Arturia MiniLab

I write mainly on computer, I already have a Yamaha keyboard 88 keys, but I had to get up to play, and I wanted to change the filter frequency, playing. I also wanted to realize the automation otherwise than with a mouse. Finally, I wanted to be able to act on the sound velocity, which is not possible with the computer keyboard.
This controller was ideal for me: small, he returned to the side of the computer keyboard, it has knobs to make automations, the keyboard is velocity sensitive.

UTILIZATION

The touch keyboard is a bit too light for my taste because without pressing hard, I arrive at maximum velocity. The notes are a bit small.
This keyboard does not really play, but to use as I do, that is to test sound, or create while keeping close to hand on the mouse and the screen in front, is nicquel. Especially since I already have a large keyboard that I use when I really need to save.

I am not using the full function keyboard, I use with VST instruments, the manual was enough for me, even if the installation and configuration is not done in 5 minutes, you get there without too difficulties. The use of pads to change the patches is not very intuitive.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 3 months.
I have not tried other models before buying it, the less than 100 € price motivated me.

I like the size, the number of knobs.
I do not like the excessive sensitivity of the keyboard and the small width of the keys. Nevertheless it allows to cram more!
I do not like the pads to change the settings, it is not very intuitive, and I am not using the pads, so for me, the ideal would have been dedicated to patches buttons.

I have not found cheaper, and this controller suits me, so I judge the quality decent money.

I remake that choice without hesitation, knowing that I have a keyboard that can really play when I need it.

Is its number of knobs and key size, which for such a small and also inexpensive keyboard, motivated me to buy it.

UTILIZATION

No heavy touch of course, but a good recognition of the velocity. After level knobs, the assignment is simple, through the software provided by Arturia with the keyboard, but a little bug control by time, forcing them to change control set, which can be quite unsettling live!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for more than six months and it is very useful to me (coupled with massive or Omnisphere).
The value for money is not bad, but there are also better for this price range. And with experience, despite the fact that I find this very nice little thing, I think I can be put € 50 more for a better master keyboard!

Traveling abroad for a period of two years I'd need a ultraportable solution thus:
ultra mobility

with a macbook pro and an NI Komplete Audio 6 plus a launchpad

UTILIZATION

right touch for this price range
portable and light use seems at first sight to work.
simple configuration after recording Arturia.
j already had a factory and MiniBrute very quickly registered.
nonexistent and unnecessary manual!

OVERALL OPINION

tried two days and a lot of experience in computer music.
seduced by the number of functionality including a software package that .... commme d (usual is quite nice Arturia.
Quality fair price obviously, but when a real PRO, miniature, lightweight and robust solution, without gadget and keeps with the ordo and the sound card plus two or three accessories in hand luggage configuration in L plane?
The minilab is small but really cheap, and knobs provides a very poor response to plug in ... I hesitated to report ... But I'll keep the power side keyboard + pad which is satisfactory for ... knobs it is far, far away, despite the illusion of a apc, mpd or innovation .... And it is however what was most seduced m facing the MPK and the number of knobs.
Not say that I would do this choice ... But c is that 98 euros ... and n is really cheap.