MIDI keyboards

Notes: The definitive MIDI controller keyboard, KeyLab MkII is a luxurious, expressive tool for your studio or live rig. Unsurpassed connectivity, effortless integration, customizable interface, and inspiring included software; there simply is no other MIDI controller quite like KeyLab MkII.

KeyLab MkII is an expressive, versatile, and superbly powerful next-generation USB MIDI controller keyboard. It features dynamic performance and studio controls, including a high quality 49-note keyboard with aftertouch, 16 RGB backlit pads, 9 faders, 9 rotary knobs, and dedicated DAW and transport controls. Its huge connectivity also includes CV/Gate outputs, so you can take command of outboard synth and Eurorack modules with ease. Factor in the amazing included software, and you've just found your ideal creative companion for the studio and stage.

Another level in terms of quality and luxury, KeyLab MkII is a treat for the fingertips and gives unprecedented levels of control over your music and software.

Both 49-key and 61-key versions of KeyLab MkII feature Arturia's Pro-Feel action, the same lusciously playable keybed as the MatrixBrute and MiniBrute 2. Sensitive enough to accurately capture the subtleties and nuances of delicate playing, while still being robust enough to feel the energy of high-impact playing.

Every version of KeyLab MkII also offers 16 RGB-backlit, multi-function performance pads which can be used in a huge variety of ways, whatever suits your performance style or studio needs best. Trigger custom chords, activate samples, quickly switch user maps, KeyLab MkII puts the "control" firmly back into "controller".

A gateway to software, KeyLab MkII features 9 rotary encoders, 9 faders, and a selection of fully assignable buttons to give you unfettered access to your virtual instruments, effects, and recording environment. Send and receive CV/gate data to bridge the gap between modular and MIDI, with a fully customizable setup.

To allow for maximum expression, and to put that unmistakable "human touch" into your music, KeyLab MkII features multiple expression pedal inputs, that can be assigned to whatever parameters you desire in your DAW or virtual instruments, and sports robust, luxurious machined metal pitch and mod wheels. Truly a live-performers dream!

Amazingly versatile, hugely expressive, and geared up to enhance your creativity and workflow wherever your music takes you.

Included is an impressive software bundle: Arturia's complete Piano V virtual piano instrument, Analog Lab 3, and Ableton Live Lite.

Notes: Updated version of Arturia's consistently popular MIDI keyboard series, featuring a bigger screen and new performance features.

Supplier's Notes:
Arturia's new KeyLab Essential 3 offers a new level of accessible, enjoyable, and creative music making, redefining the essence of a modern universal keyboard controller.

From its refreshing new design, to its vastly upgraded creative workflow, to an expanded software package, it promises to shake up the affordable controller market by empowering modern musicians and sound explorers looking to expand their setup without breaking the bank.

Main selling points

Fit for any style and any setup

For DAW producers, musicians with hybrid setups, or performers using hardware; enhance any creative setup or musical style with MIDI out & USB power, deep DAW compatibility, and premium software.

The new standard for affordable keyboard controllers

A keyboard controller that doesn't need tons of controls, menu diving, or complex configuration to operate. KeyLab Essential 3 looks modern, feels great, and removes creative barriers for next-level music making.

Directly-linked with Arturia's industry-leading software ranges

Many musicians and producers will be familiar with Arturia's award-winning software; KeyLab Essential 3 is part of the same range, seamlessly integrating with Analog Lab V, Pigments, and V Collection.

New Features:
New creative features: Scale Mode, Chord Mode, and Arpeggiator, making composition, songwriting, and beat-making more intuitive than ever.
Custom DAW integration: KeyLab Essential 3 features custom scripts for deeper control over DAWs, including Ableton Live Logic Pro X, FL Studio, and more.
More versatile presets: The 2000 presets included with Analog Lab V are no longer limited to vintage sounds; users can enjoy unique hybrids, modern synths, orchestral sounds, and more.
Easier controls & interface: RGB-backlit pads with velocity and pressure sensitivity, contextual button, and a bright new 2.5" LCD screen for real-time feedback.
Expanded software package for beginners & pros: Now includes Analog Lab V, 2 pianos (UVI Model D, NI's The Gentleman), plus subscriptions to Loopcloud and Melodics.

Notes: Korg's 61-key Keystage offers all the benefits of MIDI 2.0, including polyphonic aftertouch and MPE compatibility. The usual Korg benefits include an excellent semi-weighted keybed, arpeggiator and chord mode.

Supplier's Notes:
A powerful MIDI 2.0 controller keyboard, Keystage offers unparalleled control, Polyphonic Aftertouch, MPE compatibility, and exceptional touch response. Enjoy instant OLED visual feedback, a powerful arpeggiator, chord modes, integrated audio outputs, and seamless Ableton Live & Korg Gadget integration. Lightweight & portable, Keystage integrates effortlessly with most modern DAWs and includes a powerful software bundle to amplify your musical journey.

Connect. Create. Perform.

Keystage is a groundbreaking MIDI 2.0 keyboard designed for both producers and stage performers. Pioneering the adoption of MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange, it combines aftertouch with powerful integration and control capabilities.

When inspiration strikes

Eliminate the hassles of lengthy MIDI mapping and missed moments of inspiration. With Keystage, when inspiration hits, your musical visions are captured swiftly and accurately.

As a pioneer in keyboard advancement, Keystage is the first to fully harness the capabilities of MIDI 2.0. Just connect it to compatible software, and watch as Keystage automatically maps parameters, displaying them on its sharp OLED displays. Every display is paired with its unique knob, ensuring you're always informed of the mapped parameters and their precise values.

Expressive creativity

A newly developed semi-weighted keybed provides an immersive playing experience. With polyphonic and channel aftertouch, alongside MPE (MIDI Polyphonic Expression), you can add depth and feel to your performances without your fingers leaving the keys.

An extraordinarily powerful arpeggiator offers features that go well beyond what any other MIDI Keyboard offers. A vast selection of patterns is complemented with unparalleled customisation options, including aftertouch-triggered ratchets, randomization, gating, and more.

In addition, chord mode benefits from a suite of 32 chord sets that can be used out-of-the-box, or customized and saved into any of the extra 32 user set slots. Each set can have one chord assigned to each note of an octave, and chords can even be replayed in different ways, including a strumming mode for realistic guitar-like playing.

Deep integration

Keystage offers immediate, seamless plug-and-play compatibility with most popular DAWs, giving hands-on control on your most important playback/transport controls.

From launch, Keystage supports: Ableton Live (Official Integration), Korg Gadget (Official Integration), Cakewalk, Cubase, Digital Performer, FL Studio, GarageBand, Logic, Pro Tools and Studio One.

On the road and in the studio

Keystage is not just an incredibly powerful MIDI controller. Equipped with direct stereo output, simply connect Keystage to your computer and directly link to the sound system without the need for additional gear that takes up valuable space.

Keystage also offers flexible customization options. You can modify settings directly through the menu or conveniently adjust them using the Korg Kontrol software on your computer.

Keystage includes an expansion plate that can be attached at two different angles, making it ideal for tablets and other devices. On the 61-key model, you have the flexibility to adjust the placement of the plates in two different positions, providing a stable and solid surface to place your laptop.

Keystage x Ableton Live

Ableton Live is the industry-standard tool for live performance, thanks to its innovative dual Session/Arrangement view, smooth clip triggering, looping, and powerful production tools.

Keystage offers official integration with Live, putting both transport and device control at your fingertips.

Keystage detects the device currently active in Ableton Live, and automatically maps to the first 8 parameters. When switching devices, Keystage dynamically reconfigures itself for an uninterrupted experience, keeping you in the zone.

Both Ableton Live and Keystage are MPE-compatible, enabling enhanced flexibility and creative possibilities in your music. Live's powerful Drift synthesizer (available with version 11.3) leverages MPE to offer even more expressive capabilities.
Keystage comes bundled with Ableton Live 11 Lite as part of its software suite. Ableton Live 11 Lite is a beginner-friendly version of Live, providing many of the core features to help you kickstart your journey in music creation and performance.

MIDI 2.0

The future of music

MIDI 2.0 is one of the most exciting developments in electronic music production in decades and allows two-way MIDI conversations. Previously, MIDI 1.0 messages went in one direction: from a transmitter to a receiver. MIDI 2.0 is bi-directional and changes MIDI from a monologue to a dialogue.

Thanks to new MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) messages, MIDI 2.0 devices can talk to each other, and auto-configure themselves to work together.

Keystage retrieves information such as which Control Change (CC) parameters should be linked and the appropriate names to display for each parameter. This means that Keystage can talk with a wide range of MIDI 2.0 compatible devices and exchange information in both directions. This exciting feature extends not only to software plugins, but also to hardware devices.

MIDI 2.0 Property Exchange is compatible with traditional MIDI DIN cables, allowing Keystage to seamlessly integrate with existing devices. Furthermore, backwards compatibility is not an issue with Keystage: it can still communicate using MIDI 1.0 with devices that do not support MIDI 2.0.

Powerful software suite

Keystage comes bundled with an incredible software set that provides all the tools needed to take your music production to the next level:

Specifications

Keyboard
Polytouch* keyboard
Features velocity sensitivity, aftertouch, and polyphonic aftertouch
Velocity curves: 21 (-10 to +10)
Octave range: 7 (-3 to +3)

Controllers
Pitch bend wheel, modulation wheel, parameter control knobs × 8
VOLUME knob, SETTINGS button, WRITE button, EXIT button, SHIFT button, ARP button, CHORD button, VALUE ^/ buttons, VALUE dial, PAGE i/+ buttons, transport buttons, TEMPO button, OCTAVE i/+ buttons

Display
Main display: Organic EL (electro-luminescence) display
Sub display: Organic EL displays x 8

Scenes: 16

Arpeggiator
Arpeggio rhythm patterns: 20

Chord mode
Preset chord sets: 32
User chord sets: 32

I/O
USB port, MIDI (IN, OUT connectors), EXPRESSION jack, DAMPER jack

Audio output
AUDIO OUT (L/MONO, R): 6.3 mm TS phone jack (unbalanced)
Headphones: 6.3 mm stereo phone jack

Control inputs
Damper (half-damper supported)
Expression

USB: Type B

MIDI/audio interface
MIDI: 1 in/1 out
Audio: 2 ch out
Audio format: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit

Power
USB bus power or AC adapter (9 V DC, : Korg KA350, sold separately)
Power consumption: 5 V/500 mA or less (when powered via USB), 4w (when using an AC adapter)

Dimensions
Keystage-61: 979 × 234 × 82 mm

Included items: USB cable (Type A-Type B), expansion plate, Quick Start Guide

Notes: A revolutionary keyboard controller that puts the world's best sound library at your fingertips. Get direct, hands-on control of virtual instruments from NI and thousands more from developers like Arturia, Heavyocity, Korg, Output, Spitfire Audio, and u-he.

Browse and tweak everything from synths and drums to orchestral libraries and scoring tools - all seamlessly integrated with Kontrol's tactile controls and large, high-res screen. Then play with a new level of expression and freedom thanks to a best-in-class keybed, polyphonic aftertouch, Light Guide, and Play Assist features. And with a comprehensive package of included software, featuring the industry-leading sampling platform Kontakt 7, you'll be ready to go from day one.

Polyphonic aftertouch

Take expression one step further with the slightest pressure on individual keys. Bring new layers of nuance to your playing with cutoff, pitch, vibrato, and much more, without reaching for an extra encoder or dial. All three models come complete with polyphonic aftertouch on an industry-leading keybed developed in collaboration with Fatar.

Thousands of instruments made real

Kontrol brings the world's best virtual instruments to life in a genuinely immersive experience. Whatever you're playing, get in-depth control thanks to an unparalleled direct connection to Kontakt. Find sounds quickly with intuitive on-screen navigation, then adjust and play them with intelligent auto-mapping that understands the parameters.

Included software

Kontrol comes with a host of creative music production tools - all fully integrated with the hardware, to give you everything you need to start making music straight out of the box.

Included software
Kontakt 7
A free Kontakt instrument of your choice
Komplete 14 Select
Komplete Kontrol Software
Stradivari Cello

An internet connection and a graphics card that supports Direct 3D 11.1 (feature level 11_0) or higher are required to download and activate this product. Once installed and activated, the product can be used offline.

NKS 2 NKS (Native Kontrol Standard) is NI's technical standard for virtual instruments and effects. It's used across the industry and ensures that all compatible plugins are precisely mapped to controls. Kontrol marks the launch of NKS 2, which powers the unmatched software integration experience.

S61 MK3 Dimensions: 967.4 × 323 × 86 mm
Weight: 6kg

Hardware specifications:
1 high-resolution colour screen with glass surface (1280 × 480)
CNC machined, bead blasted and anodized aluminum, 8 × encoder caps, 1 × 4D encoder cap, 2 × wheels (pitch and mod)
RGB illuminated pitch and mod wheels
New button-islands that form a continuous dustproof control surface and are grouped by function

System requirements

MIDI 2.0 compatible
Intel Core i5, Apple M1 (and equivalent or higher)
macOS 13 (Ventura) or higher (compatible with macOS 12 in MIDI 1.0 mode)
Windows 10 (latest service pack) or higher
8 GB RAM

Notes: The Impact GX49 and GX61 are dynamic and expressive instruments, tailored to composition & performance with your computer music system. The no-fuss interface is a great entry into the world of Nektar controllers.

Featuring a 49-note (4 octave) or 61-note (5 octave) keyboard, pitch-bend wheel, modulation wheel and foot switch socket. Two multi-colored octave buttons enable shifting the keyboard range up or down -3/+4 octaves with the LED colors changing to show the exact status, Impact GX are well equipped to deliver a great workflow.

Dedicated transpose buttons allow you to shift the keyboard range up to +/- 12 semi tones. The buttons can quickly be re-purposed to change the Global MIDI Channel or send Program messages. Additionally an assignable potentiometer provides control over any MIDI parameter, by default controls mixer volume.

Nektar DAW Integration for many of the most commonly used DAWs makes it easy to get going, and a pleasure to use. With Impact GX49 your controller keyboard is part of your system, giving you the creative freedom to compose, perform and play, without having to reach for your mouse constantly.

Transport - Extended!

Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of the Impact GX. Essential tasks like transport activation or navigating tracks are highly repetitive and reaching for the mouse every time, can kill any seed of inspiration. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the 8 buttons extend functionality to include control over transport and a host of other important DAW functions, right from Impact GX.

The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW Integration. A primary and a secondary message can be programmed for each of 7 buttons, delivering 14 programmable options total.

Nektar DAW integration - ticking all the right boxes:

Nektar DAW integration is carefully crafted to give the best experience with your Nektar hardware. It delivers the freedom to create, instead of having to reach for the mouse constantly when you are in the middle of capturing an idea.

With Nektar DAW integration, the hard work is done, so you don't have to. Once installation is complete, Impact GX offers an extended feature set, normally unavailable on a compact controller.

MIDI control & setup functions:

Impact GX is a MIDI controller as well as a DAW controller. If you use MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW Integration, a host of options are available for you to set up MIDI control yourself.

Each of the 14 assignable MIDI buttons, the modulation wheel, foot switch and of course the big control knob, can be assigned to send out MIDI cc messages. The assignable buttons (14) can in addition be configured to send out Program message or MMC transport control. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by DAWs that don't allow for advanced integration, so with this option Impact GX covers all the bases.

Connectivity & Apple iOS:

As a low powered USB device, Impact GX works with all USB devices that feature a Class compliant MIDI driver. That includes all version of Windows from XP and higher, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher plus Linux (as long as a USB MIDI driver package is installed).

And if you are often on the move you can easily hook your Impact GX keyboard to an Apple iPad using the iPad's optional USB camera connection kit (optional). Of course the Impact GX is powered by the iPad so you can work away for as long as your iPad remains charged.

Bitwig 8-track included:

Bitwig 8-Track in included with every Impact GX so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own too if you like. The 'Bitwig Essentials Package', a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips, and samples, is also included to help you get started. So put all that together and you have a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas featuring the acclaimed workflow of Bitwig Studio.

Notes: The Impact GX49 and GX61 are dynamic and expressive instruments, tailored to composition & performance with your computer music system. The no-fuss interface is a great entry into the world of Nektar controllers.

Featuring a 49-note (4 octave) or 61-note (5 octave) keyboard, pitch-bend wheel, modulation wheel and foot switch socket. Two multi-colored octave buttons enable shifting the keyboard range up or down -3/+4 octaves with the LED colors changing to show the exact status, Impact GX are well equipped to deliver a great workflow.

Dedicated transpose buttons allow you to shift the keyboard range up to +/- 12 semi tones. The buttons can quickly be re-purposed to change the Global MIDI Channel or send Program messages. Additionally an assignable potentiometer provides control over any MIDI parameter, by default controls mixer volume.

Nektar DAW Integration for many of the most commonly used DAWs makes it easy to get going, and a pleasure to use. With Impact GX49 your controller keyboard is part of your system, giving you the creative freedom to compose, perform and play, without having to reach for your mouse constantly.

Transport - Extended!
Eight buttons intended for DAW control, are at the center of the Impact GX. Essential tasks like transport activation or navigating tracks are highly repetitive and reaching for the mouse every time, can kill any seed of inspiration. Used with Nektar DAW integration, the 8 buttons extend functionality to include control over transport and a host of other important DAW functions, right from Impact GX.

The buttons can also be assigned to MIDI messages for use with any MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW Integration. A primary and a secondary message can be programmed for each of 7 buttons, delivering 14 programmable options total.

Nektar DAW integration - ticking all the right boxes:
Nektar DAW integration is carefully crafted to give the best experience with your Nektar hardware. It delivers the freedom to create, instead of having to reach for the mouse constantly when you are in the middle of capturing an idea.

With Nektar DAW integration, the hard work is done, so you don't have to. Once installation is complete, Impact GX offers an extended feature set, normally unavailable on a compact controller.

Transport control with ability to goto and set locators, track navigation, volume control, launching windows and patch navigation is all available right from Impact GX. Check out the function overview chart below and see how the Impact GX ticks all the right boxes.

MIDI control & setup functions:
Impact GX is a MIDI controller as well as a DAW controller. If you use MIDI software that's not supported by Nektar DAW Integration, a host of options are available for you to set up MIDI control yourself.

Each of the 14 assignable MIDI buttons, the modulation wheel, foot switch and of course the big control knob, can be assigned to send out MIDI cc messages. The assignable buttons (14) can in addition be configured to send out Program message or MMC transport control. MMC (MIDI Machine Control) is often supported by DAWs that don't allow for advanced integration, so with this option Impact GX covers all the bases.

The Setup menu also enables Program messages, Bank LSB/MSB to be sent out on the fly as well as settings for selecting one of the 4 velocity curves, setting the Global MIDI Channel and assigning the transpose buttons.

Connectivity & Apple iOS:
As a low powered USB device, Impact GX works with all USB devices that feature a Class compliant MIDI driver. That includes all version of Windows from XP and higher, Apple OS X 10.5 and higher plus Linux (as long as a USB MIDI driver package is installed).

And if you are often on the move you can easily hook your Impact GX keyboard to an Apple iPad using the iPad's optional USB camera connection kit (optional). Of course the Impact GX is powered by the iPad so you can work away for as long as your iPad remains charged.

Bitwig 8-track included:
Bitwig 8-Track in included with every Impact GX so you can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one. Bitwig 8-Track gives you access to over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own too if you like. The 'Bitwig Essentials Package', a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips, and samples, is also included to help you get started. So put all that together and you have a powerful sketchpad for your musical ideas featuring the acclaimed workflow of Bitwig Studio.

Nektar DAW Integration supports Bitwig 8-Track so using Nektar Impact GX and Bitwig 8-Track together is a fantastic combination. If you are just starting out you will find it's the perfect way to take your first steps in the world of digital music creation.

Notes: 61-key version of Nektar's affordable but high quality USB MIDI controller keyboard. Synth action keys with full-size velocity-sensitive keys, pitch bend and mod wheels, plus volume and transport controls.

Supplier notes:
The Nektar SE61 USB MIDI controller keyboard has all the features you need to start making music with your computer. It is compatible with any MIDI music software, sports a full-size keyboard with velocity, includes all the performance controls you'd expect and even has Nektar DAW control features. Simply plug the supplied USB-cable in and go: Capture your ideas while they are fresh!

The keys are a keyboard controller's most important feature. So it's been ensured that the SE61 has keys that are fun and expressive to play: Its synth-action keybed has 61 velocity-sensitive full-size keys with a defined and firm feel. And as everyone has their own playing style and preferences, a choice of 4 different velocity curves are included (plus 3 fixed ones) so you can adjust the keyboard response to your needs.

No matter if you want to play a complex solo in the style of Herbie Hancock or are just trying to make an EDM wobble bass more lively by adding modulation: the SE61's large Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels will get you there. They have a tight grip and offer just the right resistance. For piano-style sustain effects, you can connect a switch or pedal to the foot switch socket on the back of the SE61.

Four buttons and one MIDI-assignable fader to the left of the keys make the SE61 even more flexible: Shift the keyboard up or down -3/+4 octaves with multi-coloured LED indicators showing the exact status. Or transpose the keys +/- 12 semitones with the transpose buttons right below.

These buttons can easily be reassigned to switch MIDI channel, change MIDI programs or select tracks and browse patches when DAW integration is active. Better still, pressing a key combination change the Octave and Transpose buttons function to send out MMC transport functions so you can activate start, stop and record directly from your keyboard.

Take control a notch further: Most soft- and hardware products with MIDI have their parameters assigned to so-called MIDI CC messages. This lets you do cool things such as changing filter cut-off, panning, effects bypass or any other parameter that has a MIDI CC assigned to it from a hardware control on your SE61.
Simply set the MIDI Fader, Modulation Wheel or foot switch pedal to control the MIDI CC message you want. Your assignments are stored over power cycling, so next time you can continue where you left off right away.

How about getting a better workflow without any of this nerdy stuff? How about transport control, level mixing and track selection directly from the SE61? Take control of your DAW's most important functions with our Nektar DAW Integration software! Of course, the SE61 works with any MIDI software, but with custom Nektar DAW Integration you can do even more: Use the Transpose buttons for track or patch change, always have the currently selected track's volume assigned to the fader and turn the Octave and Transpose buttons into Play, Stop, Record and Rewind buttons. How's that for giving the mouse a break?
Nektar DAW Integration for SE25 surrently supports Bitwig, Cubase, Garageband, Logic, Nuendo, Digital Performer, Mixcraft, Reason, Reaper, Sonar and Studio One. (In order to take advantage of Nektar DAW Integration, you need to register your SE25 and download the integration files from your user account.)

SE61 keyboards are USB class compliant and don't require a driver to operate. Installation and connection is easy; just plug the keyboard in to a USB port on your computer. You can also connect an Impact SE49 keyboard to an iOS device using the optional Apple USB camera connection kit. A 1/4" input jack allows you to add a foot switch pedal for sustain or sending MIDI messages.

You can start producing, performing, and designing sounds like a pro from day one with the included Bitwig 8-Track DAW. It includes over 50 software instruments and effects for use on up to 8 audio or MIDI project tracks, and you can use any 3rd party VST plug-ins you might own, too. The 'Bitwig Essentials Package' comes as part of this package as well, featuring a highly versatile handpicked selection of loops, clips and samples, to make it even easier to get you started.

SPECIFICATIONS:
61 velocity-sensitive full-size keys (synth-action)
4 velocity curves + 3 fixed ones
4 buttons: Octave Up/Down, Transpose Up/Down
30 mm volume fader
Transport control via secondary button function*
Works with any DAW or MIDI music software on OS X, Windows and Apple iOS.

Connections
USB port (USB-powered), 1/4" TS jack foot switch input (footswitch optional)
Weight & Dimensions: 98.5 cm (L) x 19.7 cm (D) x 6.9 cm (H), 3 kgs