Arturia KEYLAB mkII User Manual
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Arturia KEYLAB mkII User Manual

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  • Page 1 USER MANUAL...
  • Page 2 Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use.
  • Page 3 Ableton Live Lite ◦ Be sure to register your KeyLab mkII as soon as possible! There is a sticker on the bottom panel that contains the serial number of your unit and an unlock code. These are required during the online registration process.
  • Page 4 The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.
  • Page 5 Be sure to visit the www.arturia.com website and check for the latest firmware, download the MIDI Control Center, and check out the tutorials and FAQs. We are sure KeyLab mkII will help take your creativity to the next level. Musically yours,...

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    Table Of Contents Getting Started ................................4 1.1. Connecting KeyLab mkII ..............................4 1.2. The Front Panel (left)................................5 1.3. The Front Panel (right) ............................... 6 1.4. The Rear Panel ..................................7 1.4.1. Something to consider: Ground loops ................................7 Overview...................................
  • Page 7 4.5. The Center Knob: Use as Jog Wheel........................35 4.6. Channel/Bank selection ..............................36 4.7. Track selection ..................................36 4.8. Encoders, Faders ................................37 4.8.1. Encoders in DAW mode ......................................37 4.8.2. Faders in DAW mode......................................37 4.9. DAW Preset Command chart ............................ 38 4.9.1.
  • Page 8 8.5.3. Pad Switched Control......................................64 8.5.4. Pad Program Change ......................................65 8.5.5. Pad Preset Change ......................................... 65 8.6. Customize the User buttons ............................66 8.6.1. User button Off ........................................... 66 8.6.2. User button Switched Control ..................................66 8.6.3. User button Program Change ..................................66 8.7.

  • Page 9: Getting Started

    Be sure to register and authorize the software on the Arturia website. Next, connect KeyLab mkII to your computer using the included USB cable. Power is also supplied through this connection. KeyLab mkII is a class-compliant USB device, so its drivers are automatically installed when connecting to a computer.

  • Page 10: The Front Panel (Left)

    1.2. The Front Panel (left) Octave, Chord & Transpose buttons These buttons activate KeyLab mkII’s various pitch control and chord functions. Pitch & Mod wheels These are used to control pitch bend and modulation parameters of your sound. Pad mode buttons The three buttons to the left of the pads are used to switch between pad modes.

  • Page 11: The Front Panel (Right)

    Filter / Select buttons These buttons are used to filter preset types in Analog Lab mode, select tracks in DAW mode, and perform user-defined functions in User mode. User Parameters The keys in the upper octave are used as shortcuts [p.48] User Edit mode [p.44]. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Getting Started...

  • Page 12: The Rear Panel

    Sustain Pedal Input The Sustain pedal input automatically detects the polarity of the pedal when KeyLab mkII is turned on, so it can be used with any standard pedal. It also can be configured to work as a continuously variable pedal from the front panel of the KeyLab mkII [p.42]...
  • Page 13 You should use the included anti ground loop adapter if you experience background noise in your speakers that disappears when you disconnect the KeyLab mkII from your computer or from the CV/Gate connections to your analog gear. A ground loop can also cause problems with pitch tracking when using the KeyLab mkII CV connections with analog synthesizers.

  • Page 14: Overview

    2.1.1. Changing the MIDI Channel The MIDI channel of the KeyLab mkII can be changed by holding the MIDI Ch button and pressing one of the first 16 keys on the keyboard. After this all controls that have been set to follow the User MIDI Channel will change to that channel.

  • Page 15: Pitch And Modulation Wheels

    Wheel is assigned to MIDI CC# 1 by default, but it can be reassigned from the front panel [p.42] or using the MIDI Control Center [p.61].  ♪: The Pitch Wheel cannot be reassigned to send another type of MIDI data. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Overview...

  • Page 16: Octave Control And Transpose

    The Transpose function lets you shift the pitch of the keyboard chromatically to make it easier to perform in different keys. To transpose the KeyLab mkII hold the Trans button and select the root note of the new key. Notes lower than middle C will transpose down, and notes above middle C will transpose up.

  • Page 17: Resetting Transpose

    To learn how to create chords and store them into memory, read the Chord mode chapter [p.53]. To learn about the pads and Chord mode, read the next section. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Overview...

  • Page 18: Pad Mode Buttons & Pads

    They will transmit polyphonic aftertouch, which is a highly expressive method of control for your music. Pads are often used to perform drum and percussion parts, but the KeyLab mkII pads can also be used to trigger chords, send MIDI CC data, and select programs internally or on external MIDI devices.

  • Page 19: Pad Midi Note Assignments

    MIDI Control Center [p.61]. 2.6. Analog Lab/DAW/User modes Three large buttons below the center knob allow you to switch the KeyLab mkII between its three major modes: Analog Lab: Configures the knobs and faders to control parameters in Analog •...

  • Page 20: Daw Commands Section

    DAW. When the DAW mode button is pressed the functionality of the front panel changes in many ways. KeyLab mkII has been designed to enhance the creative process, whether you're writing music or recording a band in your studio. 2.7.1. Track controls / Global controls...

  • Page 21: Daw Presets

    [p.33]. There are also two generic presets for use with other DAWs (Standard MCU and Standard HUI). The Track / Global button labels printed on the KeyLab mkII front panel match their MCU /HUI functionality. To select a preset, hold the DAW mode button for 1 second. Then use the center knob to select the desired DAW configuration.

  • Page 22: Preset Browser & Display

    For more information about Analog Lab mode, please refer to the Analog Lab 3 manual or the Analog Lab chapter [p.23] in this manual. To place KeyLab mkII into User mode, press the User button under the center knob. For learn about User mode, please read the User mode chapter [p.42].

  • Page 23: Control Buttons

    2.10. Control buttons The Control buttons are used to switch the functions of KeyLab mkII’s encoders, faders, and buttons. Their purposes depend on the selected mode: Analog Lab mode [p.23]: Select one of three layers of definable controller • assignments and Macros within a Multi. Also, the Live button is used to activate Split mode [p.30]...

  • Page 24: Faders

    2.12. Faders Like the encoders, KeyLab mkII’s 9 faders have multiple functions that vary depending on the selected mode. Analog Lab mode [p.23] faders 1-8 control the envelope parameters indicated in the blue text under the faders. Fader 9 is reserved for the master volume of the preset.

  • Page 25: Rear Panel Connections

    CV/Gate/Mod connections chapter [p.58]. 2.14.2. Pitch/Gate/Mod Outputs These four connectors enable the KeyLab mkII to interface with a modular synthesis system. The voltage ranges may be defined in User Edit mode [p.44] or by using the MIDI Control Center [p.61].

  • Page 26: Additional Features

    [p.9], and all of the others are described in the User mode chapter [p.48]. But the Global parameters determine the behavior of the KeyLab mkII in all modes and all presets, so it's best to mention them here. 2.15.1.1. Access to Global settings Here's how to view or edit the Global parameters: Press and hold the User mode button for 1 second.

  • Page 27: Sending A Panic Message

    These situations can be fixed easily by sending what is known as a "Panic Message", which resets all controllers and sends a "note off" message to all MIDI channels. To send a Panic message from the KeyLab mkII, press the Stop button quickly three times. 2.15.3. Factory Reset Sometimes you may wish to reset your KeyLab mkII back to the factory settings.

  • Page 28: Analog Lab Mode

    After this, every time you start Analog Lab 3 it should connect to the KeyLab mkII on its own. But since this is the first time you may need to select it in the MIDI Controller field at...
  • Page 29 DAW mode. But keep in mind that the Track select buttons will be used to filter sounds in Analog Lab 3; to select different tracks and track groups, switch back into DAW mode. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Analog Lab mode...

  • Page 30: Part / Live Selection

    Split mode [p.30] will be enabled.  ♪: Macros are created within Analog Lab 3. To learn more about Macros and Multis, please consult the Analog Lab 3 user manual. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Analog Lab mode...

  • Page 31: Browsing Presets

    With Analog Lab mode selected the center section and the Filter buttons work together to streamline the process of selecting presets. There are almost 7,000 presets to audition in Analog Lab 3, but KeyLab mkII helps you find the right sound quickly. 3.3.1. Filter buttons...

  • Page 32: Category And Preset Buttons

    You can view the options in the KeyLab mkII display as well as in Analog Lab 3. Once you have scrolled to the characteristic you want, press the center knob to select it.

  • Page 33: Encoders And Faders

    3.4. Encoders and Faders As with each mode in the KeyLab mkII, when you enter Analog Lab mode the controls to the right of the display assume different functions. We covered the Filter buttons in the Browsing Presets section [p.26]; now we will describe the new functions of the encoders and faders.

  • Page 34: The Faders

    Panning, Level, Effects Sends and Returns, and other parameters for each Part.  ♪: To learn more about the Live tab, please consult the Analog Lab 3 user manual. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Analog Lab mode...

  • Page 35: Build A Multi

    (or two pictures of the same instrument). After you have done this only Part 1 will be active on the KeyLab mkII. When you play a note on the keyboard you will hear only one Analog Lab 3 preset. To verify this visually, the Part 1 button should be lit on the front panel.

  • Page 36: Removing The Split Point

    ♪: Adding/removing a split point can also be a useful feature when building a layered Multi: Split the keyboard to focus on what each Part is contributing to a layer, then remove the split point to recombine the Parts and double-check the blend, the playability, etc. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Analog Lab mode...

  • Page 37: Daw Mode

    For example, the Track Select buttons will change their function to match the chosen mode on the KeyLab mkII: if you enter Analog Lab mode and open the Analog Lab 3 interface on a track, the Track Select buttons will now serve as the Filter buttons for Analog Lab 3.

  • Page 38: Daw Preset Selection

    DAW. Click the center knob to select that preset, and then the features of the KeyLab mkII will be reconfigured to match the most important functions of your DAW.

  • Page 39: Track / Global Controls

    4.3. Track / Global controls Using the industry standard Mackie HUI data language, KeyLab mkII gives you direct access to the most frequently used commands in your recording software. The difference between the Track Controls and the Global Controls is this: Track control buttons perform their functions only on the currently selected track •...

  • Page 40: The Transport Controls

    When DAW mode is selected, the center knob can be used as a "jog wheel" to move the playback cursor within your recording software backward and forward, speeding up your workflow. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - DAW mode...

  • Page 41: Channel/Bank Selection

    ♪: In DAW mode, Button 9 only has a function with Ableton Live: It allows you to toggle the Faders function. The default setting will control track volume, and the other setting will control the track "SEND A" knob. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - DAW mode...

  • Page 42: Encoders, Faders

    ♪: There are two response behaviors available for the faders in DAW mode: Jump or Pickup [p.79]. The choice can be made from the front panel of the KeyLab mkII [p.21] or using the [p.61]. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - DAW mode...

  • Page 43: Daw Preset Command Chart

    Define the start / end limits for “punch in” style recording Metro Toggles the DAW metronome on and off Undo Reverses the last action, such as a bad recording or the deletion of a track. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - DAW mode...

  • Page 44: Ableton Live

    Enables punch in/out recording within the defined ranges Metro Toggles the DAW metronome on and off Undo Reverses the last action, such as a bad recording or the deletion of a track. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - DAW mode...

  • Page 45: Pro Tools

    Define the start / end points for “punch in” style recording Metro Toggles the DAW metronome on and off Reverses the last action, such as a bad recording or the deletion of a Undo track. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - DAW mode...

  • Page 46: Studio One

    Changes the focus range of the track window Metro Toggles the DAW metronome on and off Reverses the last action, such as a bad recording or the deletion of a Undo track. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - DAW mode...

  • Page 47: User Mode

    5.2. User preset selection Once the KeyLab mkII is in User mode, you can turn the center knob to scroll through the 10 Presets. When you find the one you want, click the center knob to select it. The KeyLab mkII will be configured immediately with the settings that were stored with that preset.

  • Page 48: Controller Bank Selection

    The control buttons on the left side of this graphic are used to select which of the three banks of encoders, faders, and buttons are being accessed from the front panel. The appropriate button will be lit to indicate which bank is active. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...

  • Page 49: User Edit Mode

    All of the User Edit mode parameters are also available in the MIDI Control Center [p.61].  ♪: Remember to save your edits [p.52] frequently. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...

  • Page 50: The Display In User Edit Mode

    (box 3) • turn the center knob to change the selection • click the center knob to return to the parameter field and select a new parameter, etc. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...
  • Page 51  ♪: Control banks 1-3 are selected with the Control buttons (Part 1, Part 2, Live), not the center knob. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...

  • Page 52: The Keyboard

    5.5.3. The Keyboard There are several ways to configure the KeyLab mkII keyboard. It will always send MIDI note data, of course, but there are lots of additional options. You can specify whether the keyboard will • Operate in Split mode or not, and define the split point •...

  • Page 53: The Wheels

    The Modulation wheel normally sends MIDI CC# 1, but it can be reassigned to a different CC number using the MIDI Control Center [p.61]. Whatever it is configured to transmit, its data can be sent from Part 1, Part 2, or both. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...

  • Page 54: The Pads

    Each button can have its own setting. And as with every other programmable control, these settings can be made from the front panel or by using the MIDI Control Center [p.61]. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...

  • Page 55: Three Banks Of Controls

    They can be configured to send new values as soon as they are moved (Jump mode) or only after the current value of the parameter has been reached (Pickup mode). This choice can be made from the front panel of the KeyLab mkII [p.21] or using the [p.61].

  • Page 56: Pedals / Cv Connectors

    Mod 1: Translates MIDI velocity data into a control voltage by default, but another source may be chosen • Mod 2: Translates Modulation Wheel values into control voltages by default, but another source may be chosen Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...

  • Page 57: Non-Assignable Controls

    ♪: Another way to begin the Save process from within User Edit mode is to press the User button, after which the display will ask you if you want to save what you have done. If so, click the center knob and follow the procedures outlined above. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - User mode...

  • Page 58: Chord Mode

    Chord button [p.55] can record and recall a single chord, which can then be played on the keyboard. The Chord button chord is not preserved when the KeyLab mkII is disconnected from a power source, but the pads [p.56] can store up to 32 Chords in two different Chord modes (Chord Memory [p.56]...

  • Page 59: How Chord Mode Works

    The contents of the Chord Memory and Chord Transpose modes are stored with the User preset. An independent set of 32 chords is also available for each of the other modes (Analog Lab and DAW). So at any moment the KeyLab mkII can provide access to a total of 96 chords! Remember, though: the status of the Chord button and its chord are not stored with the User preset.

  • Page 60: Chord Mode: The Keyboard

    6 notes, until all of the notes have been entered.  ♪: The chord you create on the Chord button is not retained when the KeyLab mkII is power-cycled. However, chords can be stored to pads [p.57] using Chord Memory mode or Chord Transpose mode.

  • Page 61: The Pads: Two Chord Modes

    However you choose to use the Chord Transpose feature, you can then recall these chords with your left hand and play them monophonically with your right hand. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Chord mode...

  • Page 62: Building A Pad Chord

    For example: Record a C7 chord on pad 1 and a Cm7 chord on pad 2. To change which chord is played by middle C, press the desired pad. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - Chord mode...

  • Page 63: Cv / Gate / Mod Connections

    7. CV / GATE / MOD CONNECTIONS Rather than merely focus on controlling DAWs, plug-in software, and MIDI devices, the engineers at Arturia thought it would be really cool if the KeyLab mkII could also interface with modular analog synthesizers and their components.

  • Page 64: Pitch/Gate/Mod Connectors

    This is also a control voltage output, and its standard usage is to control a VCA (Voltage Controlled Amplifier). By default its voltage is determined by the velocity of the key being played on the KeyLab mkII, but it is possible to select a different source for this output in User Edit mode [p.44] or using the [p.61].

  • Page 65: Parameters (In User Edit Mode)

    7.2.5.4. CV Mod Out 2 Connector / User Edit mode name Parameter Range Mod 2 / CV Mod Out 2 Assign Any control (default: Mod Wheel) Volt range 1-10 V Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - CV / Gate / Mod connections...

  • Page 66: Midi Control Center

    ♪: If you have multiple Arturia devices connected to your system, you can specify which one you will be editing by selecting it from the drop-down menu in the Device section of the MCC. Now that your KeyLab mkII is connected and selected, let’s go over a few of the simple ways to personalize your controller.

  • Page 67: Local Templates

    The Local Templates section lets you store and organize your custom User presets without needing to save or recall settings from KeyLab mkII. It also can be used to load pre- configured control maps generated by the Arturia user community.

  • Page 68: Customize The Wheels

     ♪: The MIDI Channel number selected for the MIDI Ch button will also change the MIDI Channel for any control that has its MIDI Channel set to "User". Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 69: Customize The Pads

    On Value: Click/drag the knob or enter a value in the field below to set the • maximum value the pad will send when it is pressed. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 70: Pad Program Change

    8.5.5. Pad Preset Change This option lets you use any of KeyLab mkII’s pads to select a different User preset within the KeyLab mkII. Color: Select the color the pad will illuminate when it is pressed.

  • Page 71: Customize The User Buttons

    Click/drag the knob or enter a value between 0 and 127 in the field below. Not all devices respond to Bank MSB, so consult the documentation of the hardware or software instrument you want to control. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 72: Customize The Encoders

    8.7.1. Encoder Off Disables the encoder. This can be used to prevent accidentally moving the knob when it is not needed in the User preset. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 73: Encoder Control

    This can be a great feature when controlling parameters like volume, filter, or effect controls, since you may not want them to jump noticeably from their current setting when they are modified. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 74: Encoder Rpn / Nrpn

    RPN / NRPN MSB: Defines the RPN/NRPN value for Most Significant Byte that the • encoder will send when activated. Click/drag the knob or enter a value between 0 and 127 in the field below. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 75: Customize The Faders

    Min Value & Max Value: These parameters let you set the minimum and • maximum range of the selected fader. Click and drag the knobs or enter a value in the fields below them to set the range. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 76: Fader Rpn / Nrpn

    RPN / NRPN MSB: Defines the RPN/NRPN value for Most Significant Byte that the • fader will send when activated. Click/drag the knob or enter a value between 0 and 127 in the field below. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 77: Customize The Select Buttons

    RPN / NRPN MSB: Defines the RPN/NRPN value for Most Significant Byte that the • button will send when activated. Click/drag the knob or enter a value between 0 and 127 in the field below. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 78: Select Button Program Change

    Click/drag the knob or enter a value between 0 and 127 in the field below. Not all devices respond to Bank MSB, so consult the documentation of the hardware or software instrument you want to control. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 79: Customize The Keyboard

    ♪: Settings related to Part 2 and the Split Point are only shown when Split mode is set to On. Also, any parameters that are set to Part 2 or Both will be ignored from the KeyLab mkII unless Split mode = Part 1 Channel: Select the output MIDI channel for Part 1, between 1 and 16.

  • Page 80: Customize The Cv Modulation Input

    Min Value & Max Value: These parameters let you set the minimum and • maximum range of the Mod CV input. Click and drag the knobs or enter a value in the fields below them to set the range. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 81: Customize The Pedals

    ♪: The Continuous Pedal Calibration [p.80] parameter in the Device Settings section [p.79] allows you to calibrate the physical response range for each pedal when its Mode is set to Control. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 82: Pedal Switched Control

     ♪: All 5 pedal inputs can detect the polarity of a foot switch when the KeyLab mkII is powered up. To make sure this happens, set the desired pedal input to the Switched control mode. This is not a global parameter, though, so if you want each User preset to be configured this way you will need to store this setting separately in each User preset.

  • Page 83: Customize The Pitch Out

    Mod CV Source: The default source is keyboard velocity, but any one of the • continuous controls on the KeyLab mkII can be used. The Select buttons can be used, too; they toggle between the maximum and minimum voltages specified by the next parameter.

  • Page 84: The Device Settings Tab

    The upper right-hand corner of the MCC has a tab labeled Device Settings. This is where you find the Global settings for the KeyLab mkII. There are multiple sections on this page, each with two or more settings. Let’s take a closer look at what each parameter does.

  • Page 85: Pads Section

    8.17. Import and Export buttons You can also Import and Export all of the Device Settings, which allows you to configure any KeyLab mkII with your preferred settings at once. An exported Device Settings file carries the extension .keylabmkII_ds. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab MkII - MIDI Control Center...

  • Page 86: Software License Agreement

    The License is not a sale of the original SOFTWARE. 2. Grant of License Arturia grants you a non-exclusive license for the use of the software according to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. You may not lease, loan or sub- license the software.
  • Page 87 (a) return of the purchase price or (b) replacement of the disk that does not meet the Limited Warranty and which is returned to Arturia with a copy of your receipt. This limited Warranty is void if failure of the software has resulted from accident, abuse, modification, or misapplication.

  • Page 88: Declaration Of Conformity

    Important notice: DO NOT MODIFY THE UNIT! This product, when installed as indicate in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC requirement. Modifications not expressly approved by Arturia may avoid your authority, granted by the FCC, to use the product.

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