Who controls your virtual instruments better? Arturia Keylab vs Kontrol s49

Is the new NKS compatibility in Arturia's KeyLab actually useful? I put the Arturia KeyLab head-to-head with the Native Instruments S49 to see which MIDI keyboard controller reigns supreme for controlling virtual instruments and my DAW, Cubase.

Big thanks to Sweetwater, who is not my sponsor, but who always make trying gear so easy for their customers.

In this in-depth comparison, I break down everything from hardware feel and features to software integration and workflow. We'll explore:

NKS Integration: How well does the KeyLab handle Native Instruments' ecosystem?
DAW Control: A deep dive into Cubase integration for both keyboards.
Virtual Instrument Control: Can the KeyLab control Arturia's own instruments, like Pigments, as well as the S49?
Hardware Features: Faders, pads, polyphonic aftertouch, and keyboard feel – which one is right for you?
Included Software: A look at the value of AnalogLab V and other bundled instruments.

I've created a comparison chart and scored each keyboard point-by-point to help you decide. Which one will stay in my studio and which one is going back? Watch to find out my final verdict!

I'm a Grammy nominated composer, producer and sound engineer as well as an executive and strategist in the music industry. I've composed sonic identities for some of the biggest brands in the world including AT&T, Univision, The Weather Channel and The American Cancer Society. I also regularly create show themes, trailer scores and songs for Netflix and others.

My website: jlrevelo.com

My music company: nomaada.com

00:00 Intro
01:05 Browsing libraries directly from keyboard
01:25 Compatible directly with Kontakt
01:58 Kontrol actually crashes on screen
02:35 Names of parameters displayed on screen
03:07 Quick Controls vs Extended parameters
04:19 Faders or knobs to control channels?
04:37 Who controls Arturia's own instruments better?
05:49 Analog Lab V
06:34 Keyboard Feel (for me)
06:53 Pads / Pads as shortcuts for Cubase Key Commands
07:30 Play assist features
07:47 Faders as Expression controllers
08:45 Light Guides
08:55 Polyphonic Aftertouch
09:36 The Last Nail in the Coffin
11:05 Conclusions



#arturia #nativeinstruments #midicontroller #keylab #s49 #cubase #nks #musicproduction #hometudio