Arturia Minilab 3 Universal Midi Controller, Black/Orange

The Arturia MiniLab 3 Orange is a compact 25-key universal MIDI controller for making music with software instruments, DAWs, and compatible external MIDI equipment. It provides hands-on keyboard, pad, fader, and encoder control in a small desktop-friendly format. It is designed to reduce reliance on mouse-based editing while keeping core performance and production controls within reach.

This controller suits beginner producers, mobile creators, musicians with limited desk space, and players who want a compact second keyboard for a larger studio. Its slim velocity-sensitive keys support melodic playing, while the RGB pads provide tactile access to drum programming, triggering, and transport functions. The compact form factor also makes it practical for laptop-based production setups and travel.

MiniLab 3 does not generate sound on its own; it sends MIDI performance and control data to connected software or external MIDI instruments. Its velocity-sensitive keyboard and velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads provide expressive input for virtual instruments and drum parts. Pitch-bend and modulation touch strips add performance control without taking up extra space.

Arturia equips the MiniLab 3 with eight endless encoders, four faders, a clickable browsing encoder, and a mini OLED display for real-time feedback. Built-in Arpeggiator, Chord, Hold, octave-shift, and semitone-transpose functions support quick idea creation directly from the controller. Integration modes for Arturia software and DAW control help map common functions to the hardware controls.

USB-C provides bus-powered connectivity to a computer or compatible iPad, while the 5-pin DIN MIDI output can address external MIDI hardware. A 1/4-inch TRS control input accepts a sustain pedal, expression pedal, or footswitch for expanded performance control. MiniLab 3 can serve as a portable production controller on its own or as a compact control surface within a broader hardware-and-software music setup.

Key Features

• 25 Slim Keys: Velocity-sensitive keys provide compact melodic and chord performance control.
• RGB Performance Pads: Eight pressure- and velocity-sensitive pads support drums, triggering, and transport duties.
• Hands-On Mixing Controls: Eight endless encoders and four faders enable direct parameter adjustment.
• OLED Display: Mini display and clickable browser encoder provide clear visual feedback.
• Creative Performance Tools: Arpeggiator, Chord, Hold, octave, and transpose functions aid composition.
• MIDI Connectivity: USB-C and 5-pin DIN MIDI connect software and external gear.

Design & Installation

The MiniLab 3 Orange uses a compact low-profile controller layout with orange and black styling, slim keys, RGB-backlit pads, touch-strip performance controls, and an integrated mini display. Arturia specifies a design using a minimum of 50% recycled plastic and fully recyclable packaging. The controller is sized for compact desktop, laptop, and portable production environments.

Connect the controller to a computer or compatible iPad through USB-C using the supplied USB-A-to-USB-C cable; it is USB bus-powered and class-compliant. For external MIDI instruments, connect the 5-pin DIN MIDI output to the receiving device, and connect an optional sustain, expression, or footswitch pedal to the 1/4-inch TRS control input. Register the unit to access the applicable software bundle, downloads, and firmware updates.