Arturia MiniLab Mk II User manual

USER MANUAL

Special Thanks
DIRECTION
Nicolas Dubois Sebastien Colin Frédéric Brun
PROGRAMMING
Dew Zhang Sebastien Colin
INDUSTRIALIZATION
Nicolas Dubois
MANUAL
Randy Lee Sébastien Rochard Germain Marzin Morgan Perrier
DESIGN
Glen Darcey Sébastien Rochard Axel Hartmann
© ARTURIA SA – 2017 – All rights reserved.
11 Chemin de la Dhuy
38240 Meylan
FRANCE
www.arturia.com
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not
represent a commitment on the part of Arturia. The software described in this manual is
provided under the terms of a license agreement or non-disclosure agreement. The software
license agreement specifies the terms and conditions for its lawful use. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any purpose other than
purchaser’s personal use, without the express written permission of ARTURIA S.A.
All other products, logos or company names quoted in this manual are trademarks or
registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Product version: 1.0.7
Revision date: 3 March 2017

Thank you for purchasing the Arturia MiniLab MkII!
This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s MiniLab MkII, a full-featured
MIDI controller designed to work with any DAW software or plug-in you own.
Note: While MiniLab MkII is part of a package which includes our Analog Lab Lite software, this
manual will focus only on the MiniLab MkII controller hardware. Please refer to the Analog Lab user
manual in order to learn about the features of the software.
In this package you will find:
• One MiniLab MkII keyboard controller, with a serial number and unlock code on
the bottom. You will need this information in order to register your MiniLab MkII.
• One USB cable
• The Quick Start Guide for the MiniLab MkII. The serial number for your unit has
been placed on this sheet also.
• A card describing Analog Lab Lite and how to upgrade to the full version of
Analog Lab 2. Also included on this card and with your purchase is a copy of
Grand Piano Model D by UVI, a beautifully realistic sampled grand piano.
• A card describing how to register for and download your copy of Ableton Live
Lite.
Be sure to register your MiniLab MkII as soon as possible! There is a sticker on the bottom
panel that contains the serial number of your unit and an unlock code. These are required
during the online registration process. This information is also included on the Quick Start
Guide.
Registering your MiniLab MkII provides the following benefits:
• A product license key for your installation of Ableton Live Lite [see note below]
• The ability to download Analog Lab Lite and Grand Piano Model D by UVI
• Access to the MiniLab MkII user manual and the latest version of the MIDI
Control Center software
• Special offers restricted to MiniLab MkII owners.
• The installation file for Ableton Live Lite is available here: ableton.com/live-lite.

Special Message Section
Specifications Subject to Change: The information contained in this manual is believed to
be correct at the time of release. However, Arturia reserves the right to change or modify
any of the specifications without notice or obligation to update the hardware that has been
purchased.
IMPORTANT: The product and its software, when used in combination with an amplifier,
headphones or speakers, may be able to produce sound levels that could cause permanent
hearing loss. DO NOT operate for long periods of time at a high level or at a level that is
uncomfortable. If you encounter any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult
an audiologist.
NOTICE: Service charges incurred due to a lack of knowledge relating to how a function
or feature works (when the product is operating as designed) are not covered by the
manufacturer’s warranty, and are therefore the owner's responsibility. Please study this
manual carefully and consult your dealer before requesting service.
Precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Read and understand all the instructions.
2. Always follow the instructions on the instrument.
3. Before cleaning the instrument, always remove the USB cable. When cleaning,
use a soft and dry cloth. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, acetone, turpentine or any
other organic solutions; do not use a liquid cleaner, spray or cloth that's too wet.
4. Do not use the instrument near water or moisture, such as a bathtub, sink,
swimming pool or similar place.
5. Do not place the instrument in an unstable position where it might accidentally
fall over.
6. Do not place heavy objects on the instrument. Do not block openings or vents
of the instrument; these locations are used for air circulation to prevent the
instrument from overheating. Do not place the instrument near a heat vent at any
location with poor air circulation.
7. Do not open or insert anything into the instrument that may cause a fire or
electrical shock.
8. Do not spill any kind of liquid onto the instrument.
9. Always take the instrument to a qualified service center. You will invalidate your
warranty if you open and remove the cover, and improper assembly may cause
electrical shock or other malfunctions.
10. Do not use the instrument with thunder and lightning present; otherwise it may
cause long distance electrical shock.
11. Do not expose the instrument to hot sunlight.
12. Do not use the instrument when there is a gas leak nearby.
13. Arturia is not responsible for any damage or data loss caused by improper
operation of the instrument.

Table Of Content
1. Introduction...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Overview........................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. First step - Making the connections........................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.1. Front Panel......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1.2. Keyboard ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.3. Pitch + Modulation touch strips ........................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.4. Shift + Pad Bank buttons ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
2.1.5. Octave buttons............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.6. Encoders............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
2.1.7. Pads....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.2. Rear panel................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.1. Footswitch jack .............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.2.2. USB jack ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
2.2.3. Kensington lock port.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 7
2.3. Factory Reset .......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
3. MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite ................................................................................................................... 8
3.1. Audio and MIDI Setup........................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1.1. Audio setup........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
3.1.2. MIDI setup ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
3.2. Preset Selection .................................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.1. Preset #1 + Analog Lab Lite................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
3.2.2. Analog Lab Lite preset selection ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.2.3. Presets 2-8..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
3.3. Using the Encoders ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
3.4. Using the Pads..................................................................................................................................................................... 15
3.4.1. Play a Note (Pads 1-8) ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
3.4.2. Control Analog Lab Lite (Pads 9-16).............................................................................................................................................................. 16
4. MIDI Control Center ............................................................................................................................................... 20
4.1. The Basics .............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
4.1.1. System requirements ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 20
4.1.2. Installation and location...................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
4.1.3. Connection.................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
4.1.4. Where to find the manual.................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.1.5. Using MIDI Control Center................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
4.1.6. MIDI Control Center features............................................................................................................................................................................. 21
4.2. Device Memories ............................................................................................................................................................... 22
4.3. Template Browser ............................................................................................................................................................. 23
4.3.1. Drag and drop ............................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
4.3.2. Revise a Template.................................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.4. Store To/Recall From....................................................................................................................................................... 24
4.4.1. The ‘Store To’ button................................................................................................................................................................................................ 24
4.4.2. Recall a preset from MiniLab MkII............................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.3. Save, Delete, Import/Export, etc..................................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.5. Import/Export Device Settings.................................................................................................................................. 26
4.5.1. Export Device Settings............................................................................................................................................................................................ 26
4.5.2. Import Device Settings......................................................................................................................................................................................... 26
4.6. Editing basics ....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.6.1. Data entry........................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 27
4.6.2. Selecting the tabs...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.6.3. Device Settings tab.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 28
4.7. Working with Device Settings.................................................................................................................................... 29
4.7.1. Keyboard Channel .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.7.2. Knob acceleration .................................................................................................................................................................................................... 29
4.7.3. Key Velocity Curve.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
4.7.4. Pad Velocity Curve.................................................................................................................................................................................................. 30
4.8. Editing Templates: Unique features........................................................................................................................ 31
4.8.1. MIDI Channel settings ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 31
4.8.2. Control strips: Pitch Bend Hold ........................................................................................................................................................................ 32
4.8.3. Assignable pedal ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 33
4.8.4. Mode Encoders .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 34

5. Software License Agreement........................................................................................................................... 35
6. Declaration of Conformity .................................................................................................................................. 38

1. INTRODUCTION
MiniLab MkII is Arturia’s most compact and feature-filled USB MIDI keyboard controller yet.
It has a 25-key, velocity-sensitive, slim-key keyboard along with a control surface designed
for perfect integration with our software synthesizers. The attention to detail poured into
MiniLab MkII also makes it perfect for working with any other software plug-in or DAW you
have available.
Beyond being a great MIDI controller, MiniLab MkII comes with our Analog Lab Lite
software that includes an impressive array of classic synth and keyboard sounds. The
integration of these two products results in a powerful hybrid synthesizer with excellent
functionality and great sound.
There’s also an affordable and simple way to upgrade Analog Lab Lite to the full version of
Analog Lab, which provides access to many more thousands of the sounds you will hear in
Analog Lab Lite! To upgrade, go to www.arturia.com/analoglab-update.
MiniLab MkII also features our innovative pitch and modulation touch strips: low-profile
controllers which offer a different take on the traditional wheels while maintaining their
expressiveness. The pitch strip offers an additional choice of ‘last position hold’ or ‘return to
zero’ modes of operation.
The 16 assignable encoders give you the control you need to exploit the full potential of
any USB audio product you encounter. There’s also an assignable pedal input jack for even
greater flexibility.
Two banks of 8 backlit performance pads, for 16 total, can be assigned easily as pads, MIDI
CC buttons or Program change switches. They can also be assigned different colors for
visual feedback of their function, or just for fun! They’re pressure-sensitive too, which makes
them even more expressive.
On top of that, the included MIDI Control Center software lets you map parameters to the
controllers and pads in a simple and easy way directly from your computer and store them
into presets. Those presets are then stored in the MiniLab MkII hardware for instant recall.
Made for the musician on the go or the performer with limited space, the MiniLab MkII gives
you a great depth of features in a portable package that is sturdy and looks great.
Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - Introduction 3

2. OVERVIEW
2.1. First step - Making the connections
Setting up the MiniLab MkII keyboard for use with Analog Lab Lite is fast and simple:
1. First install the Analog Lab Lite program on your computer and be sure to register
and authorize it (see Chapters 2 and 3 of the Analog Lab user manual).
2. Connect the MiniLab MkII keyboard to the computer. MiniLab MkII is powered
by its USB connection, so all you have to do is connect a USB cable from your
computer to the MiniLab MkII keyboard.
3. MiniLab MkII is a class-compliant USB device, so its driver will be automatically
installed when you connect MiniLab MkII to your computer.
4. Fire up the Analog Lab Lite software and read on!
2.1.1. Front Panel
1. Shift button: Press Shift and one of the pads will light to show the current
Memory selection.
◦Hold Shift and press a Pad to select a Memory.
◦Hold Shift, press a key to select the MIDI Channel.
◦Hold Shift, turn encoders 1 or 9 for alternate MIDI CC values.
◦Hold Shift, press Oct+ and Oct- at the same time to send “All Notes
Off” and “Reset all controllers” commands over MIDI.
2. Pad 1-8 / 9-16 buttons: Use to access Pad banks 1-8 or 9-16
3. Octave - / + buttons: Shift the keyboard range +/- 4 octaves. Press both buttons
at once to reset the range to center.
4. Pitch / Mod Touch: strips Pitch bend and modulation are activated by pressing
the touch strips. “Return to Zero” or “Hold” settings can be selected for the Pitch
strip using the MIDI Control Center software.
5. Encoders 1 and 9: Analog Lab Lite: turn/click Encoder 1 to browse/select preset;
turn/click encoder 9 to browse/select filters.
6. Encoders 2-8 and 10-16: Analog Lab Lite: Memory #1 is pre-configured to control
AL Lite parameters with these encoders.
7. Pads 1-8 / 9-16 Analog Lab Lite: Play notes from pads 1-8; control various features
from pads 9-16.
8. MIDI Channel selector keys: Press the Shift button and then one of the keys to
select the current MIDI channel for MiniLab MkII.
Front View
4 Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - Overview

NOTE: For other software programs use the MIDI Control Center software to alter their assignments.
2.1.2. Keyboard
MiniLab MkII has a 25-key, velocity-sensitive, slim-key keyboard with a control surface
designed for perfect integration with the Analog Lab Lite software interface.
2.1.3. Pitch + Modulation touch strips
If you touch the Pitch bend strip at its center and move your finger forward or backward
it will alter the pitch of the played sound. The range of the pitch bend is determined by the
preset that has been selected.
Similarly, moving your finger along the Modulation strip alters the modulation amount of
the played sound. The level of modulation introduced by activating the modulation strip
depends on which preset is selected.
CAUTION: The modulation strip may not be assigned to modulate a parameter in some Analog Lab
Lite presets.
2.1.4. Shift + Pad Bank buttons
Let’s start on the right: The Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button toggles the MiniLab MkII pads between two
different sets of functions: playing notes or controlling Analog Lab Lite.
The Shift button serves several purposes: recalling a preset from memory (Shift + pad),
selecting the master MIDI channel (Shift + keyboard), and enabling encoders 1 and 9 to send
the alternate MIDI CC numbers or NRPN/RPN commands that were defined using the MIDI
Control Center.
Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - Overview 5

2.1.5. Octave buttons
Pushing one of the Oct - / + buttons will transpose the keyboard by as much as four octaves
up or down. The farther from center the keyboard has been transposed, the faster the
buttons will flash.
To reset the keyboard octave range back to center, press both buttons at the same time.
2.1.6. Encoders
The sixteen encoders can be assigned to control any editable parameter on the selected
device. Encoders 1 and 9 are clickable, and can serve several functions within each preset
memory.
The assignments within each Analog Lab Lite preset and within each synthesizer type may
vary according to the parameters that are available.
2.1.7. Pads
The eight pressure-sensitive pads on the front of the MiniLab MkII serve a dual purpose.
Their function depends on whether you’re using the Shift button or the Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button.
For example: The pads can be assigned to trigger up to sixteen particular MIDI notes (drums,
stabs, bass notes, whatever). When the Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button is not lit, the first bank of pads
are active (1-8). When the Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button is lit, the second bank of pads are active
(9-16).
When using MiniLab MkII with Analog Lab Lite, pads 1-8 play MIDI notes and pads 9-16
control various features: clear search filters, select next / previous preset, and switch the
encoders between Multi parts, for example.
However, when you hold the Shift button and press one of the pads, this will recall one of
eight presets from the internal memory.
6 Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - Overview

2.2. Rear panel
The rear panel of the MiniLab MkII contains several important connectors: the footswitch
jack, a USB Type B jack, and a Kensington lock port.
2.2.1. Footswitch jack
The footswitch jack accepts a momentary footswitch (optional) and allows it to function as
either a momentary switch (such as sustain pedal) or a latching switch (first press/release
sends one event, second press/release sends the next event).
It is best to connect the pedal before supplying power to the MiniLab MkII so it can sense
the pedal’s polarity. Be sure to keep your foot off the pedal when first making the connection
or it could work backward. If this happens, disconnect MiniLab MkII from the power source
and start over.
2.2.2. USB jack
The USB jack allows you to connect your MiniLab MkII to your computer for use with your
favorite DAWs and plug-in instruments.
2.2.3. Kensington lock port
We’ve added a Kensington security lock port to the left side of the rear panel as well. This
will help keep your MiniLab MkII right where you want it.
2.3. Factory Reset
This procedure will erase all presets and device settings and restore them to their defaults. Use the
MIDI Control Center software to back up your changes first.
To reset the MiniLab MkII to its original factory settings:
• Unplug the USB cable from the back of the keyboard
• Hold down the Oct - and Oct + buttons
• Plug the USB cable back in, and continue to hold the buttons until the pads turn
white.
The pads will stay white for 2 seconds so you will know the reset process is underway. After
this the MiniLab MkII will go through its normal power-up lighting sequence.
Rear View
Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - Overview 7

3. MINILAB MKII AND ANALOG LAB LITE
This chapter will focus mostly on the MiniLab MkII keyboard and how it interacts with the
Analog Lab Lite software. So you will find only basic coverage of the various Analog Lab Lite
parameters that MiniLab MkII controls. For more details about Analog Lab Lite, please refer
to the Analog Lab user manual.
3.1. Audio and MIDI Setup
The first thing to do after launching Analog Lab Lite is to make sure the software is set to
output audio correctly and that it will receive MIDI from the MiniLab MkII keyboard.
3.1.1. Audio setup
In order to check the audio driver settings for Analog Lab Lite, open the Preferences window
by pressing [Command] + [,] or by selecting it from the Analog Lab Lite drop-down menu.
This will open the Audio & MIDI Settings window, which is where the preferred audio output
device will be selected. Now click the Test button: If you hear a short sine wave, then your
audio is set up correctly. If not, make sure the correct audio driver is selected and that your
headphones or speakers are properly connected and turned on.
Mac OSX
Windows
8 Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite

3.1.2. MIDI setup
Connecting a USB MIDI keyboard controller to Analog Lab Lite is very simple. As shown
above, navigate to the Audio MIDI Settings window by pressing [Command] + [,] or by
selecting it from the Analog Lab Lite drop-down menu as shown in the Audio Setup section
[p.8].
The Audio MIDI Settings window has a section labeled “MIDI Devices”. Click the box labeled
“Arturia MiniLab MkII” to select it as a controller for Analog Lab Lite.
Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite 9

3.2. Preset Selection
3.2.1. Preset #1 + Analog Lab Lite
When MiniLab MkII is first powered up it loads preset #1 from the internal memory. This
preset has been specifically configured to work with Analog Lab Lite.
The control assignments in preset #1 correspond to the parameters within Arturia’s soft-
synths, so with this combination there will be very little setup for you to do. It’s a very quick
way to get the exact sound you want and start making music with it.
Each time you select a new Analog Lab Lite preset it is possible the control assignments will
change. This is because there may be different parameters available for the synthesizer on
which that preset is based.
10 Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite

3.2.2. Analog Lab Lite preset selection
There are two ways to select Analog Lab Lite presets with MiniLab MkII:
3.2.2.1. Encoders 1 and 9
For rapid scrolling through the Analog Lab Lite Preset list, simply turn encoder 1. When you
see the preset you want, click the encoder to select it.
To narrow down the list of presets, use encoder 9 to scroll to one of the preset filter
characteristics and click the encoder. You can enable as many filters as you like. The
remaining choices will be displayed in the Results list in the middle of the Editor window.
Tap pad 14 to clear the preset filter selections.
3.2.2.2. Pads 15 and 16
If it is not already lit, press the Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button to access pads 9-16. Pad 15 will select
the previous preset, and pad 16 will select the next preset.
Encoders 1 + 9 in Analog
Lab Lite
Pads 14-16 have dedicated functions in Analog Lab Lite
Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite 11

3.2.3. Presets 2-8
The remaining seven MiniLab MkII presets can be configured to work with other software
applications such as a DAW or a plug-in. To select one of those preset locations, hold the
Shift button and press the appropriate pad.
12 Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite

3.3. Using the Encoders
Once you have started Analog Lab Lite and configured the Audio and MIDI settings
correctly, all you need to do is select a Sound or Multi from the preset list and start
playing. Each of the encoders on the MiniLab MkII will assume their assigned parameters
immediately and you can begin experimenting by making your first edits inside that preset.
You’ll notice that the virtual MiniLab MkII has only 14 encoders (two rows of 7) instead of 16
like the physical keyboard. This is because encoders 1 and 9 are reserved for other functions
within Analog Lab Lite:
• Encoder 1: Filter Results list by selecting characteristics (scroll and click to select)
• Shift + encoder 1: Master Volume parameter
• Encoder 9: preset selection within the Results list (scroll and click to select).
The functions of encoders 1 and 9 are fixed when using Analog Lab Lite. But it is possible to
change the parameter assignments for every other encoder using the menu that appears
when you click the parameter name under the virtual encoder.
Shift + Encoder 1 controls master volume in Analog Lab
Lite.
Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite 13

NOTE: In the image above the fourth virtual encoder has been selected for re-assignment. This
encoder actually corresponds to encoder #5 on the physical controller, since encoder #1 is reserved for
other functions.
Each time you select a new Analog Lab Lite preset it is possible the control assignments will
change. This is because there may be different parameters available for the synthesizer on
which that preset is based.
For more details on editing a preset, see the Analog Lab user manual.
Assigning a parameter to a virtual encoder
14 Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite

3.4. Using the Pads
With Analog Lab Lite active and a preset selected, play one of the pads on the MiniLab MkII.
What you near next will depend on the status of the Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button.
3.4.1. Play a Note (Pads 1-8)
If the Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button on the MiniLab MkII is not lit then pads 1-8 are active. If you play
a pad you will hear a note played on the selected synthesizer. The range is from MIDI note
#36 (pad 1) to note #43 (pad 8).
The MIDI note numbers for these pads are not assignable in Memory #1, since the Analog
Lab Lite preset cannot be altered. But they can be edited within presets 2-8.
Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite 15

3.4.2. Control Analog Lab Lite (Pads 9-16)
When pads 9-16 are selected, most of the pads have a dedicated function to help you get
the most out of Analog Lab Lite. Let’s go through them.
3.4.2.1. Pads 9-11: For Multis only
To appreciate what pads 9-11 can do you first need to select a Multi in Analog Lab Lite. A Multi
as a combination of two presets, either layered or split. The fastest way to select one is to
enable the MULTI filter inside the Instruments window. Use encoder 9 to scroll to the word
MULTI and click it:
Then select a Multi from the Results window using encoder 1.
After this you can use pads 9-11 to select different tabs that appear above the virtual
keyboard:
• Use pad 9 to select the Part 1 tab
• Use pad 10 to select the Part 2 tab
• Use pad 11 to select the Live tab
When you select a tab you will see the assignment labels under each encoder change. The
Part 1 and Part 2 encoders will control the parameters for their respective Parts. The Live
encoders will control Macros, which can contain parameters that are common to both Parts.
We’ll discuss each of those tabs briefly in the next two paragraphs. See the Analog Lab Lite
manual for a full description.
Part 1 / Part 2 tabs
These tabs are basically identical, even though the encoders may have different labels. So
we’ll only use one screen shot to represent them both:
16 Arturia - User Manual MiniLab MkII - MiniLab MkII and Analog Lab Lite