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

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Anyone fancy a versatile controller keyboard with the tip of the Arturia software iceberg included free? For 95% of producers, be you a beginner or a pro after a portable controller for use ‘on the go’, the Arturia Minilab 3 is more than worth it. Turn the keyboards over and the underside of the MK2 is made of metal. Whereas the Minilab 3 is just plastic. You don’t get a Midi Out port with the MPK Mini MK3. While you get a full 5-pin Midi Out with the Minilab 3. Something that allows you to hook up the Minilab 3 to hardware synths!! On the topic of integration, the Minilab 3 gives you 4 assignable faders, which also play a huge part when integrating with Ableton Live, allowing you to change the volume, sends and pan of each clip via your controller. A feature/ level of integration you don’t get with the Launchkey Mini MK3.

Hate to sound snobby, but… the overall design of the Minilab 3 feels that bit more professional. While the Minilab 3 has a more ‘techy’ appearance, the Akai MPK Mini (especially in a garish colour wave) could easily be confused with a children’s toy When it comes to drum pads, the Novation runs rings around the Arturia. It has 16 – double the amount you find on the Minilab 3. They’re also arranged in 2 rows (one above the other), which for us at least makes finger drumming that bit easier. Arturia & DAW programs automatically connecting to the software, and up to 5 additional user program. On the Minilab MK2 you had to make do with a sustain pedal input and a USB A connection. While the Minilab 3 gives you a ‘portage’ upgrade to USB C, as well as a 5-pin Midi out port, which allows you to connect the controller to hardware synths!! There is good news too. First, the controls are rotary encoders so there’s no parameter jumping when you take control. Second, preset browsing from the hardware has been improved since I last used a Lab controller. The MkIII has a dedicated push encoder with indented action. With Shift this lets you step through sound categories; otherwise it scrolls through lists, with a push registering a selection. Multis

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Despite being launched a whole year after the MPK Mini MK3, the Minilab 3 does NOT come with a ‘note repeat’ function. Yep – you’re just as confused as we are. When it comes to keyfeel, the Minilab 3 is on-point. Just like the MK2, the keys are responsive, nicely weighted and enable you to inject some real expression into what you play! What’s more, they have a good spring to them too, which makes fast key changes or small runs up and down the keys super easy. We saved the best til last… The Minilab 3 gives you a full-size (5 pin) Midi-out port, which means the controller can even be hooked up to hardware synths!! A seriously neat feature for anyone looking to expand their setup.

Choose either the Akai MPK Mini MK3 or the Minilab 3, & you’ll get a screen. Although with that being said, that on the Minilab is not only slightly bigger, but it’s also that bit more intuitive. The screen on the Minilab has more functions, is more accurate and shows more detailed information. While both controllers feature endless encoders, with the MK2 you get a whopping 16 compared to the measly 8 you get on the Minilab 3.What’s more, you’ll struggle to find a keyboard that’s as sophisticated when it comes to integration. The way the Minilab allows to interact both with your DAW & Analog Lab (in our experience) is nothing short of seamless. Add to that the fact the Minilab 3 boasts more ports (including that all-important Midi Out), as well as gorgeous screen, which really does come in use for making minor adjustments, & it’s genuinely hard to see why anyone in the market for a 25 key controller, would not (at the very least shortlist the Minilab 3.