Arturia MiniLab Mk II - full review (including Analog Lab Lite)

[@BabaRabba2]

I got it because of good reviews and because it works well with many virtual instruments. Some competition may have more features but this is one great controller.

[@DIGITAL7Media]

5 years ago I researched the hell out of these mini keyboards and this one always won me over for what i wanted. There’s still so much to explore. This is a great great product

[@ifiwantyoutofeel]

😳

[@TheYuppiejr]

Minor head's-up, the versions of this being sold on Amazon (and likely most other sources with new/old stock) include a "coupon" for a $29 upgrade path to the full Analog Lab version, but only after you register the hardware and Lite version do they make you aware the upgrade is now $69. If the cheap path to the better synth version is a major purchase criteria for buying one of these over other compact controllers, just be aware it's now $40 more expensive than most KZbin reviews of the product indicate prior to May, 2019 when Arturia moved to Analog Lab version 4 and the more expensive upgrade price.

[@AndrewCulture]

J Lund thanks for the update!

[@rwckf]

I appreciate the heads up. I just bought the mk. It better come with the full version, lol. Still, the Mk2 with lite or full lab for $40 extra is the best deal out there. The Arturia sounds are among the best. We are basically getting all of the greatest analog synths of all time for around $100.

[@SkinzDiablo]

This is the first midi controller I've ever bought, and I am so excited for it to get here. I got the inverted color version. It looks marvelous.

[@accentontheoff]

Do,you use it with Logic by any chance.

[@GloomyNate]

same here, also got the inverted version. was it worth it? just looking for something to play around with and Analog Lab seemed fun

[@adralicus]

Great no-nonsense practical video and nicely presented thank you!

[@NathanChisholm041]

I use Bitwig with the Arturia Minilab mk11 due to all the Arturia software I have like Anolog lab 5 Collection 8 and Pigments! The best part is everything is automatically mapped so its so simple. The NI M32 is another good budget controller that works well with my software. Cheers

[@dreamhack123]

Thanks for the overview. Just what I was looking for!

[@AndrewCulture]

Glad to be able to help.

[@WycliffStudios]

Nice video. SUbbed. Can you give me advice, please? Should I wait for the MK3 MiniLab or should I just get the MK2 as it's been almost 4 years and they are about to release a new one

[@AndrewCulture]

I’m not aware of a MKIII being released any time soon. I’m on the Arturia press list and know their PR folk so I’ve checked my emails and seen nothing. I would say the MKII is still a very solid controller.

[@peytonhutchins8357]

You’re video was super helpful! Starting the music production process very soon

[@AndrewCulture]

Brilliant! For the price this midi keyboard is amazing!

[@peytonhutchins8357]

AndrewCulture I have a lot of questions can I get your email to folllow up with you?

[@AndrewCulture]

@@peytonhutchins8357 Sure, I'll help if I can! Contact us through making-music.com/contact-us/

[@peytonhutchins8357]

AndrewCulture I sent the message

[@peytonhutchins8357]

I was wondering what is the best computer to use beside Mac ? And what is the best free daw?

[@samprock]

Cool show - love all the tools here!

[@tilleyroadaffairproduction6752]

Thanks for this nice video. I am still trying to figure out how to use the minilab with Logic pro X.

[@johnnymartins2352]

did you figure? I just bought one to use it with logic X!

[@yanapiano]

Maybe you could respond now? :) I'm also interested!

[@wra7h]

No drum examples?

[@JasonMayDraw]

Funny to stumble upon you on here. Nice work. I'm considering this or the Novation Minilab mk3

[@danielcolfer4671]

Hey the drawbars, switches for chorus and vibrato, perc on and off etc can be mapped as well using the Hammond organ VST within logic (or any organ VST)! Correct? I guess anything with a midi cc is assignable. Using arturias midi control center software would make the work flow much easier? Thank you for your great presentation.

[@playerpogg]

That was really helpful! Thank you! So outside for those presets there is in the program, can I add new sounds?

[@jacobsss5827]

And how is drumming with that? I'm wondering if it's even worth learning to drum with those pads... Maybe keydrumming wins

[@tonyjamesr116]

Was there an update done on this recently,? I’ve not used it for a couple of months and when I switched it on my studio view had gone and I’m now left with a list of different synths? Very annoying

[@mopmu]

(Are you the one from The Office?) Thanks for the review!

[@Paolo_Pino]

Does Analog Lab Lite works also as a VST inside a DAW?

[@AndrewCulture]

It sure does. It's like having access to hundreds of thousands of dollars of vintage synths.

[@skwac418]

excelente revision, amigo una pregunta.. las perillas o knobs del controlador ese, andan bien? me dijeron que es muy lento y tarda en responder y que andan mal aveces.. me quiero comprar una por eso

[@Making-Musiccom]

No me he dado cuenta de que las perillas son lentas. Parecen responder al instante.

[@accentontheoff]

What you did there with Logic keyboard and the cc and the drive… the mapping to a parameter. When I do it it works… but then later when I do it again with another keyboard the first mapping gets erased. Am a beginner to midi… any idea what I am doing wrong?

[@simonmcg23]

Nice review. Can you tell me if the Minilab mk2 has a chord mode like other arturia controllers?

[@AndrewCulture]

I don’t believe so.

[@MiMi-ft4ko]

thank you good job

[@AndrewCulture]

If you like this then feel free to subscribe to our email newsletter, the link is at the top of our homepage making-music.com/ . We send emails out about once every three months :)

[@beefsoda1]

My daughter asked for one for her birthday. Neither of us know what to do to get it to make sounds thru the computer after downloading the software fml

[@stephendre2902]

Garage band?

[@beefsoda1]

@@stephendre2902 that's apple.

[@yuh2378]

the software u downloaded is probably the drivers. you’ll probably want to get a daw (digital audio workstation) to use the keyboard to make sound. An online free daw that i’d recommend is SoundTrap, it’s free really simple and it’s online. it’s a great tool to play piano and make music! hopefully that was helpful

[@kamikazihwk-qi6cs]

@@beefsoda1 download waveform

[@gazeunderthesunmusic]

Cool keyboard, will it work on a android tablet? And will it work with effect pedal like the Loomer? Because i was thinking about getting one.

[@AndrewCulture]

I’m afraid I don’t know much about android. If there’s a USB port on the tablet it could work.

[@gazeunderthesunmusic]

@@AndrewCulture I do have the USB ports on me.

[@Loraoco]

Sound a bit like Ricky Gervais

[@gsboss]

i bought my minilab used, dunno if i can still get analog lab. are there synth sounds that i can download? i dont even know what to google for it

[@israelmontalvo5609]

Can you use Arturia Minilab, as a 1st keyboard to learn to play piano, and from there something else? thinking for my kid to learn piano in something like melodics or some other piano teaching SW. hope you can answer my question, thanks in advanced.

[@AndrewCulture]

It might be too small to learn piano with the correct two handed technique.

[@andythedrummer9642]

Are all of the sounds on the lite app free, or do they show the paid ones too?

[@georgiosandmusic]

@AndrewCulture Cool video. Thanks. For external plugins, after you made your midi map, what happens if you make another midi map for another plugin? Do you loose the information of the first one?

[@AndrewCulture]

I have no idea, sorry! I think the maps might be per software or VST

[@lalopardo06]

dudeeeeeeeeeee your the best, ik how to play well correctly now

[@lalopardo06]

awesome

[@johnpaullovetek1809]

Good example of arturia!!!

[@1gent]

is it possible to record anything with the software, which comes with the Minilab MKII?

[@madnice5577]

whats the difference with ARTURIA MINILAB??

[@BellyUpFishGarage]

Can this be used as a stand alone unit? My kid wants a "beat pad" and I'm exploring options for her. She plays the keyboard all the time at her grandparents house and I've started looking at midi keyboards for her.

[@vkurek320]

It needs a daw to operate

[@martinhart7061]

What software do I need to get my one working on Windows 10

[@jandikable]

How to send sound from analogue lab to DAW? Or how to record? Or is it just a VST plug-in?

[@AndrewCulture]

Analog Lab can be run independently, but is easiest to use if loaded as a VST inside your DAW

[@jandikable]

@@AndrewCulture thank you

[@worldwidehappiness]

Clicking buttons to select a sound would be a drag.

[@caioteixeira1541]

Can you set the rotary controllers to go from 0% to 100% in one sweep close to a regular knob!? If so, could you please tell us how? Also how good are the pads? I mean if I wanted to use it for drums for example.

[@MrSulfor]

You can change it with the software is comes with.

[@harir25]

Sir i am from India, which is better midi for fl studio daw..is akai mpk3 better..

[@jenneltvvlog9781]

What software u use for making minus one

[@alainmartinez3038]

What kind of mouse is it that you're using? That touchless mouse

[@RedBaron8698]

if I'm just starting to learn (looking to get this as my first MIDI controller), is it worth upgrading to the full version of Analog Lab?

[@AndrewCulture]

I'd say the upgrade is well worth it, but only once you have totally exhausted everything the lite version has to offer. So far I've been using lite for a couple of years and am nowhere near running out of new things to do!

[@anonymousblank]

Does this keyboard create it's own sounds? or does it only control whatever your software has?

[@caydilemma3309]

It is only a MIDI controller. Only controls your software.

[@user-sh4tn7iv9f]

Is it compatible with spectrasonic omnisphere?

[@AndrewCulture]

I can’t see why not. It’s just a midi keyboard :)

[@whateverraven4072]

hi I don't really understand if the sustain pedal comes with the controller of it has to be bought separately. Can anyone help me out?

[@AndrewCulture]

It doesn't come with the sustain pedal

[@shaunmadison99]

I have one and was wondering if i could use this with my mpc Renaissance? I'm starting out and was just wondering (a bruh feels like a serious noob right now lol)

[@shaunmadison99]

As in terms of easy to use with

[@AndrewCulture]

Sorry, I have no idea!

[@shaunmadison99]

AndrewCulture lol its all good! I appreciate the info and content

[@fabriceducouret5631]

Nice! Can you play it without a computer?

[@sakuraradio5803]

nope

[@RootsJava]

do knobs do something like modulation?

[@AndrewCulture]

The knobs do all kinds of things. They are brilliantly mapped in the Analogue Lab software, it's the nearest you can get to twiddling actual vintage synth knobs without mortgaging your house.

[@s101077]

@@AndrewCulture 😂😂 👍🏻

[@callmeqt1269]

I know this is a year old video, but maybe you could still reply. I was wondering if analog lab lite and the other recording software come with the product for free. Please reply as soon as is possible, thanks!

[@AndrewCulture]

Nerd yes. This midi keyboard comes with a great software package for free.

[@callmeqt1269]

Thank you, Andrew

[@youvebeentagged7214]

can this midi keyboard connect to external sound module via standard midi DIN ?

[@AndrewCulture]

You've been Tagged ! The only port is usb

[@chriss1152]

is this software only for this keyboard or can I use it on any midi controller

[@AndrewCulture]

I believe Analog Lab can be used with any Midi controller.

[@morten1]

With this you get it for free, but I assume you can use the software how you want after registration

[@danielsamati9631]

I want to buy this sir from where can I buy it ,I am from India

[@AndrewCulture]

I don't know what is best, but Amazon India has it in stock

[@matiaspedemonte3269]

Which is better, the arturia keystep or the minilab mk2? I am not into electronic music, I play on a funk/rock band and just want to add some ambient sound and fills.

[@AndrewCulture]

Matias Pedemonte they are both different things. The keystep is a sequencer (sort of) and the minilab is is a midi controller. Neither can make noises by themselves. If you want a noise generator you might be better looking at something like the Microkorg

[@matiaspedemonte3269]

Yeah I know, but with a computer it could still be useful. At least for recording right? I'm a guitarrist so I am new into this midi/ synth world. I am considering this two and the Microkorg XL but is more expensive and I don't know if it would be much useful than the midi apart from having their own sound lets say.

[@matiaspedemonte3269]

And another thing, the keystep has the grand piano mode also?

[@AndrewCulture]

Matias Pedemonte personally is say go for the minilab. It’s cheaper and it doesn’t sound like you need a sequencer.

[@matiaspedemonte3269]

Okay perfect!! Thank you very much for the advise, useful video by the way. Cheers.

[@marlonmurray2250]

What' that black cable for ?

[@AndrewCulture]

Expression pedal

[@CrucifiedinChrist]

Does analog lab have the Roland jv1080 ?????

[@Lectrosoul]

Whats the mouse pad thing your using?

[@AndrewCulture]

I'm not the presenter of this video, but I think you're looking at an Apple Trackpad.

[@haikat4]

Useless garbage

[@sandalnice3333]

Do you need a computer to play this

[@AndrewCulture]

Yes

[@sandalnice3333]

@@AndrewCulture oh ok thanks

[@j.eliahtrosien9422]

Can you record what you play in analog lab so you can put it in a daw?

[@AndrewCulture]

J. Eliah Trosien absolutely. Analog Lab opens in your daw as a vst

[@j.eliahtrosien9422]

@@AndrewCulture oh perfect!

[@fleamarketmixtape3793]

The install an set up guide sucks big time... im lost

[@cristianbonillamontano1424]

How can I record the instruments from the Arturia's software?

[@AndrewCulture]

You will need a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) like Ableton, Logic or Garageband.

[@softsoundsCL]

@@AndrewCulture Doesn't the Minilab come with Ableton Lite too?

[@kjhhu6876]

@@softsoundsCL yes

[@mascote483]

Can you use it as a controller to external hardware? If so, how can you do that? Using a soundcard, or using some sort of midi box converter/cable? Thanks : ) I would like to use it mostly connected to the pc, but i imagine it could somehow work using a soundcard connected to an external device work. Let me know your toughts.

[@AndrewCulture]

Rafael Ayres this keyboard only has a midi connector so will probably only work with a computer. The Arturia Beatstep will do what you need.

[@mascote483]

@@AndrewCulture Yes I understand that. But even using a computer do you think it would be possible using the soundcard method + some midi cables?

[@AndrewCulture]

Rafael Ayres ah I understand now. Yes, I have the keyboard on my desk and various midi devices on shelves behind me. I control / play the gear on the shelves using the keyboard on my desk. The midi cables from the gear on the shelves connect to a Focusrite 6i6 on my desk that is connected via usb to my computer. Ableton makes the connections.

[@mascote483]

@@AndrewCulture !!! wow !!! ok that's exactly what i needed to know !! thank you so much !!! I've been looking everywhere to know if it was achievable! Very Cool thanks for sharing! and also thanks for the video!!! : D

[@AndrewCulture]

@@mascote483 That's not me in the video, but this is my channel :)

[@gopolarisstudio]

Can you upgrade Analog Lab Lite to Analog Lab after the fact?

[@AndrewCulture]

Go Polaris Studio yes, and Arturia will give you plenty of chances to upgrade.

[@jamesreilly5730]

Oh hai Andrewwwwwwwwwww...LOL. I'm looking for one of these, too :P

[@AndrewCulture]

I really like this midi controller!

[@jamesreilly5730]

I ordered one! Going to attempt to make sounds with my computer even though I hate change and fear the future!

[@tyler4446]

My brother loves playing piano (he composes/improvs his own stuff) and I've been thinking of getting him something like this... Would this be a good first piece of hardware?

[@AndrewCulture]

Your brother might struggle to play the same way on a small keyboard as he would on a piano. But this keyboard is an amazing first keyboard partly because it comes with a really great collection of software.

[@elliotmcgee8918]

One of the things to consider is the limit of the keys, but also the size. There are some "mini" models out there with full size keys, but not that I've seen from Arturia.

[@isaacpuertos]

Hi where do you get your coloured keyboard for your mac?

[@garethpatch4107]

Hi. It’s a standard Mac wired keyboard, but it has a skin that shows the shortcuts for Logic. I got it from www.editorskeys.com . They make pre-printed keyboards as well as covers for a number of DAWs and video editors. Good service too, highly recommended.

[@gydur]

Hi does it have many good piano presets available?

[@AndrewCulture]

Yup, it comes packaged with the UVI Grand Piano Model D

[@martinantonio6725]

Can you connect a guitar to the arturia minilab and record in fl studio?

[@tronlady1]

for goodness sake what a stupid question!

[@salvadoravila7145]

If you want to connect a guitar to FL studio you need an USB interface.. this is a soft synth.. regards!

[@krazyFLoops]

tronlady1 lol

[@SoundDiggerFozo]

Thanks for review. Can you learn to talk to mic? Smacking you lips is hurting my ears. Thank you.

[@leepshin]

A few months after buying a mk 1, I decided that I hated it and that anything below 49 keys should be burned. I don't care what others say, if you remember having a car with a 4 speed gearbox, you were always looking for that fifth gear, and in the majority of 5 speed gearboxes now, you're looking for a 6th gear. Don't deny that I'm right, well this is the same thing. It's incredibly restrictive just having 25 keys and more often than not, you end up frustrated and losing your temper because you're subconsciously looking for those extra keys that just aren't there. Arturia is a great company with a first class customer service, but they absolutely need to drop any keyboard below 49 keys.

[@elliotmcgee8918]

They make controllers with less keys for a multitude of reasons, such as making a more affordable controller or making a controller that can be packed away and handled easily when on the move. If you need a 49+ key model then you know where your preference is and what you should buy. There is no reason to remove the smaller models whatsoever, doing so would end up restricting those who want a smaller model from being able to acquire one. Also, saying that with a four-speed box you'd look for a fifth gear, and once you have the fifth in a five-speed box but still look for a sixth doesn't apply. It would mean that you're looking for more keys, and once you have more keys you're again just looking for more keys.

[@benjaminsmith8928]

The models with less keys are not supposed to be studio replacement, but a midi controller which is portable, affordable and better for beginners who aren't yet ready to spend hundreds on midi keyboards which they do not yet know how to use. Saying that these companies should drop all products below 49 keys is just retarded, imagine bringing a 49 or 61 key travelling abroad, it would be a massive pain in the ass. I don't really think you thought your comment through before typing it.

[@henrikpetersson3463]

It is made to be small and portable, and that will almost always mean that you need to make some compromises.

[@jopemaen]

Original Minilab is far better than mkII in use with Steinberg´s daw. But since when I got minilab 1 it also didnt work as it should??? Many, many BUGS! I´ve updated and updated! But no. Then I bought Minilab MKII. It was mistake again. It has bugs even FAR MORE :-X :'( ...Arturia softsyns sounds are great, but they are useless because they don´t well enough in LIVE USE. If you edit sounds, they wont change. Mark II don´t even have VOLUME KNOB??? Yesterday when I tried to work with my live project with Mark II it stops chancing the sound with the far right knob. Those lights haven´t work at all. I wonder whats those light for??? It would be nice to know witch sound you are playing? But no. How to be creative when u get angry? Minilab 1 has better keyboard than MK II although ad claims other. MK II is a piece of crap. Im not wanna be musician. I just love to play live all kinds of music.

[@Christof_Classen]

*For an Ipad THIS is one of the Best Contoller-Keys !*

[@doit4thefun803]

Shit review mate or mine is just broken... When I plug it in, it doesn't not automatically play through MIDI. I guess it's just some cheap scumbag trying to make money out of people's misfortune. Sad to live in a world with people like them :(

[@Ndlanding]

Deadly dull! And not even a drum. Waste of time.

[@baileybrennan8583]

Is it possible to plug directly into an amp from the sustain jack?

[@garethpatch4107]

Hi. No, the jack is for connecting a controller pedal to sustain notes triggered by the keyboard. Also, the MiniLab is purely a MIDI controller and has no onboard sounds, so there is no audio output from it. Have a look at the Quick Guide to MIDI on the Making Music website here making-music.com/quick-guides/midi/ about how MIDI works.