Arturia debuts MiniLab 3 MIDI Controller
Meet Arturia MiniLab 3, “the world’s first eco-designed MIDI keyboard”. The 25-key controller is said to be a greener option than its predecessors and rivals.
Arturia has announced the availability of MiniLab 3, a compact MIDI controller keyboard that represents the evolution of their MiniLab range of music-making hardware and software – offering a third-generation version.
MiniLab 3 promises users an easy-to-use, portable production workflow, combining a slim keybed, expanded controls, deeper DAW & Arturia plugin integration, and a bundle of creative software.
In terms of specs, it is a similar offering to its predecessor MiniLab mkII, giving you a compact 25-note keyboard, various other control features and plenty of sounds courtesy of the tightly integrated Analog Lab intro software that comes included.
The slim keys – which are said to feel great are joined by pads, faders and knobs, plus touchstrips for pitchbend and modulation and a new OLED display. The faders are new to the MiniLab, though space constraints mean that there are fewer faders than on the MiniLab mkII.
Additionally, there’s a built-in arpeggiator, a Chord mode and custom DAW presets for Ableton Live, FL Studio, Logic Pro, Bitwig Studio and Reason.
The obligatory USB port is of the ‘C’ variety, including 5-pin MIDI Out.
As well as being built “with longevity and sustainability in mind” – a five-year warranty is evidence of Arturia’s confidence in the design and components – MiniLab 3 is also said to be “the world’s first eco-designed MIDI keyboard”. Arturia claims that it’s made with a minimum of 50% recycled plastic and generates less waste during production, while the packaging is said to be 100% recyclable.
As well as Analog Lab, the software bundle also includes Ableton Live Lite, the UVI Model D Minimoog emulation, Native Instruments’ The Gentleman upright piano, sample packs from Loopcloud and an intro subscription to Melodics, the music learning platform.
Features:
- 25 note velocity-sensitive slim keyboard
- Pads & controls
- 2 banks of 8 velocity & pressure sensitive pads with RGB backlighting
- 8 rotary encoders
- 4 sliders
- 2 capacitive touch sensors for pitch bend and modulation wheel
- Display control
- Mini display & clickable browsing knob
- Real-time feedback on tweaks and controls
- “Smart features”:
- Built-in arpeggiator
- Chord mode
- Hold function
- Octave up and down buttons
- Semitone transpose
- Software integration
- Seamless integration with all Arturia software instruments, including Analog Lab: select sounds, browse presets and smart-assigned controls
- 1 DAW preset for automatic integration with any major DAWs
- DAW Transport Control with MCU protocol for every other DAWs
- Up to 5 user presets for a totally customizable experience
- Connectivity
- USB-C connects to computers and iPad
- MIDI 5-pin DIN output for connection to external instruments, gear
- Control input for pedal: sustain, expression, or footswitch
- USB powered
- Size & weight
- Instrument size: 14 x 8.7 x 2 inches (355 x 220 x 50mm)
- Instrument weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 Kg)
MiniLab 3 is available in black and white priced at $109/€99. Find out more on the Arturia website.
