Arturia MINILAB 3 ORANGE 25-Key USB MIDI Controller

The Arturia MINILAB 3 ORANGE is a compact USB MIDI controller for composing, recording, beat-making, and controlling music software. Its 25 slim, velocity-sensitive keys provide a space-conscious way to play melodies, bass lines, chords, and virtual instruments. It is designed to give creators direct hardware control instead of relying solely on a mouse and computer keyboard.

This controller suits beginning producers, mobile musicians, songwriters, DJs, and experienced users who need a compact secondary controller. Eight RGB performance pads, rotary encoders, faders, and touch controls bring frequently used musical and DAW functions within reach. The black-and-orange edition provides the same MiniLab 3 control layout in a distinct colorway.

MiniLab 3 does not generate sound on its own; it sends MIDI information to compatible software instruments, DAWs, iPads, and external MIDI gear. The velocity-sensitive keys and velocity- and pressure-sensitive pads support expressive playing, finger drumming, clip triggering, and parameter control. Built-in Chord, Hold, and arpeggiator functions help create musical parts directly from the controller.

Arturia equips MiniLab 3 with USB-C connectivity, a mini display with clickable browser control, and integrated mappings for Arturia instruments and major DAWs. It supports MIDI Control Center customization, one DAW preset, and up to five user presets. A 5-pin MIDI output and pedal control input expand the controller beyond a computer-based setup.

MiniLab 3 fits naturally into a desktop production system, portable laptop rig, or hybrid hardware setup. Connect it to a computer or compatible iPad for software-based music creation, or use its MIDI output with external MIDI instruments. The included USB-C to USB-A cable provides the basic connection for USB-powered operation, while optional pedals and MIDI cables can extend its functionality.

Key Features

• 25 Slim Keys: Velocity-sensitive keys provide compact, playable control for notes, chords, and software instruments.
• RGB Performance Pads: Two pad banks provide 16 velocity- and pressure-sensitive assignments for drums, clips, and commands.
• Hands-On Mixing Controls: Eight rotary encoders and four sliders can control instrument parameters, levels, and effects.
• Creative Performance Tools: Arpeggiator, Chord, Hold, octave, and semitone functions support fast musical ideas.
• USB-C and MIDI Output: Connect to computers, compatible iPads, or external MIDI hardware through 5-pin DIN output.
• DAW and Software Integration: Pre-mapped integration, MCU transport control, and user presets support flexible workflows.

Design & Installation

MiniLab 3 uses a compact keyboard-controller format with a black-and-orange finish, slim keybed, RGB-backlit pads, touch strips, mini display, and tactile control surface. Arturia states that the controller is made with a minimum of 50% recycled plastic and supplied in fully recyclable cardboard packaging. Its listed product weight is 2.20 lb, making it appropriate for desktop and portable production use.

For computer-based music production, connect MiniLab 3 to a USB port with the included USB-C to USB-A cable; the unit is USB powered and class-compliant. For iPad use, connect through a compatible USB-C connection or appropriate adapter setup. To control external MIDI hardware, connect a separately obtained 5-pin DIN MIDI cable; an optional sustain, expression, or footswitch pedal may be connected to the control input.