In addition you can edit each sound in-depth from within Analog Lab should you own the original software While the Akai MPK Mini gives you a set of 4 assignable buttons, the Minilab 3 gives you a set of assignable faders. No question about it though, we prefer the faders of the Minilab 3, especially when you consider just how well they integrate with Ableton Live session view.

The latest incarnation of Analog Lab gives you instant access to the 6,000+ preset sounds contained I have said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Arturia is amongst the best when it comes to assignable controls. Rotary knobs

Can hardware gains make up for software losses?

Regardless of which you choose, both these controllers integrate super well with Ableton Live. And while the Launchkey was designed specifically around Ableton, we’d actually say the integration you get with the Minilab 3 is that bit more in-depth. Then again though, in terms of transport controls, it’s hard to be disappointed with either keyboard. The keyboard itself impressed us with its stellar build quality, while Analog Lab gave it 5000 presets culled from the company’s V range of vintage synth emulations, each with pertinent parameters auto-mapped to the hardware’s rotary encoders. The Minlab 3 also gives you the luxury of a screen to display a variety of useful info from your DAW – yet another workflow perk you don’t get with the MK2. 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.

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.

And while the controller has lost the metal base you found on the MK2, we don’t have any gripes in terms of build. In fact, Arturia’s pledge to use recycled materials + that impressive 5-year warranty, pretty much cancel that out for us. The MPK Mini Mk3 is still the king of the small keyboard controllers, but the MiniLab runs it close. The MPK Mini Mk3 has better pads, better keys, an LCD screen, and a long history of success. Quite amazingly, this tiny little keyboard controller comes with a whopping 16 fully-assignable rotary knobs. Even more impressive is that the panel doesn’t seem overcrowded with controls. Combining superb controller keyboard integration, lightning-fast sound browsing, powerful combo sounds, Saying that though, the Minilab 3 does give you 4 assignable faders. A nice touch that you won’t find on the MK2.

Both the Minilab 3 & the MPK Mini have 25 semi-weighted keys, which are velocity sensitive. However, when it comes to key feel, we’d say those on the Arturia have the edge. Aside from being that bit larger, they have a slightly better travel depth too. All of which makes them that bit more expressive to play. Both have midi out, however the Arturia has a 5 pin midi out which means it’s that bit more capable when it comes to controlling hardware synths. 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. Before pitting the Minilab 3 up against its other 25-key rivals, it makes sense to have an idea of the Arturia Minilab 3 specs. Do so & you’ll be able to full understand what this upgraded Minilab offers, as well as all some quirks and features that your perhaps didn’t know about. Given a choice, as much as I love so many encoders, I might choose to eliminate some in exchange for transport controls and a couple of function buttons. However, I’m sure that not everyone will agree with that, and it’s very much a matter of personal opinion. Connectivity 4.0When 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. 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 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!! As for drum pads, the Akai steals the show. Aside from the pads being that much bigger & being arranged in a 4×2 style, the pads also feel more responsive to play. You can achieve softer, more delicate sounds with the pads on the MPK Mini than you can with the Minilab 3.

Whether you are tweaking virtual instruments or effect parameters, you’ll never run out of knobs to assign. Touch strips Despite the Minilab 3 being launched in 2023, when virtually every 25 key midi controller has a built-in note repeat function, the Minilab 3 does not. Why Arturia??? Both the Minilab 3 & the Launchkey Mini MK3 have 25 semi-weighted keys, which are velocity sensitive. But just like with the Akai (above), when it comes to key feel it’s no competition. The Minilab 3 steals the show. The keybed is that bit deeper & the keys themselves feel slightly larger, allowing more more expression and better control.With this new Minilab having a giant number ‘3’ at the end of its name, you’re probably wondering how it compares to its predecessor. Has Arturia done a complete overhaul for the 3rd generation of the Minilab? Or have they fine-tuned the existing recipe to make the already impressive Minilab Mk2, even better? The MPK Mini and Arturia’s new Minilab 3 both come with 8 assignable encoders. Knobs on both of these controllers are endless too. The Minilab 3 is one of the first 25 key midi controllers to boast USB-C connectivity. The Launchkey Mini still uses USB-A 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. Monitoring your progress/ adjustments is 10x easier on the Minilab 3, due to its useful screen, which displays a whole range of data in relation to any plugins/ settings. What’s more, it also plays its part when navigating your DAW/ software instruments too. Perks you have to make do without if you opt for the Launchkey Mini.