Arturia Minilab MIDI Controller

The bottom line is that if this product suits your requirements you'll find it's amazing.First things first. I can't play the keyboard very well...usually I tend to play one finger style and edit all my mistakes in the DAW afterwards, or I just use it for inspiration. So for me the small keyboard and limited number of keys isn't a problem. If you're a fully trained concert pianist you'll not like the keyboard or the spongy feel of the keys. But then why would you buy it in the first place?For me it's fine. It looks cool and is small enough not to be imposing. However, as many folk have also said, the keyboard is only half the deal. The Analog Lab software it comes with is nothing short of sublime.A lot of negative reviews are due to the software not installing/working however I had absolutely no problems whatsoever. I'm running Windows 10 on a Surface Pro 3 using Studio One 3 (64bit).To get the software to work follow these instructions.1. Visit the website (link given in the instructions) and register your keyboard.2. Create an account with Arturia (you're prompted to do this when registering - don't skip this part)3. Activate your account (they'll send you an activation email)4. Install the software from their site and when it comes to activating the software use the username and password you gave when creating your account.5. Voila - it works first time.I only installed the 64 bit version and for me it's worked like a dream. The standalone Analog Lab is so much fun. I'm not a synth programmer so just playing through all the thousands of presets and tweaking them is all I need. And here's the downside...time just slips away. Remember how you had to pick the kids up? Well you've missed that. In fact they've now grown up and left home - you missed all that too. But who cares? This is far more fun.I'm not a newby to music, used Pro Tools, Cubase and now Studio One. So I'm not an easily impressed giddy new user - so trust me when I say the sounds from Analog Lab are sensational. With a decent pair of headphones or studio monitors and you'll be blown away. I've only scratched the surface so far...need to quit my job to go through them all I think.I found using the standalone program the best way to be inspired to create new songs. Simply browse through the presets messing about and when you like something 'favourite it' (simple one click) so when you open it in your DAW you can easily find it again. Speaking of which, the VST loaded first time into Studio One without any problems - and I see no reason why it wouldn't be the same in any DAW.A few people have mentioned the software is processor hungry. This is true...but it's not 'that' bad. You can easily run a good few instances of it without problem...and if it ever did become a problem you'd simply bounce the track down to audio. Modern DAWs can do this in a lossless way so it's not worth worrying about.So in conclusion the software is brilliant - worth the money alone. The keyboard is great for me personally, but wouldn't suit everybody.

A sturdy and well-made USB keyboard* that comes with plethora of Arturia sounds that can be downloaded after purchase.I bought this item to play the Arturia, GarageBand and Korg keyboard apps purchased from the iTunes Store...as playing from the screen is frustrating and wildly inaccurate.The keyboard works without the need for an extra power source (you will need the Apple USB to Lightning cable).Keys are obviously smaller and the majority of the keyboard is plastic but this does not detract from the quality solid feel of the product...I especially like the fact that I could manipulate the sounds in my Arturia apps by using the knobs and pads on the keyboard.Bargain quality USB keyboard.[*Newbies please note that you will need software to make sounds. There's are no preloaded sounds on the keyboard so it will have to be attached (always) to a computer or iPad/iPhone.]

bought this for my husband, he loves it. slight bend in chassis but does not affect use. to register and authorise the software, recommend download the latest manual from arturia and follow the enclosed instructions as the supplied paperwork seemed to be out of date. you have to download the software from the product webpage but at least you get the latest version. as with all arturia products recommend use of a usb dongle to store the license. if then you upgrade the computer etc you don't need to go through registration again. the Cubase range of daws come with a compatible usb dongle, and ours holds licenses for Cubase, and now 4 artura instuments. not run out of space yet and I am sure the licenses don't nedd too much space on the dongle.this keyboard is great and the supplied software works a treat. great sounds. recommended.

Once I managed to wangle the technical side to get it to control MIDI inside Ableton Live, and then the sound card settings (probably very much my fault) I am very happy with the product. The software I got free with it (a 'limited' selection of Arturia's synth emulation presets) eventually led me to buy their collection; which despite me not being paid to recommend, I leap to recommend. If you love painstaking recreations of classic synthesizers.

This is excellent when used with the Analog Lab software, which was also no problem to install and activate. A little shy of 6000 presets to go through means you can while away hours without realising it. I've had fun with the camera connector and ipad and have had no issues at all jamming away with it. The pitch bend and mod touch controls are very good, I'm particularly impressed with the pitch bend being accurately handling lots of movement. If you're considering one, stop thinking about it and just buy it. This really does look awesome, Analog Lab is worth the money alone and it's great fun to play (once you get used to the mini keys)!

I wanted something small and light to use whilst working abroad on an event for 2 months and the Minilab has p[roved to be ideal. Yes, the keys are very small and not really suitable for playing complex chords or riffs but the size and portability make it easy to get ideas into my DAW quickly and easily which what I wanted it for. To be honest, the Analog Lab package of over 5000 sounds from many different classic synths is worth the price alone.Construction wise, it's pretty well built yet light so doesn't add too much weight to your airline luggage allowance which is also a big plus.

Great value for money, the keyboard is robust and nice, it's actually nice to play and feels and looks more expensive than it is,The software is pretty good, but somewhat glitchy at the best of times

A fantastic controller, with great sounds built in, around 3000 i believe. The pads and keys are great, do be aware though , the pads and keys are TOUCH SENSITIVE so its not very good for proper piano playing, you really have to hit them to get any sound out of them but they're great when touched properly. Excellent analogue properties, get it if you need good, solid hardware for production