Arturia Microlab Mk3 Universal Midi Controller, Black

The Arturia MicroLab MK3 Black is an ultra-compact 25-key USB MIDI controller for creating music with a computer, tablet, or compatible mobile device. It gives producers, songwriters, students, and traveling musicians a tactile keyboard interface without requiring a large desk footprint. Because it is a MIDI controller rather than a standalone synthesizer, it plays and controls compatible software instruments and DAWs.

Its velocity-sensitive slim keybed is designed to capture playing dynamics in a portable format. The upgraded keybed shares its design specification with Arturia's MiniLab 3, helping players move from simple ideas to expressive melodic, bass, chord, and synth parts. Two touch strips provide direct pitch-bend and modulation control without adding bulky wheels.

MicroLab MK3 keeps hands-on operation focused through four physical buttons for Shift, Hold, Octave Down, and Octave Up. The Hold function can sustain notes without a pedal, while Chord Mode can memorize a user-defined chord and trigger it from a single key. Octave controls extend the compact keyboard's usable note range by up to four octaves above or below its normal range.

USB-C carries both power and MIDI data, so the controller can operate from a connected host device without an external power supply. A 1/4-inch TRS pedal input supports sustain, switch, or continuous-expression pedal use when additional foot control is needed. The controller is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Android phones, and Android tablets as a generic MIDI controller when the appropriate adapter or cable is used.

The included software bundle provides a practical starting point for music production. Analog Lab Intro includes 500 curated presets, while Ableton Live Lite supplies a recording and production workflow. MicroLab MK3 fits naturally as a compact first controller, a mobile writing keyboard, or a space-saving secondary controller alongside a larger studio keyboard.

Key Features

• 25 Velocity-Sensitive Slim Keys: Capture playing dynamics in a compact two-octave keyboard layout.
• USB-C MIDI Connection: Sends MIDI data and receives USB bus power through one connection.
• Dual Touch Strips: Add pitch-bend and modulation expression without conventional control wheels.
• Chord Mode: Stores a user-defined chord for one-key triggering during writing or performance.
• Pedal Input: Supports sustain, switch, or continuous-expression pedal control through a 1/4-inch TRS input.
• Included Music Software: Includes Analog Lab Intro and Ableton Live Lite for software-based music creation.

Design & Installation

MicroLab MK3 uses a slim, portable black chassis with a minimal control layout centered on the keyboard, touch strips, and four buttons. Its compact 406 x 125 x 39 mm footprint is suited to desktop workspaces, backpacks, and mobile production setups. The touch-strip design reduces moving parts while keeping pitch and modulation controls close to the keys.

Connect the included USB-C cable to a compatible computer or mobile-device adapter, then select MicroLab MK3 as the MIDI input in the preferred DAW or software instrument. Registering the controller provides access to the included software and Arturia Software Center. For expanded performance control, connect a compatible sustain, switch, or expression pedal to the 1/4-inch TRS pedal input and configure its behavior in MIDI Control Center.