Arturia Minilab 3 MIDI keyboard: how it competes // Review, tutorial w/ Ableton Live, Analog Lab MK3

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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:15 Overview
4:30 Chord mode
5:00 Arpeggiator
7:00 Analog lab
10:30 Preset FX
11:00 Multis
11:30 DAWs
12:10 Ableton
13:20 Live looping
14:00 Devices
14:45 Config
16:00 Ports
16:25 Pros & cons
19:00 More info
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NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@enedark]

Companies should just hire you to make their release videos. I find your videos WAY better than any other videos out there.

[@loopop]

Thanks! I don't accept money from companies but all they have to do is make an interesting product and I'm in for the cost of sending it to me :)

[@rizzbod]

@@loopop so true hehe

[@unotoli]

@@loopop At least viewers like me, can like subscribe and like. Such a great review. Btw, you can setup YT channel membership, with videos and guides available to members, similar to Patreon, but more popular among lazy youtube viewers ;)

[@loopop]

@@unotoli thanks yes I’ve considered it - back when I checked it first I couldn’t give the same benefits as on Patreon, but I’ll look again!

[@DenisDollfus]

Excellent review - features, comparison with competitor, video quality, information density.... excellent, thanks for that.

[@flotteur]

Awesome review, as always ! And this MiniLab 3 really looks awesome

[@cryptotrader2779]

I was going to buy the MiniLab 2 but now I'm waiting for this. Great review. You sold me !

[@drsumantamajumdar2771]

Back again... Brilliant narration as always ! Thank you .

[@carstensorensen154]

Great video as usual from KZbin’s primary source of sober and highly watchable music tech reviews!

[@cottonbomb8272]

I'm restarting my live work for wedding and party recently, this is just perfect for me. Combined with a 61key pure keyboard, I can play around with all my lovely old songs and funny sound effects. Can't wait for my piece to come. Cheers for this tutorial video, Bravo 👏

[@Vishnu-xn4vx]

That On The Run sequence in the intro. Nice 👌

[@hostsofmichael]

AMAZING . I have been waiting for the device for so long. Thank loop0p for this video ❤️

[@andrefelixstudio2833]

Excellent presentation very informative made me want to run out and buy one tomorrow thank you for your time and putting this video together!

[@bassnsax]

MiniLab mk2 owner here - I'm really excited by the mk3! USB-C, MIDI Out and countless improvements! The "Control" jack accepts footswitch, sustain, or expression pedals, which would make this a great live performance controller for me!

[@levirphillips]

Quickest review in the universe...well done sir. I did not expect this in the feed today! Thank you!

[@simonwahlstrom1296]

Bought this as soon as I found out about it. It was the perfect fit for me.

[@PersonManManManMan]

5:27 Details like _laser notes flying out of controller_ and overall excellent detailed well explained overview of features pivoted me to subscribe

[@HumbleInitiative]

Your video production is incredible. ❤

[@distantcomets]

This is how great this channel is: I accidentally pulled this up even though I already own the Minilab 3 but then I see the Arp in the "side menu" and just learned that it has an arp. For whatever reason I had completely forgotten that it could do this! Thanks, Loopop!

[@themiltongroupstudios7943]

Good job Bro , I’m highly impressed with the Mini 3 after seeing your demonstration , I got the Mini mk2, but I’m a go ahead and get the Minilab Mk3

[@damiothar]

OMG finally I found a video that explains how the midi settings work... thanks!

[@willfraser5210]

Great demonstration. I just bought the Minifuse 2 and this is my next purchase. Thanks

[@evantraasdahl4040]

I am looking into grabbing one of these do it all small midi guys to finally use some soft synths and all that. With 5 pin midi out this is a no brainer. I am glad to have waited a minute.

[@cas_vis]

Great video production and review. Thank you.

[@naeemulhoque1777]

Your demos are best. Way better than other youtube channel.

[@PersonManManManMan]

Excellent work on the video, keep it up🎉!

[@paulsaulpaul]

Brilliant. I'd never had known about the external arpeggio sync and how to make it work in Ableton (16:07). This is the most useful review video, but I didn't find it before I bought this controller. Though, it wouldn't have changed my decision. I am pleased with the quality of the midi control center and analog lab software. Notably since publishing the video: the new firmware now supports a transport control mode so that you don't have to hold the shift key to lock the transport controls. There is also a discount (at least in the US) for the full version of Analog Lab once you have the Intro version license this device provides. It is pretty significant. It is a $130 discount that brings it from $200 standalone purchase price to $70 for the upgrade price for Analog Lab V.

[@rizzbod]

Really amazing and very helpful video. thnx man

[@ndguardian]

FINALLY, MIDI OUT! It’s about time. I love the Minilabs but the lack of proper MIDI out was frustrating.

[@anghelyi]

Yeah, I have a MK2 and I really miss having real MIDI to use with my other synths...

[@voidmusic549]

Reason I sold mk2 and got a keystep (and sequencer and cv)

[@roimanthabah9513]

Wdym lack of proper midi out?

[@ndguardian]

@@roimanthabah9513 Previous Minilabs only had USB MIDI, while the MK3 has MIDI DIN out to directly connect to hardware.

[@azzozmusic]

Bravo arturia, very well designed 🙌

[@itso999]

I love the minilab and Arturia hardware in general. I also have the keystep pro and use them side by side at different octaves plus the added encoders and faders. The minilab also fits snugly in my bag for on the go uses. I got the minilab 3 slightly used for $ 80 (no software but i have plenty of that already 😅) and it has become an integral part of my workflow. Great overview, thanks!

[@sthembisomabaso8283]

Love the review

[@0711RC]

Thanks, GREAT info!

[@BeniRoseMusic]

Well this explains why the only options I saw on sweetwater last night for the minilab were the inverted and black-on-black versions!

[@paulsmith1807]

Another superb video 🙂

[@tomespiro]

Thanks. Would love to see Studio One integration as well, like in the Keylab MK2.

[@UloPe]

Nice update! I would have liked to see led rings around the encoders to directly show the current setting of whichever control it’s mapped to instead of just on the screen…

[@zbsfm]

Same, those would probably drive up the price a lot though.

[@UloPe]

@@zbsfm don’t know about “a lot”. But sure adding things always costs more than not doing it.

[@DmitryFMusic]

Hello! I have a question: is it true that the black keys of this keyboard is "louder" that the white ones? I was told that it has unbalanced dynamics and if you press the black key softly enough it will get maximum velocity most of the time

[@DuckForPope]

This looks like a lot of fun! I just wish they would update the keystep pro already... 😓

[@andybside]

Dude, what was that Pink Floyd sound right in the beginning? That was awesome!!!

[@keiz_]

Dang for the price, it's an impressive piece of gear! Just picked up a used Keylab MkII earlier this year, so probably won't get, but do wish it had an arpeggiator. Makes me wonder if they're going to release a Keylab mk3 soon....

[@KipCount]

That's what I'm waiting for. Still getting this Minilab because I need (want) a secondary small controller to replace a very old Midiman Oxygen 8 controller I've got. But definitely looking forward to Keylab 61 Mk3!

[@mad.9]

Yeah I'd really like to see what they could do with a new keylab mk3 too

[@seventfour9247]

would love to see a comparison between this and LaunchKey Mini mk3. I love that both of them have Midi out.

[@loopop]

I discuss that in the end

[@seventfour9247]

@@loopop im so sorry^^

[@sinewaymusic]

Shift commands for transport buttons is insane. Who wants that? A bit smaller throw on those faders and they could have fit in dedicated transport buttons underneath them. Would have made this an instant buy.

[@heimdall4148]

You can lock the shift button now with new firmware :)

[@re5128]

Very nice!

[@va941]

It always seemed weird that NI dont have pads or faders on the KK series keyboards...now even more so, might have to replace the m32 with this thing.

[@DJCJ999]

I would like to hear more of that Pink Floyd patch :D

[@finality4795]

4:30 what is that display where it shows which notes you press? Trying to learn to play piano, that would be really helpful.

[@arnoud500]

Love the ver well review...does it work good with Maschine software?

[@squirrel_82]

PINK FLOYD!!!!!!! You made my day.

[@particular_noise]

Besides price and key size, what's the differences between minilab 3 and keylab 25? I use ableton mostly....

[@mikeKidLazy]

Is there any way in which you can install the configuration software for the Minilab 3 on a computer which is not connected to the internet at all? As in, downloading the installation files on a computer which does have internet, then taking those files (using a USB flash drive or something) to the non-connected computer and running them from there? Or is the internet connection mandatory in order to install the software?

[@sem2669]

Does anyone know if there is a way for the faders to be connected to the volume of multiple channels, instead of different parameters of 1 channel?

[@metropolis_border]

btw. there was an update today V1.1 - for example with new transport bank feature (no shift function is needed for transport), and other new stuff

[@classyB916]

Does it include the scale mode (like the Keystep has)? One article says it does, but Arturia's own material doesn't mention it

[@martingifford5415]

I hate having to push the black knob to make a selection. It should select as soon as you stop turning.

[@drindy5166]

How to defeat no note repeat... Loopop for the win! 👊😍👍

[@loopop]

🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@christophelc6476]

hello :) thx for this video ^^ to connect it to an MPC one, the best is this Arturia or the Akai MK3 mini? or they do the same... thx :)

[@dans.8198]

Would have been nice to have CV/Gate out for modular, but no sequencer is probably the reason why they are missing. In mk4 perhaps?

[@vwvwvwvvw6143]

They have beatstep and keylab for that

[@vwvwvwvvw6143]

Keystep*

[@torenordmark7127]

Great intro for a newbie

[@danielbarbieri8199]

Hello Does it work with MPC ? Can the sliders be assigned to some tracks volume on the MPC ? Can the pads be assigned to mute/unmute tracks on the PMC ? Thanks, Daniel

[@judor5705]

Does the Keystep 37 allow to browse Presets in the same was as this keyboard in Analog Lab?

[@Beats_and_Shades]

Question… if i turn the master bass of a preset completely down to -10 dB does that cut out all of the low frequencies or are they just not hearable anymore ? Sorry I’m a newb and would appreciate some help on this many thanks 🙏

[@JWNRW59]

So tempted to sell my Launchkey 49 and replace it with one of these just from the point of view of size. I get it’s not the all-singing, all-dancing of the larger Novation, but it’s a very compelling option for sure. How is it with Garage Band??

[@Motocicleiros]

I am sold.

[@billiedoesbeats]

Midi and smooooth ableton integration? I'm in.

[@robertsaunders7179]

Thanks for your terrific review. I have the Yamaha DGX670 (full 88 key arranger keyboard) which I love and use as my MIDI controller with my preferred DAW Cakewalk by Bandlab, NI Komplete Kontrol and PluginGuru's Unify. I am very new to this new world of DAW'S and VST PLUGINS but since my DGX670 unfortunately lacks an Arpeggiator or Modulation Wheel I would like to know if it would be possible to setup the Arturia MK3 to control my software with it's PODS and Sliders while still being able to use my Yamaha DGX670 as my keyboard input device? I apologize if this is a silly question, but I only started learning the piano in my retirement years and although I am comfortable working with software and computers due to my IT background, I still have so much to learn about this music technology. I hope you can find the time to respond to my question and I thank you kindly in advance.

[@loopop]

Yes sure, you can connect multiple MIDI controllers to your computer and use them simultaneously

[@ferenclucas2842]

The keys of the minilab looknway better than the mpk which I could see as you are playing them, as I have an mpk and not a big fan of the keys. I'm switching to this controller thanks for the great video

[@NicleT]

How's the keybed? Is it equivalent to the Keystep lineup or more like the Akai's MPK Mini?

[@albertwingz]

1:42 is there Rick Roll Intro? Thanks for the review, it’s excited to have more new features in MK3

[@loopop]

Thanks and what a missed opportunity!

[@kickrocks4766]

I cant get the transport control buttons like the loop or start/stop recording to work with GarageBand, any idea why?

[@Philaygah]

Does it Work standAlone like The Akai mini? For live looping and gigs? With no computer?

[@Alex_Martz]

Anyone have compared the feel of the keys on this one vs the Novation launchkey mini MK3?, I have the Novation but the only thing I don't like is the feel of the mini keys because you have to press them really hard to get a decent velocity output

[@oleglark416]

Thanks for the great review @loopop. Do you have any plans to do the review of KeyLab Essential 49 MK3? I am on a market for my first MIDI controller now and considering between Launchkey 37 and KeyLab Essential 49 MK3. Your review would give huge value. Thanks!

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not any time soon but I do want to get to it

[@es__music]

Are the controls automatically mapped to the V collection 9 or just to Analog Labs?

[@noteimporta2880]

From what I have read.. yes this automatically integrates into analog lab and v collection

[@GoncaloSnot]

Greate video! Sorry if I missed that in the video, but if you move the faders using the software, would the physical faders move to translate the new value/position?

[@loopop]

Thanks and no unfortunately, controllers that do that cost A LOT more than this

[@GoncaloSnot]

@@loopop Thanks for the reply dude. Never worked with a midi controller, I'm looking to buy my first one. This seems to be the right choice for my budget. Cheers!

[@SonicScholar]

Please tell me it has a chord mode or chord trigger?

[@arpan-jaziel-ghosh]

Is there any Capture Midi function for Ableton Live in Minilab MK3?

[@HELL_66666]

what program in the chord mode? 4:50

[@incaroads001]

midi out is what I was looking for. companies have annoyingly stopped putting proper midi on their products. that would be fine if usb were peer to peer, but it isn't. presonus support would be nice since that's what I use, but I'll deal with it. Also, I'm going to hate when I buy this one and then see the 37 key version come out a week later. this should really have 37 keys. 25 is just a pita. CV too. just one would be fine.

[@baqcasanke]

Ok but a 37 key keyboard with gate and cv is a totally different product then what this is intended to be…..

[@myofusion99]

Can we use arturia minilab can support with FL Studio for mobile and Synthesia?

[@Rizamusic]

Quick question - on the Novation SL MKIII, when I click on a parameter in one of my plugins within Ableton, that parameter pops up on the Novation’s screen and I am able to affect that parameter by turning the knob on the Novation. Does that same capability exist on the Minilab 3? So far I have only seen demos of it affecting Ableton’s macros

[@loopop]

yes, but it's only the first 8 parameters

[@anttiiivonen9742]

Many thanks for your ARTURIA mini3 introduction. PLEASE Could you show also the settings! I cannot use analog lab and Ableton live together. I pick a nice sound from analog but I hear nothing when I change DAW. THANKS AGAIN. 🤘

[@JoshTobaquero]

is it harder to produce EDM with the one verses the 49 key one?

[@matstjean]

Great stuff! Thanks! What about the key feel compare to the keystep?

[@loopop]

Thanks! It feels very similar (though no aftertouch here)

[@chrisplaining]

Current version of Analog Lab V (Intro) doesn't support the Preset FX edit and requires an upgrade for 69$ :(

[@windowbreezes]

it looks and would feel like my microlab. could have made the faders lower in height, flat but robust like the knobs. you know, just to lower broken-parts anxiety.

[@moonlik1795]

Hi, is it possible to control more two sends?

[@mikelazarev5833]

I have a question. For custom User Templates, which would control other external synths via MIDI, is there a way to name the knobs and faders? I don't mind if the screen just shows the MIDI value from 0-127, but it is completely unfriendly for it to just display "Knob 1" or "Fader 1". I'm no expert, but it should be simple to program, considering that it already receives these details for Arturia Analog Lab via USB. And yes, I think that MIDI Control Center would probably require an update as well to allow for these to be saved. Am I missing something? How are other people dealing with this, if at all?

[@iviceversa]

same, lookin around for some answer, i have MCC and firmware updated. No damn idea.

[@kaprys2074]

Can you play drum pads when play arp on hold mode?

[@pesto12601]

Guess the Arturia free for review models must have all shipped at the same time.. TAetro, loopop, Bobeats, etc... all reviewing the item wihtin a few hours of each other.. LOL... wish I was popular enough to get free gear from manufactures!

[@myofusion99]

Can we use with android smart phone and what app that arturia can support?

[@datagram8202]

Can you configure the midi out for midi thru?

[@izaqhazan]

can you manually custom midi map the faders and rotary knobs to anything on ableton? do you need arturia software for that or just ableton native midi mapping key ?

[@loopop]

yes you can manually midi map

[@Soundboy817]

How well does this inter grate with studio one ?

[@micheldejesus3319]

I'd like to have a minilab with a minifuse audio interface integrated.

[@jloiben12]

When are the rest of the MK3s coming out?

[@KipCount]

That's what I'm waiting for. Based on this new Minilab, the Keylab Mk3 should be amazing.

[@DopamineOverload]

Dope. Lots of new gear announcements, today.

[@SKashif7]

How's it with Studio One

[@Turtles8179]

Great review! Can’t find the answer to this anywhere- does the FL studio integration work for every feature or just some as a generic midi controller. Am I better off getting Fl Key? I just rly like the look of the mini lab

[@loopop]

Thanks! I'm not familiar with that integration

[@donvittoriosierra]

The thing I haven't seen is an ipad based review of this keyboard and how they integrate with cubasis and other apps

[@shravansharma9738]

could you please share comparison with Launchkey mini mk3?

[@blkrbbt]

My big take away is that Ziv is left handed! That's impressive that I just noticed now.

[@mattcero1]

Would you recommend this to use for an MPC ONE or should I use Akai's latest keyboard, their plus model?

[@loopop]

This costs way less, but has fewer keys and controls, as well as fewer on board capabilities - if you've got the budget, I'd personally go with MPK Mini Plus to control MPC One

[@andersb80]

Whats the name of the app on the computer showing the notes that are played?

[@loopop]

Synthesia