I’ve reviewed the KeyLab series a few times here, the and the. However I’ve never had a chance to review the Minilab series, until now.Basically, it’s the scaled-down version of the KeyLab series. They all work with the Analog Lab software for a hybrid software hardware experience.Actually Arturia were one of if not the first to actually create a fully integrated hardware controller with dedicated softwarewhich seems to be the standard these days.As usual, it comes with a version of Analog Lab, but it also includes a grand piano from UVI and the customary copy of Ableton Live Liteakathe “get you hooked on Live version”.Quick Specs. hardware: 25 note slim keyboard, 16 rotary knobs, 8 RGB pads, USB, sustain pedal input.
As you’re beginning to develop your own workflow, you may find yourself stuck in a rut of tinkering with things for too long so they can sound a certain way. When I began using Ableton, I would get frustrated with trying to modulate the different parameters of a sound because I had no idea what I was doing but I had the idea in my head.I needed something to help execute my creative ideas while learning new things hands on, so that’s when I began to hunt for my first MIDI Keyboard.I was looking for a keyboard small enough to fit on my desk, but also had the ability to offer unique sounds and use multiple controller functions. I knew that I would eventually use this setup to jam with my friends so I also wanted a keyboard/controller that I could take anywhere with me.At first, I was indecisive of what MIDI Keyboard to get because there are so many great options, but there were very few controllers that provided built in software that I could experiment with.That’s why I thought the was my best bet.Key FeaturesI’ve seen several Arturia products in my search, and I quickly became interested in the company because they offer functionality and affordability. Since their start in 1999, Arturia has grown and developed their software synths to emulate sounds from popular synthesizers and keyboards like the Roland Jupiter – 8, Sequential Prophet – 5, and many more.This is something that I truly valued because I believe creating affordable software is essential for those who want to learn more about synthesis and can help discover their true sound. The PadsSince the Arturia Minilab MKII is the second build of it’s kind, you can tell the quality has improved from it’s previous model.
Arturia MiniLab Mk II User Manual. Universal midi controller. Related Manuals for Arturia MiniLab Mk II. Controller Arturia KEYLAB mkII User Manual. Controller keyboard (88 pages) Summary of Contents for Arturia MiniLab Mk II. These files have the extension.minilabmk2. They contain only the parameters for a single MiniLab MkII Memory. Select your MiniLab Mk II, then enter your Serial Number and Unlock Code found on the QuickStart sheet 3 - Installation of Analog Lab Lite Analog Lab Lite is an extremely powerful software synthesizer solution with almost 500 classic synthesizer and keyboard sounds from Arturia’s premier vintage analog emulations.
The new color-backlit pads are velocity sensitive and can help you map certain sounds to a specific color to help with your workflow.Although there are only 8 pads, the shift button allows you to switch between two banks, which brings the total number of pad assignments to 16. The velocity pressure can be adjusted in the MIDI control center, but they already feel responsive with good key velocity out of the box.Personally, I enjoy using a 2 row by 4 column pad layout because it feels more natural compared to a single row with 8 pads, although this may not be an issue because sometimes programming drums with the pads then moving to your DAW is more suitable to the production. The KeysWhen it comes to small MIDI keyboards you will find that they are mostly synth action keys, which is something that I like to use when producing electronic music. On the Arturia MiniLab MkII, the velocity curve can be adjusted to your liking, but Arturia does a great job at deciding a common factory setting for the keyboards velocity.However, one feature I thought needed reworked was the touch control mod wheels. I personally had trouble using them because their response was a bit slow and if you’re someone who likes using pitch bend in your playing, this might be a tricky function to use properly.Overall, the keys are incredibly fun to play on because they have a bouncy feel to them. The Software/KnobsThe Arturia Minilab MKII comes with the Analog Lab Lite which is packed with 500 preset patches of tasty sounds that you can modulate with the 16 rotary knobs.
I didn’t have to mess with digging for sounds and effects because the Analog Lab Lite allowed me to find new sounds and modulate each parameter with the built in knobs. Two of these knobs are clickable so you have the option to map “record”, “play”, or “stop” buttons since the Minilab doesn’t have those transport keys included on the controller.If you’re really enjoying the sounds that the Analog Lab Lite provides, Arturia gives you the option to upgrade to the full version that has over 6000 unique sounds to choose from. My favorite feature of the Minilab is that it’s plug and play, which has allowed me to quickly hop into my DAW, pick a sound, and experiment with the different parameters as I create a beat on the fly.How Does it Compare?As you’re deciding on the proper keyboard to add to your studio, there are several factors to think about before your purchase. Depending on the functionality you prefer, the Arturia MiniLab MkII can provide the ability to experiment with unique sounds and use the different controller functions for both production and performance.Since it’s one of the few 25-key MIDI controllers that comes with an additional soundbank, it’s hard to pass up if you’re looking to stay within budget. Although there are several controllers that can get the job done, the diversity of each sound within Analog Lab Lite is a great addition to enhance your sound selection.
Arturia KeystepIf the knobs and pads aren’t suitable for your needs, the next best option is the Arturia Keystep. It’s a 32 key MIDI controller that is still very portable and functional as a studio keyboard.A unique quality that the Keystep provides is the ability to implement the polyphonic step sequence: chord and arpeggiator modes on each of the presets. The chord step function allows you to play a chord and then trigger it with a single key across the keyboard.Aside from this, there are also transport keys included on the Keystep to “record”, “play”, and “stop”.