AKAI MPK MINI MK3 VS. ARTURIA MINILAB MKII | Which Should You Buy?

[@alecjansen]

Me, watching this after I’ve already bought one of them

[@tottenhamfan01]

F

[@DaddyFryme]

But which one did you get?

[@zane6617]

Same here. I went with the Mini lab

[@alecjansen]

@@DaddyFryme I went with the mpk mini, love it

[@Onpoint69608]

@@alecjansen by watching reviews i feel like it's kinda toy ... what's your view after usage?

[@itfails3919]

TLDR: AKAI is brand new release, has better pads, good digital pots, improved keys (over the prev version), and also has (a useless) screen. Arturia is already 4 years old design, has the best keys in mini category, meh pads, now improved digital pots (which were slow and glitchy before the firmware upgrade (fixed after 4 years lol)). The integration between the arturia and the analog labs is nice. Ableton control is also nice, but it is also possible with the Akai with some tweaking. The bundled software shouldn't be a deciding factor. You can buy analog lab lite on ebay for 10-20 usd any time. The akai virtual instruments are also in the 10-20 usd category. Anyway the lite version, and even the "full" analog lab is just a preset collection which you can't change. It does not allow you to configure the virtual devices, just a limited set of controls. For full configurability you either have to buy each device for 100-200 usd each, or buy the V collection for 4-500USD which contains all instruments. If it's not urgent to buy, then I'd wait for the MK3 version of the Arturia. But considering that both are around 100 USD, there is no wrong choice here. If you want the best pads and hardware arp, then Akai. If you want the best keys and analog lab integration, then Arturia. (You will waste more money on the software later anyway:)

[@b.scribe5999]

It also depends on what type of music you are trying to make. A lot of hip-hop heads go for the MPC’s for the drums and sampling capabilities. A lot of house and electronic producers go for Ableton and Arturia. That’s just my observation and opinion. Of course you can make hip hop on Ableton, but I prefer to use other DAWs I’m comfortable with like Reason, Logic, and Pro Tools.

[@itfails3919]

Yes, of course. (For Ableton exclusive workflow, there is also the Novation launchkey mini, which is fully integrated with Ableton, but has the worst keys.) For those who still can't decide, maybe the best choice is to buy both :) Don't waste more time trying to decide which one is the best for you. It's not a lifelong choice, and both are affordable. You will get all the software, and you can try everything without stress. Then you can resell the one that you don't like to someone who don't care about the bundled software :)

[@ChrisMontgomery-xtrmagamr]

And has software that works in Linux.

[@mertakcay5340]

Arturia is still rocks even it’s older!

[@DIGITAL7Media]

I bought the mini lab last year. It has taken my music into new levels. The software is also amazing. Doing a simple login pro / Analog Lab tutorial search helps. I think I'll be an Arturia loyalist from here on out. The touchstrips are a great touch.

[@LuKe-iq5om]

Awesome! If you get tired tired of 25 keys, try their Essentials 49. Some of the features there like transport controls, save, undo, transpose, faders, really speed up the workflow. It's portable and light enough to take it on the go, Rockville sells nice cases for them as well.

[@BeeSting862]

I bought a Minilab Mk2 only yesterday, before watching your video. I did some research before choosing it, but having now watched your video, I am even more confident that I bought the right one. I value build quality over mobility and I am sure I will appreciate the extra 8 encoders. I currently use Reaper as my DAW and am comfortable mapping my own controllers, which I can configure to my liking rather than Arturia's, though in the fullness of time I may start playing with Albion Live. Thanks for your video.

[@alexunixaxwell3952]

Actually, the knobs are what made me buy the arturia in the first place :)) In vst like avanger, sylenth1 or babylon, it's god sent :)) manual multi automation during recording is unbeatable. No more select, automate, switch, select, automate. I can do multiple automation at the same time on the fly.

[@Kandrgame]

You just addressed my biggest concern cos i use sylenth 1 a lot and i can’t do without automation

[@KatieKatTG]

I got the Minilab mk2 and really like it. I was leaning betwern these 2 controllers but went the Arturia path for the more sturdy feel and available programs. I had also seen a handful of other review videos by other people who all seemed to agree that the Arturia keys feel better. Thanks for giving us your review and opinion, Taetro!

[@cadou_]

I actually got my Minilab less than a month ago, based on the amazing review&update you did on it, it helped me decide once and for all which controller to get, and I’m super satisfied right now... I’ve never experienced with music production, or electronic music at all, always been more of a string instrument player myself, however the transition and experience has been so smooth and rewarding all along, and I cannot recommend it enough, also thanks to you for a great couple of videos breaking these down, @taetro PSA Arturia’s got the full version of Analog Lab 50% off until Oct/7th, and if someone out there’s trying to decide what piece of software to get, think no more, that’s an amazing deal for the actual content you get!

[@arlethg5979]

Congrats on getting an midi controller and starting in music production! I also recently got a minilab a few months ago. Thanks for the heads up on analog lab being 50% off I definitely gotta take advantage!

[@sebastiansanchezmendoza7523]

Hi! I also a guitar player and got a Minilab just a month ago. Do you have some recommendations on how to learn to play music on this controller? Some videos or online lessons?

[@ry7hym]

I'm also originally a string player, but I'm really into EDM, so i wanted to try this

[@DarkDao]

Imo, minilab is much better, not only due to key and general quality and feel, but due to software bundle, and you can buy some of the software that comes with mpk mini really cheap (like i got hybrid 3 for 5$ or something and it's not that good to be honest). Default analog lab lite comes with 500+ awesome, high quality customizable presets, full version is 6700+ at this point and gets updates regularly. Same with UVI piano, updates, good quality. I don't use Ableton, but it's one of the most popular daws, with bunch of learning materials. And don't forget about midi control center, you can customize minilab to your liking in many ways. Oh, and arturia software products are awesome in general so built in support is really good.

[@TheCatholicPrius]

I watched a bunch of videos for keyboards and settled on the akai mpc because of the reviews but also the name. Kind of wish I had gone with Arturia or Novation offerings for my first one because people seem to like the software more. I think thats the most important part, I focused too much on the keyboard (which with ADD is easy with all the blinking lights lol) and not enough on what you get in the bundled software, it just seems like the Arturia offerings are "more fun to play with" for some reason, lol. With these things being fairly affordable im pretty sure ill have a stack of atleast 3-4 of these at some point, I just should have picked better for my first one, lol.

[@JoelStephen]

@@TheCatholicPrius would you recommend Arturia over the MPK 3

[@JoelStephen]

@Lin Saosin thanks for sharing this info. However, I ended up buying the new M Audio Oxygen Pro 25.

[@ruukaoz]

i bought minilab mk2, and you can really go into custumization through the midi control software, you get with the keyboard. Thats probably not for newcomers, but a nice feature later on. On the other hand the MPK3 has the drumpads on 2 rows (2x4) which makes it a little easier to play drumbeats on, but its doable on the minilab 2, too.

[@brettnfk]

I have both midi controllers in front of my right now and still can’t decide. I like the Minilab’s keys, but they’re not massively better than the MPK’s keys. The knobs on the MPK feel and adjust parameters inside of the DAW so much better; I found in one instance that the Minilab’s had some kind of weird acceleration on them where if I didn't turn them at the same velocity every time they always produced different results, which sucked for recording automation. Otherwise they're fine, but the two knobs that are buttons (1 and 9) don't turn as nicely as the others, and also respond more slowly on Ableton. And the pads are fine on each. I guess what I want is a keyboard that’s as light and compact as the MPK, with the MPK’s knobs and pads, and the Minilab’s keys and integration with Ableton and Analogue Lab... Ugh. Edit: Decided on the Minilab. I figured either are fine for a first controller, but I use keys more than anything else, and I like the feel of the Minilab keys. And the extra sounds you get with Analogue Lab are pretty great.

[@solelysoul]

might be a dumb question but would the analogue lab lit work on any daw?

[@brettnfk]

I'm assuming Analogue Lab works with any of the major DAWs. I'm currently still using the Ableton Suite trial, you get it for three months before needing to purchase, but I have no reason to believe (in my limited knowledge of these things) that it wouldn't work with Logic or FL Studio or some other DAW too.

[@brettnfk]

@@blindmelonstubbly Thanks man, but since posting that's comment I've bought Ableton and an audio interface.

[@awcartermedia]

Thanks for your review! I was on the fence and this was one of the most informative comparisons especially because you used them both throughout the video. I will probably be getting the Minilab, mostly for the feel, layout, and options. I play drums on an electric kit so the drum pads will probably be used more for control than drumming and I like the lighting and look of the Minilab better. Plus if you look around, the minilab comes in an Orange variant! Orange is my favorite color :)

[@DopamineOverload]

I own tons of midi controllers-- the Minilab MK2 is hard to beat. I think it's the best out of all three (Launchkey Mini MK3, MPK Mini MK3). 16 encoders... tight integration with Analog Lab 4, pads which can be CC/PC messages or notes (on ANY midi channel, individually), encoders which can be any CC/PC message (also on ANY MIDI channel... individually)... and 7 User presets (not including the default Analog Lab preset). Sucky thing about the MPK Mini MK3 (for anyone curious who loves customizing MIDI stuff): everything SHARES the same damn MIDI channel (Pads and the CC/Program Change modes all share the "Pads" MIDI channel, and the Keyboard / Encoders share the same MIDI channel). Ridiculous implementation by Akai. No one wants encoders, pads, AND the keybed to share the same MIDI channel, especially if you're the type who wants to make MIDI messages work FOR you and not AGAINST you. Ridiculous. Launchkey Mini MK3 is great, but mostly for Ableton people, as Taetro has mentioned in many other videos. It's a nice keyboard for other DAWs but definitely focused on Ableton. Again, I'd go with the Minilab MK2 without hesitation, over the other two. The Akai being dead last.

[@Dysmorphobia]

Hey there. For a newbie in music production. Could you evaluate why it's better to choose different midi channels for the pads / knobs etc? I got the Minilab and use ableton

[@DopamineOverload]

@@Dysmorphobia For workflow. If all tracks are armed with say, different midi channels... you don't have to keep mousing and disarming/arming as you need to. That's why it's nice to have a few midi controllers. Say, 3 keyboards, on 3 different channels. You just play whatever you want to live, and record as needed. Say there's a drumkit on the pads of the Arturia Minilab... and the keys playing some random synth. You can have two different tracks, and record as needed. And then you might have another pad controller... on another midi channel, with a different drumkit. Mix and match... never worrying about disarming/arming the tracks. Keeps the flow.

[@Dysmorphobia]

@@DopamineOverload ah thanks for the explanation mate. Never thought about that but it totally makes sense!

[@DopamineOverload]

@@Dysmorphobia Any time! Workflow is a never-ending uphill battle, haha.

[@candaceabernathy7568]

Which would u pick between Arturia mini lab vs keystep 32

[@sarappo]

My son was asking for a Midi Controller, and this video was very helpful in determining the right one to get for him. He uses Ableton and based on your recommendations, I will be ordering the ARTURIA MINILAB MKII. Thank you for the great comparison of the two different controllers.

[@bobbydhuths1059]

you are a good dad

[@migerrancan554]

your a good dad man thanks for being alive!

[@TRIX-wn2sl]

@@bobbydhuths1059 How do you know he is the dad 😂 just joking

[@bobbydhuths1059]

@@TRIX-wn2sl i hope if you could patiently read the comments

[@TRIX-wn2sl]

@@bobbydhuths1059 I was making a joke saying how do you know he is the father maybe he was cheated on and it’s a different person’s kid that was the joke but it was just a joke

[@faelquerque]

Thanks dude, I was with two tabs open in my browser, not knowing which one of those controllers to buy. Being a Ableton user, your video literally saved me from a massive headache. Arturia MK2 to the win.

[@bsmith8166]

I had the same issue with my minab... you need to go into the software and change the pad sensitivity to "full" it defaults to linear, which you do not want

[@ChezSantander]

“If you’re gonna be learning and growing, you might as well start learning and growing on a DAW you can grow into.” -TAETRO

[@2tamz603]

Akai MPK is what I settle for. Big fan of drumkits and pads. Already have FL Studio DAW after selling my Yamaha keyboard in early 2000s. Smaller studio now.

[@JC-D0lphin]

I'm a beginner looking for my first MIDI controller after getting used to GarageBand. As I'm a PC user I have no choice but to migrate to another DAW when I'm not on my iPad as Apple refuses to let GB run in Windows. So I've decided to go for the Arturia MiniLab. I want to get started learning Ableton and the included Lite seems good for that. The idea of needing to map stuff for the Akai seems a little intimidating to me as someone who just wants to get started learning. The sheer resources Ableton has going for it make it a worthy investment I think. The point about very few professional level people using MPC Beats was an excellent one and influenced my buying decision, as did the bendstrip versus the joystick.

[@pisderata]

I think the competence of Akai is the Novation, portability + functions (And I think the Launchkey is better bc the 16 pads), people go for the Arturia for the brand, keypad, lab lite and construction, not bc portability and functions. Although I think Akai is winning Novation bc is promoted and cheaper in Amazon, and Arturia is winning Novation too

[@Tanicorn]

I decided I wanted to make music for my own games so I'm learning about music production now. Decided to go with the Arturia but I REALLY wanted that arpeggiator from the mk mini, that would be so good for so many soundtracks.

[@jazzpande4442]

Same the arpeggiator really helps

[@doofjd]

You got arpeggiator in ableton dont worry

[@Doggy-B]

Just starting on my digital music journey, Ableton was my daw of choice, and the mini lab MK2 is my first midi kb.. great choice imo

[@lpsc_zzz]

minilab gang

[@almas7123]

The mk3 is the one for me but mainly cause of its size. Thanks for the post

[@vindigo47]

UGH SO HARD TO CHOOSE STILL

[@jvy9655]

Fax bro tell me what u got

[@javym1431]

Arturia is best. It has better software, keys, pitch and modulation control and has premium feel as the build quality is good. If u want good pads and better portability, get Akai but the keys are ok, the software is ok but build quality is poor

[@laishrambikramjit2429]

Me too man and the KK M32 also. this three i can't choose

[@Tommy06235]

I’m getting the Arturia cuz it’s only 100$ and better

[@dataluchs1288]

just ordered the arturia while watching. thanks dude.

[@itsbtunes]

I recommended the minilab to a friend because I got the MPK mini mk2 myself and I didn't really like it as much. The build quality is significantly better (built like a tank basically). The keys feel so nice (they kinda remind me of yamaha reface synths) and the software is just way way better. I literary don't use any of the software that came with the akai since they are TRASH. I know the mk3 has gotten better but I still think that minilab is better.

[@sravans5100]

I got the MPK . I still haven’t decided whether I’m totally into this so even if I end up going full on into music I can use these drum pads which are OP

[@AMIRNORAZAN]

I have both & used both to play live loop. Use MiniLab for keys, MPK Mini for finger drum

[@nins8991]

Thank you so much for that video!!! I've been watching Videos for 2 hours because I have no clue about those things and wanted to buy one for my boyfriend. Thanks to you I'm finally done watching videos and can order the aturi minilab right away

[@alexeythecat]

Amazing review, that's what I needed. I couldn't decide between these two and bumped into this video. Thanks!! Super helpful

[@Xskayer]

What did you choose?

[@organicvibes4209]

@@Xskayer fr

[@LimitlessJA]

I’ve had Both but I lean towards the Arturia.

[@DJMYKKOFFICIAL]

I will definitely go for Arturia for just two reason 1.Pitch bend function 2. Ableton Live WF functionality thats All I need it. Thanks TAETRO👍👍👍👍

[@simongreaves210]

Akai has the 4 way pitch bend joystick

[@walterFRENCHTV]

I just purchased the MPK and its amazing.

[@LuKe-iq5om]

Please update us after a year or two, all the best!

[@walterFRENCHTV]

UPDATE: Great product, I can’t stop using it & the Infiniti buttons are nice. It’s very portable and goes everywhere with me at the moment. I used the launch key as well and the mpk pads are killing them. I think there both good midi boards and it’s all about what you want the most in your set up. As long as you have the software they made the same sounds.

[@sdaniels160]

I bought the Akai MPK MK2 as a complete newbie, knowing nothing about midi or controllers. The instructions and the website for the MK2 offer very little help and assume that you know everything already about controllers. The software for customizing the MK2 is shotty and works the way it's supposed to sometimes. I've had to load setting changes for or five times before the changes actually took. Every other controller I've used since, Arturia, Presonus, and Novation, is much easier to set up. Just saying.

[@eh5665]

For those who cannot choose between these two: Go for Arturia and never look back lol.

[@7775Kevin]

Agreed. It’s great

[@manavsheth9041]

i think akai is better tho

[@mcunentschlossen6433]

is the Arturia also nice to use w/ FL 20 ?

[@eh5665]

@@mcunentschlossen6433 Im a reaper guy so i dont know but i guess it wont make any difference

[@paxvriesen5715]

The Akai is much better imo

[@BrandoLuis]

I own the launch key, so nothing to buy for me, but I feel the Arturia to be superior, specially for the toucstrips & double the knobs, I used to have the akai Mpk mini2, but the joystick is just terrible

[@KHACDII]

Also when you buy the Arturia Minilab mk2, you can upgrade Analog lab lite to the full version with just $69 ($200 in retail). That's a deal for me!

[@alvaropaul322]

really ??

[@alvaropaul322]

how

[@KHACDII]

@@alvaropaul322 you have to create an Arturia account, and there was an offer after you do that

[@aumhren3480]

i have minilab mk2, love it, banks are awesome (8 presets), managed to program pads as midi cc, then i mapped (via midi learn in studio one 5 pro) and now i can play / pause, record, change tracks, even do automation, what not, all via pads on minilab. highly recommended, though using analog lab V intro, might be erroneous every now and then. have fun, aum, s love nia

[@manfredivincenti3124]

Hi Taetro, thanks for giving us such a complete comparison! I saw that even if you prefer the arturia minilab, you used in a lot of videos the Akai, can I ask you why? You think that it's more versatile for beatmaking or it's for something else? Thank you!!

[@hsn10]

Because Arturia pads and overall controller layout sucks

[@hrmusic1570]

Minilab works great❤️

[@Michael_Lak]

You’ve nailed the kpop sad face in your thumbnails.

[@tonystark6265]

I don't have a controller or DAW yet BUT,...prior to this video I was NOT high on ableton (just was so confused by it). I was looking at Studio One and the Atom SQ controller....But you sold me on the Arturia MiniLab MkII (mostly due to analog lab) and then after watching more of your videos, the way you described ableton and broke down how/why/what you did in Ableton, in reference to the beat making process...it made a lot more sense to me. Which is why I'll be getting the MiniLab MKII with ableton live! Thank you Taetro and keep up the GREAT work!

[@KritikaSengupta]

Hi, can you please upload how to use Ableton for beginners? Music production in Ableton. I really want to learn from you because you have the ability to teach 😊

[@kokixnikolov]

I want too

[@RichyMcFly]

He has a whole playlist on his channel kzbin.info/aero/PLoO2tOP2r-XvQjVFLNpDl47A72RHNMmxT

[@pratikmalvi8731]

Arturia should give you some royalties man u have changed minds of lots of musicians including me. I am using mk2 for past year and it's good... Tnq

[@piffytho8638]

honestly i just need a budget midi controller to make music for a indie game i am developing.

[@samosamusic]

sounds cool man, anywhere I can follow your progress?

[@piffytho8638]

@@samosamusic i haven't created a channel specifically for my dev logs but i do plan to so i will let you know when i do!

[@businessgamerprb5398]

Whats the name of your game?

[@piffytho8638]

@@businessgamerprb5398 I was gonna name it The Outer Lands but that name was already taken

[@aquadoze8932]

@@piffytho8638 what do you think of ‘Firma Fringe’ as an alternative for the name? It roughly translates to The Outer Lands in my mind :)

[@jadanoliver6237]

I have mpk mini mk3 as a gift from one of my friend. The ability to customize and edit and I need that. I have many plug ins including v collection, I need all three of my controllers. Mpk works great with mpc beats. And I use the joystick because I am a korg user

[@triplev3539]

I have both I got a 20.00 coupon on my guitar center gear card. I bought the Akai first for 99.00. Drum pads are great small size easy to bring and use with laptop. The freebees that come with Akai are good. I really like the expansion packs and the Hype software. Free MPC Beats is good. I have already bought 2 expansion packs. The Arturia Mini Lab is bigger and I really like the Keybed on the Arturia. There a number of free expansion packs at their web site for download. I like the analog lab software that comes with the Arturia. I used the coupon and paid 63.00 tax included with the Arturia.

[@JaySholes]

Great Video. I was wondering if the Akai beats software was a good starting point for beginners. Well said and great explanation. Thanks Taetro!!

[@zardon409]

it depends on the style of music you're interested in. for some electronic music and hip hop, they have templates that get you started in MPC Beats.

[@nmfl100]

Thanks for the thorough review, it was very helpful. Definitely going with the Minilab.

[@chayeahpuddin]

That hammerbong is a BOMB. By the way, I'm going to buy that Arturia.

[@RandyPhillips1957]

Thanks! I debated between those two devices and settled on Arturia - I think your description of the features validated my decision! Great videos!

[@TheAttmaster9]

This guy is a blessing, exactly the type of in depth review I was looking for amidst all the fluff

[@zardon409]

the main thing i would say is that the upgrade path for software is better with the Arturia keyboard. if you advance past the MKP to the MPC series of gear, Akai changes up the software you use to interact with it, from MPC Beats to MPC. the interface isn't radically different, but it is different. on Arturia gear, somewhere i went from Analog Lab Lite to Analog Lab V and never noticed the difference. with Akai software is was kinda like going from GarageBand to Logic Pro on the Mac; the software is aimed at different types of creators and the "upgrade" is not seamless.

[@sergiop9149]

I bought the minilab mkII yesterday and this video just pops into my recommendations lol I'm glad it did. Thanks for the review !!!

[@abhisheks5625]

How good is the gear dude?

[@0AndrewBolt0]

Another great review - Arturia seem to go for higher quality hardware and keyboards... a good thing and worth paying a little more for...

[@ivanfoucault]

It's the blackpink light stick for me💖🖤 dope video I just bought the arturia minilab

[@uursullla]

Arturia MiniLab MKII is beautiful i like how white/pure it is im glad i pick this for my music

[@mohdshamsaiman]

thank you.. I now know which one to buy.. Arturia Minilab of course.

[@DeadGyro]

which do you think is better for a fully brand new beginner to production I should also mention that the Minilab is £10 cheaper

[@notplaying2379]

I chose the mini lab because of the software bundle, mainly analogue lab.

[@alainsellier7751]

Great video. I got both as I couldn't decide between the two. I like both of them.

[@scuffeddud3927]

thats a flex

[@alteo8588]

Made me laugh

[@shijiewang3803]

Thank you for your video! I'm an FL studio 20 user and I want to know which of the two will have a better performance on the FL.

[@modovic]

Akai is better with FL Arturia is better with Abelton

[@modovic]

@Abdelaziz Kharraf You will get Abelton Live Lite for free when you buy Arturia Minilab, without buying the minilab you will get to purchase Abelton.

[@modovic]

@Abdelaziz Kharraf In my opinion, If you're good at Abelton and already an Abelton user so get Arturia Minilab, but if you're already a FL studio user its better for you to get Akai Mpk mini If you have not tried Abelton nor FL studio yet, You better get Arturia Minilab and start learning on Abelton as there are many course on Udemy. I hope you find this helpful :)

[@modovic]

@Abdelaziz Kharraf you’re welcome :)

[@modovic]

@Abdelaziz Kharraf abelton live is much better than the lite version

[@agentofjazz6624]

Just watched the video, I am a one handed keyboard player, I lost function in my left hand mostly… so I am digging this keyboard… I am looking into a few… thank you!

[@TheBeatBrothersBand]

Just got the Arturia and loving it!!

[@markb9488]

Great video review, will be purchasing the Arturia today...May 2021 - MK3 is out now...

[@davesmith8286]

I have been shopping and your video was very helpful. I was leaning toward Minilab and now for sure that is the one I will purchase. Again, Thank You

[@mannyadewale8732]

YES! I've been waiting for this one 🔥

[@benmaguire5326]

Thanks man, really cleared things up for me🙌.I'm going with the arturia mini lab mk2

[@audisport222]

I waaas goin with mk3 until i watched this..thanks

[@JesusRodriguez-dc7of]

The Arturia Minilab wins for me all across the board. Build quality, customer service, usefulness of features -- it just trumps Akai in every aspect. My Akai mini products all feel like cheap Chinese plastic. The knobs, surface texture, touch response, and aesthetic on the Arturia is just superior to Akai. I own the Akai Midimix, MPC, and Mini mk2 so I'm definitely coming from a purely objective and experienced standpoint. 💯

[@candaceabernathy7568]

What about keystep 32 vs. mini lab?

[@GODHATESVANDAL]

i got the MPK. . . falling in love with it . . wonder if there are any secret functions or tricks i can apply on it.

[@MrKarateEd]

So, if you already have the Akai MPK Mini MK2, would the Ableton software still be the better idea. Does everything sync up ok with that combination? Thanks very much, great video.

[@raphsieniu]

IMO it should, I have MK3 and I was able to sync the MPK's and Live's clocks by myself, no need to launch the MPK config app.

[@Cnc-hustlers]

Arturia looks bigger and good quality but akai looks easier to use and do more things

[@mrfuzztone]

With Arturia, currently a good price to upgrade to the full version of Analog Lab V after you register the mini Lab MK2

[@CN3Music]

If you don't need pads or nobs for portable use get the maudio or akai 32 key controller. Half the price, more keys (32 is perfect for samples), more portable.

[@Mr.N-8]

Akai MK3 comes with editing software which includes the ability to map buttons on computer as well.

[@bladebone9531]

Thanks for making such awesome videos, you have inspired me to start using ableton in my creative process and so far I’m having a great time!! Can I ask which model of microphone you’re using here?

[@annikaw4932]

Seems to be a microphone by Blue. I'd guess it's the Blue Bluebird SL, which is a large diaphragm condenser microphone. (just a brief guess tho.)

[@geekindakitchen]

Im guessing it's a blue microphone but short of that I am not sure sorry\.

[@Ver2ion]

switch minilab settings in the midi control centre on the pads from linear to exponential or full and it will be easier to press them

[@michaelsingslive]

Ok. So i had originally ordered the Akai, but based on this and yes, I know you may be biased, but you're also being thorough and explaining BOTH units limitations as well. Your logic is sound; so I changed my order to the Arturia....I really want to learn Abelton Live and I don't want to have to create a hundred darn macros just to use the item...

[@leohvann]

Does anyone know if the minilab would be good with FL Studio?

[@2tamz603]

Good question

[@michelnassarofficial]

Team MiniLab!! ❤️

[@mikelomazz520]

Hey Taetro, thanks for a great review! I came to this after a kind of "best budget midi keyboard" and really enjoyed it. Being an Ableton 10 Suite user, my thoughts were already going to the Arturia anyway. I am by no means any good playing a keyboard but wanted a midi controller to help with Vital and other VSTs! Would you say that not being a player would make any difference to me wanting to buy this machine? Thanks again - liked, subscribed!

[@drowsyspook3455]

Tbh arturia minilab just has better functionality, keys, and is really aesthetically pleasing which is a big personal plus

[@MrMelancobar]

My choice: "Minilab MK3" with 37 keys with aftertouch... waiting for it

[@Dysmorphobia]

I have read that arturia won't release the MK3 anytime soon

[@MrMelancobar]

@@Dysmorphobia thanks, I didn't know that. So, I have to wait much longer, go for Novation or stay with my Roland A pro... greetings from Argentina

[@caglarkarademir]

What is your opinion for a beginner musician like myself?:)

[@renegarcia7504]

@@caglarkarademir depends what you want

[@abhisheks5625]

@@Dysmorphobia Can you confirm the news bro(source), so I can buy the arturia MK2

[@iamindrop]

do you have any problems with the sensitivity of the MiniLab Knobs (8 and 16) when you are using it to navigate on Ableton Session Mode? mine are extremely sensitive. Other than that i love the MiniLab. Love your content! :)

[@KHACDII]

I have that too

[@MuddySump]

Looks like his were too at around 13:25

[@r3dsnow757]

I bought the akai mpk a while back and even though i love it as my first midi controller. I personally absolutely hate MPC Beats as a software, i use ableton live and found it way easier to learn and having a better ui. MPC Beats is just a nightmare.

[@skitzotheproducer3469]

Arturia all the way.. Akai felt cheap & breaks... Arturia model is the best high quality portable keyboard I've tried to this date! I've had the Akai models before & feels plasticky & seemed to break more often

[@jheeg]

Thanks for making this video! I was having issues with my minilab but I didn’t download anything from the manufacturer so hopefully that will help

[@benjamindomador1074]

Hi, greetings from Venezuela, i have a doubt...In the akai, can I configurate the joystick to have a bigger range of notes ?, I see that the minilab reach one oct whitel the akai reach just a half (a semintone), Can I configurate it in the akai mpk3 ?

[@harryhtw5081]

I recently bought the mini-lab

[@mazedreamproduction3111]

Nothing beats the looks of akai mpc black though.

[@adaptivfx]

Jeez i literally can't decede between the Akai MPK Mini MK3, Novation Launchkey Mini MK3 and the Arturia MiniLab MKII :(

[@7775Kevin]

Get the Arturia. I love it

[@LuKe-iq5om]

It's quality over features here, if you want something that will take a beating go with Arturia. The only thing that sucks with Arturia is the pitch/mod sliders. Keys are also not that great, but are playable though, you get used to them. Owned MPK MK2, staying away from Akai. Akai is not known for their quality.

[@miguelroque2403]

I bought the akai mini 2, I'm just starting out and did an unboxing and it is beautiful🤭💐

[@brittanycompton9150]

I see you recommend the Arturia mini lab mk2 over the akai but I see you use the Akai one more, why is that?

[@stunt280]

I appreciate your videos, thanks in advance. Which controller is best with Logic Pro x in your opinion?

[@lugga1565]

:D His voice alone is statisfying. Thank you! Those Videos help much, to choose between those

[@Taetro]

Glad you think so!

[@skylervieth5192]

Awesome video! Super informative and well spoken. Buying the Akai MPK Mini MK3😎

[@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... 👍🏾

[@dariooipad6430]

I was at the store today to buy a MiniLab. But fortunately, I checked the potentiometers before buying and ... Unfortunately, they work badly. At slow rotation, they "dumb" and give the parameters they want. And not what the user wants. AKAI works much better - no complaints. Arturia's keys are a bit better sized. I advise against purchasing MiniLab. Greetings

[@Taetro]

Knob performance was fixed in a firmware update

[@durigore3063]

The Blackpink lightstick! 👀