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Arturia MiniLab 3 25 Slim-key Controller

25-note USB-C MIDI Keyboard Controller with 8 Encoders, 8 Velocity/Pressure Sensitive RGB-backlit Pads, 4 Sliders, 2 Capacitive Touch Strips, Pitch/Mod Control, Arpeggiator, External Control Input, MIDI 5-pin DIN Output, DAW Support, and 500 Presets
$109.00

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Arturia MiniLab 3 25 Slim-key Controller
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Portable Design, Full Studio Functionality

With Arturia’s unmatched dedication in synthesizer research and design, it’s no surprise that the latest iteration of their mini MIDI machine would elevate itself from its predecessor. The MiniLab 3 continues the 25-key arrangement, boasting a slender profile and weighing just over three pounds. An ergonomic form factor includes two capacitive touch sensors for pitch and modulation control, respectively. Eight touch- and pressure-sensitive pads are broken into two banks, totaling 16 fully assignable, RGB-backlit slots. Eight rotary encoders are accompanied by four high-quality sliders to accommodate versatile control schemes. A new mini display includes a clickable browsing knob, providing real-time feedback on tweaks and mods made to any one of the MiniLab 3’s 500 presets. Intuitive functionality allows for straightforward control of transposition by octave or semitone, hold and chord modes, and the built-in arpeggiator. Custom DAW scripts are tailored for integration with major workstations, alongside seamless compatibility with Arturia’s extensive library of software instruments. The USB-C connection provides painless use with nearly any system. The MIDI 5-pin DIN output quickly connects you to external MIDI gear, and the external control input means greater expressive expansion. Sweetwater’s studio experts agree that the MiniLab 3 is a worthy heir to the name and a must-have for studio setups of any size!

Exploration for everyone

Newcomers, professionals, and musicians at any level in between will find themselves at home with the Minilab 3. Its plug-and-play compatibility includes custom-written DAW scripts, ensuring seamless connectivity with your preferred software. Armed with 25 velocity-sensitive keys, you’ll experience new dimensions of sounds and textures with the versatile and inspiring Analog Lab. Fully customizable control schemes let you play and perform your way, including ditching a computer altogether! Plus, all 500 of its carefully curated sounds can be deeply modified and manipulated without the need for an external DAW, delivering an uncompromising array of searing leads, pulsing basses, and lush pads.

Engineered to accommodate

Slim keys and a lightweight housing aren’t the Minilab 3’s only mobility-minded considerations, though they contribute to its compact and transportation-friendly design. Flexible connectivity options include a 5-pin MIDI DIN output and a USB-C port, alongside a 1/4-inch control input for use with your choice of pedal, sustain, expression, and more. Its USB-C connection can be used to integrate with DAWs or computer-based systems, as well as deep access to MIDI Control Center parameters. With the MIDI 5-pin DIN output, you can seize control of any compatible device, layering and relaying progressions, arpeggiation, and expression controls into a chorus of synthesizer soundscapes. Real-time feedback on patch modification and design lets you stay immersed in the sounds as you craft aural vistas designed to dazzle in any environment.

Included software to kickstart your creativity

  • Analog Lab Intro (28 instruments / 500 presets)
  • Ableton Live Lite
  • UVI Model D grand piano VI
  • Native Instruments The Gentleman upright piano VI
  • Melodics lesson intro subscription
  • Loopcloud - 2-month sample subscription

Arturia MiniLab 3 Features:

  • 25-key controller expertly melds studio functionality with modern, mobility-minded workflow
  • Capacitive touch sensors deliver responsive control of pitch and modulation, respectively
  • 8 touch-/pressure-sensitive RGB-backlit pads provide a fully assignable 16-slot bank
  • 8 rotary encoders and 4 sliders accommodate a diverse array of customizable control layouts
  • Display screen and clickable browsing knob allow for painless browsing of 500 onboard presets with active feedback for mods and tweaks
  • Straightfoward face controls let you easily transpose and shift by octave or semitone, toggle hold and chord modes, and utilize onboard arpeggiator
  • USB-C connection ensures seamless integration with any system
  • Custom-written DAW scripts enable Transport Control and up to 8 DAW and user presets
  • MIDI 5-in DIN output makes for straightforward use with external MIDI gear
  • Control input is great for pedal, sustain, foot-switch, or expression expansion
  • Lightweight, compact design guarantees easy transportation without compromising functionality
  • Weight: 3.3 lbs.
  • Size: 14 inches x 8.7 inches x 2 inches

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Keyboard Controller
  • Number of Keys: 25
  • Type of Keys: Synth
  • Velocity Sensitive: Yes
  • Pads: 8 x RGB Back-lit Pressure Sensitive Pads
  • Other Controllers: Pitchbend/Modulation Capacitive Touch Sensors
  • Encoders/Pots: 8
  • Faders: 4
  • Pedal Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (control)
  • MIDI I/O: Out/USB
  • USB: 1 x USB-C
  • Computer Connectivity: USB
  • Power Supply: USB bus powered
  • Height: 2.0"
  • Width: 14.0"
  • Depth: 8.7"
  • Weight: 3.3 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: Minilab3

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Perfect size and functionality

I work in a very small space and a full-size controller wasn't an option. The MiniLab 3 is perfect for my needs, and practically begs to be picked up and played. The onboard arp function is versatile; I've been working with it off and on, and it syncs with my DAW really well. My setup is more constrained than others, I'm sure, but if you don't have a lot of space and don't mind changing octaves for two-hand work (which I don't), the MiniLab 3 is a great addition.
Music background: home composition and recording for several decades
Rated 5/5

Best feeling keys for the price

I got the MPK mini first, the keys were too narrow, and felt inaccurate. The larger width keys on this solved my issues. The difference in the width of the keyboard is about one inch. That makes ends up making big difference. The pads can change colors too. USB-C is a plus. The pad shift button is handy. Pads feel more sensitive. Easy choice to keep this over the Akai. Only thing I don't like are the stiffer knobs in comparison to the Akai.
Rated 5/5

A must have for music on the go!

This little thing is killer. Not only does the key bed feel quality for the price, but the knobs and faders are definitely solid, and the pads have just the right amount of give. It's also light, but not so light that you feel like you're going to break it carrying it in a bag. The new USB-C port also has very little (if any) latency as well, so the unit feels very expressive. My favorite part of all of this is that it comes with Analog Lab Intro and the UVI Model D software. The Analog Lab stuff is really impressive, with 500 presets to choose from. Also, I believe you get a discount on upgrading to the full Analog Lab V suite with Analog Lab Intro, which adds so much value to this product. The Model D software is killer, too. I'm used to the feeling of being in a room with a grand piano when I play one, so soft pianos don't always gel with me. The Model D just sounds good. There aren't even a ton of options that you have to dig through to find good and bad sounds. This thing even comes with music learning software and a two-month Loopcloud subscription, which is cool. All in all, I would highly recommend this product to anyone, young or old, beginner or pro.
Rated 5/5

A great midi-controller especially for the price

The MiniLab 3 is my first midi controller and I have been very happy with this product so far. It comes with a nice bundle of software to get you started, the hardware itself feels good, and maybe most importantly it's been easy to learn and fun to play with. I've done some traveling with the MiniLab and have had no issues with the build quality so far.
Rated 5/5

MiniLAB 3 is Better

Bought the New Mk 3 Works Pretty Well No complains Would Recommend for sure
Music background: Beat maker/Content Creator