Arturia MiniLab 3 Review: The Compact Powerhouse for Music Production
In the ever-evolving landscape of music production, the need for versatile, portable, and high-quality MIDI controllers has never been greater. Enter the Arturia MiniLab 3, a universal MIDI controller that combines impressive features with an all-in-one software package, making it an excellent choice for both budding musicians and seasoned producers. With its sleek white design and compact dimensions, the MiniLab 3 is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Key Features and Specifications
The Arturia MiniLab 3 boasts a lightweight design, weighing in at just 2.2 pounds and measuring 17 x 16.5 x 11.1 inches. Its compact size makes it perfect for musicians on the go, allowing for easy transport in a backpack without sacrificing functionality. The controller features 25 velocity-sensitive keys that are responsive and provide a satisfying feel, making it suitable for everything from delicate melodies to robust chord progressions.
Beyond the keys, the MiniLab 3 is equipped with 8 multi-color pads that are ideal for triggering drum sounds and samples, along with 8 rotary encoders and 4 sliders for hands-on control of various parameters in your DAW. The inclusion of a mini display and a clickable browsing knob streamlines navigation through presets and settings, enhancing the overall user experience.
Performance and Portability
One of the standout aspects of the MiniLab 3 is its performance-ready portability. The controller connects seamlessly to both Mac and Windows devices via a USB Type-C connector, ensuring a hassle-free plug-and-play experience. Musicians can start creating music in seconds, whether recording in a studio, performing live, or jamming with friends.
The MiniLab 3 also integrates perfectly with major DAWs, including Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio, and more. This exclusive compatibility allows users to control their entire project without needing to touch a mouse, facilitating a more immersive music production process.
All-in-One Software Package
Arturia does not skimp on the software side of things. The MiniLab 3 comes bundled with an extensive array of software, including Analog Lab V, which offers thousands of presets across a variety of iconic sounds, Ableton Live Lite for full music production capabilities, and the UVI Model D for a grand piano simulation. Additionally, users receive a 2-month subscription to Loopcloud and access to Melodics, making it easier than ever to explore new sounds and improve musical skills.
This software package adds incredible value to the MiniLab 3, allowing both beginners and professionals to dive into music creation without additional investments.
User Experience
Feedback from users has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting several key areas where the MiniLab 3 excels. Many musicians appreciate the quiet key action, making it suitable for late-night sessions without disturbing others. The build quality has also received praise, with the controller’s construction feeling solid and reliable.
Several users noted how quickly the MiniLab 3 integrates with their preferred DAWs, allowing for a smooth workflow. For instance, one user reported that it worked flawlessly with Logic Pro X right out of the box. Others have highlighted the versatility of the control knobs and pads, stating that they offer ample customization options for various music styles.
However, there are minor criticisms as well. Some users found the drum pads to be less sensitive than expected, though they noted that this can be easily modified with online guides. Additionally, the need for multiple registrations for bundled software has been cited as a drawback by a few users.
Conclusion
In summary, the Arturia MiniLab 3 is a remarkable MIDI controller that successfully marries portability, functionality, and quality. Its responsive keys, versatile controls, and robust software package make it an ideal choice for musicians at any experience level. Whether you are a beginner crafting your first tracks or a seasoned pro looking for a reliable portable solution, the MiniLab 3 delivers on all fronts.
With its eco-friendly design (including 50% recycled materials) and a generous 5-year warranty, it’s clear that Arturia has built a MIDI controller that is not only meant to perform but also to last. The Arturia MiniLab 3 earns a well-deserved rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Its combination of quality, functionality, and price point makes it a compelling option in the competitive MIDI controller market.
Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Overall, this controller is an investment worth making for anyone serious about music production.
J Johnson –
Arturia has truly excelled with this product! This is my first experience with Arturia, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision! The design, feel, functionality, and integration of the MiniLab 3 are outstanding. I own keyboards from Korg, Novation, and AKAI, but this one really ties everything together. The included software, featuring over 500 sounds (including those from Native Instruments), is exceptional and inspires endless creativity. The integration with Ableton Live was smooth (once I updated my DAW to the latest firmware, which was my oversight). Naturally, it also integrates seamlessly with most other major DAWs. Incredible value at such an affordable price! I’m absolutely loving it!
matt w. –
The Midi delivers impressive sound quality and comes packed with fantastic features that are perfect for beginners. However, the applications and plugins require registration, often necessitating multiple registrations for the same app, which can be frustrating when they don’t function properly.
Max S. –
The keys feel great, providing a high-quality typing experience. The overall material quality is quite satisfactory, with no sense of being cheap at all. The accompanying software and the sound bank included are excellent. Even for those who don’t make music, playing around with these sound banks can truly be a therapeutic experience. As soon as I connected it via USB, my DAW application recognized it immediately, allowing me to use it comfortably without any key mapping (at least initially). Although I’m still in the early stages of using it, I’m very pleased overall. The only downside is the pricing policy based on color! It’s frustrating to encounter significant price differences just for the color.
Brandon –
I’ve used three other basic MIDI controllers with the same key count as the Arturia MiniLab 3, and this one is by far my favorite. The plug-and-play functionality is fantastic, requiring no special setup. It has just the right number of knobs and drum pads, and the build quality is impressive along with a sleek design. As a beginner, making music on this controller is a joy, and I would definitely buy it again.
Max S. –
The Arturia MiniLab 3 is an outstanding MIDI controller for music production! Its compact design makes it ideal for small studio spaces or creative sessions on the go, without sacrificing functionality. The keys have a great feel, and the assignable knobs and pads enhance its versatility for controlling DAWs and virtual instruments. Setting it up was a breeze, and it integrates perfectly with popular software like Logic Pro.
The included software bundle is a fantastic bonus, providing a diverse range of sounds to kickstart your projects immediately. For its price, the build quality is impressive, and the controls are both responsive and intuitive. Whether you’re just starting out or are an experienced producer, this controller is a powerful asset that exceeds expectations. I highly recommend it!
J Johnson –
Spoiler: It wasn’t my favorite among the controllers I tested, so I returned the Arturia Minilab 3.
DISCLAIMER: I did not evaluate any bundled software. This review focuses on an “out of the box,” plug-and-play experience. Most of my usage was in Garageband for iPad, with some testing in Logic Pro X for iPad. After watching numerous YouTube reviews, I decided to try the controllers myself, as I was unsure which one would suit me best. I’m relatively new to the DAW/MIDI controller scene. While I’ve played piano and synth for decades, I’m by no means an expert. Here’s my perspective on the Arturia Minilab 3.
I reviewed all four devices separately. For specific reviews, please refer to their individual pages.
Devices tested for comparison:
⦁ Arturia Minilab 3 – THIS REVIEW
⦁ M-Audio Oxygen Pro Mini
⦁ Akai MPK Mini Plus
⦁ Akai MPK Mini Play mk3
Things I liked about the Arturia Minilab 3:
⦁ The key feel is exceptional—definitely the best among the four I tried. It felt the closest to “real” keys.
⦁ With 4 faders and 8 endless encoder knobs, it offers a solid range of controls for DAW assignments.
⦁ The faders are smooth and responsive throughout their entire travel.
⦁ The design is visually appealing—clean, uncluttered, and stylish. I even appreciate the faux wood panels at each end.
⦁ It features real MIDI out, which I prefer over a 1/8″ dongle. The included USB-C cable is also of high quality.
⦁ Did I mention the keys? They are truly the standout feature.
Things I disliked about the Arturia Minilab 3:
⦁ The touch sensors for pitch and mod control were fine for me. They functioned as expected, though some might prefer traditional wheels.
⦁ The Garageband preset didn’t fully map on iPad OS, similar to the other controllers I tested, so this isn’t a specific issue with the Minilab 3.
⦁ The minimal labeling on the device’s surface made it harder to remember functions, which some may find inconvenient. While it looks cleaner, I missed the additional labels found on other devices.
⦁ The pads didn’t work well for me; they felt too loose, especially at the edges, resulting in accidental double-taps. Perhaps it was my technique, but I found the M-Audio and Akai pads superior in feel.
⦁ The transport controls share space with the pads, which is not ideal.
⦁ It has only 25 keys. While they are exceptional, I would have preferred more keys.
⦁ The pads are arranged in a straight line, which may appeal to some but I personally prefer them in two rows of four. This is just a matter of preference, not necessarily a drawback.
Overall build quality of the Arturia Minilab 3: Very good. It has a solid and stable fit and finish, aside from the pads. The encoders and faders are impressive, and the keys—oh, the keys!
David S. –
Just as I expected from Arturia, this mini controller performs exceptionally well and integrates seamlessly with Analog Lab, Arturia plugins, and Cubase. Creating custom programs for other plugins is a breeze. The DIN MIDI out is an excellent feature for connecting to synth modules like the OB-6, Model D, and 2600. It also works flawlessly with my Samsung tablet via the USB-C connector. While it lacks aftertouch, it’s not a concern for me, as I prefer using my full-size keyboards for that. Plus, it looks stunning on my white desk!
Rick Moore –
I initially wanted to use my Micro Korg S as a small external MIDI keyboard for on-the-go music creation. However, I found that the black keys were not as responsive as the white ones, making it frustrating to play the “Light My Fire” intro (which I often use to test key action). I was also searching for a mini keyboard with a standard MIDI out socket and quiet key mechanics so I could create in our bedroom at night without disturbing my wife. The Arturia Minilab turned out to be the perfect solution! I was pleasantly surprised by its build quality and the consistent key action across all the keys, a significant improvement over the Micro Korg. I unboxed it, connected it to my Logic X, and it worked flawlessly right away! Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for me. In summary: Standard MIDI out socket, excellent quiet and uniform key action, right-angle USB-C cable included, lightweight, plug-and-play functionality, and outstanding value! BUY ONE! YOU WON’T REGRET IT!
Llegó en buen estado y antes de lo estipulado. Excelente servicio –
This midi keyboard features an impressive keybed and the endless encoders are fantastic to use. The software is top-notch, and the DAW integration works well. I especially appreciate the full-size 5-pin MIDI out, which was essential for me. The only drawback is that the pads lack the sensitivity I prefer. However, they can be modified for better responsiveness—just check out the guides on YouTube.
Curtis Moorer –
I had been wanting to buy this controller for a while. Highly recommended!
Allen Bamford –
This product performs perfectly as intended. I use it with MixCraft 10.5, and it works like a charm! It comes with a variety of sound banks, and you can easily buy more from the store if you want. I’ve tried three similar items, but this one is definitely my favorite.
Curtis Moorer –
I’m really impressed with how seamlessly this integrates with Logic Pro, allowing for effortless switching between the Arturo Sound Library and the Logic Pro interface. The keys have a quality feel, and the built-in controls are user-friendly.