The Arturia KeyLab mk3 just received a free firmware update — version 1.5 — and it’s one of the more substantial mid-cycle updates I’ve seen from the French company. No new hardware, no upsell. Just features that make a controller you already own meaningfully better for live performance.
MainStage Finally Gets Proper Integration
The standout addition is Apple MainStage integration via a new controller script. If you perform live with MainStage, you know the drill: patch changes mean glancing at the laptop, breaking focus at exactly the wrong moment. With 1.5, your set list and patches now live directly on the KeyLab mk3’s 3.5-inch display.
Four contextual buttons handle navigation — previous set, next set, previous patch, next patch — without touching the computer. Transport is covered too: stop, play, record, tap tempo, and a metronome toggle are all mapped. Fader 9 controls the MainStage master output. It’s a clean, well-thought-out implementation, and I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with it in the next months.
Analog Lab Multis Redesigned
If layered and split sounds are central to your live setup, the redesigned Analog Lab multi workflow deserves attention. The display now gives you a proper visual overview of all active parts — what’s layered, what’s split, and exactly where on the keyboard each zone falls.
Previously, setting split points involved a degree of guesswork. Now the split is shown graphically in real time, which sounds like a small thing until you’re mid-soundcheck trying to remember which half of the keyboard is driving the bass patch.
This pairs well with what we noted in our Arturia KeyLab mk3 review: the display has always been one of this controller’s genuine strengths, and Arturia keeps building on it intelligently.
Arp Randomization and Display Improvements
The arpeggiator gets a dice icon in the Analog Lab menu — one tap randomizes rate, mode, division, and swing simultaneously. It’s a fast way to break out of familiar patterns and stumble into something interesting. Not a new concept, but a welcome addition to a tool that’s meant to keep ideas moving. I’m a sucker for arpeggiators and randomization features, so this is another winner in my book.
Display navigation across the whole interface has also been refined: cleaner menus, new icons for V Collection 11 instruments, and updated on/off indicators. The chord mode, arpeggiator, settings page, rename function, and contextual button assignment screens all look sharper. These are small wins that compound when you’re on stage focused on music rather than menus.
A Few Things Worth Clarifying
The video describes the 49 and 61-key models as having “weighted action” — that’s not accurate. The 49 and 61-key KeyLab mk3 units feature velocity-sensitive synth-action keys with aftertouch; the weighted Fatar TP/110 hammer-action keybed is exclusive to the KeyLab mk3 88. Worth keeping straight if you’re buying based on feel.
Also worth mentioning for KeyLab Essential mk3 owners reading this: update 1.5 is for the full KeyLab mk3 line only.
Pricing and Availability
The Arturia KeyLab mk3 1.5 update is free and available now through Arturia Software Center for all KeyLab mk3 owners.
Hardware pricing:
- KeyLab mk3 49-key: €449 / $449 (black or white)
- KeyLab mk3 61-key: €549 / $549 (black or white)
- KeyLab mk3 88-key: $1,299 (black or white)
