An outstanding candidate for studio rigs, the Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 keyboard might be the most complete USB/MIDI production tool of all time. While the first two generations packed more than enough potency, this slightly tighter edition of the third-gen Arturia offering comes loaded with forty-nine keys, putting more than enough notes beneath your fingers while striking an optimal balance between size and potential. On top of that, you get the full control gambit: faders, encoders, performance pads, a complete master section and a set of pitch and modulation wheels. Basically, if you're looking for more hands-on control over your DAW, or need a DIN-MIDI-capable controller for your older rack modules, this is the ideal chunk of hardware The Arturia Keylab Essential MK3: Included Software If you're already working with your DAW software of choice, then the Arturia Keylab Essential MK3 will seamlessly integrate. But just in case you're still looking for the right software, this model comes with a free copy of Ableton Live Lite: the DAW that first made clip-based performance popular (which is where the bank of pads will really come in handy). More free software comes in the form of Lab V, which is essentially a library stacked with virtual vintage synths, and this current version also comes with some more modern sounds and even orchestral sounds. Next to all of that, this keyboard comes with two virtual piano plugins: an upright and a grand. And somehow, all of it still comes at a crazy, attainable price.
