if space isn't a concern, i'm thinking a combo of Minilab 3 + Akai LPD8 would be the best of both worlds you can have the better keyboard AND the better drumpads for not that much more if you don't mind about the extra space this kind of setup would take.
Great video. Fair comparison. I agree with the points you made here. I own both controllers and, for me, the key differentiator is DAW compatibility. I have struggled with getting the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 fully operational in Logic Pro. When I saw that the Minilab 3 had a Logic-specific script I jumped on it and was immediately pleased by the full integration and with how much information the software gave me. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted and needed from Akai but don’t see forthcoming. While I prefer the build and aesthetics of the Akai I am sure it will only gather dust since I’m getting so much more out of the Arturia hardware. // I will also add that I’m quite happy with the Minilab 3’s pads (feel, not layout). For my play style the ML3 pads are perfect (again, ignoring pad size and layout). The Akai pads seem to be prone to double taps and proximity strikes (basically, when you apply enough force to a pad that an adjacent pad also responds). I have not experienced that with the ML3. This is my first ever Arturia hardware and if the rest is this smooth I can see more in my future.
I really like that you broke down the review into the differences of each feature. I didn't even think about what features might matter to me when looking for a midi controller but now I know that I definitely want the minilab 3!
Minilab 3 is awesome. Employee at guitar center reccomended it to me when i was about to purchase the akai and was feeling indecisive . For only 10 dollars more I get features that are worth a million to me. The only issue I have personally had with it is the pads feel a little hard but I use the faders often which is a feature I really like .
I always want to learn how to use one of these I like the Akai, and the mini lab 3 , like the touch controls on the mini lab 3. Awesome video thanks, I am 54 years old and love Jean Michael jarre, Mike oldfield & now I follow KEBU. I love synthesise music. Relaxing and enjoyable. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤔🤗
I appreciate the time you took to make this. There used to be so much to learn getting into electronic music and while I’d like to get some hardware synth one day my budget seems to be limited to these and I’m super excited peace bro ^^
I use mpc 2 software and the mpk mini mk3 is awesome. I tuned the sensitivity and when using the keyboard keys it makes the melody sound thick soulful. It makes the software sound like classic hardware. I’ve tried many midi keyboards and I’ve never been able to tune the keys like on the mpk . I hit program channel and turn the knob to the perfect balance and hit it and it’s saved .
This video is extremely helpful. I'm primarily a guitarist, but looking to get more into looping with Ableton. Your review helped me add an item to my Christmas wish list.
Imho a great thing that the Arturia has for guitarists (for which I'm considering buying it) is that you can plug in an expression pedal. With it you can convert the signal of the pedal into midi and use a wah/volume pedal/whammy etc. on your amp simulator without buying an expression-midi converter or a midi pedalboard
Here are my comments as a Minilab 3 owner. The pads in terms of playing beats kind of suck. I expected better. That said, the linear layout and rgb are actually really great for looping and so forth. At least in Ableton, the colors indicate that a track as armed, recording, has content on it, etc. One thing I put too much emphasis on in my decision making was that I wanted to have endless encoders. I'm not crazy about the slightly roughed up feel of the plastic on the knobs, and frankly I don't use them as much as I thought I would. The control knob with push button is great, and I believe the screen is OLED - easy to read. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with the purchase. Analog Lab V is pretty nice to have, too.
Hi Patrick. Many thanks for the intro and comparison. A simple keyboard is what I'm looking for - not so much a synthesizer-type sound, but more piano-style for fills, etc. I'm a drummer, actually, but hoping to tinker a bit (I have some minor piano skills, but, as mentioned, this would be more for fills, etc). It does seem like the Arturia is a better, simpler choice for me. I'll certainly check out the extra videos you recommended for added help. I confess to not being the greatest digi-tech person (I'm 68, and played professionally in L.A. in the '80s and early '90s), so this is a new neighborhood. Thanks again for the help. - - Steve
Patrick, I think the Minilab 3 is more user friendly and it s Abelton Live mappings works so well, .its my new goto controller. Looks like my Akai mini play and the Akai mini plus will be replaced by Arturia. Looking at the new Keylab 49 next. Thanks again for your review! Dave
Dude! Great review. Just what I needed to watch. I heard the software package with the Arturia was worth the price of admission. Consider this making your next video sir.
I had an Akai Mini MK3 and I quite liked it. To put some downside, that the keyboard has little travel and that 25 keys seem very few to me. The pads are very good, the controls and all things have a decent feel and I found the screen very useful. Perhaps I would have preferred the mini Play to the one I had. In the end I changed it for a Yamaha PSS A50 with 37 keys that I want to play in bed or on the couch but I miss the midi controller controls.
Soy muy fan del software de Arturia y es lo que más utilizo en Ableton y la verdad es que el Minilab 3 pinta muy bien aunque al final echaré en falta más teclas.
I love the comparison of these! Thank you so much for this, I like the pad style and setup of the APK, as well as the thumb stick, which seems interesting, so I think that’s what I’ll most likely end up going with. Thanks again for all the info!!
Really good video. I didn't think about the comparisons between these 2 units... but you gave us something to think about. I feel the MPK might be the way for me..
I still think minilab wins purely on keybed, screen and analog lab intro and Ableton lite included. All these things are useable... Thumb stick always does get the mixed up in akai and I personally don't use pads for drums ( i use the keybed )... But on cons the pads in minilab need lot of pressing as sensitivity isn't the best
I LOVE THE MINI LAB 3 5:08 I HAD TO GIVE IT TO MY 17 YEAR OLD SON FOR HIS HOME STUDIO I HAD THE MPK MINI ALSO I GAVE THAT TO MY OLDEST SON FOR HIS HOME STUDIO NOW I NEED A NEW MINILAB 3 SO I CAN GET MY PORTABLE STUDIO ON THE GO
Detailed review man. Really helped me decide. Arturia would be nice for me I think. I play guitar and record on iPad, need to buy something for adding keys and drums with ease.
The pitch bend and modulator of the akai seems like a really fun way to experiment both at the same time. It reminds me of my xbox controllers thumbstick. The faders on the minilab 3 is a great addition, along with the midi out. It really can grow along with you. That usb c port! What a great switch from usb b 😁
Great video, me and my friend started making music and were having trouble deciding on which Midi to pick out. I think ill get more versatility out of the Akai with the drum pad layout.
As you noted the MKP Mini’s pads are superior. I have an MKP Mini and a Minilab 2. I like the fact that the 2 has 16 encoders, but the 3 has better Ableton Live integration. They’re inexpensive that, at least in my estimation, get both. I use them as a less combersome alternative to keyboards with more keys. I have a backpack than fits 25 key keyboards so they’re kinda portable.
I recently sold my MPK Mini MK3 for the Minilab 3 because to me, the transport control is far more important and a very good keybed. I also got disappointed after buying the MPK Mini MK3 they released the MPK Mini Plus a week after.
I was choosing between these 2 in the music store yesterday, i left the akai mini (because of the pad layout) and Now im watching these videos 🤦♂️ lol 😅👍
Arturia always keeps it simple and professional ..even for the mark 2 despite of all the lack of features it had...still it managed to stand with the kings in this category ...minilab3 is an absolute winner ig...akai in fact is a bit hyped up ig....i would always go with the minilab3
i have both and i have to say i like the arturia much better. they are basically the same price, but the minilab just feels like it's much higher quality and the feel of the keys is soooo much better.
I am loving the minilab 3, but being honest, in production and mixing I can't see how to use the 4 faders. In this case I would go for the minilam mk2, I see more use on the 16 knobs for mapping third plugins, like EQ's and compressors. Nice comparative!
@@lorebringers I bought it but didnt arrive yet, hopefully tomorrow. Think of 3-5 functions you really need and then search wich one fits to that, if I can help with something, tomorrow I'll get the minilab, can share you what ever you wanna see
@@eddcastillo5 thanks for the reply. I got in music production for quite a few years but never invested in this. I just want to learn a little bit of piano and do some finger drumming and buy a synthetizer in the future so I will go with the version 3. Thanks.
Great! Thank for the comprehensive explanations and comparison... One of the two fell into Christmas list, but... I hope for the win of the giveaway as well! :-)
Akai is on sale rn at major retailers for $99. I want my kid to play and experiment freely with one press of a button, so I'm getting the Play version by Akai. It's $149 but has a built-in speaker, headphones output and can operate on a battery. In other words, it's kind of an instrument and not just a controller. Definitely something to consider if you are starting out with your creative journey and there's still a risk you might procrastinate a lot.
I really like MPK mini play. Personally I think the built in sounds are worth the extra money. Heres my MPK mini play video: ruclips.net/video/KsriMKLrQ-Q/видео.html
Nice Video, Very helpful! Got the Fl key 37 but thinking of returning it (seems sort of cheap + I'm used to workflow with my mouse, mainly looking a little keyboard but with nice pads and knobs)
I just got the MiniLab 3 for Christmas. I know nothing about Midi, or music production, nor do I have any musical talent... but so far, it's been a lot of fun. I just stopped by because your video is in my recommended feed and I think your VO audio sounds really good!
Man, if only Minilab laid out the drum pads the way MPK mini did.
That's exactly what I was thinking. The pads are what is pushing me towards mpk but most of the things are pushing me towards mini lab
They have pads what's does it matter ? Should be looking at price , what does do in making music ...or both the same shit just different price
@@Moodboard39 Akais drum pattern is better for finger drumming. Makes it soon much better
@@carlosflores4179 ic
if space isn't a concern, i'm thinking a combo of Minilab 3 + Akai LPD8 would be the best of both worlds
you can have the better keyboard AND the better drumpads for not that much more if you don't mind about the extra space this kind of setup would take.
The Arturia looks to be a more refined and minimalistic product in its design - something I really like. The Akai comes off as more raw, technical.
The akai comes in different colors
@@EnheTook50Benadryl Arturia has two at least. And better keybed. The Akai relies on flexing plastic.
@@Autonomous15 two what? I already bought the akai
i think he meant mk3 comes in two colors
Reject minimalism, embrace complexity
Great video. Fair comparison. I agree with the points you made here. I own both controllers and, for me, the key differentiator is DAW compatibility. I have struggled with getting the Akai MPK Mini Mk3 fully operational in Logic Pro. When I saw that the Minilab 3 had a Logic-specific script I jumped on it and was immediately pleased by the full integration and with how much information the software gave me. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted and needed from Akai but don’t see forthcoming. While I prefer the build and aesthetics of the Akai I am sure it will only gather dust since I’m getting so much more out of the Arturia hardware. // I will also add that I’m quite happy with the Minilab 3’s pads (feel, not layout). For my play style the ML3 pads are perfect (again, ignoring pad size and layout). The Akai pads seem to be prone to double taps and proximity strikes (basically, when you apply enough force to a pad that an adjacent pad also responds). I have not experienced that with the ML3. This is my first ever Arturia hardware and if the rest is this smooth I can see more in my future.
Thanks for sharing all of that, my friend! Very useful info for people!
A logic specific script has just sold me on the Minilab 3
Thank you, sir!
Mini lab seem good ...
This helped me make a decision, thank you for typing this out!
@@tg_2137same bro. I’m sold and i almost bought the mpk mini plus 37 key right now. Saved $60 lol
I really like that you broke down the review into the differences of each feature. I didn't even think about what features might matter to me when looking for a midi controller but now I know that I definitely want the minilab 3!
Minilab 3 is awesome. Employee at guitar center reccomended it to me when i was about to purchase the akai and was feeling indecisive . For only 10 dollars more I get features that are worth a million to me. The only issue I have personally had with it is the pads feel a little hard but I use the faders often which is a feature I really like .
I want the mini lab
Got so tempted when i first saw the minilab 3 come out! I love how it looks and the arp and chord features in it.
It's a great keyboard! 🙌 🙌
your review was perfect!. I am going for the Arturia MINILAB 3
Are you happy with it? I’m thinking of getting it.
@@TastyFreezeyo I am 100 %. Happy with the Minilab 3.
Seem good
I always want to learn how to use one of these I like the Akai, and the mini lab 3 , like the touch controls on the mini lab 3. Awesome video thanks, I am 54 years old and love Jean Michael jarre, Mike oldfield & now I follow KEBU. I love synthesise music. Relaxing and enjoyable. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🤔🤗
One step closer to become a great musician thanks to this guy❤
Looking to get the ML3. Arturia’s software support has been excellent recently. Thanks for the comparison!
I appreciate the time you took to make this. There used to be so much to learn getting into electronic music and while I’d like to get some hardware synth one day my budget seems to be limited to these and I’m super excited peace bro ^^
Yoo which one do midi do u siggest as i m in the same page as u
Thats the comparison I needed to watch.. :) Thank you!
Thanks, Arturia is more my style plus the keybed is very important for me, Buying Arturia MINILAB 3 now, thanks so much for this great review.
I use mpc 2 software and the mpk mini mk3 is awesome. I tuned the sensitivity and when using the keyboard keys it makes the melody sound thick soulful. It makes the software sound like classic hardware. I’ve tried many midi keyboards and I’ve never been able to tune the keys like on the mpk . I hit program channel and turn the knob to the perfect balance and hit it and it’s saved .
This video is extremely helpful. I'm primarily a guitarist, but looking to get more into looping with Ableton. Your review helped me add an item to my Christmas wish list.
Imho a great thing that the Arturia has for guitarists (for which I'm considering buying it) is that you can plug in an expression pedal. With it you can convert the signal of the pedal into midi and use a wah/volume pedal/whammy etc. on your amp simulator without buying an expression-midi converter or a midi pedalboard
Which one did you choose?
@@aethrya I'm going with the Arturia. I'm waiting to see if I get one for Christmas. If not I'll buy it myself.
@@tinwhistle0 awesome, that one is what I am leaning to as well. Santa knows what's up. If not I'll head on down to guitar center lol.
@@ec6169 you are an absolute legend.
I love the minimalistic look of that Arturia!
Here are my comments as a Minilab 3 owner. The pads in terms of playing beats kind of suck. I expected better. That said, the linear layout and rgb are actually really great for looping and so forth. At least in Ableton, the colors indicate that a track as armed, recording, has content on it, etc. One thing I put too much emphasis on in my decision making was that I wanted to have endless encoders. I'm not crazy about the slightly roughed up feel of the plastic on the knobs, and frankly I don't use them as much as I thought I would. The control knob with push button is great, and I believe the screen is OLED - easy to read. All in all, I'm pretty pleased with the purchase. Analog Lab V is pretty nice to have, too.
Hi Patrick. Many thanks for the intro and comparison. A simple keyboard is what I'm looking for - not so much a synthesizer-type sound, but more piano-style for fills, etc. I'm a drummer, actually, but hoping to tinker a bit (I have some minor piano skills, but, as mentioned, this would be more for fills, etc). It does seem like the Arturia is a better, simpler choice for me. I'll certainly check out the extra videos you recommended for added help. I confess to not being the greatest digi-tech person (I'm 68, and played professionally in L.A. in the '80s and early '90s), so this is a new neighborhood. Thanks again for the help.
- - Steve
I really need the minilab3. It will be my first midi keyboard
🙌 🙌
The Arturia just has something special about it. Not sure what it is, but its always there.
Patrick, I think the Minilab 3 is more user friendly and it s Abelton Live mappings works so well, .its my new goto controller. Looks like my Akai mini play and the Akai mini plus will be replaced by Arturia. Looking at the new Keylab 49 next. Thanks again for your review! Dave
Been loving these videos on the new Arturia release 👍
More coming!! 😁😁
Nice comparison, thanks! I've been trying to decide between the 2 and you've helped me I've settle on the ML3.
Dude! Great review. Just what I needed to watch. I heard the software package with the Arturia was worth the price of admission. Consider this making your next video sir.
Short, sweet, and to the point. Thank you for the great review.
That's what I was searching for. Thank you
Arturia is the new choice for all. I want one too. 😀
🙌 🙌
Thank you for helping me understand understand these 2 controllers. Think I want to go with Minilab 3.
I was having trouble deciding which of the two to buy, but the video helped me a lot! Thank you!
I think the mini lab is more solid. The Akai looks fun but that joy stick might break easy. I'd love a mini lab.
Just love that you have an arp and transport controls on the minilab now ❤
I definitely want the Minilab ! Thank you for this video
My Pleasure! 🙌 🙌
Thank you Patrick, greetings from Istanbul 🖖🙂
I’m getting the akai mpk mini Sunday 🎉🎉🎉
nice Honest review
I always come back to the Arturia Mini Lab3
Hope I’m not too late for the giveaway either way thank you for this video and channel!
I had an Akai Mini MK3 and I quite liked it. To put some downside, that the keyboard has little travel and that 25 keys seem very few to me. The pads are very good, the controls and all things have a decent feel and I found the screen very useful. Perhaps I would have preferred the mini Play to the one I had. In the end I changed it for a Yamaha PSS A50 with 37 keys that I want to play in bed or on the couch but I miss the midi controller controls.
Soy muy fan del software de Arturia y es lo que más utilizo en Ableton y la verdad es que el Minilab 3 pinta muy bien aunque al final echaré en falta más teclas.
Mini mk3 plus has more keys!
Thanks for taking the time to describe all the main differences!!! :)
estive aguardando sua opinião sobre o arturia minilab 3! muito obrigado pelo esclarecimento!
I love the comparison of these! Thank you so much for this, I like the pad style and setup of the APK, as well as the thumb stick, which seems interesting, so I think that’s what I’ll most likely end up going with. Thanks again for all the info!!
Thanks a lot for this comparison. I appreciate it!😊
I'm tracking the minilab 3, thanks for the help c:
As a beginner that just messes around in my bedroom for fun, the $55 M Vave mpk 25 will do I think. Has Blue Tooth built in.
Oh wow. I’ve been waiting for this video!! Thank you
🙌 🙌
Really good video. I didn't think about the comparisons between these 2 units... but you gave us something to think about. I feel the MPK might be the way for me..
Really great review and totally on point! Super helpful Patrick!
The interface to Analog Lab plus the better keyboard, sold me on the Minilab 3
Great comparison video!
Awesome review! Gonna keep my eye on a used Minilab for the keybed!
I still think minilab wins purely on keybed, screen and analog lab intro and Ableton lite included. All these things are useable... Thumb stick always does get the mixed up in akai and I personally don't use pads for drums ( i use the keybed )...
But on cons the pads in minilab need lot of pressing as sensitivity isn't the best
Great Review. Thanks dude!
They both look like great choices, thank you for the comparison video
They really are! Thanks for your comment!
I LOVE THE MINI LAB 3 5:08 I HAD TO GIVE IT TO MY 17 YEAR OLD SON FOR HIS HOME STUDIO I HAD THE MPK MINI ALSO I GAVE THAT TO MY OLDEST SON FOR HIS HOME STUDIO NOW I NEED A NEW MINILAB 3 SO I CAN GET MY PORTABLE STUDIO ON THE GO
Definitely helped me decide, thanks!
Amazing video, very helpful! Thank you!
I’m a music therapist and I would love the Arturia mk3
Great video! Really like the arpeggiator feature on the minilab. Thanks :)
EU ESCOLHO, SEM DUVIDAS, MINILAB 3 ! AMO ARTURIA
Very useful video
Detailed review man. Really helped me decide. Arturia would be nice for me I think. I play guitar and record on iPad, need to buy something for adding keys and drums with ease.
Interesting comparison, the choice is not easy but the MIDI out on the Minilab is seems to me soooo important for a controller 😉
I couldn’t decide so I purchased both 😊
Which one do you prefer to use? I feel the same way, but I do not want to have to buy both. 😅
Thanks Patrick
Just found your channel - super informative and helpful!
The pitch bend and modulator of the akai seems like a really fun way to experiment both at the same time. It reminds me of my xbox controllers thumbstick.
The faders on the minilab 3 is a great addition, along with the midi out. It really can grow along with you. That usb c port! What a great switch from usb b 😁
🙌 🙌
Awesome review!
Appreciate that, my friend!
Great video, me and my friend started making music and were having trouble deciding on which Midi to pick out. I think ill get more versatility out of the Akai with the drum pad layout.
As you noted the MKP Mini’s pads are superior. I have an MKP Mini and a Minilab 2. I like the fact that the 2 has 16 encoders, but the 3 has better Ableton Live integration. They’re inexpensive that, at least in my estimation, get both. I use them as a less combersome alternative to keyboards with more keys. I have a backpack than fits 25 key keyboards so they’re kinda portable.
Yeah ? Is that pandoras bag ?
I want a midi controller,it's mg dream to remix muzic,and i am a big fan of You!
Great video, thank you!
I've Used The Akai Mpk Mini..But I Also Wanna Try This Minilab😁
I recently sold my MPK Mini MK3 for the Minilab 3 because to me, the transport control is far more important and a very good keybed. I also got disappointed after buying the MPK Mini MK3 they released the MPK Mini Plus a week after.
Smh.
Love This!
I was choosing between these 2 in the music store yesterday, i left the akai mini (because of the pad layout) and Now im watching these videos 🤦♂️ lol 😅👍
Love the video
Arturia all day. Their software, ecosystem, and integration features, are the best in the biz.
Very helpful
Really great review!Thank you!! Question: does this work well with GarageBand for songwriting?
I like the Arturia but the drum pads of Akai! Nice comparrison!
The MiniLab 3 really got me.
Yeah it's dope!
Arturia always keeps it simple and professional ..even for the mark 2 despite of all the lack of features it had...still it managed to stand with the kings in this category ...minilab3 is an absolute winner ig...akai in fact is a bit hyped up ig....i would always go with the minilab3
i have both and i have to say i like the arturia much better. they are basically the same price, but the minilab just feels like it's much higher quality and the feel of the keys is soooo much better.
That's it? Going by how it feels ? Is ridiculous
Past Akai MPK mini mk2 ,Present Arturia Minilab3 plus Akai MPD 218 great union.
Best video sir.
I am loving the minilab 3, but being honest, in production and mixing I can't see how to use the 4 faders. In this case I would go for the minilam mk2, I see more use on the 16 knobs for mapping third plugins, like EQ's and compressors. Nice comparative!
Did you got it ? I am not sure what to choose
@@lorebringers I bought it but didnt arrive yet, hopefully tomorrow. Think of 3-5 functions you really need and then search wich one fits to that, if I can help with something, tomorrow I'll get the minilab, can share you what ever you wanna see
@@eddcastillo5 thanks for the reply. I got in music production for quite a few years but never invested in this. I just want to learn a little bit of piano and do some finger drumming and buy a synthetizer in the future so I will go with the version 3. Thanks.
The mk2 looks better too, more masculine, the 3 looks designed for Ableton users that wears beanies.
@@Qmayb😂😂
Thinking about minilab 3
Great video, thanks! Minilab 3 is amazing! It just bothers me that don't have a "physical" pitch control.
Really helped me make my choice! And I’m also here for the giveaway 😁
Awesome
I really need this
Great! Thank for the comprehensive explanations and comparison... One of the two fell into Christmas list, but... I hope for the win of the giveaway as well! :-)
Mini lab 3❤
Great video. Thank you.
Cheers, my friend!
Thank you perfect video!
Glad to hear it! Thanks for your comment!
Thank you
Akai is on sale rn at major retailers for $99. I want my kid to play and experiment freely with one press of a button, so I'm getting the Play version by Akai. It's $149 but has a built-in speaker, headphones output and can operate on a battery. In other words, it's kind of an instrument and not just a controller. Definitely something to consider if you are starting out with your creative journey and there's still a risk you might procrastinate a lot.
I really like MPK mini play. Personally I think the built in sounds are worth the extra money. Heres my MPK mini play video: ruclips.net/video/KsriMKLrQ-Q/видео.html
@@PatrickBreenMusic hehe, I had already watch it, Patrick 😄 I always collect info to understand my options. Thanks for all those videos 🤘
Nice Video, Very helpful! Got the Fl key 37 but thinking of returning it (seems sort of cheap + I'm used to workflow with my mouse, mainly looking a little keyboard but with nice pads and knobs)
Good comparison! Mini lab packs some really nice features (mostly that MIDI out port). Also, nice cardigan!
Appreciate the love, my friend! 🙌 🙌
I just got the MiniLab 3 for Christmas. I know nothing about Midi, or music production, nor do I have any musical talent... but so far, it's been a lot of fun. I just stopped by because your video is in my recommended feed and I think your VO audio sounds really good!
Is it easy to use and to have fun with even you know nothing about midi/music production ?! Do u use any tutorials?! :)
Wtf . That's stupid
Very helpful video!
Thanks!
I think my preference goes to the Arturia 😍👌🏻
Arturia looks more better!! I still can`t decide which one I will get!! good luck for the giveaway!!