Arturia Controllers any good?

[wuworld]

Anyone have a Arturia Midi Controller? Was looking at getting one. Thanks.

[vurt]

yes.

[cryophonik]

Which one are you looking at and what are your needs? Generally speaking, you get what you pay (and then some) for with Arturia - a well built controller with some innovative features in many models, from a reputable company and at a good price. If you’re looking for a compact controller with cool things like a step sequencer, etc., that seems to be their forte. But, if you want a full sized, full featured controller with a high end keybed for controlling a room full of hardware synths, my advice is to look elsewhere.

[jdoo]

I have an Arturia 'The Laboratory' that I bought new, in 2012. I've used it as my main home studio system for 10 years, of near constant use and abuse. It has outlived several other controllers (mostly because it never leaves home). It is built like a brick, (mostly metal - not plastic) and has some of the best aftertouch of any controller I have used. I don't have any of the newer Arturia controllers though. Interesting side bit though -- it still supported by Arturia software, plays well with V Collection, etc.. When connected to Arturia plug-ins.. it displays the names, synth values, etc.. That -- is one of the great things about a controller from a company that provides the software plug-ins. It can interact, as if it is fully integrated system (without a bunch of programming)

[chk071]

yes.

+1

Good controllers.

[vitocorleone123]

yes.

+1

Good controllers.

Keysteps are the best compact controllers (for me). I’m only a little skeptical of the white plastic turning yellow, but, mechanically, I have zero concerns.

[thecontrolcentre]

Yes, I have a Keystep. Best mini keys controller out there imho.

[vurt]

yes.

+1

Good controllers.

+1.

[chk071]

-1

To make up for vurt's double +1.

[vurt]

-1

To make up for vurt's double +1.

i was plus oneing your "good keyboard" comment. my earlier "yes" was just affirming my ownership

[chk071]

Ah... nevermind then.

[Scotty]

I have a Keystep Pro and Mini Lab which is ancient. Both are working well. I don't think they are particularly high quality in terms of response. They get the job done.

[Cepheus]

What about the Keylab 88 MKII? How would you rate the feel, playability and usability of that keyboard compared to similar boards.

[FJ5]

What about the Keylab 88 MKII? How would you rate the feel, playability and usability of that keyboard compared to similar boards.

I'm not a piano player but did try it out in a store - felt very heavy & slow compared to other weighted keys.

RE: Arturia keyboards generally, I think they're brilliant. I had a KeyLab 49 Mk2 & wanted more keys & over the last 12 months tried out many alternatives.

In the end I bought a KeyLab 61 Mk2!

From my testing, nothing could beat it. Yes it's expensive but the keybed is great - lighter than e.g. NI S61 Mk2 but full 0-127 available (& achievable!) & much better build quality (I had 2 S61s & both developed hardware faults).

No bells & whistles (e.g. chord mode, arp, fancy screen etc.) but great DAW control (for me with Cubase Pro) & easy to use/program.

I've also got a KeyStep 37 (for arp etc.) & similarly, a high quality instrument.

[kvotchin]

In the end I bought a KeyLab 61 Mk2!

(. . .)

I've also got a KeyStep 37 (for arp etc.)

This is also my exact setup.

Both solid and versatile. No, not suitable for playing serious piano parts. Otherwise, fine.

Worth considering bundled software too. I’ve found Analog Lab very useful (for example), but not everyone would.