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Arturia MiniLab MkII

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Features
Connectivity
Size and Portability
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10 Verified Hands-On Reviews

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Expert reviews [10]

89
Total expert reviews: 10
  • with a score: 2
  • without a score: 8
Highest score by makebeats101.com
90
Average score based on 10 reviews
89
Lowest score by Keyboard Kraze
88

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20
88
Arturia Minilab MKII Review – Durable & Portable
The Arturia Minilab MKII is a solid and affordable mini MIDI controller that is great for studio producers and gigging musicians. It has durable construction, slim keys with good action, and comes with bundled software including Analog Lab Light, Ableton Live Light, and Grand Piano Model D.
+ pros
  • Durable: The Arturia Minilab MKII is built to last and can withstand the rigors of travel.
  • Sturdy Keys: The slim keys on the Minilab MKII have a nice action and don't feel cheap.
  • Affordable: This mini controller is priced competitively and offers great value for the features it provides.
  • Works Well With All DAWs: The Minilab MKII is compatible with all digital audio workstations, including free software options.
- cons
  • Could Be Lighter: The Minilab MKII is slightly heavier than some other mini controllers, which may be a drawback for those seeking maximum portability.
  • Doesn't Include As Much Software As Others: The Minilab MKII only comes with the light version of Analog Lab 2, which has 500 patches compared to the full version's 5,000.
Arturia MiniLab MkII review
The MiniLab Mk2 is a highly recommended MIDI keyboard controller with excellent sound quality and a sleek design. It is perfect for both amateur and professional musicians who want a budget-friendly option for their home studio or on-the-go music-making.
+ pros
  • Outstanding sounds from Analog Lab.
  • Great pads.
  • 16 assignable encoders.
  • Good build quality.
- cons
  • Touch strips instead of wheels/joystick.
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Expert consensus

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, 16 assignable knobs, and USB connectivity, making it a versatile option for musicians and producers on-the-go.

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller that offers a range of features and connectivity options. It features 25 mini-sized keys with a comfortable playing surface and synth-action for responsive and expressive playing.

The controller also includes 16 MIDI assignable knobs, providing extensive control and customization options for mapping and programming with your DAW.

In terms of connectivity, the MiniLab MkII offers USB connectivity, allowing for easy integration with your computer or laptop. It also has an input for a sustain pedal, adding expression to performances. However, it lacks external MIDI ports, which may be a drawback for those who rely on traditional MIDI connections for their setup.

The MiniLab MkII is highly portable, with a compact and lightweight design that easily fits in a backpack or carry-on bag. It is well-built and durable, making it suitable for both studio and live performances. It is particularly recommended for beginner music producers or musicians on-the-go, as well as students who need a MIDI controller for music classes.

Overall, the Arturia MiniLab MkII is a versatile and reliable MIDI controller that offers a compact and portable solution for musicians and producers. It is well-suited for those who primarily work with software instruments and plugins, but may not be ideal for those who require direct MIDI connectivity for external gear.

Features

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys, synth-action keys, and 16 MIDI assignable knobs, making it a versatile tool for musicians and producers.

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and portable MIDI keyboard controller with 25 mini-sized keys. The keys are slightly wider than those on other 25-key MIDI controllers and have a comfortable playing surface. The controller features synth-action keys, which are responsive and have a good velocity range.

It also comes with 16 MIDI assignable knobs, double the amount of knobs typically found on similar MIDI controllers. These knobs can be used for mapping and programming with your DAW, providing extensive control and customization options. However, the MiniLab MkII does not include any faders.

Overall, the Arturia MiniLab MkII is a versatile MIDI controller suitable for producing electronic music and offers a range of features that make it a valuable tool for musicians and producers.

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Connectivity

The Arturia MiniLab MkII offers USB connectivity and a sustain pedal input, making it ideal for musicians working with software instruments, but lacks external MIDI ports for connecting traditional MIDI gear.

The Arturia MiniLab MkII offers USB connectivity, allowing users to connect it to their computer or laptop. It has a USB Type B jack on the back of the device for this purpose. This makes it easy to integrate the MiniLab MkII into a digital audio workstation setup, allowing for seamless control and integration with software instruments and plugins.

The MiniLab MkII also has an input for a sustain pedal, which can be useful for controlling the length of notes and adding expression to performances. This is a great feature for musicians who want to add a more dynamic and realistic feel to their playing.

However, it's important to note that the MiniLab MkII does not have any external MIDI ports. This means that if you need to connect an old MIDI synthesizer or other external gear, you won't be able to do so directly. This limitation may be a drawback for musicians who rely on traditional MIDI connections for their setup.

Overall, the connectivity options on the Arturia MiniLab MkII are well-suited for musicians who primarily work with software instruments and plugins. It offers seamless integration with digital audio workstations and provides a convenient way to control and manipulate virtual instruments.

However, if you require direct MIDI connectivity for external gear, you may need to consider alternative options.

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Size and Portability

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and lightweight MIDI controller that is highly portable and suitable for on-the-go use, making it a great choice for beginner music producers or musicians who need a portable solution for their music production needs.

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is a compact and lightweight MIDI controller that is highly portable and suitable for on-the-go use. It has dimensions of approximately 14. 6 inches in length, 8. 7 inches in width, and 1. 8 inches in height, making it small enough to easily fit in a backpack or carry-on bag.

It weighs approximately 3. 3 pounds, which is considered lightweight and easy to carry around without being a burden.

The lack of a dedicated carrying case or bag may be a drawback for some users, as it means they would need to purchase one separately for easy transportation. However, the MiniLab MkII's compact and lightweight design still makes it convenient for musicians who need a portable MIDI controller for their music production needs.

Experts have described the MiniLab MkII as a great choice for beginner music producers or musicians on-the-go. Its small size and lightweight construction allow users to easily carry it with them wherever they go, making it ideal for musicians who need a portable solution for their music production needs.

Whether you're a traveling musician, a student who needs a MIDI controller for music classes, or a producer who frequently works on the go, the Arturia MiniLab MkII offers a compact and portable option that can easily fit into your workflow.

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Build Quality

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is highly regarded for its exceptional build quality, making it a durable and reliable option for musicians on the go.

The Arturia MiniLab MkII is praised by experts for its excellent build quality. It is described as being well-built, sturdy, and built like a tank. The keyboard is compact and feels more expensive than its actual price. This makes it a great option for musicians who are constantly on the go and need a portable MIDI controller that can withstand frequent travel and use.

The MiniLab MkII is also praised for its durability, making it suitable for both studio and live performances. Whether you're a professional musician or a beginner, the MiniLab MkII's build quality ensures that it will withstand the rigors of regular use and provide a reliable and enjoyable playing experience.

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Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all MIDI controllers.

Rank Change Price MIDI Controller
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Akai MPK Mini MKII 25
The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software.
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7
1
1
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2
- $79
Akai MPK Mini MK3
The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers.
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5
2
2
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4
3
- $360
Akai Pro MPK249
The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers.
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1
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4
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M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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3
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4
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Arturia MiniLab MkII ranks #5 out of 14 in this month's ranking:
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ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. midi controllers below are at the top of our ranking this December.

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Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 Akai MPK Mini MK3 Akai Pro MPK249 M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3
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Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 rank #1 out of 126. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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Price
Price
The Akai MPK Mini MKII 25 MIDI Controller is a compact and versatile option for musicians and producers looking for a portable and affordable MIDI controller for creating electronic music and controlling parameters in music production software. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is a highly regarded MIDI controller that offers a range of features and functionality, including 25 mini-sized keys, programmable knobs, and a compact and lightweight design, making it a reliable and versatile option for musicians and producers. The Akai Pro MPK249 is a MIDI controller keyboard with 49 semi-weighted keys, a range of controls, and excellent build quality, making it a reliable choice for musicians and producers. The M-Audio Keystation 49 MK3 is a versatile and portable MIDI controller with realistic keyboard action, customizable controls, and USB connectivity, making it a great option for musicians of all levels.
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