The first four endless encoders are automatically mapped to filter cutoff, resonance, and LFO rate/amount within the included Analog Lab software, immediately enabling access to a wide range of tones on any given preset. The endless encoder knobs are wonderful, automatically remembering and picking up values from when they were last moved.
#ARTURIA ANALOG LAB FOR 61 KEY PIANO PATCH#
The LED screen becomes even more useful when combined with Analog Lab and Ableton, displaying brief patch information and mappings. The LED doesn’t simply show the data of the last MIDI control you moved it also displays the name of the control and its CC value. It’s far more informative than most other controllers on the market. The KeyLab Essential 61’s LED screen is one of its best features. An additional cool feature: the drum pads are backlit by colour-changing LEDs, and the transport’s “Record” button is backlit by a red LED for added contrast. Though transport controls are standard on most controllers, this controller goes above and beyond with extra controls for saving, undoing, punch recording, and toggling the metronome. Once configured, the KeyLab Essential 61’s second drum pad serves as a shortcut to your DAW, so you can dive right into the production process. Using the included copy of Ableton Live Lite, I was able to easily use the pre-assigned controls to start working on a beat.