Arturia - MiniLab MkII - Portable MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads

Product Information

We saved the best til last… The Minilab 3 gives you a full-size (5 pin) Midi-out port, which means the controller can even be hooked up to hardware synths!! A seriously neat feature for anyone looking to expand their setup. On the Minilab MK2 you had to make do with a sustain pedal input and a USB A connection. While the Minilab 3 gives you a ‘portage’ upgrade to USB C, as well as a 5-pin Midi out port, which allows you to connect the controller to hardware synths!!

The MiniLab Mk2 is about 50% heavier than the previous model, and that’s not a bad thing. It’s still light and portable, but the extra weight gives it the presence of a serious bit of gear. Compared to other keyboard controllers The Minlab 3 also gives you the luxury of a screen to display a variety of useful info from your DAW – yet another workflow perk you don’t get with the MK2. The MPK Mini and Arturia’s new Minilab 3 both come with 8 assignable encoders. Knobs on both of these controllers are endless too. Hence why if we were shopping for a 25 key controller, we wouldn’t waste our time researching each & every keyboard, frantically comparing features. Because fact is, when it comes to value, there’s only one keyboard that in today’s market deserves the throne. Software bundles– Beginners will be pleased to know that the Minilab 3 has one of the best software bundles of any 25 key midi controller. This includes a subscription to LoopCloud, Ableton Live Lite& Ananlog Lab Intro– arguably one of the best sound suites out there today.

The Arturia MiniLab Mk2 is undoubtedly one of the best small keyboard controllers I have ever seen. But, it has some stiff competition; here are a few alternatives. Arturia MiniLab Mk2 vs Akai MPK Mini Mk3 However, I would still place the Arturia MiniLab Mk2 somewhere near the top of its class in this area. The keys are synth-action, and they are surprisingly responsive. Build quality 4.6

While the Akai MPK Mini gives you a set of 4 assignable buttons, the Minilab 3 gives you a set of assignable faders. No question about it though, we prefer the faders of the Minilab 3, especially when you consider just how well they integrate with Ableton Live session view. The Minilab 3 is one of the first 25 key midi controllers to boast USB-C connectivity. The Launchkey Mini still uses USB-A Hate to sound snobby, but… the overall design of the Minilab 3 feels that bit more professional. While the Minilab 3 has a more ‘techy’ appearance, the Akai MPK Mini (especially in a garish colour wave) could easily be confused with a children’s toy In addition you can edit each sound in-depth from within Analog Lab should you own the original software Saying that though, the Minilab 3 does give you 4 assignable faders. A nice touch that you won’t find on the MK2.kaiprager wrote:.......(Only AnalogLap - which I use as VST in Studio One is working like a charm, by the way.)

Combining superb controller keyboard integration, lightning-fast sound browsing, powerful combo sounds, While both controllers feature endless encoders, with the MK2 you get a whopping 16 compared to the measly 8 you get on the Minilab 3.The Novation Launchkey Mini is a very popular keyboard controller, especially with Ableton users. But, for me, it doesn’t match the MiniLab Mk2 in many areas; buy Arturia. Arturia MiniLab Mk2 vs Alesis V25 Whether you are tweaking virtual instruments or effect parameters, you’ll never run out of knobs to assign. Touch strips Bit of an odd difference this… but the wood texture on the side of the Minilab 3 feel that bit nicer than on the MK2. Slightly more textured if you ask us. Let’s be clear first of all, it comes with Analog Lab Lite, and under any circumstances, that’s outstanding. The sounds come from Arturia’s flagship V Collection of stunning virtual analog synths. Analog Lab Lite is a collection of 500 presets, which sounds pretty huge, and the sound quality is utterly outstanding.

There’s no doubt about it – the Arturia Minilab 3 is an ideal midi controller for any beginner. And here’s just 3 good reasons why… Again, in reference to the pads, we’d (personally) prefer them to be positioned in 2 rows opposed to 1 long line. But that’s really all down to personal preference. Depending on your experience with Arturia controllers, the software bundle will either blow you away or be a little underwhelming. I have said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Arturia is amongst the best when it comes to assignable controls. Rotary knobs Arturia states that MiniLab MkII has been comprehensively beefed up in every material department, and we can confirm that its already admirable solidity has only been improved. It might be all-plastic apart from the base, but there’s none of the creak and flex that controllers in this price range all too frequently exhibit - this is the level of quality we generally expect in keyboards costing three times as much. The upgrade has brought with it a 50% increase in weight (up to 1.5kg from 1.03kg), but we’re quite happy to trade a bit of shoulder ache for such tank-like construction.

Monitoring your progress/ adjustments is 10x easier on the Minilab 3, due to its useful screen, which displays a whole range of data in relation to any plugins/ settings. What’s more, it also plays its part when navigating your DAW/ software instruments too. Perks you have to make do without if you opt for the Launchkey Mini. I would have liked to see more features, perhaps with some dedicated buttons. But, it seems limited features is the trade-off for so many assignable encoders. Velocity sensitive pads