Arturia - MiniLab 3 - Universal MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads. - White

Product Information

With this new Minilab having a giant number ‘3’ at the end of its name, you’re probably wondering how it compares to its predecessor. Has Arturia done a complete overhaul for the 3rd generation of the Minilab? Or have they fine-tuned the existing recipe to make the already impressive Minilab Mk2, even better?

And while the controller has lost the metal base you found on the MK2, we don’t have any gripes in terms of build. In fact, Arturia’s pledge to use recycled materials + that impressive 5-year warranty, pretty much cancel that out for us. In regards to construction, both keyboards are all-plastic. BUT something worth noting is that Arturia claim that the Minilab 3 is made of at least 50% recycled plastic. A sustainable plus. The Minilab 3 is one of the first 25 key midi controllers to boast USB-C connectivity. The Launchkey Mini still uses USB-A 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. 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.

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When it comes to keyfeel, the Minilab 3 is on-point. Just like the MK2, the keys are responsive, nicely weighted and enable you to inject some real expression into what you play! What’s more, they have a good spring to them too, which makes fast key changes or small runs up and down the keys super easy.

In typical Arturia fashion, the Minilab 3 includes 2 touch strips for pitch and modulation. However, with the Minilab 3, any adjustments made via these strips can be monitored via the screen, opposed to the bar of lights you find with other controllers. What’s more, you’ll struggle to find a keyboard that’s as sophisticated when it comes to integration. The way the Minilab allows to interact both with your DAW & Analog Lab (in our experience) is nothing short of seamless. Add to that the fact the Minilab 3 boasts more ports (including that all-important Midi Out), as well as gorgeous screen, which really does come in use for making minor adjustments, & it’s genuinely hard to see why anyone in the market for a 25 key controller, would not (at the very least shortlist the Minilab 3. You don’t get a Midi Out port with the MPK Mini MK3. While you get a full 5-pin Midi Out with the Minilab 3. Something that allows you to hook up the Minilab 3 to hardware synths!!

As for drum pads, the Akai steals the show. Aside from the pads being that much bigger & being arranged in a 4×2 style, the pads also feel more responsive to play. You can achieve softer, more delicate sounds with the pads on the MPK Mini than you can with the Minilab 3.