Arturia has recently launched MicroLab, its new smartly designed MIDI keyboard which, thanks to its small size, can be taken anywhere. Aimed at both new users and seasoned professionals, the versatile 25-key MicroLab stands out for the software that comes with it, its clean look with integrated cable management and higher-quality keys than you'd expect for its price and size.
Lugging around large master keyboards is often a hassle. In certain situations, a small, lightweight, clean tool with no tangle of cables helps a lot. Obviously it doesn't replace a keyboard with more octaves and features but, as a tool to add to our rig, and given its modest price, it looks interesting.
Following in the footsteps of its big brother KeyStep, a benchmark model in its class, MicroLab has slim but professional keys. Despite its small dimensions, MicroLab offers 25 expressive, velocity-sensitive keys for a great playing experience. In addition, the HOLD button offers instant sustain, and by holding down the Shift key you can enter "Chord" mode, which lets you program a chord and play it back with just one finger.
Comfortable, innovative design
If anything grabs your attention at first glance about this keyboard, it's its innovative design. Its rubber casing not only gives the MicroLab a colorful look, but also protects it from bumps and scratches when you carry it around. It also has a recessed area where the USB cable fits perfectly, allowing it to be stored efficiently.
Arturia also designed this controller for hassle-free work. The model therefore has an embedded cable, which lets you connect it to other studio gear without loose cables getting in the way. In this way, MicroLab offers easier integration while keeping a clean setup, and makes storage and transport quick and easy.
In pursuit of comfort and versatility, MicroLab is about as wide as the average airplane or train tray table, and the rubber exterior keeps it from sliding. The keys are also slightly recessed into the MicroLab's body; nothing physically sticks out in the design, so there's nothing that can snag when you put it in your backpack.
Familiar technology and software
MicroLab includes capacitive Mod and Pitch Bend controls, like the MiniLab, which let you swipe and select presets with a touch, and you can also quickly change MIDI channels using a dedicated button together with the numbered keys.
As for software, MicroLab includes three free programs: Analog Lite, UVI Grand Piano Model D, and Bitwig Studio Lite. First, Analog Lite offers users 600 presets from Arturia's award-winning V Collection, such as analog and digital synthesizers, classic organs and pianos.
Next, UVI Grand Piano Model D includes an elegantly sampled Steinway that you can play using the MicroLab's expressive, velocity-sensitive keys. Finally, Bitwig Studio Lite provides a powerful, innovative software studio (D.A.W.) for recording, sequencing and mixing songs.
Specifications
Estimated price: €85
Distributor in Spain: Zentralmedia
Velocity-sensitive keyboard
25 "Slim Key" keys
Octave, HOLD and MIDI channel select buttons
Capacitive Mod and Pitch Bend
Protective rubber outer casing
3 color options
Integrated USB cable management
More than 600 presets
