Arturia Minilab Mk2 Review

Are you ready to take your music production to the next level? With the Arturia Minilab Mk2, you’ll be well on your way. This review will show you the amazing features and production tools this MIDI controller has to offer.

With its 16 assignable knobs, eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads, and Analog Lab sound library, you’ll have everything you need to make professional-sounding music.

So sit back, relax, and let’s take a closer look at the Arturia Minilab Mk2.

Key Takeaways

  • The MiniLab Mk2 is highly praised for its expensive look and feel, outstanding Analog Lab sounds, and suitability for home studios and on-the-go music production.
  • Arturia has released the MiniLab 3, which is an updated version of the MiniLab Mk2 and shares the same core qualities.
  • The MiniLab Mk2 has 16 fully-assignable rotary knobs and eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads with two banks.
  • The MiniLab Mk2 receives a rating of 4.7 from the author and is highly praised for its affordability and quality.

Overview

Take a look at the Arturia MiniLab Mk2, an affordable and feature-packed MIDI controller perfect for home studios and on-the-go music production. It has 16 assignable rotary knobs, eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads with two banks, and a sleek panel design.

Compared to other models, it has a great look and feel, outstanding Analog Lab sounds, and excellent assignable controls. The pads are larger and more suitable for finger drumming and the knobs provide ample tweaking of virtual instruments and effect parameters.

However, some features may be limited due to the focus on assignable encoders.

Newer Model

Following the release of the MiniLab 3, Arturia’s updated version of the MiniLab Mk2, let’s take a look at what this new version has to offer.

Compared to its predecessor, the MiniLab 3 has a few differences. The most noticeable is the new Analog Lab Lite and MIDI Control Center software. Both of these features aren’t found on the Mk2, making the MiniLab 3 a more powerful controller.

Additionally, the MiniLab 3 has an improved encoder design and a larger selection of knobs, allowing for more creative possibilities.

For those looking for a more powerful controller, the MiniLab 3 is the perfect choice.

Assignable Controls

With its sixteen assignable rotary knobs, the Arturia MiniLab Mk2 offers plenty of control for tweaking virtual instruments and effects. The panel design isn’t overcrowded, and the knobs are well-placed, making it easy to adjust parameters and settings.

The MiniLab Mk2 also has a joystick and two touch strips for more precise control. The author personally prefers wheels or a joystick over touch strips.

With its assignable encoders, the MiniLab Mk2 makes it easy to customize MIDI mappings and create complex sound patches. The knobs are perfect for controlling volume, panning, modulation, and other parameters.

Arturia has done an excellent job with the MiniLab Mk2, making it an ideal controller for experienced and beginner producers alike.

Production Tools

The MiniLab Mk2 offers plenty of production tools, including eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads with two banks. These pads are larger than average and great for finger drumming, making them a great choice for triggering loops and samples.

As for assignable encoders, the MiniLab Mk2 offers plenty, though some may find its focus on encoders limiting. However, these encoders allow for quick and precise control of virtual instruments and effect parameters.

And while the panel design of the MiniLab Mk2 doesn’t feel overcrowded, some may prefer wheels or a joystick over touch strips.

Ultimately, the MiniLab Mk2 offers plenty of production tools and is a great choice for music producers.

Velocity-Sensitive Pads

You’ve got eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads with two banks on the Arturia MiniLab Mk2. The pads are larger and more suitable for finger drumming than other controllers. They’re also quite responsive for triggering loops or samples. You can adjust the pad sensitivity depending on your playing style.

The two banks allow you to quickly switch between two sets of eight pads. The MiniLab Mk2 also features a set of assignable encoders, which can be used to tweak virtual instruments and effect parameters.

All in all, the MiniLab Mk2 is great for producing music on the go or in the studio.

Focus on Encoders

However, the MiniLab Mk2’s focus on assignable encoders limits some features.

Compared to other MIDI controllers, the MiniLab Mk2 has fewer bells and whistles. It has eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads with two banks and 16 fully-assignable rotary knobs, but no wheels or joysticks.

The encoder design of the MiniLab Mk2 is sufficient for tweaking virtual instruments and effect parameters, but it may not be enough for producers who need more customization.

While the MiniLab Mk2 may not have all the features of its competitors, it does have enough assignable encoders to make up for it.

Final Verdict

In conclusion, the Arturia MiniLab Mk2 is a great MIDI controller that offers an expensive look and feel, outstanding Analog Lab sounds, and suitability for home studios and on-the-go music production.

It has 16 fully-assignable rotary knobs, eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads with two banks, and plenty of assignable encoders. The user experience is quite positive, with the panel design not feeling overcrowded and the pads being responsive for triggering loops or samples.

Pros and cons should be considered, but overall the MiniLab Mk2 receives a rating of 4.7 and is a great choice for music producers.

Conclusion

All in all, the Arturia Minilab Mk2 is an impressive MIDI controller with plenty of features to make your music production a breeze.

With its 16 assignable knobs and eight velocity-sensitive backlit pads, you’ll be able to create your music with precision and ease.

The Analog Lab sound library and other production tools also make the MiniLab Mk2 a great choice for any musician.

So if you’re looking for a MIDI controller that can help you take your music production to the next level, the MiniLab Mk2 is definitely worth considering.

Leave a Comment