Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $100
Budget/Beginner
$200
$501+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Unleash your creativity with the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition, a compact MIDI keyboard controller that doesn’t compromise on functionality. Ideal for musicians on the move or those with limited space, this portable powerhouse is your gateway to a world of sound exploration. With its sleek design and intuitive controls, this MIDI controller offers a hands-on approach to music creation, making it a staple in any studio setup.
Experience the tactile sensation of 25 velocity-sensitive slim-keys, designed to capture every nuance of your performance. The MiniLab MK II is loaded with 16 full-size rotary encoders and two banks of velocity-sensitive RGB backlit performance pads, offering versatile options to manipulate your sound seamlessly. Its pitch and modulation touch-strip controls elevate your musical expression, allowing you to craft intricate melodies with ease.
The MiniLab MK II doesn’t just stop at hardware; it comes bundled with a suite of software that propels your music production. Analog Lab Lite brings over 500 sounds, encompassing everything from classic synths and iconic keyboards to cutting-edge modern soundscapes. Additionally, the inclusion of Ableton Live Lite ensures you have a robust platform for composing, recording, and performing your tracks.
With USB bus-power and a footswitch input, this controller is built for both studio and stage, ensuring you have the tools you need wherever inspiration strikes.
Key Features:
- 25 velocity-sensitive slim-keys
- 16 full-size rotary encoders
- Two banks of velocity-sensitive RGB backlit performance pads
- Pitch and modulation touch-strip controls
- USB bus-powered with footswitch input
- Includes Analog Lab Lite with 500+ sounds
- Bundled with Ableton Live Lite for comprehensive music production
FAQs
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Is the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition compatible with iPads?
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Yes, the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition is compatible with iPads. You can connect it using an Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit, and it can be powered directly from the iPad.
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What software is included with the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition?
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The Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition comes with Analog Lab Lite, Ableton Live 9 Lite, and UVI Grand Piano Model D software, providing a wide range of sounds and music production capabilities.
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How many keys does the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition have?
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The Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition features 25 velocity-sensitive keys, allowing for expressive playing and compact portability.
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Does the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition require an external power supply?
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No, the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition is USB-powered, eliminating the need for an external power supply and making it convenient for use with laptops and mobile devices.
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How does the Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition integrate with DAWs?
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The Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition integrates seamlessly with popular DAWs like Ableton Live, offering pre-mapped controls and easy setup for smooth music production workflows.
Videos
John Mike
Midi In Black! |Arturia MiniLab MKII(Black Edition) Review!|
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition.
Features and functionality
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The Arturia MiniLab MK II comes with Analog Lab software and a demo version of Ableton, enhancing its utility beyond just a controller.
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The Essential 88's issues with key pressure towards the back end make it challenging for music with numerous sharps/flats, highlighting a design flaw not present in the MiniLab.
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The MiniLab's pads can be set to "note mode," allowing users to load and play a drum rack directly from the controller.
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User experience
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After three months of use, owners report no significant issues, indicating reliable performance for beginners.
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Owners found the MiniLab's key action favorable compared to the Essential 88, citing better dynamic control and less fatigue during play.
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Despite initial positive impressions, some users reported increasing dissatisfaction with the Essential 88 over time, likening it to uncomfortable shoes after extended use.
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Beginners may find the learning curve steep, requiring manual reading and guidance to fully utilize the MiniLab's capabilities in a DAW setup.
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Comparisons
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Users who own both the MiniLab MK II and Akai MPK Mini MKII note that the MPK is more compact, while the MiniLab might suit those who prioritize software integration.
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The MiniLab's unweighted synth action is preferred by users who switch between synths and acoustic pianos, unlike the Essential 88's semi-weighted keys, which many found problematic.
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Use cases and applications
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The MiniLab MK II isn't ideal for extensive piano play due to its 25-key limitation, but it's adequate for other musical applications.
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Value and pricing
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At $100, the MiniLab MK II's value is primarily in its bundled software, which continues to add utility even when the hardware is outgrown.
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Build quality
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The Essential 88 faced criticism for inconsistent key response, particularly with black keys being more responsive than white ones, affecting even playability.
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Software and compatibility
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Analog Lab can be used as a plugin within Ableton, facilitating seamless integration between the software and the MiniLab controller.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artistAlbum Usage
The Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Arturia MiniLab MK II Black Edition, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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