Arturia MiniLab 3 Aquamarine USB/MIDI keyboard

General

We have to go back quite a few years to witness the beginnings of the MiniLab 2. We're talking about 2016, and in this fast-paced world, that's quite a long period of time. Back then, that little MIDI keyboard emerged as a crowd favourite, as the product sold like hot cakes. But as it always does: we have now reached the next generation: the Arturia MiniLab MK3. This new model has eight encoders, four faders and eight pads. There are also touch strips for pitch bend and modulation. But above all: it now has a graphic display (OLED), with a turn&push encoder underneath. The device is solidly built, prepared for a life on-the-road, and made from recycled materials. Also nice, and you don't easily see that on this kind of small keyboard: a real DIN MIDI-OUT, so you can also use it to control your old(er) rack synths.

Arturia MiniLab MK3 - integration with your computer

The MiniLab MK3 works perfectly with all Arturia's virtual instruments. Moreover, there is perfect integration with DAW software. More good news for in-the-box producers comes in the form of an included software package. Ableton Live Lite, a DAW that lets you produce music directly. Furthermore, Arturia's own Analog Lab Intro, a nice source of vintage sounds. You also get two virtual pianos: the UVI Model D, and the NI The Gentleman. These and other software make this already good product very complete.