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Average Price: $49

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$200

$501+

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Description

The Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller is a compact yet powerful tool designed for music creators on the go. Whether you're a budding producer, a guitarist looking to add some MIDI magic, or a semi-pro seeking portability without compromise, this controller has you covered. Boasting 25 velocity-sensitive keys that deliver a responsive touch, the MicroLab is built around the acclaimed keybed of Arturia’s MiniLab MKII, ensuring a satisfying playing experience every time.

Unleash your creativity with the MicroLab’s intuitive features, including touch-sensitive pitch and modulation strips for dynamic sound shaping. The unique chord mode lets you trigger complex chords with a single key, making it easier than ever to experiment with harmonies. It's not just about the keys; the MicroLab also includes Analog Lab Lite with over 600 sounds, Bitwig 8-TRACK, and UVI Grand Piano, offering a rich palette to explore right out of the box.

Designed with practicality in mind, the MicroLab features an integrated USB cable storage system, eliminating the hassle of tangled cables and ensuring a neat setup wherever you go. Its robust, rubberized shell not only adds a touch of style but also provides protection for your gear, making it the ideal travel companion.

Key Features:

  • 25 velocity-sensitive keys derived from the award-winning MiniLab MKII
  • Touch-sensitive pitch and modulation strips
  • Chord mode for easy chord play
  • Includes Analog Lab Lite, Bitwig 8-TRACK, and UVI Grand Piano
  • Integrated USB cable storage system
  • Durable rubberized case for protection and style

Product specs

Brand Arturia
Model MicroLab
Finish Black, Blue, Orange
Year 2019 - 2025
Categories Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Key Size Mini
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O USB MIDI
Number of Keys 25 Keys

FAQs

How does the Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller connect to a computer?

The Arturia MicroLab connects to a computer via USB, allowing for easy plug-and-play functionality. It includes a USB cable integrated into its design for convenience and portability.

Is the Arturia MicroLab suitable for beginners?

Yes, the Arturia MicroLab is ideal for beginners due to its compact size, user-friendly interface, and the included software bundle, which provides over 600 sounds to start making music immediately.

Does the Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller work with popular DAWs?

Yes, the Arturia MicroLab is compatible with most popular DAWs, including Ableton Live, which is part of the included software package, making it a versatile choice for various music production environments.

What is the key size and action type on the Arturia MicroLab?

The Arturia MicroLab features 25 mini keys with a synth-action, offering a responsive feel suitable for both beginners and experienced musicians looking for a portable solution.

What software is included with the Arturia MicroLab?

The Arturia MicroLab comes with Analog Lab Lite, offering over 600 high-quality sounds, along with Bitwig 8-TRACK and the UVI Grand Piano, providing a comprehensive starting point for music creation.

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Arturia

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Reviews

PROS

  • Good build quality ensures durability

  • Keys have a weighted feel, enhancing playing experience

  • Simple setup, easy to start using quickly

  • Excellent for beginners with its straightforward functionality

  • Handy USB cable attached directly to the controller

  • Works well with popular software like Garage Band and Analog Lab V

  • Ideal for travel due to its compact size

CONS

  • Software installation and activation process is cumbersome

  • Lacks basic features like transport controls, sustain pedal port, or an arpeggiator

  • Software included is limited, acts as adware for full versions

  • Requires logging in for every use, which can be inconvenient

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller.

Software and compatibility

  • The MicroLab can connect to an iPad via a USB C dongle or a camera connection kit, requiring a USB hub for additional devices.

    Source
  • Ableton Live is frequently recommended as a straightforward DAW for MIDI routing with the MicroLab, noted for its ease of use and synchronization capabilities.

    Source
  • Users recommend installing Bitwig 8-track, included with the Microlab, as a compatible DAW for running Analog Lab on Windows 10.

    Source
  • Reaper is suggested as an alternative DAW, allowing unlimited track recording for free after the trial, contrasting with Bitwig's 8-track limit.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • When using the MicroLab with an iPad, an audio interface is needed to play live using a 3.5mm jack connection.

    Source
  • Arturia MicroLab uses 3.5mm TRS-to-MIDI Type B adapters, which are not compatible with KO II's Type A adapters; users should plan for the correct adapters.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The compact size of the MicroLab makes it ideal for portability, allowing it to easily fit into a bag for mobile use.

    Source
  • The MicroLab requires a MIDI host to connect directly to devices like the KO II, either via a DAW or a standalone USB MIDI host.

    Source
  • Reaper is noted for its flexibility in recording multiple drum sounds on separate tracks, overcoming Bitwig's limitations for detailed compositions.

    Source

Comparisons

  • For those seeking a more versatile option without a DAW, the Arturia KeyStep is recommended as an upgrade, allowing direct connection to devices like the KO II with MIDI.

    Source

Other

  • The KO II has global MIDI enabled by default, constantly broadcasting MIDI when keys are touched, which can be disabled for more precise control.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Arturia MicroLab review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Arturia's MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller shines as a highly portable and stylish option for on-the-go musicians, boasting a robust design and impressive keybed quality. The integrated rubberized case and MIDI control capabilities enhance its appeal, making it great for travel. However, its basic control set and limited features may leave some users wanting more, especially with stiff competition at this price point. While it may not be the ultimate studio controller, it delivers solid performance for those prioritizing mobility and ease of use.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
lost_in_reverb

Simple and fantastic

It´s a very simple midi controller but i´m kinda new to soft synths so it´s not a problem for me,but maybe in the future i´ll buy something with more knobs probably. The Microlab has amazing keys,they feel great,that point is the strongest one in my opinion,also the usb cable attached to the controller is handy,little cool controller. I use Analog Lab V a lot and this little guy works fantastic.

J

Excellent MIDI Keyboard

This is a really good travel keyboard and it has brilliant keys. Arturia put a lot of effort into it. The reason it is not a 5 star review is because of the lack of basic features such as transport controls, sustain pedal port or an arpeggiator, but it may not be a problem for those with another controller.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew S uses Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller

Matthew S

...
Verified via Arturia

On this article, on the Arturia website, Matthew S claimed to use Microlab

See how Chronos uses Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller

Chronos

Music Producer

...
Verified via Arturia

On this article, on the Arturia website, Chronos claimed to use Microlab

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1 alternative for Arturia MicroLab Smart Keyboard Controller, curated by the Equipboard community.

Korg microKEY 25

$58.70 - $139.99

similar sound

These two MIDI keyboards cost around the same price and both have similar build quality, great keys and similar features.

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