Arturia has a long history of creating well-designed software, hardware synths and controllers that producers of all levels want to use. Arturia MiniLab 3 is a petite and lightweight (4 lbs) MIDI controller that connects via USB. In addition, the keyboard has an aftertouch (the ability to press down on keys harder than usual), making this the perfect choice for producers who want to add dynamics to their music.

Operation is plug-and-play with 8 backlit buttons, faders, encoder pots and many other features. It's small enough to fit on your desk and lightweight enough to carry around in your backpack, but it has more controls than many controllers in its price range.

MiniLab 3 MIDI Control

With 25 keys and encoders, it can control up to sixteen functions simultaneously and be used as a keyboard through the built-in software or your DAW. You can also set up custom mappings through the included software editor (Mac and Windows compatible), allowing maximum control over how each button interacts with your VSTs via USB connection using the included cable. Some inputs can control up to three assignable functions, footswitch, sustain and expression pedals.

The MiniLab 3's keys are velocity-sensitive, so they can tell when you press them firmly or softly, resulting in more realistic sounds from your software instruments. In addition, the pads have four different modes: Note Repeat mode allows you to play chords by pressing one key; Hold mode lets you play single notes as long as your finger is on the pad; Chord holds down multiple keys at once, allowing fast chord changes during live performances; and finally Auto Control mode will enable users who don't know how musical notation works but still want some control over their music making experience.

MiniLab 3 DAW Control

The MiniLab 3's Mackie Control emulation allows you to integrate the controller with nearly any DAW or plugin host on your computer. After downloading the Mackie Control Emulator software and configuring it within your DAW, you can use the MiniLab 3 as a control surface for your DAW. In that case, this feature will come in handy for controlling any parameter of that plugin from within your DAW or virtual instrument application. For a favourite plugin with no built-in MIDI mapping, for example, settings can be tweaked, and custom mappings created. Projects can be bounced in real-time without ever leaving MiniLab 3’s controls.

MiniLab 3 Included Software

• Analog Lab Intro

• Ableton Live Lite

• UVI Model D

• Native Instruments The Gentleman

• Loopcloud sample packs & subscription

• Melodics subscription

What I Liked About Arturia Minilab 3

Here are a few standout features that impressed me about this MIDI keyboard right out of the gate.

Auto-mapping To Ableton Live

As an Ableton user, the Arturia MiniLab 3 instantly recognised all macro controls in my instrument and effect racks. It also displayed the plugin and the device's parameters (such as frequency or MIDI value) on the onboard display panel. While in session view, I could instantly control the volume, the A and B send, and the panning.

Deep Control Over Analog Lab

Analog Lab is Arturia's in-depth and comprehensive bank of sounds and presets. This MIDI keyboard was designed for producers to get the most out of this plugin. Deep integration will enable you to scroll through presets, shape quickly, sculpt the sounds you find, and promptly modulate multiple parameters in real-time.

Powerful Chords, Arpeggios and Hold

The Arp lets you control the swing and timing adjustments of the chords you hold, a feature not often seen in many MIDI controllers. The Chord feature also allows you to easily assign more complex chord structures to be played at the stroke of a single key. The Hold button also creates sustained progressions for pads, keys and strings.

Arturia's MiniLab 3 - Final Thoughts

Arturia MiniLab 3 gives you easy controls, great-feeling keys, and a fully-integrated all-in-one software package ready to get creative immediately.

If you're looking for an affordable keyboard controller (less than £100) with all the buttons, pads, and encoders, then Arturia's MiniLab 3 MIDI Controller might just be what you need.