Keyboards · Arturia

Make your KeyLab Essential 49 mk3's knobs work in GarageBand

GarageBand plays the keys, but ignores most of the 10 knobs, 9 faders and 29 buttons on the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3. KnobLink connects them: it recognises the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 the moment you plug it in.

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Also covers: KeyLab Essential 61 mk3, KeyLab Essential 88 mk3.

Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3as KnobLink draws it

What each control does in GarageBand

Setup in three steps

  1. Plug in the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 and open KnobLink. It shows your keyboard, controls and all.
  2. Allow instrument knobs in System Settings › Accessibility, once.
  3. Restart GarageBand, only the first time. Then play.

Questions

Does the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 work with GarageBand?

GarageBand plays the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3's keys and pads, but ignores most of its knobs and faders. KnobLink connects those too: knobs move the instrument's Smart Controls, faders set track volume, transport buttons work.

Do I need to set up the KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 by hand?

No. KnobLink recognises the Arturia KeyLab Essential 49 mk3 by name when you plug it in and knows its factory settings. If you changed its settings, KnobLink asks you to move the changed controls once.

Does it work with Logic Pro?

KnobLink is made for GarageBand. Logic Pro has its own controller assignments.

Other Arturia keyboards: BeatStep KeyLab 49 mk3 (2024) KeyLab 49 MkII KeyStep 37 MiniLab 3 MiniLab MkII