akai professional mpk mini mk3 garageband

Akai professional mpk mini mk3 garageband how to#

And, like all Arturia MIDI controllers, the build quality is top-notch, so you don't have to worry about it breaking if you toss it in your backpack. I'm more of a fan of semi-weighted keys, but Arturia decided to go with piano-style slim keys for this controller, which may not be the best for skilled piano players.īut let's be real, the MiniLab isn't really meant for playing piano it's more of a lightweight controller for GarageBand.Īll in all, the Arturia MiniLab 3 is an excellent choice for a lightweight controller for GarageBand. The MiniLab also has two touch strips, which provide extra control for modulation capabilities. Personally, I've made tons of tracks in coffee shops all over the place, and I love being able to jot down ideas anywhere with a lightweight but powerful controller. The 25-key format is perfect for GarageBand because it's small enough to toss in your backpack or luggage, making it great for traveling.

Akai professional mpk mini mk3 garageband how to#

It just goes to show that the French really know how to make things comfy and easy to use. It's cool that the interface isn't cramped, even though it has eight velocity-sensitive RGB backlit pads, eight knobs, and four sliders. Even though it only has 25 slim keys, it still packs a punch, just like the KeyStep in the KeyPro line. The Arturia MiniLab 3 is like the little brother of the KeyLab essential. Nevertheless, this controller is worth it in every other way. It would be better to have more drum pad options for a program like GarageBand, where most of your beat-making plug-ins become your main source of drum samples. The only downside of this controller is that it only has eight pads.

It gives you precise feedback on your dials, and it also makes recalling presets a breeze. The LCD screen on this controller is a cool feature. Although the sonic packs that come with GarageBand are pretty great, it's always good to have your own sounds to work with. Since GarageBand is self-contained, having premium sounds is super important. Plus, this keyboard also comes with some of their premium Analog synth simulations like Analog Lab V, which has over 2000 presets that will blow your mind. It's got nine rotary encoders and nine faders which you can customize to do whatever you want in GarageBand. You've got all the tools you need to make music right at your fingertips. It's a bit bulkier and heavier than some of the GarageBand controllers out there, but it definitely screams professional. The Mk3 is totally worth all the Arturia hype. Nothing beats actual, dedicated sliders.Īrturia's design game is on point, not just for the looks but also for the build quality of the KeyLab Essential. I only wish that they had included a few sliders for MIDI control and mixer volume control. Although GarageBand's automation features are pretty basic, it does have a lot of 'learn' functions that allow you to assign knobs to instruments like synthesizers and effects, such as Amplitube or NI GuitarRig.Īnd let's not forget about the touch strips on this keyboard! They feel great and offer even more control for VSTs. This keyboard is also loaded with knobs for CC control, which is super handy.

They may not be as good as AKAI pads, but they're still of good quality and more than sufficient for programming some sweet beats in GarageBand. That's why proper drum pads and keys like the ones on the Novation are a must. Since GarageBand is a closed environment, you can't yet send MIDI to external hardware.

It's awesome for creating beats on the fly. If you're searching for a lightweight and user-friendly mini keyboard, the Launchkey is a great choice. This makes it easy to jot down your musical ideas while traveling. It is ideal for when you're on the move, as GarageBand is available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. The Novation Launchkey Mini Mk3 is a great controller for GarageBand.