Today, we have the updated, third-generation MIDI keyboard/controller from French manufacturer Arturia for review, meet the Arturia MicroLab Mk3! In this article, we will take a closer look at this MIDI controller's capabilities and compare it with the previous MicroLab version. We also have a separate, detailed review of the previous MicroLab version available at the link.
The new generation of the Arturia MicroLab MK3 MIDI controller is notable for its updated appearance. Previously, this model stood out among the manufacturer's devices due to its unique design, which differed from the general style of the lineup. Now, the MicroLab MK3's design is consistent with the rest of Arturia's products, creating a more harmonious look and emphasizing a unified design approach. We'll discuss all the features later. For now, let's start our Arturia MicroLab mk3 review with the device specifications, as usual.
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Best Price on Arturia MicroLab mk3 MIDI Keyboard
The Arturia MicroLab MK3 is a well-rounded, portable MIDI controller with strong software integration and unique hardware-friendly features. |
Classic Package
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The MicroLab MK3 remains Arturia's smallest MIDI keyboard, making it an attractive option for musicians and producers who value mobility and convenience. Thanks to its small size, the controller easily fits into a backpack or laptop bag. This allows you to take it with you on road trips, to the studio, or on stage without any hassle. Its size not only makes transportation easier but also contributes to more ergonomic use — the device does not take up much space on your desk and fits perfectly into limited spaces.
The device is available in two colors. The traditional white case color is ideal for fans of a simple, elegant style, as well as for those who want the device to blend in with a light or minimalist space. The black alternative is suitable for those who prefer a more austere design that blends in with the rest of their equipment.
The new design does not have a rubberized shell on the body of the device (compared to the previous version). This makes the keyboard more compact but less protected.
The new generation device uses an improved version of the two-octave keyboard with miniature keys. The MicroLab MK3 uses the same keyboard as the MiniLab MK3 controller. Its mechanics are velocity-sensitive, and for a budget solution, it looks great. The construction is quite sturdy; the keys don't rattle or make extraneous noises. There are three types of velocity curves, as well as a fixed-value mode for convenient playing.
On the left side, there are Pitch and Modulation touch strips that emulate the function of hardware wheels. The controllers are assigned to Pitch and Modulation by default, but they can be reassigned to any other parameter. The touch surface's advantage is the ability to immediately change the value of an adjustable parameter without driving it up. This can be useful in additional control modes.
Additionally, the device has extra buttons that control certain parameters of the Analog Lab application. The rubberized buttons have backlighting that indicates the operation of a function. Holding down the Shift button allows you to navigate through tags or presets in the Analog Lab library using the touch strip. Select the desired tag from the list or load a preset by briefly pressing the corresponding touch strip. To easily search for the desired tone directly from the keyboard, flip through the presets in the preset list one by one. While holding down the Shift button, use the octave +/- buttons to do this.
Similar to pressing a sustaining pedal, you can use the Hold button to activate the sustain function. Pressing the button opens a sustain; pressing it again closes it. Interestingly, the new keyboard allows you to connect a full pedal that operates simultaneously with the Hold button.
Additionally, the MicroLab has a built-in Chord mode adopted from more advanced Arturia controllers. This mode is activated by holding down the Shift and Hold buttons simultaneously. In this mode, you can memorize a chord and play it later by pressing one key. The chord can consist of up to 16 sounds and is automatically transposed from any note pressed. The programmed chord is stored in memory until the power is turned off.
The controller connects to a computer via a USB-C connector. A proprietary USB-C to USB-A cable with an L-shaped connector is included. The Ableton Live Lite DAW software and the Analog Lab Intro plug-in are also included.
Analog Lab Intro is a slightly more advanced version of the free Analog Lab Play and comes with 500 presets from the V Collection. Although it is still the starter version of the software, nevertheless, Analog Lab Intro has more presets and additional Split View and Studio View modes.
You can find more information about the device on the official Arturia website, but our editorial team has covered all the key points of this MIDI controller.
We've finally reached the end of our Arturia MicroLab MK3 review. It's time to summarize the results. Despite its updated design, the Arturia MicroLab MK3 MIDI keyboard remains a very interesting and relevant device. The design changes make it more modern and aesthetically appealing. Meanwhile, its functionality and build quality remain high, confirming the manufacturer's tradition of creating high-quality, inexpensive devices. Would you recommend purchasing the Arturia MicroLab MK3? - Yes, without a doubt!
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Arturia MicroLab mk3 MIDI Keyboard/Controller. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you already own a MicroLab mk3 and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about this MIDI Keyboard.
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8.5
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