Arturia - MiniLab 3 - Universal MIDI Controller for Music Production, with All-in-One Software Package - 25 Keys, 8 Multi-Color Pads. - White

The Arturia MiniLab 3 is a fantastic MIDI controller for music production! Its compact design is perfect for small studio setups or on-the-go creativity, yet it doesn’t compromise on functionality. The keys feel great, and the addition of assignable knobs and pads makes it super versatile for controlling DAWs and virtual instruments. Setup was straightforward, and it integrates seamlessly with popular software like my Logic Pro.The included software bundle is a huge bonus, offering an excellent variety of sounds to get started right away. For its price, the build quality is impressive, and the controls are responsive and intuitive. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned producer, this controller is a powerful tool that punches way above its weight. Highly recommend it!

Easy to use, great keyboard, handy in Ableton, a winner all the way, sturdy build and reasonably priced.

Works seamlessly with Ableton, very versatile and reasonably priced.Small enough for an average desk setup, usb powered so no additional AC adaptor required

The keyboard itself is fine. I wouldn't argue with the price at £89, it's worth that and I would easily recommend it. It's well made, the keys are good, and it's a pleasure to use.The software is a different matter. First the Arturia-supplied software is downloaded via the Arturia Software Center. The ASC is inconsistent. The MiniLab 3 includes a licence for Analog Lab V. It does not show under "My Products". For the MiniLab 3 Black edition, under my products it shows a button "Update All". But under the "My Updates" link it shows "No update available". So where is the missing Analog Lab V in ASC (which is working today on this Mac)?The web site today (20240820 at 22:14) on the product page shows "Analog Lab Intro" amongst the included software. But read below. Should it be Analog Lab V or Analog Lab Intro I am looking for?I contacted Arturia support and their response was equally inconsistent. First they informed me: "Indeed all of our software needs to be downloaded through the ASC.". Yet in a different email they state "Could you please try using the following installer?" with a link to the Analog Lab V package. And "As a side note, you will not find an option named "Intro" so you need to install Analog Lab V/Pro which is the same software." So the "needs to be" is not correct and nor is the name. I now have a product which is not visible in ASC.The ASC has dead links to parts of the Arturia web site. I found this out when I clicked the link for the "User Manual". I took screen shots and fed that back. It shows a lack of testing for something which could so easily be tested and fixed. I'm not really enamoured with the ASC.Hardware integration with Arturia's own software (the aforementioned Analog Lab V, and Synclavier V bought separately) is very good. They work like a charm. I had to fiddle a bit to get this working with Reason, but that works fine. The "tutorial" for Reason on Arturia's channel is not a tutorial for getting this controller working with Reason. It shows somebody who has already got it all set up controlling parts of Reason. I would call it a "short demo after getting the controller set up".Other software "included" is not actually included. You have to register at other sites to get it. It includes two pianos. While they are different, it's a bit boring to have two pianos. An Ableton Live Lite licence is included, after registering and going through some hoops at Ableton. I would describe these as "extra software which comes as free" rather than included. Included to me means "it's in the ASC, click here to install it".I think these problems are fixable and should be fixed, and this would give a much better experience to customers.

The build quality on this thing is really something. The encoders feel great, the sliders feel great, the touch pad mod and pitch bend are very responsive, and I think I actually prefer them over the more standard mechanical approach now. The drum pads also feel great, very responsive, the OLED display is nice. The keyboard itself is pretty standard, nothing to complain about.Where this MIDI keyboard really stands out for me though is the DIN MIDI out, the easy MIDI channel switching, and the customisation that the MIDI Control Center software offers. You can customise just about everything - each MIDI control can be set to a different channel, and you can even change the colour of each of the drum pads.The form factor is also very nice. It's compact, yet there is a nice amount of space between all of the controls. It feels comfortable to use, and really balances its small size with versatility. Would recommend.

I am relatively new to computer based music production having avoided it for many years due to frustrating experiences with cubase in the old days. I found cakewalk the easiest program to use when I delved into it last year. As my old Korg synth struggled to link with my laptop I looked around and settled on the Minilab 3. I have it for a few months now and am delighted with it. It was 100 eur and comes with some great included software. It is worth it for analog lab alone but abelton and uvi the grand are also worth downloading. As cakewalk is ceasing support I have moved over to abelton and the minilab works seamlessly with it. Analog lab has 500 presets and they sound amazing. Uvi the grand is a bit of a rigmarole to install but stick with it as it is well worth the effort. The minilab itself is portable, using the laptop for power and the keybed has a lovely feel for mini keys. It's one of the best things I have ever bought, I just need to upgrade my laptop now.

Amazing quality, easy to setup and it comes with most software you need to get started too. The integration with Ableton Live is great. Having physical buttons and faders to control software is a godsend. Once you learn all of the shortcuts on the keyboard you will understand how massive this tiny c thing is. Can't say enough good things about it. For anyone who is buying as a first keyboard, just remember that this a controller that needs software to make sound. When you register it on Arturia's system all of your Arturia purchases go towards discounts to every you buy from them. I have saved hundreds of pounds and have accumulated a wealth of tools and software that will be used for many years to come.