MIDI Channel for User Programs

Lab KeyLab
#1

For years I’ve used an Analog Experience - The Laboratory 49 as a controller running into my Korg Kronos 2 88. I would split the Combis on the Kronos so some of the patches would be set to accept MIDI channel 2, and then recall a preset on the controller that would - among other things - set the MIDI output channel to 2.

Now that I’ve upgraded to the KeyLab 61 mk3, I’m attempting to create the same setup as a User Prog preset. I would have assumed that a MIDI out channel setting would be under the Global tab for the program, but there is not. I believe the only option for setting a midi channel is under the Split Part settings. However, I can’t even get those to persist. If you change the MIDI channel for the board, and then call up the preset, the split channels seem to be overwritten by the global MIDI setting for the board. Of course it’s possible that’s not even the setting I need anyways.

I have basically non-existent experience with the MIDI Control Center, but I read that there are more in-depth settings in there, but I haven’t found anything. There is an entire MIDI category, but doesn’t have an option to change the channel.

…and yes, I do realize that I can just choose the preset, and then use the dedicated MIDI CH button, but as I’m adding more customization to my set up I’d prefer for all of the settings to be built into the preset, rather than having to keep track of which thing requires which MIDI settings separate from the associated presets. Also, it seems odd that my 13 year old controller, made by the same company, which was half the price made it pretty simple.

What am I missing here? Is there something I’m not seeing, or is it really just not doable?

1 Like
#2

i find a friend, I try to open many topic about this problem ^^

unfortunately the standard midi channel overwrite the split layer function, I think this problem is for every arturia gear, like the astrolab just have the split for midi out, that s why we dont see it that much on live scene I guess,

for previous models mk1 and mK2 it was doable in the MCC,
so for now no other choice then to change mode with 2 button and change the midi channel after that with 2 button, and remember well your midi setup if you are doing live music ^^

its just a shame in 2026, and you will see that no one use midi channel apparently on this forum… sadly

I wish that development are working on it… but as no one care…

#3

if I was sure that this function wont come I would resell it in the minute, but I wish that Arturia will give use at minimum the same midi workflow than previous models

I think its the first controller on the market since the 80’s that dont have midi channel per mode for the keyboard,
correct me if you know another one…

Our solution is just to buy any other controller on the market than Arturia MK3 models, or wait that maybe Arturia do it…

for now its still a toy regarding to midi implementation, sorry Arturia but you can do so much better