![]() ![]() We found that whether we ran Analog Lab standalone or hosted it in a DAW or MainStage, settings snapped instantly to their proper hardware control assignments even if we’d switched away from the Arturia instruments then back again. Still, pretty much anything you’d want to tweak-oscillators, filters, envelopes, and more-is on hand and displayed onscreen in a pane that mirrors the KeyLab panel. The Analog Lab instruments use the same sound engine as the full-priced versions, the difference being that they’re preset-based and you don’t get the full vintage-mockup interfaces you do with the full V Collection counterparts. The drum pads feel good enough that MPC purists just might not wrinkle their noses here. The key tops are textured, the keys sit tightly with no lateral wobble, and we just can’t over-emphasize that this action feels far more expensive than it is. Aftertouch, which is also adjustable, had a wide sweet spot and was responsive to subtle changes in finger pressure. In our opinion, the Fatar-sourced hammer action skews a bit on the heavy side-pianists might consider this a plus-but can be lightened up via the 11 velocity curves. In addition to expression and sustain pedal jacks, there’s a 1/8" breath-controller input. MIDI In and Out ports are on hand for external hardware other than your computer, and the KeyLab is USB-powerable. So if you’ve already invested in great sounds that reside in software, a controller that costs X dollars can offer a better keybed and playing experience than a synth or stage piano of the same price. ![]() If a keyboard’s price doesn’t reflect everything involved in building an instrument with internal sounds (e.g., sampling sessions, memory, DSP, audio I/O, etc.) that price mainly reflects the quality of the action and whatever real-time controls the instrument has. The other reason is, if you’re a composer and/or arranger, 88 keys give you more than enough spread to set up lots of zones for splits and layers, so you can lay out all the sounds you need to craft your counterpoint right in front of you. One is that your playing focuses on piano specifically, a premium software piano such as Synthogy Ivory, Modartt Pianoteq, or the Spitfire Hans Zimmer Piano (reviewed in our May 2016 issue). There are two main reasons to go for an 88-key controller. In this quick guide, we’ll round up the major players a player needs to know about. The good news is that what is out there is well-differentiated in its category, so matching a keyboard to your needs isn’t a head-scratcher. There seems to be an unspoken sentiment of “If you need 88 weighted keys, get a stage piano or a workstation.” But you may want the room to stretch out even though you don’t need internal sounds from your slab of black ’n’ whites. ![]()
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