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Arturia KEYLAB MK3 User Manual
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Arturia KEYLAB MK3 User Manual

Arturia KEYLAB MK3 User Manual

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USER MANUAL
_KEYLAB MK3

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Summary of Contents for Arturia KEYLAB MK3

  • Page 1 USER MANUAL _KEYLAB MK3...
  • Page 2 Special Thanks DIRECTION Frédéric BRUN PROJECT MANAGEMENT Nicolas DUBOIS PRODUCT MANAGEMENT Florian RAMEAU Farès MEZDOUR DESIGN Morgan PERRIER Alexandre BARBIER Agustina PASSERON FIRMWARE Pierre DECHERF Olivier DELHOMME Sylvain MAVON Thibault SENAC HARDWARE Loïc BRUNET INDUSTRIALIZATION Jérôme BLANC Rita HUNG Maxime PERRIER Antonio EIRAS Nadine LANTHEAUME MIDI CONTROL CENTER...
  • Page 3 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 4 This instruction manual covers the use of Arturia's KeyLab mk3 and provides specific details on its features, so you can take full advantage of this powerful keyboard controller. Whether on the road, in the studio, or at home, we are confident that the KeyLab mk3 will become an indispensable tool in your kit.
  • Page 5 We're sure you will find the KeyLab mk3 a powerful tool in your setup and we hope you'll use it to its fullest potential.
  • Page 6 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 7 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 mk3 will help take your creativity to the next level. Musically yours,...
  • Page 8 Table Of Contents Getting Started ................................3 1.1. Connecting KeyLab mk3 ..............................3 1.1.1. Connecting via USB........................................3 1.1.2. Connecting via MIDI ........................................3 1.2. Front Panel Layout ................................3 1.3. Selecting Program at Startup............................4 1.4. Front Panel, Left Side................................5 1.5.
  • Page 9 DAW Program ................................44 4.1. An Overview of DAW Program..........................44 4.2. DAW preset selection ..............................45 4.2.1. List of Supported DAWs ......................................46 4.2.2. Preparing your DAW......................................46 User Program ................................47 5.1. General concept .................................. 47 5.2. User Program Selection..............................47 5.3.
  • Page 10 Mac. Your controller keyboard will be ready to use within a few seconds after power-up.  For Windows users: The Arturia USB MIDI Driver, installed along Analog Lab, is necessary to use the KeyLab mk3 with the Analog Lab and DAW integration. 1.1.2. Connecting via MIDI If you'd like to use KeyLab mk3 to control external devices without a computer attached, simply use an optional 12V DC 1.0A power supply.
  • Page 11 We'll get further into the details later on in this manual. For now, we suggest you select Arturia to start playing some sounds in Analog Lab. You do so by turning the Main Encoder to the Arturia Program and pressing it to load. You load sounds by turning the Main Encoder and clicking it to confirm.
  • Page 12 Bank +/–. Use these buttons to step through Pad Banks. Settings. Direct access to the internal settings in KeyLab mk3 (can be personalized in User mode) . Program. Direct access to the Program menu, where you can create, manage and load different Programs.
  • Page 13 DAW applications. 6. Keyboard. 49 or 61 velocity sensitive keys with aftertouch.  ♪ Most controls on the KeyLab mk3 can be assigned to custom MIDI commands in User Edit mode or by using the MIDI Control Center [p.2].
  • Page 14 • attached, connect an optional 12V DC 1.0A power supply here. When working with a DAW, use the USB-C port to connect KeyLab mk3 to your computer. This port provides both power, MIDI data, and control information. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Getting Started...
  • Page 15 2. OVERVIEW This chapter will guide you through the different functions and MIDI effects of KeyLab mk3. Some topics – working with Analog Lab, User Programs, DAW mode, and MIDI Control Center – are fully described in separate chapters. 2.1. Selecting Program at Startup When first powering on KeyLab mk3, you are greeted by the Welcome page.
  • Page 16 (also called aftertouch or channel-aftertouch). 2.2.1. Changing the MIDI Channel The MIDI channel of the KeyLab mk3 can be changed by holding the MIDI Channel button and pressing one of the lower 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 17 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 mk3 downwards, press the Trans– button, once for every step in a chromatic scale. Example: To transpose from C down to A, press Trans– 3 times. Likewise, press the Trans+ button to transpose upwards.
  • Page 18 The Octave shift function is practical when you need to set the tonal center of a Preset or temporarily extend the range of an instrument. Pressing the Oct– or Oct+ buttons will shift the range of KeyLab mk3’s keyboard, giving you access to higher and lower octaves.
  • Page 19 2.8. Program This is where you select what Program mode you want to work in: Arturia, DAW, or User. By long-pressing the relevant button, you can perform the edits described above. In a User Program, you can also rename, delete, copy or swap User Programs.
  • Page 20 2.10. Pads KeyLab mk3 features 12 dual function performance Pads that are both velocity sensitive and pressure sensitive. By default, the Pads output MIDI notes, and you may find the Pads useful for triggering drum sounds or effects. The default output of the 12 pads are:...
  • Page 21 All Notes Off, which resets all controllers and sends a "note off" message to all MIDI channels. To send a Panic message from KeyLab mk3, press the Stop button quickly three times. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Overview...
  • Page 22 2.12. Chord KeyLab mk3 features an advanced Chord mode which lets you perform chords on the keyboard using only one finger. Playing different keys will transpose the Chord up and down. To turn Chord mode on and off, short-press the Chord button.
  • Page 23 But when you are in Chord mode, if you play C3 on the keyboard you will hear C3, F3, and A3. This is because you have told KeyLab mk3 to transpose the original chord you entered upward by five chromatic steps (that is, a musical fourth). If you want to hear the original chord you will need to play the G2 key.
  • Page 24 Record: A slightly different method to enter a chord. Here you can see the notes • you add and the root note is in blue. Add and remove notes by playing them again. Reset to start over and press OK to finish editing your User Chord. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Overview...
  • Page 25 Voicing: This mode adds variation to the preset chords (not the User chord). With • voicing on, KeyLab mk3 elegantly voices the chords differently to create more musical voicing during chord changes. Example: When playing C Maj followed by F Maj, the whole chord doesn't just move a fourth up but is re-voiced more like a live keyboard player would play it.
  • Page 26  ♪ The Scale chosen will be remembered even after powering KeyLab mk3 off and on again. 2.13.1. Using Scale Mode When you activate Scale by hitting the Scale key, the screen will confirm by saying Scale Mode ON and the Scale button will light up.
  • Page 27 • User: You can create a Scale of your own. See below. • When Scale is not active, KeyLab mk3 defaults to Chromatic, the standard scale used on every western keyboard instrument. 2.13.2. Create Your Own Scale It's easy to create a scale of your own. When in the Scale menu, press the Record button (the lower right button below the Display under the word Record).
  • Page 28 You leave the Scale menu by pressing the Back button. 2.14. Arpeggiator KeyLab mk3 includes a fun and flexible Arpeggiator fashioned after those in classic synths, letting you craft rolling, percolating patterns out of held chords. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Overview...
  • Page 29  ♪ To hear your edits in real-time, please make sure that the screen says Arp ON. If it doesn't, press the Arp button on the panel once. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Overview...
  • Page 30 BPM: Sets the Arpeggiator rate in beats per minute when Sync is set to Internal. • Sync: Selects KeyLab mk3’s internal clock (BPM) or an external source such as • connected software or hardware (Ext) unit as the source of master tempo.
  • Page 31 To reset any change applied on the edit page, long-press the associated contextual button. Long-pressing the Die button resets all random values. You leave the Random page by hitting the Back button. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Overview...
  • Page 32 2.15. DAW Controls One of the main features of KeyLab mk3 is its ability to remotely control your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). When rehearsing, recording, and editing music and audio, it's easier to focus on the task at hand when the most important DAW controls are within easy reach.
  • Page 33 2.15.1. DAW Utility Controls Using the industry standard Mackie HUI data language, KeyLab mk3 gives you direct access to the most frequently used commands in your recording software. Save: Saves your project. • Quantize: Quantizes the selected MIDI clip/part. •...
  • Page 34  ♪ KeyLab mk3's compatibility with your chosen DAW will depend on how each manufacturer handles the MCU and HUI protocols. For more information, consult the KeyLab mk3 page on the Arturia website, or the documentation of your preferred DAW.
  • Page 35 2.16. The Center Display and its Controls Your main source of information when playing KeyLab mk3 will be presented in the big backlit Display. For most of the finer details and deep editing, the 8 Contextual Buttons, the Main Encoder and the Back button will become your best friends.
  • Page 36 2.16.3. The Back Button The Back button is essential when navigating KeyLab mk3. After selecting a function or editing a parameter, the Back button takes you back, one step up for every button press.
  • Page 37 Collection instruments, which you can then open inside of Analog Lab V to map their internal parameters to Macros.  ♪ When Analog Lab is used as a standalone instrument, please make sure to select KeyLab mk3 as your MIDI Controller under the cogwheel in the upper right corner. 2.18. Keyboard KeyLab mk3 comes in two sizes –...
  • Page 38 MIDI In: This connector receives MIDI data from external devices, and also • serves as a MIDI/USB converter for your DAW. MIDI Out: KeyLab mk3's MIDI Out connector will send USB and MIDI data to • external devices, and can do so without a computer when powered with an optional power supply.
  • Page 39 Arturia instruments make a powerful combination.  ♪ The focus of this chapter will be the features of KeyLab mk3, with occasional explanations of Analog Lab for your convenience. For in-depth information about Analog Lab, please consult the manual for that software.
  • Page 40 After this, every time you start Analog Lab it should connect to the KeyLab mk3 on its own. But if this is the first time you use Analog Lab with KeyLab mk3, you may also need to select KeyLab mk3 in the MIDI Controller settings.
  • Page 41 3.1.1. Selecting Analog Lab Presets After everything has been setup as described above, the first thing you should see in the KeyLab mk3 display is the image and the name of an Analog Lab Preset – the same Preset as on your computer screen.
  • Page 42  ♪ When selecting a Preset in Analog Lab, the same Preset will be seen in the KeyLab mk3 screen. Analog Lab and KeyLab mk3 are always "in sync". 3.2. Single and Multi Presets Analog Lab offers two kinds of Presets: Singles and Multis, that is Presets consisting of either one or two Instruments.
  • Page 43 3.2.1. Filtering Presets With Arturia Program mode selected, the center section and the Filter buttons work together to streamline the process of selecting presets. There are times during the creative process when you know the type of sound you want: an acoustic piano, a lead, or a sequence, for example.
  • Page 44 ♪ As always with Multi Presets, there are separate Filters for Part 1 and 2. 3.2.2. The Edit Presets Page If you're not there already, go to the Preset Edit page by pressing Prog, then Arturia. Select a Preset to edit.
  • Page 45 You don't even have to press the Main Encoder to confirm your edits.  ♪ The easiest way to reset a value to its default setting is to long-press the button next to the parameter. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Arturia Program...
  • Page 46 ♪ As always with Multi Presets, there are separate edit pages for Part 1 and 2. 3.2.5. Edit Keyboard Settings To edit Keyboard Settings, select a Preset. Press the button next to the ••• symbol and select Keyboard Settings. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Arturia Program...
  • Page 47 3.2.6. The Idea Behind Multis When using KeyLab mk3 with Analog Lab, you will notice that several Presets are Multis, that is, they consist of two sounds. A Multi Preset can have many uses. When layering, two similar sounds (like two pads or two organs) or supplementary sounds (like a piano and a Rhodes) may be played in unison across the keyboard, panned left and right for that full sound.
  • Page 48 ♪ When editing a Multi Preset, screen text, contextual buttons and the Transpose and Octave buttons will change color depending on what Part you're editing – orange for Part 1 and green for Part 2. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Arturia Program...
  • Page 49 3.2.7.3. Creative Split Features The way Splits are organized in KeyLab mk3, allows for some creative thinking. The two Instruments are not just limited to a common split point; any Part can have any keyboard range .
  • Page 50 This will load another Preset, and that's probably not what you want at this stage. Instead, always use the Main Encoder + click to check out replacement Instruments. Keyboard: Here you can set the note range and Transpose or shift Octave for each Part. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Arturia Program...
  • Page 51 4. DAW PROGRAM One of the great strengths of KeyLab mk3 is its ability to control your DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). First you must enter DAW Program. When you power up KeyLab mk3, you'll be given 3 options. One of them is DAW Program.
  • Page 52 Next, press Global and scroll through the list to find the name of your DAW. Click the Main Encoder to select that DAW Protocol. Now the features of KeyLab mk3 will be reconfigured to match the most important functions of your DAW.
  • Page 53  ♪ If your DAW isn't listed, its compatibility with KeyLab mk3 depends on how your DAW handles the MCU and HUI protocols. For more information, consult the documentation of the DAW you are using. 4.2.1. List of Supported DAWs...
  • Page 54 User Mode is where you can edit your personal global controller keyboard settings. Almost anything in KeyLab mk3 can be adjusted to your taste in a User Program. User Mode lets you create specific User Programs for different jobs – recording, live gigs, rehearsals, education, experimenting and so on.
  • Page 55 Pressing the Split button activates the 2 MIDI Parts. In this mode, the encoders and faders on the right of KeyLab mk3 control either Part 1 or Part 2 in a Multi. The color coding is a big help here. With Analog Lab in Explore or Edit mode, orange denotes Part 1 and green denotes Part 2.
  • Page 56 Linear: Playing a key softly sends out a low velocity value, play harder and • KeyLab mk3 will output higher velocity. "What you play is what you get". Logarithmic: Going from soft to a little louder results in a much louder sound. This •...
  • Page 57 There is no global standard for how switch and continuous pedals are supposed to behave. Fortunately, KeyLab mk3 can correct any mismatch. This page can also be accessed via the Pedals tab. First connect your pedal(s). Then scroll to Pedal Calibration and follow the instructions. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 58 5.4.1.3. MIDI Thru These settings determine whether data will be passed between the MIDI and USB connectors in both directions, MIDI In to MIDI Out, only one direction, or not at all. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 59 • Apple Logic Pro • Bitwig Studio • Image-Line FL Studio • Steinberg Cubase • DAW Control can also be generic (suitable for all DAWs). Standard MCU • Standard HUI • Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 60 This is to protect the screen burn-in. 5.4.1.9. Welcome Page When you power up KeyLab mk3, it will show a Welcome Page where you can decide to go into User Mode, Arturia Mode, or DAW Mode. If you find this page helpful, leave it on. If you'd rather skip this page at every startup, turn it off here, and the last used User Program will load at next startup.
  • Page 61 Tolerance will be added between 2 sets of notes. 5.4.1.12. Factory Reset If you want to go back to the default settings of KeyLab mk3, press here. You'll be taken to a page where you can accept or decline.
  • Page 62 5.4.2.1. MIDI Parts Part Type: Select whether KeyLab mk3 should default to Split or Layered Mode • when you create a Multi Preset. 5.4.3. Velocity Curve The velocity curve in a User Program can be set to follow the Global setting or be specific for every User Program.
  • Page 63 These two edit pages are identical. Select the Part you want to edit. Here you can set what Note Range, MIDI Channel, Octave, and Semitone (Transpose) values that KeyLab mk3 defaults to when you create Presets. Pitch and Mod Wheel, Aftertouch, Sustain, Expression, and Aux Pedals can de active by default too.
  • Page 64 Parts: A pedal can be assigned to Part 1, Part 2, Part 1+2 or no Part. • Type: Can be Off, (Continuous) Control, Switch, Note, or Program Change. • MIDI Channel: Select MIDI channel here. • Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 65 Bank MSB, so consult the documentation of the hardware or software instrument you want to control. 5.4.10. Encoders Settings in User Program The 9 Encoders and 9 Faders on the right side of KeyLab mk3 are your best friends when you control remote sound modules, real or virtual.
  • Page 66 Absolute: The Encoder sends a value between 0 and 127. When ◦ KeyLab mk3 boots, the encoder value is initialized to 0. Turning the Encoder clockwise increases the value if it's less than 127. Turning the Encoder counter-clockwise will decrease the value if it is higher than Relative Main: The Encoder sends a value corresponding to a position ◦...
  • Page 67 Absolute: The Encoder sends a value between 0 and 127. When ◦ KeyLab mk3 boots, the encoder value is initialized to 0. Turning the Encoder clockwise increases the value if it's less than 127. Turning the Encoder counter-clockwise will decrease the value if it is higher than Relative Main: The Encoder sends a value corresponding to a position ◦...
  • Page 68 MIDI channel. Under Option you can select Gate or Toggle mode and set min and max values. This will only work when you're on a User screen, not when editing a menu. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 69 9 Encoders, they give you the feel of having actual controls under your fingertips. We would advise any KeyLab mk3 user to learn how the Encoders and Faders are organized in their favorite sound module. For example, in Analog Lab, the Filter is nearly always on Encoder 1 and Delay control is on 7, Attack on Fader 5 and Master Volume on Encoder 9, et cetera.
  • Page 70 Min/Max Value: When Type is Control, you can set the MIDI CC range here. • MSB/LSB: When Type is RPN/NRPN, you can set LSB and MSB values here. •  ♪ LSB and MSB are explained here [p.57]. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 71 5.4.12.1. Pad Sensitivity Pad Sensitivity can be set to 3 levels – Low, Medium, and High. Choose one that you're comfortable with. Remember that this setting is hard linked to the Global setting. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 72 Linear: Playing a Pad softly sends out a low velocity value, play harder and • KeyLab mk3 will output higher velocity. "What you play is what you get". Logarithmic: Going from soft to a little louder results in a much louder sound. This •...
  • Page 73 Option: Can be set to Gate or Toggle. • CC Number + Min and Max Values: Choose what MIDI CC to transmit and its • range. Switch: Gate or Toggle. • Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 74 Min and Max Values: Choose the range here. • Program Number + Bank LSB/MSB: Set the MIDI Program number and LSB/MSB • the pedal will send when activated.  ♪ LSB and MSB are explained here [p.57]. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - User Program...
  • Page 75 MCC also provides an elegant way to save and recall many more User memories than the 6 Programs in KeyLab mk3. When the KeyLab mk3 is connected to your computer, you may prefer to use the MCC to design your presets to match whatever software or instruments you might use.
  • Page 76 The Local Templates section lets you store and organize your custom User presets without needing to save or recall settings from KeyLab mk3. It also can be used to load pre- configured control maps generated by the Arturia user community.
  • Page 77 Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to Electromagnetic Compatibility according to 2014/30/EU, and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. 7.4. ROHS This device has been produced with lead free solder and fulfills the requirements of the ROHS directive 2011/65/EU. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Declaration of Conformity...
  • Page 78 For more information about collection points and recycling of these products, please contact your local municipal office, your household waste disposal service, or the shop where you purchased the product. Arturia - User Manual KeyLab mk3 - Declaration of Conformity...
  • Page 79 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 80 (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.

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