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

Product Information

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. Enjoy a workflow that aids the creative process, with features like a built-in arpeggiator, Chord mode, custom DAW presets, and easy transposition. Making music has never been so accessible. Portable, compatible design Both have midi out, however the Arturia has a 5 pin midi out which means it’s that bit more capable when it comes to controlling hardware synths.

Regardless of which you choose, both these controllers integrate super well with Ableton Live. And while the Launchkey was designed specifically around Ableton, we’d actually say the integration you get with the Minilab 3 is that bit more in-depth. Then again though, in terms of transport controls, it’s hard to be disappointed with either keyboard. 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!!Although I’m an avid V‑Collection user, it’s been about three years since I dipped into Analog Lab, as day‑to‑day I use Native Instruments’ Komplete Kontrol, which Arturia also support as a platform for their instruments. (Incidentally if you’re weighing up both options, they have different approaches: Analog Lab gives you access to sounds from all premium synth engines, but only full panel control of synths you own. With an equivalent‑level Komplete Kontrol option, you get full access to the synths but there are fewer of them). Before pitting the Minilab 3 up against its other 25-key rivals, it makes sense to have an idea of the Arturia Minilab 3 specs. Do so & you’ll be able to full understand what this upgraded Minilab offers, as well as all some quirks and features that your perhaps didn’t know about.

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. Both the Minilab 3 & the MPK Mini have 25 semi-weighted keys, which are velocity sensitive. However, when it comes to key feel, we’d say those on the Arturia have the edge. Aside from being that bit larger, they have a slightly better travel depth too. All of which makes them that bit more expressive to play.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.

Both the Minilab 3 & the Launchkey Mini MK3 have 25 semi-weighted keys, which are velocity sensitive. But just like with the Akai (above), when it comes to key feel it’s no competition. The Minilab 3 steals the show. The keybed is that bit deeper & the keys themselves feel slightly larger, allowing more more expression and better control. Nor do you get a master control knob with the MK2; a key feature of the DAW integration you get with the Minilab 3.

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. Anyone fancy a versatile controller keyboard with the tip of the Arturia software iceberg included free? 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. For 95% of producers, be you a beginner or a pro after a portable controller for use ‘on the go’, the Arturia Minilab 3 is more than worth it. Seamless integration with all Arturia software instruments, including Analog Lab: select sounds, browse presets, switch parts, smart-assigned controls.