Arturia KeyLab mk3

Introduction

This document serves as the user guide for integrating the Arturia KeyLab mk3 MIDI controller with Bitwig Studio. It outlines the setup process and details the script features that enhance the workflow between the hardware and the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).

The KeyLab mk3 is a versatile MIDI keyboard controller. This guide focuses on its specific integration with Bitwig Studio.

1. Setting up your unit

You have two primary ways to use the integration script for Bitwig Studio with your KeyLab mk3:

1. Use the latest version of Bitwig Studio that includes the KeyLab mk3 integration script.
2. Download the script from the Arturia website and install it manually.

1.1. Use the latest Bitwig Studio version

If you have installed the latest version of Bitwig Studio, follow these steps:

• Connect your KeyLab mk3 and select the DAW program using the [Prog button] (if applicable, or ensure it's in the correct mode).
• Open Bitwig Studio.
• The KeyLab mk3 should be automatically detected and ready to use.

If the KeyLab mk3 is not detected:

Navigate to Bitwig Studio's MIDI settings:

• Go to Settings > Controller.
• In the "Add Controller" section, select Hardware Vendor: Arturia and Product: KeyLab mk3.
• Click Add.

Your controller is now ready to use with Bitwig Studio. The interface may show options like "Takeover mode: Catch", "Controllers", and lists of detected controllers.

1.2. Download the script on Arturia Website

If you do not have the latest version of Bitwig Studio, you can still use the KeyLab mk3 with Bitwig Studio scripts by following these steps:

• Go to https://link.arturia.com/klmk3re.
• Download the scripts corresponding to your DAW.
• Extract the downloaded folders.
• Locate the folder named Arturia.bwextension within the extracted "Bitwig Studio Scripts" folder.
• Place this folder into the appropriate extensions directory for your operating system:
  • Windows: C:\Users\username\Documents\Bitwig Studio\Extensions\
  • macOS: /Applications/Bitwig Studio/Contents/Resources/Extensions/ (You may need to right-click the Bitwig Studio application and select "Show Package Contents" to find this path).

Once this is done, follow the "Use the latest Bitwig Studio" section above to set up your device properly. Your controller is now set for Bitwig Studio.

2. Script features

2.1. Transport control and DAW commands

The KeyLab mk3 provides dedicated controls for transport functions and DAW commands:

• Transport Buttons: [Loop] / [Fast Forward] / [Rewind] / [Metronome]
• Playback Controls: [Stop] / [Play] / [Record] / [Tap Tempo]
• Editing Commands: [Save] / [Quantize] / [Undo] / [Redo]

2.2. Main encoder

The main encoder is used to navigate through tracks within your Bitwig Studio project.

2.3. Main encoder click

Clicking the main encoder performs specific actions:

• Opens the selected plugin's Graphical User Interface (GUI).
• If the selected track contains an Arturia plugin, clicking the main encoder enters Analog Lab mode.

2.4. Back button

Pressing the "Back" button closes the currently open plugin GUI.

2.5. Knobs 1-8

These knobs have dual functions depending on the selected mode:

• Device Mode: Control some parameters of the currently focused plugin (Device).
• Mixer Mode: Control the pan of the focused track.

2.6. Faders 1-8

These faders also have dual functions:

• Device Mode: Control parameters of the plugin on the selected track (Device).
• Mixer Mode: Control the volume of the selected track.

2.7. Knob 9 and Fader 9

Knob 9 and Fader 9 are dedicated to controlling the volume and pan of the currently selected track.

2.8. Contextual buttons

Eight contextual buttons provide quick access to various functions:

• Contextual 1: Selects Device mode.
• Contextual 2: Selects Mixer mode.
• Contextual 3: Navigates to the Previous scene.
• Contextual 4: Navigates to the Next scene.
• Contextual 5: Toggles the mute state of the selected track.
• Contextual 6: Toggles the solo state of the selected track.
• Contextual 7: Toggles the arm state of the selected track.
• Contextual 8: Launches the selected scene.

A long press on Contextual 8 stops the selected scene.

2.9. Device mode

In Device mode, the 8 first encoders control the 8 parameters of the selected device page. The track controls on the KeyLab mk3 mirror some of the pages of the main instrument but not all. This means you might have fewer parameter pages available when changing tracks. The focus remains on the selected device.

To control other devices on the selected track, hold the "Device" contextual button and turn the main encoder.

2.10. Mixer mode

In Mixer mode, the 8 first encoders and faders control the pan and volume of the selected set of 8 tracks. To control other sets of 8 tracks, hold the "Mixer" contextual button and turn the main encoder.

Knob 9 and Fader 9 consistently control the volume and pan of the currently selected mixer track.

2.11. Pads

The pads on the KeyLab mk3 have different functions depending on the bank:

• In Bank DAW: The pads control the 12 clips displayed in Bitwig Studio's Clip view.
• In other banks mode: The pads send MIDI notes.

Bank B:

Pressing the pads in Bank B triggers sounds. The Drum Machine plugin is pre-mapped for use with these pads.

2.12. Arturia Mode

If you are using Arturia software (like Analog Lab), ensure the correct device is selected when opening the plugin within Bitwig Studio.

You can enter Arturia Mode for enhanced control over Arturia software in two ways:

• Pressing the main encoder on a track that contains an Arturia Plugin.
• Pressing the Prog button and the Arturia button simultaneously.

When an Arturia software is selected in this mode, you can manage the plugin as you would in its standalone version, including navigation, selection, and FX control.