Description

Arturia MicroLab mk3 Black is an ultra-compact 25-velocity-sensitive key MIDI controller designed for producing and performing anywhere. The updated slim keybed (the same as the MiniLab 3), touch controls for pitch bend and modulation, Hold and Chord Mode functions, and plug-and-play USB-C connectivity make it instantly usable in the studio, a home setup, or on the go. With Analog Lab Intro and Ableton Live Lite included, it becomes a complete starting point: controller, sounds, and DAW ready to turn an idea into a track.

A small controller for big projects

MicroLab mk3 is designed for those who work in small spaces or travel frequently but demand a reliable response under their fingers. It's a 25-key format that fits into a backpack, is USB powered, and sets up in seconds: connect, open your DAW or software instrument, and you're ready to go. The point, however, is not just portability: it's having a reliable controller when you're writing melodies, bass lines, or chords, without feeling limited by the format.

Updated slim keybed: feel makes the difference

The mk3 generation adopts an improved slim keybed (the same as MiniLab 3), with velocity response designed for more musical performances: not just "note on/off," but more controllable playability on pianos, pads, and synth leads. This is the element that shifts the experience: in a compact controller, the quality of the keys is what decides whether you'll truly use it every day or if it will end up in a drawer.

Essential expressive controls: touch strip, Hold, and Chord Mode

Two low-profile touch strips manage pitch bend and modulation, offering an alternative to classic wheels without losing expressiveness. The Hold button activates a "hands-free" sustain (also useful when you don't have a pedal available), while Chord Mode allows you to program a chord and recall it with a single finger: a creative shortcut for writing progressions, harmonizing lines, or building hooks in a few steps.

Workflow with Analog Lab: browsing without touching the computer

With Analog Lab Intro, MicroLab mk3 becomes an instant writing tool: you can browse presets and categories directly from the controller via the Shift functions, with dedicated controls for navigating filters and loading sounds. In practice: less mouse, more listening. This approach reduces friction when you're looking for "that" sound to finalize an idea in a few minutes, instead of wasting time navigating through various menus and submenus of presets.

Connections and pedal control: more expressiveness when needed

The main connection is USB-C (power and MIDI), with class-compliant operation for an essential setup. On the back, you'll find a 1/4" TRS jack input that accepts sustain, switch, or expression/continuous controller pedals: add a pedal and the controller changes pace, especially on piano, pad, and string parts. A Kensington lock attachment is also present, useful in educational settings or shared workstations.

Customization and updates with MIDI Control Center

When you want to go beyond plug-and-play, MIDI Control Center allows you to set the MIDI channel, velocity curves (linear, logarithmic, exponential, or fixed), pedal behavior and polarity, assigned CC (e.g., sustain CC64 or expression CC11), and min/max values for continuous pedals. The "scrolling direction" for preset navigation can also be inverted. Furthermore, the app manages firmware updates, maintaining the controller's compatibility and stability over time.

Software included: truly starting from scratch

MicroLab mk3 includes Analog Lab Intro with 500 selected presets of synths and keyboards, Ableton Live Lite to record and produce immediately, and Arturia Software Center for managing installations and licenses. In essence: controller + sounds + DAW, without having to build the setup piece by piece.

Technical specifications Arturia MicroLab mk3 Black

• Type: USB MIDI controller
• Keyboard: 25 slim velocity-sensitive keys
• Controls: Shift, Hold (sustain), Octave - / Octave +
• Expressive controls: 2 touch strips (Pitch Bend and Modulation)
• Functions: Chord Mode (chord programming, one-finger recall), Program Change via Shift + Octave, MIDI channel selection (1-16) via Shift + keys
• Transposition: up to +/-4 octaves; reset transposition by pressing Octave - and Octave + together
• Reset settings: hold down both Octave buttons while connecting the USB-C
• Connections: USB-C (power and MIDI)
• Pedal input: 1/4" TRS jack for sustain/switch or expression/continuous controller
• Security: Kensington lock
• Compatibility: USB class-compliant device; integration with Analog Lab and compatible with major DAWs
• Software included: Analog Lab Intro (500 presets), Ableton Live Lite, Arturia Software Center
• Package contents: controller, USB-C to USB-A cable, sheet with serial/unlock code
• Packaging (gift box): 456x158x67mm; 1kg
• Dimensions and weight: 406x125x39.3mm; 0.615kg
 

To get the included software:

Create an account and register the instrument on the Arturia website. (click here)

NB: Software applications are included free of charge for promotional purposes and may vary over time without prior notice. Algam EKO is exclusively responsible for the hardware instrument and cannot provide technical or commercial assistance for the free software provided or third-party software used with the product. For software support, consult the manual or online help of the software used.

NB: The use of authorization codes, i.e., the download and activation of the free software provided, waives the right of withdrawal.