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. Build quality is an area where you have to come and go a little with keyboard controllers this size. They are small and relatively cheap, so it makes no sense to manufacture them with heavy-duty materials. Plastic is pretty standard, but there’s still a significant improvement from the first generation MiniLab. 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. Buy a Minilab 3 today, and aside from access to Abelton Live Lite and Analog Lab Intro (a great entry-level DAW & a solid sound suite) you also get the added bonus of a 2-month subscription to LoopCloud and a whole host of additional virtual instruments, including some really tasty-sounding pianos! What’s the difference between the Arturia Minilab 3 and MK2? Nor do you get a master control knob with the MK2; a key feature of the DAW integration you get with the Minilab 3.

kaiprager wrote:.......(Only AnalogLap - which I use as VST in Studio One is working like a charm, by the way.) Although the encoders clearly speed up your workflow, taking up so much space means there are no transport controls. If you aren’t used to using transport controls on a keyboard, it won’t seem like a big deal, but if you are, reaching for the mouse each time you want to start or stop might get tedious. 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? The latest incarnation of Analog Lab gives you instant access to the 6,000+ preset sounds contained Given a choice, as much as I love so many encoders, I might choose to eliminate some in exchange for transport controls and a couple of function buttons. However, I’m sure that not everyone will agree with that, and it’s very much a matter of personal opinion. Connectivity 4.0Despite the Minilab 3 being launched in 2023, when virtually every 25 key midi controller has a built-in note repeat function, the Minilab 3 does not. Why Arturia??? When it comes to drum pads, the Novation runs rings around the Arturia. It has 16 – double the amount you find on the Minilab 3. They’re also arranged in 2 rows (one above the other), which for us at least makes finger drumming that bit easier. Choose the Minilab 3 or the Launchkey Mini, & you’ll bag yourself 8 assignable knobs. However… while those on the Arturia are endless encoders, those you find on the Novation do have specific start/ end points. Something that if you’re a plugin-junkie, could be restrictive

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.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.

Combining superb controller keyboard integration, lightning-fast sound browsing, powerful combo sounds, 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. Everything about the transport controls is seamless. Navigation is fast, responsive and intuitive, be you navigating a DAW or the menus of a virtual instrument suite. With Analog Lab in particular, this controller just feels SO well integrated. A proper pleasure to use!!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 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. In addition you can edit each sound in-depth from within Analog Lab should you own the original software Info that should allow you to make a fair comparison + reach a firm conclusion about whether the Minilab 3 is the right midi controller for you; as much as we’d love for you to ‘take our word for it’, no 2 producers have the same setup, nor work in the same way. So be equipped with the right information when making comparisons, just makes things a whole lot easier. 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.

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.

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While there are smaller, lighter MIDI keyboards out there at the same price point, MiniLab MkII’s brawn, fit, finish, playability and general air of confidence put it in a physically superior class of its own without compromising too much on portability.