At Winter NAMM 2011, Arturia announced the upcoming release of Analog Experience The Laboratory, a professional-grade MIDI keyboard combined with Analog Laboratory software.

The expressive 49-key keyboard controller offers Velocity and Aftertouch, along with a set of knobs, faders, and sensitive pads. Full connectivity on the back panel includes a breath controller, MIDI I/O, Pedal Expression, Sustain, and Aux. In addition to using the Analog Laboratory keyboard and its pre-assigned controls to access Analog Laboratory software, you can use it as a controller for any hardware and software.

As for the software, Laboratory software is the most advanced version in the Analog series, according to Arturia. The software offers even more in-depth access to the synth patches, the ability to customize the preset library, and the ability to play several sounds at the same time -- via the new Scene mode -- with the addition of arpeggiation melodies, drums, and FX loops.

Software features:

• 3,500 Virtual analog synthesizer sounds
• 200 Scenes in 11 musical genres: electro, urban, pop, rock, soundtrack, jazz, Latin, funk, classical, world, dub-reggae
• All the presets selected from the Arturia Classic Synths: Minimoog-V, Moog Modular V, CS-80V, ARP 2600 V, Prophet V, Prophet VS, and Jupiter-8V
• In-depth editing on the original synths for the owners of Arturia Classic Analog recreations
• Smart Preset Manager: find presets by Instrument, by Type, and / or by Characteristics, and find presets according to these filtered choices
• Straight-forward editing, with the most essential parameters for personalizing presets:
  Filter and LFO sections
  4 Key parameters differing for each preset
  Chorus and Delay mix
  2 ADSR envelopes
• Integrates as a plugin within your sequencer, on Mac and PC, or plays as a standalone software synthesizer

Hardware features:

• Keyboard: 49 keys with Velocity and Aftertouch
• Controllers: 2 encoders with press selection, 11 standard rotary encoders, 9 sliders, 23 switches, 1 modulation wheel, 1 pitch bend wheel, 4 touch-sensitive and pressure-sensitive pads
• Connectivity: MIDI I/O, USB, Sustain pedal, Expression pedal, Aux footswitch, Breath controller
• 32-Digit LED screen
• Also functions as a universal MIDI controller

MIDI controller features:

• Aluminum and wooden case
• New editing options allowing for a quick set up with any application
• Easy MIDI setup directly on the keyboard

Uses:

• Use the keyboard to select sounds according to their characteristics
• Browse presets with the dedicated encoders
• Save and recall snapshots on your hardware
• Control any sonic parameter from the keyboard
• Trigger drums from the pads

Arturia notes that when combined, the 49-key keyboard controller and Analog Laboratory software offer a unique playing experience, providing workflow that's the same as on a traditional hardware synthesizer, but with better integration in the studio environment.

Analog Experience The Laboratory will be priced at $399 (MSRP). Learn more at arturia.com.