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

[@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!

[@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!

[@Vishnu-xn4vx]

That On The Run sequence in the intro. Nice 👌

[@carstensorensen154]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@Hakucho64]

No MIDI in though, so not able to be synced with other gear in a DAWless rig.

[@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 👏

[@PersonManManManMan]

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

[@levirphillips]

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

[@cryptotrader2779]

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

[@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.

[@Kveg-y6k]

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.

[@simonwahlstrom1296]

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

[@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 :)

[@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.

[@damianothar]

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

[@ProfessorHumblesDelusions]

Your video production is incredible. ❤

[@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!

[@drsumantamajumdar2771]

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

[@willfraser5210]

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

[@naeemulhoque1777]

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

[@flotteur]

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

[@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!

[@diegoeidelman]

Very nice review! and well done visuals I'm about to get a Minilab 3 and then look into integration with Ableton. Thanks for the video and greetings from Buenos Aires.

[@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

[@DenisDollfus]

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

[@PersonManManManMan]

Excellent work on the video, keep it up🎉!

[@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*

[@bigheartsmolpen]

​@@vwvwvwvvw6143and beatlab*

[@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!

[@tomespiro]

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

[@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

[@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^^

[@hostsofmichael]

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

[@MogShade]

Great video production and review. Thank you.

[@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

[@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…..

[@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.

[@azzozmusic]

Bravo arturia, very well designed 🙌

[@drindy5166]

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

[@loopop]

🙌🏻🙏🏻

[@andybside]

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

[@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.

[@MosEisleySpacePort1138]

Thanks as always for this informative walkthrough. It looks like a smart board. I just don’t understand why none of these boards in this size with mini keys include aftertouch. Launchkey, Oxygen Pro Mini, Akai. It’s odd. I would’ve thought Arturia would use the keys from Keystep. 🤷‍♂️

[@billiedoesbeats]

Midi and smooooth ableton integration? I'm in.

[@DJCJ999]

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

[@MarcoPolux]

best review as always 👍

[@korynt3984]

They should provide a way to latch the pad page with transport control or to easy change these pages with a button. They really dropped the ball hard on this.

[@valdir7426]

that will probably be a much requested feature for a firmware upgrade

[@ultramike3]

Was added in a firmware update! It's even better now!

[@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.

[@martingifford5415]

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

[@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!

[@CologneTech]

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

[@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. 🤘

[@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!

[@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

[@rizzbod]

Really amazing and very helpful video. thnx man

[@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

[@squirrel_82]

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

[@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

[@DuckForPope]

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

[@paulsmith1807]

Another superb video 🙂

[@blkrbbt]

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

[@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

[@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

[@sthembisomabaso8283]

Love the review

[@SKashif7]

How's it with Studio One

[@DopamineOverload]

Dope. Lots of new gear announcements, today.

[@arnoud500]

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

[@Dogboy73]

Disappointed they got rid of 8 of 16 encoders and replaced them with just 4 faders. It doesn’t look as good as the previous MKII either. It's a bit lob sided now. I hope they fixed up the reliability issues. I have to regularly open up my MKII to clean the contacts on the keys when they stop working. Apart from that it's just about perfect for me. I don't understand why they bother with chord modes and Arps on MIDI controllers either. I guess the thinking is more features makes it more exciting. But most people will use this with a DAW that has much more powerful features like this built-in (or via plug-ins) surely?! I don't think it needs this extra bells & whistles. And the transport controls that require a shift+press? What's the point? you may as well just use your computer keyboard.

[@heimdall4148]

The shift button can now be locked with new firmware update.

[@0711RC]

Thanks, GREAT info!

[@particular_noise]

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

[@Motocicleiros]

I am sold.

[@donvittoriosierra]

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

[@torenordmark7127]

Great intro for a newbie

[@tonylancer7367]

1. Can this be powered from the iPhone alone or does it need an external power source to use it with an iPhone? 2. Feel of keys between this and the Novation LaunchKey MK3? Also which is "better" in integration with Ableton between this and the Novation board? 3. Can note repeat divisions (1/16, 1/32, etc) can be added in a firmware update? Also side question: Why is it not possible to make these mini keyboards have Bluetooth? It would be so convenient to have bluetooth and connect wirelessly to your iPhone/iPad/Mac or Android/Windows machine and be truly mobile with no wires.

[@loopop]

1. I just tried with an iPhone 13 Pro and it works! 2. Better keys on Minilab (subjective opinion), better integration with Novation 3. Can they, probably. Will they? I have no idea. Bluetooth - yes they can, it's probably an issue of cost vs demand

[@tonylancer7367]

​@@loopop Wait, with number 1, the iPhone can power the Minilab? I remember you mentioned that you need a power bank for the Novation Mini MK3.

[@loopop]

@@tonylancer7367 I don’t remember what I said about the novation keyboard, or what the results of my test were but I just tried powering minilab 3 with an iPhone 13 Pro, and it worked…

[@florianrameau3546]

It works with iPhones and iPads, and there is also a "Low power" mode, to work with older phones that supply lower power

[@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??

[@matstjean]

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

[@loopop]

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

[@FPChris]

I’m looking for a simple laptop living room set up to record tracks for video game development. Will the included recording software all trial versions?

[@NicleT]

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

[@ombracorta]

Hi, what controller would recommend for a 12y old kid, for starting producing music with a Mac or an iPad? What's the most user friendly and easy to learn between Arteria Minilab 3 and Akai MPK 3? Thanks

[@spiralmoment]

I don't know about user friendly, I don't think there's much of a difference. But the Arturia looks like a much nicer controller, it has better knobs and it has faders as well. Those short fat knobs on the akai are not nice to twist at all. I have an older mpk, but I'm getting the Arturia instead.

[@spiralmoment]

the m-audio pro oxygen mini looks nice as well.

[@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

[@shravansharma9738]

could you please share comparison with Launchkey mini mk3?

[@moschidreamer]

Music making is a think I do not understand... This is magic for me... I would like to do music but can not...

[@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.

[@erniecf]

Nice ! Can the arpeggiator do up and down?

[@perry6023]

yes

[@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

[@MreenalMams]

Can an expression pedal be connected to the connection port to control stuff with a foot controller..? For example a wah pedal on Amplitube

[@adriensoyer7416]

Absolutely.

[@florianrameau3546]

Yeah ! It now supports Sustain, Expression and footswitch :)

[@MreenalMams]

@@florianrameau3546 oh that is actually great news.. cuz there really isn't any other device at that budget which supports expression pedals..

[@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!

[@3D1ofakind]

5:27 "Loopop legal asked to say laser notes do NOT actually fly out of the controller" thank god I thought I got scammed

[@rodrigoaquije2534]

minilab 3 or keystep 37 for a modern small midicontroller to use with my computer?

[@shawnsmith793]

Same question

[@pds1455]

Go minilab if you need intergration with analog lab. keystep doesn't have this feature

[@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 :)

[@andersb80]

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

[@loopop]

Synthesia

[@offTheMedsYe]

Loopop, a German reviewer wrote 10 days ago that the endless encoders behave like potis would, i.e. after switching tracks/devices you'd have to move them across their current value (takeover) before having an effect - not registering changes immediately, like you'd expect from an encoder. Which Arturia support confirmed as intended/expected behavior, he claims. Did you notice anything about that in your time with the controller? Was it an issue when/if you used multiple instances of Analog Lab, switching between them?

[@loopop]

I don't recall trying this with Analog Lab but in Ableton I indeed encountered this and changed the takeover mode to value scaling which solves the problem somewhat

[@micheldejesus3319]

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

[@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.

[@spiralmoment]

id wish it had real pitch and mod wheels and aftertouch. But otherwise it looks pretty good.

[@judor5705]

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

[@Philaygah]

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

[@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

[@JoshTobaquero]

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

[@bigheartsmolpen]

Please answer someone 😢

[@pralu7223]

Excelent video! Wich one ia better Akai Mini Plus vs Arturia Minilab 3? Help please

[@loopop]

Thanks! There's no such thing as better, only better for your needs - watch both videos and find out what's more convenient for you

[@pralu7223]

@@loopop Thank's... But wich one have more features? For example use with synths or drum machines... Used with out computer?

[@loopop]

@@pralu7223 for use with hardware for sure the MPK Mini Plus has more features, but again, everything I know is in my videos

[@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?