Minilab may be a name you have heard of, it’s been a popular Midi controller throughout the years, initially with the original, and then with the MiniLab Mk2. Does Arturia keep up their pedigree with the third iteration; the MiniLab 3? Is it something new or the same product with a slight facelift?
When you first get the MiniLab 3 in your hands there is definitely a strong resemblance to the previous iterations, but Arturai has also added some refinements to make this an even stronger contender.
Looks-wise the MiniLab 3 is a clean, sleek-looking device, that fits a fair amount into a pretty small footprint. The unit is available in two distinct colour ways; a classic white, as well as a black option, with both featuring the same faux wooden accent on each end.
The unit is pretty compact, measuring in at around 14×8.7x 2 inches (about 355 x 200 x 50mm), and weighs around 3.3lbs (1.5kg). Don’t be fooled though, this controller feels pretty sturdy, and even with a small footprint, Arturia has packed in a ton of features.
The keybed features 25 velocity-sensitive mini keys, that do have a slight springy feel to them. Mini keys can sometimes be a point of contention for some, and no, this won’t compare to something with full-size, properly weighted keys, but find me a product that has those at this price point. Aside from the keybed, the unit also features touch-sensitive strips for controlling Pitch and Modulation, some might prefer actually wheels for this, but I found the touch strips to be extremely usable, and in some instances better than a wheel.
It also features Octave Up And Down buttons, as well as a Hold button and a Chord Button, that lets you play chords with a single button. A small screen and encoder allows control of the included Arturia Analog Lab.
Like the previous iteration of the Minilab, the 3 features 8 small pads, that can be used to input midi data, or can be used to control your DAW. It also features 8 rotary programmable rotary encoders. This is half the number on the previous iteration, but the now free space is used for 4 faders. With so many different controls on this unit, it is definitely a step up from the Mk2. All of these controls have deep integration with multiple DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and more.
To round out the features of the MiniLab 3, we have a USB C for powering and data, a ¼ inch control input for a foot pedal, and a traditional MIDI Out or triggering external devices. And for a little added security, should you need it, compatibility with the Kensington Lock system.
Performance & Playability
In use, the MiniLab 3 does shine pretty bright. The keys are good enough, the faders and pads feel durable enough for daily use, and the pads and touch strips are nice and responsive. All in all, a solid product. This could definitely find a place at home in any studio, and I would even happily use it in a live setting without fear of failure.
While the device is pretty “Plug’n’Play, when the device is used with the MIDI Control Center software, you can remap controls to further tailor the device to your needs. It doesn’t matter if you are a beat-maker, a live performer, a producer, or a musician, the MiniLab 3 can be adapted to your needs.
While at its heart the MiniLab 3 is a hardware controller, it also includes a number of additional pieces of software; Analog Lab Intro, Ableton Live Lite, UVI Model D Piano, The Gentleman, as well as access to lessens on Melodics, and a 2-month trial to Loopcloud.
This gives you some great sounds from other Arturia Virtual synths, as well as quality grand and upright piano sounds from 3rd parties, a slimmed-down DAW, and even loops to play and lessons to help improve some of your keyboard skills. Which is not only useful but also adds plenty of value; with Native Instruments The Gentleman retailing for £89 on its own.
All in all, the Minilab 3 is definitely something you should consider, whether you are after your first Midi controller, or if you are a seasoned pro looking to add a new controller, everyone can find a use for it.
While the controller market is pretty saturated (especially at this price point), I personally believe that the MiniLab 3 should be a solid number-one contender. And did we mention that both the controller and the package are made from at least 50% recycled materials? It’s a no-brainer.
Arturia MiniLab 3 £79