Designed to allow you to create and perform almost anywhere with its ultra compact and lightweight design. If you enjoyed this review, please consider buying the item using the button below.Arturia MINILAB-MK2 The Arturia MiniLab-mk2 is the all new and improved compact 25-key MIDI keyboard controller. A must-buy if you’re shopping for a 2-octave USB controller.Ĭons? I wish it had a MIDI ‘classic’ plug, to be able to control hardware synths (but I got a Keystep for that!). The controller was automatically recognized (I just did a firmware update, as prompted by the Midi Control Center) and everything worked as expected.Ĭonsidering the build quality and the software bundle it comes with, at $99/€99 this is beyond the ‘no-brainer’ category. I tested the Minilab MK II on a Mac, with Analog Lab Lite, Logic Pro X, Ableton Live.

Tip: using the Shift button, you can access a second bank for the pads, so it’s like having 16 of them. Upgrade to the full version (or better, get Arturia’s V Collection 5) if you want a full-featured synth collection that will take you months to explore! It offers an attractive visual interface and a great selection of sounds, plus it can work without your DAW. I’d recommend starting with Analog Lab Lite. You can find out more about the package on the Minilab’s web page. With the MiniLab MK II, you’ll get a great software bundle: Arturia’s Analog Lab Lite (with 500 sounds from V Collection 5 – you can upgrade to the full version for $29), Ableton Live Lite, UVI Grand Piano (a sampled Steinway Model D), and Arturia’s MIDI Control Center (to customise settings, knobs, etc.). I was a bit skeptical about the touch strips, but they do their job and are a safer option when putting the controller in a backpack!Īll in all, an impressive quality for the price. The knobs don’t feel wobbly as in other products in this price range.

Right now, to me these are the best on the market. I’m not a big fan of the mini keys seen on older controllers, but with the Minilab MK II and the Keystep (awarded in our Best Controllers of 2016) Arturia has hit the sweet spot between size and feel. This thing feels solid and ready for the road.

Also ideal in all those situations where space is an issue.ĭon’t let the (low) price deceive you. On the go/touring musicians and producers.

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