Keyboards · Arturia

Make your KeyLab 49 MkII's knobs work in GarageBand

GarageBand plays the keys, but ignores most of the 9 knobs, 9 faders and 16 buttons on the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII. KnobLink connects them: it recognises the KeyLab 49 MkII the moment you plug it in.

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Also covers: KeyLab 61 MkII, KeyLab 88 MkII.

Arturia KeyLab 49 MkIIas KnobLink draws it

What each control does in GarageBand

Setup in three steps

  1. Plug in the KeyLab 49 MkII 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 49 MkII work with GarageBand?

GarageBand plays the KeyLab 49 MkII'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 49 MkII by hand?

No. KnobLink recognises the Arturia KeyLab 49 MkII 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 Essential 49 mk3 KeyStep 37 MiniLab 3 MiniLab MkII