In this video I'll be showing you one

of the most powerful aspects of KeyLab Essential.

The ability to customize its functions

and create user maps.

Now one of the obvious features of this midi controller

is that it has eight performance pads.

Now this is pretty common in a lot of midi controllers.

But let me show you why KeyLab essential

is a different beast.

You'll notice that each pad has text underneath it.

This corresponds with the different maps

available in KeyLab Essential.

One dedicated to Analog Lab

another for using with your recording software

and six customizable user maps.

Let me show you how easy it is to make your own maps

and make the most of your setup.

To customize KeyLab essential you'll need to use

the Arturia midi control center.

If you've been following along with these tutorials

we covered the installation in episode one.

If you haven't done this yet

follow the link in the description, download and install it.

Once your controller is connected to your computer via USB

open up the midi control center.

On the left you'll see a dropdown list of controllers.

If it isn't selected already,

pull up and click on KeyLab Essential.

You'll now see a display

of KeyLab Essential's interface on your screen.

Now to give you an idea of what's possible

let's create a map that controls two instruments at once.

In my DAW I've loaded up a synth lead

in one instance of Analog Lab

that's listening to midi input channel one

and a pad in another instance of Analog Lab

that's listening to channel two.

In the midi control center let's click on user map one.

We definitely want to use the keyboard

to control the synth lead sound

so let's make sure the keyboard

is outputting to midi channel one.

For the pad sound I know I only want

to be able to play a few specific notes.

So, let's assign them manually

that way we can never go wrong.

But first off, let's assign each pad

to output to midi channel two.

This way they'll send their note information

to the second instance of Analog Lab.

Now let's assign our musical notes.

By default the pads are usually outputting C1 to G1

the typical starting range of midi drums and samplers.

Let's say the piece of music we're playing

is in the key of E minor.

So, let's set pad 1 to E1

Pad 2 to G1

Pad 3 to B1

and pad 4 to C2.

Now let's use pad five to eight

to give us another octave on these notes.

So, pad 5 to E2

Pad 6 to G2

Pad 7 to B2

and pad 8 to C3.

Let's use the menu on the left to save this user map

so KeyLab Essential updates.

Just hit store two.

Now let's listen to how that sounds.

If we've done everything right we'll be able

to play our synth line over the top of our pad.

This is obviously a very basic demonstration

of what's possible with custom maps.

And once you start experimenting

with your KeyLab Essential and midi control center,

the possibilities will really start to inspire you.

For example, let me show you a slightly more complex setup

controlling a synth and a delay at the same time.

Here's an instance of Analog Lab with a nice organic sound

and I've also added an analog style delay

as an insert effect on this channel in my DAW.

In user map two I left the rotary knob set

to the default controls to change

the synth's cut-off resonance in LFO.

But I'll change the faders to control

some of the fun delay parameters.

Let's set the first three faders to midi CCs 20, 21 and 22.

Now let's save our user map in slot two

and assign our new blank midi CCs to our delay.

All I need to do now is hit midi learn in my DAW

click on the parameter I want to control

and move the fader that I want to assign to it.

Let's choose the delay time for fader one

the feedback for fader two

and the dry, wet mix for fader three.

Now let's see how it sounds.

Pretty crazy, but fun!

Now I'm happy with my setup

I can even add names to the faders

in the midi control center.

These will be displayed on KeyLab Essential's screen

when activating the control.

You can also use it to leave

hilarious messages for yourself.

But I'm far too mature to do that.

There are so many options available

in the midi control center.

I couldn't possibly demonstrate them all in one video.

And although I've only scratched

the surface of what's possible using KeyLab Essential.

I hope it's inspired you to take a closer look.

And finally, it's worth mentioning

that KeyLab Essential features a midi out.

So, not only can you use it with software instruments,

and recording software, you can also control things

like hardware synths and midi control rack effects

with a dedicated user map for each bit of gear.

So, that's it for now.

In the next episode I'll show you how powerful

KeyLab Essential is when used with recording software

and go over the DAW command center.

Bye for now.