Software included (for download):
Arturia's MiniLab 3 is a sleek MIDI controller built for hands-on music creation in software-based setups, presented here in a distinctive special-edition Champagne finish. Featuring 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys, eight RGB backlit pads, touch strips for pitch and modulation, a pedal input, and a bank of encoders and faders, it places essential DAW and virtual instrument parameters directly at the player's fingertips while fitting easily inside a backpack. MiniLab 3 also includes Analog Lab Intro, giving access to over 500 presets drawn from Arturia's V Collection and Pigments engines, all pre-mapped for immediate experimentation and sound shaping. Designed with Arturia's instrument workflow in mind, it keeps browsing, macro control, and performance interaction aligned. MiniLab 3 serves as a practical gateway into Arturia's wider software ecosystem and remains fully compatible with all major DAWs, while this special-edition Champagne finish adds a distinctive visual identity.
Despite its small footprint, MiniLab 3 offers a structured and capable control surface. The 25-note slim keybed is responsive and suited to melodies and basslines. The eight RGB backlit pads are both velocity- and pressure-sensitive, supporting expressive finger drumming and dynamic clip triggering. Eight rotary encoders and four faders provide direct access to instrument parameters, mixer levels, and effects, with visual feedback via the integrated display and central browsing encoder. Creative performance tools are built directly into the hardware, including an arpeggiator, Chord Mode, Hold function, octave shifting, and semitone transpose controls, allowing musicians to develop their ideas freely without having to reach for a mouse.
The Arturia MiniLab 3 is aimed at musicians who want direct control without committing to a full-sized keyboard setup. Its plug-and-play approach makes it easy for first-time creators to connect via USB, open a DAW, and start recording with pre-mapped controls and transport support already in place. Beatmakers can use the responsive pads and built-in arpeggiator to sketch rhythms quickly, while songwriters and keyboard-focused players benefit from Chord Mode and the transpose functions for shaping harmonic ideas on the fly. Five user preset slots allow customised mappings to be saved and recalled for different software or hardware configurations, making it easy to move between projects. In short, MiniLab 3 adapts to evolving workflows rather than imposing one.
Arturia's success story began with software emulations of well-known analogue synthesizers such as the Moog Minimoog, Sequential Prophet-5, and Oberheim SEM. The popular software instruments included in the V Collection are still flagship products of the French developer today. Over time, Arturia has gradually expanded its range and now also offers a host of hardware devices, ranging from synthesizers and keyboard controllers to sequencers. Since then, the former software developer has thus also become a household name in the world of analogue synthesizers and other equipment.
Arturia's MiniLab 3 is designed to integrate smoothly into both software and hybrid setups. USB-C provides bus power and a direct connection to computers or iPads, while a full-size 5-pin MIDI output allows the controller to drive external synthesizers and sound modules. A rear-panel pedal input supports sustain, expression, or footswitch control, useful in both studio and live contexts. Within Analog Lab Intro, presets are automatically mapped to the hardware's encoders and faders, keeping browsing and macro control closely aligned between screen and controller. Support for standard MIDI mapping and NKS compatibility – Native Instruments' Komplete Kontrol protocol – further extends its reach to a wide range of third-party instruments. Made from a significant proportion of recycled materials and backed by a five-year warranty, MiniLab 3 is built for long-term reliability with an emphasis on responsible design.
A complete production starter suite
MiniLab 3 ships with a comprehensive software package designed to support immediate music creation. Analog Lab Intro includes over 500 curated presets drawn from Arturia's flagship instruments, offering a broad palette of synths, keys, and hybrid textures. Ableton Live Lite offers a streamlined version of Ableton’s production environment, while UVI Model D and NI's The Gentleman supply detailed acoustic piano sounds. Users can select one Komplete 15 Select bundle – Beats, Band, or Electronic – tailored to their production style. A time-limited Loopcloud subscription adds access to royalty-free samples, and Melodics offers guided lessons for developing keyboard and pad technique. As bundled software may evolve over time, the manufacturer's website should be consulted for the most current package details.