Meet the Goldilocks of Portable MIDI Controllers
▼ Summary
– The Arturia MiniLab 37 is a $149 MIDI controller with 37 keys, which the reviewer considers the ideal size for portable use.
– Compared to the 25-key MiniLab MK3, the MiniLab 37 offers an extra octave, allowing for more comfortable playing of bass and leads simultaneously or larger chords.
– The MiniLab 37 shares the same physical features as the smaller MiniLab MK3, including a springy keybed, eight pads, eight endless encoders, four faders, two touch strips, USB-C, and a five-pin MIDI DIN out.
I have tested more portable MIDI controllers than I care to count, and I can say with confidence: 37 keys is the sweet spot. Arturia’s 25-key MiniLab MK3 is a dependable, backpack-friendly controller, but it can feel cramped for serious playing. The new $149 Arturia MiniLab 37 adds a full extra octave, giving you the freedom to play bass lines and melodies simultaneously or stretch out with richer chord voicings. It strikes the perfect balance between portability and playability.
Physically, the MiniLab 37 closely mirrors its smaller sibling. You get the same sturdy (if slightly springy) keybed, eight velocity-sensitive pads, eight endless encoders, four faders, two touch strips, USB-C connectivity, and a full-size five-pin MIDI DIN output on the back. The build quality feels robust, and the layout is intuitive for both studio sessions and live performance. Whether you are a producer sketching ideas on the go or a performer needing more range, this controller hits the Goldilocks zone for portable MIDI control.
(Source: The Verge)
