Since I wasn’t using the pads to play samples or drum sounds, I wanted to repurpose them as patch selector buttons.ĭiving into Arturia’s MIDI Control Center lets you deeply configure KeyLab Essential’s MIDI communication. One of KeyLab Essential’s hidden powers is the ability to remap the MIDI controls (pads included) eight different ways - one for Analog Lab, one for DAW control, and six User configurations. I found the whole process thoroughly enjoyable. Saved patches show up in the User Bank, just create a playlist and drag them in until all your juicy tones are lined up in order, ready for a gig. After a few adjustments the patch was perfected.Ĭurating your own preset palette is easy, too. Because I have the full V Collection installed, I could tweak the Prophet emulation further. I went for Lead and Percussive, with Bright and Short characteristics and soon found one that fit the bill. First off the bat was a short, sharp and bright lead tone to carry the first verse.
Thankfully there are four levels of categorisation - Type, Banks, Characteristics, and Instruments - to drill down to a relevant sound via a process of elimination. I chucked on some headphones and started messing with Analog Lab 2’s 5000+ presets. Each song has distinct synth sounds and I wanted to match them as best I could with my Analog Lab/KeyLab combo.
I was tasked with providing all the lead lines for the songs in our four sets. The pairing should, in theory, cover all bases from prepping patches to playing them live. A perfect opportunity to test how effective this KeyLab Essential/Analog Lab 2 marriage really is. I had a keys gig coming up requiring multiple patch and scene changes. Here’s where the plot thickens - KeyLab Essential’s strength (besides being a perfectly capable universal MIDI controller) is super tight integration with Analog Lab 2. Amongst all the razzle-dazzle is Analog Lab 2 - Arturia’s live performance-optimised application that acts as a central hub for all V Collection sounds. Turns out Arturia has managed to give me exactly what I need, for less.Īrturia’s V Collection 5 would have to be my favourite software synth package, because you can pull up just about any classic keyboard sound - from a Minimoog bass to a flanged Rhodes tone - with minimal hassle.
When the new KeyLab Essential 61 keyboard controller showed up, I really wasn’t sure why I’d need an ‘essential’ version of the existing Keylab 61. However, with so many MIDI controllers already in its catalogue, I often wonder if this exercise in minute differentiation is necessary. Don’t get me wrong, I dig Arturia’s stuff.
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