Akai MPK Mini Mk.3 VS Arturia MINILAB MK.2 - Which should YOU choose?

[@arlethg5979]

A minilab mk2 with drum pads the size of the ones on the mpk mini would be perfect

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Not a bad idea!

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

Minilab Mk3? 😱

[@matthiasmark3946]

@@CybertroninfiniteOfficial when is that gonna arrive

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

@@matthiasmark3946 no idea

definitely

[@dannuttle9005]

Every review I see of these two controllers, however well done (and this one is very well done), leaves me unsure which is best for me. I suspect that the cuteness factor of the tiny Akai will win me over in the end. Plus, what the hell, they're pretty cheap, I can buy the Arturia as well if I want. Just...don't tell my wife.

[@zacqueen]

You need to convert your wife into a music audiophile! Make her join in the sin!

[@unready56]

Forget about any kind of dynamics with the AKAI, you have to bang on it like a madman. I have never experienced a controller you have to hit so hard to get the sound out. The velocity curve is literally retarded, the pinky finger is almost useless when playing chords as you have to hit it so hard. This goes for the keys, while the pads are even HARDER. You can tweak the velocity settings, but is fiddly AF, you'll probably never get it right and this feature is undocumented, hidden and has cryptic parameters. I guess it's ok if you've never played on any other keyboard, piano or midi controller.

[@michaelotineru6545]

I'm in the market for my first midi keyboard, and this is the first review I found the doesn't sound like it's a shill video, so I definitely feel significantly more informed on my impending purchase. Thank you for the guidance!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Glad I could help! Cheers Michael!

[@JasonHong]

did you know that you literally do the best comparison/review videos?

[@sliverhandsonbasses]

Incredibly accurate comparison. Bravo!

[@eddiemobley4298]

Dude I'm so happy your posting more often.

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Bro thank you so much for saying that. 2020 has been weird for all of us! Personally, I've had a hard time hitting the KZbin goals I had set for myself. But I've still got BIG plans for this channel. So grateful for people like you who have been patient with me 😊. Lots to come!

[@MMR_LM]

Damn, I was leaning towards the Arturia, but then Akai had to go ahead and throw in a curveball with that arpeggiator

[@Ashley-vt1pp]

now I'm leaning towards the Arturia...

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

Um, you can just reprogram one of the drum pads to act as an arpeggiator trigger in the DAW. Super simple in programs like Ableton and Studio One 5. This really isn't a feature, just a mapped key you cannot change.

[@Sm-ne8ff]

@@sonicjackalopeproductions3342 WORD !

[@djwilmer7252]

Arpeggiator is trash

[@landeralerav8756]

@@sonicjackalopeproductions3342 can u do the same with note repeat?

[@user-sz3gt6bp6n]

I have small hands so Akai's key bed fits me fine. I also like look and size of the Akai a bit better despite the full plastic build.

[@AMIRNORAZAN]

I have both & use both to play live loop. MiniLab for keys & to arm tracks in Ableton, MPK Mini mainly for finger drumming. Occasionally combine both for keyboard part (MPK3 for high key, Minilab for lower key 😄). Reason? I love both. Couldn't decide for only one.

[@trapnatii_ondabeat8600]

Both facts

[@takaliuang]

What I need is the AKAI's pad on Arturia Minilab & transport buttons, will be perfect 😉 Love your way to review bro, really not wasting my time, keep it up, new subscriber from Indonesia!

[@colin6432]

You can bind the second set of pad controls from playing notes to transport controls

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

I'm sorry, but if I were forced to use MPC pads on an Arturia controller, I would pitch it out the window and just use something else for rhythm and seek a new Arturia keyboard without the pads. This isn't the zero-year groovebox era. There are better drum pads by the dozens out there.

[@nathanmarpaungmusic6044]

Same I’m from Indonesia

[@JaneGraze]

My advice: please a more deeper look at the software. For me - Im a newbie it`s very important. But_ great Video!

[@johnnyblade1293]

what type of music are you producing, and what software did you go with?

[@khalnayakji]

@@johnnyblade1293 caustic 3

[@JaredHumphers]

I have the Akai, but agree the keys do feel better to me on the Arturia. I like that they’re a bit bigger, and like someone else said, if the pad size were bigger on the Arturia, I’d go with that (even if it meant losing a few pads). Pretty tough choice!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Agreed man! If you don't have the new MPK Mini, I definitely recommend upgrading! You'll really like it!

[@JoelStephen]

@@PatrickBreenMusic does that mean that the new mk3 has an equivalent key quality as of Arturia? I'm comparing the two and meds to buy one soon.

[@usbsol]

Buy the Arturia essential then 🙂

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

✨ Check out the UPDATED COMPARISON: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gme9o6mYgLJgiLc [Minilab 3 vs. MPK Mini mk3]

[@sahilanwar3526]

Even though so many youtubers put out reviews and content on Mpk mini, Launchkey mini, and Arturia minilab. Why is it so tough to make a final decision?

[@sahilanwar3526]

I also loved your view on this video, thank you so much!

[@itskdn]

Arturia's 🥳♥️

[@egorm8952]

My fav is Akai. But im biased. I have a soft spot for Akai. I still have my mpk88

[@akiltotherescue]

Think im sticking with the akai. Its just so ingrained in my soulllll

[@ThatVeryStrangeMan]

Super clear and comprehensive review that told me all I needed to know to choose between these two models. Great job Patrick, thanks a lot!

[@mert_mashel]

Hey patrick i just wanna say that im just starting to get into music making and your channel has been a huge help! Keep up the great work man!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Matt Marshall glad to hear it man! Appreciate the kind words. Enjoy your music making adventures, my friend!

[@trapnatii_ondabeat8600]

😂😂😂😂

[@harir25]

Hi bro i decided for minilab for its good build quality..thanks to ur review..from kerala India

[@abhisheks5625]

Aliya vangiyo arturia. Enikum vangananu..

[@gabeaviles1300]

Your videos are very calming, thank you.

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Cheers my friend!

[@carlofnl]

this is perfect timing, thanks!!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

carlofnl cheers, my friend 🙌🙌

[@MFDoomguy21]

It's 11:45 on the following Friday of you uploading this video, because I'm actually looking to buy one of them lol, thank you for making this video!

[@DyscoJen]

This video helped me immensely. Listing each feature and awarding a star to that category is what did it for me and helped me make my final decision. Great video Patrick, thanks!

[@trapnatii_ondabeat8600]

Same wit me

[@xyhmo]

Great review. With the keys being better, Arturia seems like the better choice for me. But it also feels like they've missed a few obvious improvements. Why not replace a few knobs with a couple of sliders, and rearrange the whole thing to not have the pads in a single row. Still, seems overall really good.

[@trapnatii_ondabeat8600]

Joint to 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@Autonomous15]

Minilab mk3 has brought the sliders.

[@TechTraction]

Nice job with the comparison review. Drawing attention to "if you're looking for this or that, then pick this" was super helpful as I narrow down my mini MIDI controller purchase. Thanks.

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Glad it was helpful! Cheers my friend!

[@NathanChisholm041]

I bought the Arturia 61 key version for my Anolog Lab V and V Collection 8 I just got and man its a awesome keyboard. I might get the 25 for jams at friends houses...

[@chichi7391]

Thanks, this was really helpful as a beginner buying her first midi keyboard. I already have a full size keyboard that I like and really want something small with good drum pads, so this helped me make my decision. Think I'll be going with the AKAI! Thanks!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Awesome, you'll love it!

[@simonlynch6080]

Would be nice to have a summary of total stars at the end, cheers

[@eric-vu1jy]

They had two each

[@lugga1565]

I chose the akai, cause I have a big keyboard, so If I would really need a good keybad, then I'm abled to use my keyboard. But, for music productiin and workflow, I can use the akai.

[@junito1957]

I COULDNT DECIDE SO I GOT BOTH BUT FOR TRAVEL MK3 WINS BUT FOR KEYBED ARTURIA IS BETTER

[@thejonathandoan]

Great comparison. I had my eye on the Akai, so I went to my local Guitar Center to try it out, but found the Minilab mk2 and fell in love. The keys are definitely better, and a bit larger, which was the deciding factor for me. Yes it’s heavier and bigger, but I do appreciate the more sturdy build quality. Plus the included software suite is great, and the Moog emulator is golden! Thanks for the video!

[@trapnatii_ondabeat8600]

Facts bro no lie my guy 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@JesusRodriguez-dc7of]

I would definitely choose the Arturia Minilab. Arturia's build quality and customer service just trumps Akai's all day. I own both, as well as an MPC, so I can definitely say that objectively. 💯

[@maybejae]

What do you find yourself using more? As a complete beginner is there an advantage to going with the MPK for it's software suite and arpeggiator? Thanks!

[@JesusRodriguez-dc7of]

@@maybejae .... The thing with both of these two is that you tend to use them with a DAW of some sort, so the arps and extra features are already going to be built in to your DAW. I definitely use the Arturia most of the time if I'm making music away from my main workstation pc. I haven't used the Akai in a long while. Frankly because it's just a crappier product overall. Same with their "Midimix" controller: I have one of those too, but I also have the Korg Nanokontrol Studio, and the Korg just trumps the Akai in that department as well. I imagine NI's Maschine probably out performs my MPC too, but I'm just too broke to justify making the comparison lol. Overall though, it all depends on how you're going to use (live or in a studio), so I'd definitely make any considerations from that angle. 👍

[@maybejae]

@@JesusRodriguez-dc7of thanks for your thoughts!

[@davidking6750]

There needs to be the Akaituria Mini ... a combination of the best from both : the keys and 16 knobs (not 8) from the Arturia and the bigger pads , the little info screen and the arpeggiator from the Akai

[@valentindumitru6648]

Or an Artukai Minilab :)))

[@redstonegod296]

@@valentindumitru6648 wow nice name "artukai"

[@jacksonunruh5076]

I use mini lab. No issues. Comes with awesome plugin.

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Great keyboard. Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@jacksonunruh5076]

Patrick Breen your welcome.

[@DevilKiller100]

I have one Arturia Minilab MK2. Knobs are jumpy af, I had to buy an AKAI to replace it, it works better for the same price.

[@Dare-_-]

in what world is 79$ the same as 119$????

[@eo7994]

Arturia vs Akai (from a person who had experience with both): - consider it’s weight and portability, Arturia is too heavy, if you’re a female backpacker like me (Arturia weights twice as much as Akai) - Arturia has perfect build quality, the keys are just the best and noncomparable - Akai pads are way better and softer than the one’s on Arturia, my fingers sometimes even hurt from tapping Arturia 😢 - If you are planning to use your setup at home only - just get yourself bigger keys (like Arturia keystep) Used once if you’re low on a budget. - If you need extreme portability and have a nice budget - get yourself teenage engineering OP-Z or OP-1 (what I’m actually planning to do now) And if you’re broke - there are tons of old toy synthesizers from Casio and Yamaha, akai mpk mini PLAY will be a good toy to play around too

[@rejurj]

Decided to buy minilab. Thank you Patrick :)

[@kristofferfredin2706]

First of all, great vid! I would like to know more about the softwares tho. Me as a beginner it is quite hard to understand the differences and more! But keep up the good work and awesome vids!

[@counsellingwithcoaching]

Just received my Akai MPK mini - looks super cute 🥰

[@patcupo]

Scaling down from an old MPK88 and narrowed it down to these two. Super helpful video - thank you!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Great to hear it, Patrick!

[@marvelousondatrack8647]

Me too me scaling done from Akai mpk49 to smaller keyboard

[@TheShiftingSounds]

It always seems i buy the best bamg for my buck. Without any reviews i boughr the Aturia. Will arrive tomorrow but because of you i lnow now i will not regret it.

[@sagitta12]

Thanks! We're actually looking at a 61 key controller but this review helped us make the decision for the brand :)

[@goatkoala573]

DAMN! I WANT THEM BOTH

[@ArthurKlisiewicz]

my MPK keys broke (3 of them) after 10 months. This keyboard is super low quality. Purchased ARTURIA - I love it !

[@NAGA_99]

I have giant hands so I was instantly sold on the minilab. Actual great comparison video, bloody subbed.

[@ScottHooper1]

Thanks man, that was really helpful to help me choose the Arturia MK2. Confirmation bias? Yeah, probably, but coool vid dude!

[@amaurythewarrior]

i got a mpk mini mk II used a few years ago... I never liked the keybed. and because of that i never really used it. I wanted a small desktop midi controller. i have a full size korg D1 digital stage piano that's great, but on the side and not great for synth (full weighted keys). the arturia minilab is reaaaally tempting.

[@Appelschmappel]

This video literally helped me choose. I think for me, the Arturia is the way to go. . Thanks for the nice video!

[@wallyt.waterbottle2303]

this was a really nice concise video that def helped my decision! thanks!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Glad it was helpful!

[@taz-on-the-looseyusef5526]

Everything from Akai is what I love

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Nice!

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

The key bed is hard to beat with arturia. I tried several companies and hands down arturia was the best for my needs.

[@GabrielAlves-ll6lc]

terrific video man, thanks for the content

[@itskdn]

I really Wanted this Video & You are here to Help! Thanks dude!🙈♥️

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Glad you dig it bro!

[@nomad1517]

If native instruments put pads on their m32 and moved the touch strips on the top instead of the left to improve portability it would be the best on the market for it's price and size. But hands down, m audio oxygen mini is your best bet for the price. Arturia is sooooo outdated. I hope this year they pop one out soon.

[@kuanminlee5512]

Thank you for sharing these ! By the way I love your BGM ! So 80’s style !

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Thank you for the comment, my friend!

[@tonytemple8195]

Basically, Akai dropped the ball with the joystick thingy. Maybe when they make the MK4 mini, they will fix that annoyance with something that works separately and not combined.

[@rchrd3353]

i prefer the joypad for pitch bends. for modulation you can just map to a knob or something . give me joystick over touch strips any day

[@ReachingWisdom]

Thanks for sharing... getting a new AI and they promote the low budget Akai stuff.. but i am a guitar/bass player not an expert on writing electronic music and have held back from midi for years but the time is now... lol.. imma give the akai a shot... ill update .. and subscribed. Thanks again for sharing!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Cheers my friend!

Great Video. I have both.. But I love the Arturia when it comes to playing keys, which i do more.. You hit it on the nail... I am now a fan and a Subscriber.

[@ennisonrosa3]

Really helpful video, thanks Patrick!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

My pleasure! Cheers!

[@rangskai699]

tbh i think mpk mini wins here. they should just make it more solid and with a more premium material like the arturia, same goes for the piano keys. the problem with the arturia one is that the pads are very like in a row and i think mpk wins in that. we could get a fusion of both and it would be perfect!

[@trapnatii_ondabeat8600]

Mini lab

[@donniethedealer7163]

Thank Bro👍🏼 Very helpful!

[@VERSVCE]

Cool video! what I looked forward

[@damienfleming33]

The akai broke on me in a year

[@by_antony]

Hey, man. Excellent video. I just bought my mpk3 last month.

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Thanks Anthony! Enjoy your MPK!

[@ShiShiWorld]

great video. thanks man

[@konfusedkidmusic]

Thankyou....✨

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Thank YOU!

[@thienntvo8723]

I’m still so stuck between these two. I’m an absolute beginner to music production, so I don’t really have any preferences. Which one is best overall? I plan to use GarageBand then LogicPro but am open to Ableton.

[@deborah-weiss]

Same situation here. Despite all the raving on the Arturia I'm almost pulling the trigger on the Akai because... Drum pads

[@novasound.]

If you're gonna use the drum pads a lot, get Akai. If you prefer some keys quality and a full control of your sounds, get Arturia. I'm a logic user and I don't use the drum pads, so i choose arturia

[@deborah-weiss]

@@novasound. update: I ended up buying the Arturia because good quality keys are the most important thing. The pads ain't that bad and if they fall short for drums at some point, just gonna buy some Akai LPD8 that are like 40 bucks. Very happy with the Arturia - solid quality

[@eric-vu1jy]

Hey man don’t worry if ur totally new den either one is a fantastic choice… good luck and njoy bro

[@sammydreamz9788]

Arturia all the way no comparison , tried them both and Wow ... How on earth Arturia isn't more than that crap Akai is beyond me .

[@See_Sharp]

Got the Minilab and I'm very disappointed, some notes sticks when a lot of keys are pressed together and some of the pads are much stiffer than the others. If I turn on my yamaha keyboard somehow the note sticking stops. Arturia could just fix this with a firmware update but they're not listening. I should have gotten the Akai and you should too.

[@See_Sharp]

Update: A usb hub fixes the problem, even unpowered ones are ok. A lot of people have the same issue and I think it's the minilabs poor USB filtering that causes the sticky notes problem.

[@nohemyjimenez3084]

Hola

[@FrancescaBettiMusic]

Thank you for the video

[@reneeteller]

Thanks very helpful!

[@bye6357]

Same thumbnail face as in the other midi keyboard videos of yours. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@wycliffkeys290]

It’s time Arturia gives us the MK3 . Hope they make a 37 full size keys

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

I've heard rumors that something is coming. They just dropped new interfaces, so I'll be surprised if we see a new Mini Lab this year. My guess is they'll announce something at NAMM.

[@silentry]

I'm going for the artuia Im already getting an mpc one so I don't need the midi for the drum pads plus artist is a little bit cheaper so the extra money I can go out and buy SD cards.

[@LKirahs]

I still don't know which one to choose xD It's a pity there was no mention of how they work with another DAW, like Logic, or Ableton. Does anything not work, are there problems with the drivers, etc?

[@diemcarl5546]

Since I bought myself for pads Maschine Mikro MK3, and it's a portable killer, now I feel as if my MPKmini MK2 is obsolete, for keys definitely would stick to MinilabMK3. Also MPKminiK2 is a pain to use with lates MAC OS, the control software crashes, just annoying to use woth Logic either. F MPKmini imho :) peace out

[@akiltotherescue]

Great comparison video!

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Skip Mcgee my guy! What setup you working with these days?? Still got your MPK mini?

[@akiltotherescue]

@@PatrickBreenMusic yesssssiiiirrrrrr. Its so trustworthy. Been thinking about upgrading to a 49key tho

[@areohbee343]

thank-you so much. Arturia for me

[@babs218]

Wich of them would be better for fl?

[@joaovitorkoproski6312]

No diff

[@sammydreamz9788]

Arturia Mini lab all the way , no comparison to that crappy Akai mk3 lol and I have the Akai MPC one but Arturia here wins on Every aspect trust me .

[@fredashay]

The Arturia has a better keyboard, but the Akai has better drum pads. Therefore I see a few people have both of these and connect them together with USB so they work together as a single instrument.

[@ejclavecovers]

thanks for the review its helping me alot in buying

[@elevenforty9251]

Great job Bro 😎

[@CybertroninfiniteOfficial]

Gracias man

[@corne8729]

i was 100% i was going to buy the arturia but now i dont know :/

[@firehandszarb]

mpk mini looks so cool

[@msnatif1557]

thank you!

[@cYklr]

uh, i cant decide.... both it is!

[@yimzz6]

Which one should I get..I want to know.. I mean which is better

[@ello_ello_]

thank you for the comparison/review. you do a good job - much appreciated

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

My pleasure! Glad the video was helpful!

[@riharrds]

thx

[@StoneLax420]

Can the synths from arturia’s analog lab be used in other DAWs or only in analog lab?

[@sonicjackalopeproductions3342]

Analog Lab is a virtual instrument environment that also has a VST component. It isn't made to be a DAW, but a plugin for your DAW that can also function in a stand alone configuration to play live without having to open up a DAW. Great for musicians who want to load and play a synth, but don't want to run something like Ableton during a live set eating up RAM you don't need to give to it. Any Arturia products work well in almost any DAW on the market. I have fallen in love with my KeyLab 49 because there is nothing it cannot work with. From vintage MIDI out of an Alesis SR16 or Yamaha DX7 to the new Mac Mini M1 even when Apple didn't let them in on the release and no one else's controllers would work out of the box.

[@JegErAlan]

Thanks for the video. I am a newbie…trying to figure out which inexpensive device to start with.

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

You're very welcome! Thanks for you comment!

[@8.8.92]

how to activate those knobs in minilab 2?

[@beluumu]

Thanks for the video. I went for the arturia. 🤭🤭

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

Glad to hear it!

[@switterbeet]

since my MPK Mk2 got 2 broken keys after about 2 years and the pads got delays when using with the DAW i will never buy one again and dont think i would recommend it. But maybe the Mk3 does better

[@blackbusiness7]

Which is better; the AKAI Professional MPK Mini MK3 or the AKAI Professional APC Key 25 to control ableton for a beginner noob? Do they do the same thing? What is the difference? I smell a new video coming... 👍🏾

[@SoumyajitSarkar]

What we need is Arturia MINILAB mk3... Enough waiting 😭

[@PatrickBreenMusic]

I hear something is coming... My guess is they'll announce it at NAMM.

[@RoaringJaguar]

Thank you

[@Melodic623]

I have both. Minilab is much better imo

[@adrith5722]

does anyone know what instrument or sound this is at 0:35 sorry guys if its a dumb question

[@estebanod]

Well, MPK it is then, I already have a weighted yamaha piano so idc about the poor keys

[@SonderUS]

Hello this is Patrick!