactful in equal measure, much like the other three tracks on this knock out EP. From 'Transcendence's moody keys to 'Warlord's cheeky nods to rave and the wriggly surrealism of 'Addicted', it's the sound you want in your bag to satisfy discerning heads and the wider party public alike.

Review: The Politics Of Dancing label hits release number 30 here with a suitably fresh new offering that finds the eponymous label head stepping up with three balmy new tunes. 'Let's Do This' is fresh as you like house music with deep drums and heady pads circling round in cosmic fashion. Boris Werner's Bleep remix is a little more driving and thumping for the later hours and then 'Mamma' again gets its head up amongst the stars with more colourful synth work before the liquid and loopy house pumper 'Never Stop' closes out a lively and vibrant EP.

Review: Bassex Records emerged as a niche haven for electronica enthusiasts in the mid-90s, championing and, more importantly, blending genres like trance, breaks, acid and techno, the label's initial influence remained confined to the West Coast. However, as trancey breakbeats gained traction in Europe over the past 15 years, Bassex has ascended to cult status. Rebirth was label owner Mike Knapp and DJ Jason Blakemore (DJ Trance) and this compilation specifically gathers a few very desirable gems from three different releases by them and places them here. Bassex Selections is an important window into the label's enduring legacy and snapshot of the west coast scene circa 1994.

Review: UK mainstay Subb-An makes a welcome return with this fresh new EP on Aesthetic. It finds him in great form with opener 'Seeing Colours' heading off down a nice liquid minimal route with crisp tech drums and twinkling synths up top to bring the magic. On the flip side is 'Plants', a rather serene and sublime cut with more rolling drums and plenty of deft synth designs that bring a certain celestial charm to the fizzing leads. Snad's remix then shuts things down with a more driving sense of tech house rhythm to complete a tasteful EP of heady sounds.

Review: Dabeull, the current scene's utmost favourite 'danceable funk' purveyor, is back with bang in the form of an all-analog production, full-length LP. Analog Love enlists the help of a string of vocalists and production affiliates - including Holybrune, Dezzy Hollow, Reva DeVito, Rude Jude, and Jordan Lee - to amount to a glitzing, golden, effulgent nighttime set of funk intuits. From the lead single 'Body Heat' to the closing confabulations of 'Fabulous Kisses', every piece here is a latent hit, dripping in neon liquid and well-rounded, sawn-off textures, the latter of which was notably achieved by using the mixing console historically used for Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' at the mixing stage.

Review: Dabeull follows up a string of recent EPs with yet another to renew his credibility as a leading electro-funk producer-entrepreneur. Owing to his own preference for making music entirely on analog gear, his latest LP Analog Love flaunts this love and then some, laying down nine wet, delectable dancefloor dynamos and enlisting the likes of Rude Jude, Reva DeVito, Ferdi and Holybrune on vocal duties to back it up. Heralding an upcoming 100% live version of the album to come, we know Dabeull means it when he says 100% analogue: we don't take those words lightly round here.