Arturia MINILAB 3 User manual

USER MANUAL
_MINILAB 3

Special Thanks
DIRECTION
Frédéric Brun Kevin Molcard
DEVELOPMENT
Nicolas Dubois (lead)
Florian Rameau (lead)
Farès Mezdour (lead)
Aurore Baud
Loïc Baum
Timothée Béhéty
Jérôme Blanc
Yannick Dannel
Antonio Eiras
Valentin Foare
Thibault Senac
QUALITY
Thomas Barbier Emilie Jacuszin Aurélien Mortha
MANUAL
Sven Bornemark (writer) Stephen Fortner (writer) Jimmy Michon
© ARTURIA SA – 2022 – All rights reserved.
26 avenue Jean Kuntzmann
38330 Montbonnot-Saint-Martin
FRANCE
www.arturia.com
The information contained in this user manual is believed to be correct at the time of release.
The manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on
the part of Arturia.
Arturia reserves the right to change or modify any of the specifications without notice or
obligation to update the hardware that has been purchased.
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: 1.0.5
Revision date: 17 October 2022

Thank you for purchasing the Arturia MiniLab 3!
This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s MiniLab 3, a full-featured MIDI
controller designed to work with any DAW software or plug-in you own. Whether in the
studio, on the road, or at home, we are confident that the MiniLab 3 will become an
indispensable tool in your kit.
Be sure to register your MiniLab 3 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 at www.arturia.com. Please make sure to store the enclosed
registration card in a safe place.
Registering your MiniLab 3 provides the following benefits:
• Special offers restricted to MiniLab 3 owners. As a registered owner, you also
have access to an exclusive software bundle that includes:
◦Arturia's Analog Lab Intro containing thousands of ready-to-use
instruments and sounds
◦Access to the latest versions of the included software: Ableton Live
Lite, Native Instruments The Gentleman and UVI Model D pianos plus
Loopcloud and Melodics subscriptions.
MIDI Control Center
The MIDI Control Center app can be freely downloaded from Arturia Downloads & Manuals.
Please install it now; you will need this app when updating hardware and editing MiniLab 3
settings.
Arturia Software Center (ASC)
If you haven't installed ASC yet, please go to this web page: Arturia Downloads & Manuals.
Look for the Arturia Software Center near the top of the page, and then download the
installer version for the system you’re using (Windows or macOS). ASC is a remote client
for your Arturia account, letting you conveniently manage all your licenses, downloads, and
updates from one place.
After you complete the installation, proceed to do the following:
• Launch the Arturia Software Center (ASC).
• Log into your Arturia account from ASC’s interface.
• Scroll down to the 'My Products' section of ASC.
• Click on the 'Activate' button next to the software you want to start using (in this
case, Analog Lab Intro).
It's as simple as that!
MiniLab 3 is easy to use and you’ll probably start experimenting with it right out of the
box. However, please be sure to read this manual even if you are an experienced user, as
we describe many useful tips that will help you get the most out of your purchase. For
reference, you may also want to download the MiniLab 3 Cheat Sheet that you can find
during the registration process.
We're sure you will find MiniLab 3 a powerful tool in your setup and we hope you'll use it to
its fullest potential.
Happy music making!
The Arturia team

Special Message Section
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 Contents
1. Welcome to MiniLab 3 .............................................................................................................................................. 2
1.1. What’s MiniLab 3?................................................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2. MiniLab 3 Features Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 3
2. Installation....................................................................................................................................................................... 4
3. Hardware Overview .................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.1. Front Panel................................................................................................................................................................................. 5
3.2. Rear Panel................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
3.3. Control Values Display...................................................................................................................................................... 6
4. MiniLab 3 operations ................................................................................................................................................. 7
4.1. Shift Functions......................................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.2. Octave Up/Down and Transpose............................................................................................................................... 7
4.3. Touch Strips.............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.4. Pads............................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
4.4.1. Secondary functions .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
4.4.2. Pads and Program Selection .............................................................................................................................................................................. 9
4.5. Arpeggiator............................................................................................................................................................................... 9
4.5.1. Activating and deactivating the Arpeggiator ............................................................................................................................................. 9
4.5.2. Entering and leaving Arpeggio Edit mode............................................................................................................................................... 10
4.5.3. Editing the Arpeggiator — Main Encoder knob ......................................................................................................................................... 11
4.5.4. Editing the Arpeggiator — Quick Access..................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.5.5. Arpeggiator Parameters....................................................................................................................................................................................... 12
4.6. Tap Tempo............................................................................................................................................................................... 15
4.7. Hold Mode................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.8. Chord Mode............................................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.8.1. Creating a Chord ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 16
4.8.2. The Arpeggiator, Chord Mode and Hold Mode ....................................................................................................................................... 17
4.9. Vegas Mode............................................................................................................................................................................. 17
4.10. Factory Reset....................................................................................................................................................................... 17
5. MiniLab 3 and Analog Lab ................................................................................................................................... 18
5.1. Important Note — It’s All Malleable .......................................................................................................................... 18
5.2. Audio and MIDI Setup..................................................................................................................................................... 18
5.2.1. Analog Lab MIDI Settings..................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
5.3. Browsing Presets.............................................................................................................................................................. 20
5.3.1. Browsing Within Types......................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
5.4. Knobs and Faders.............................................................................................................................................................. 21
5.4.1. Knobs 1-4......................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.2. Knobs 5-8 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
5.4.3. Faders.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
5.4.4. Pads .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 23
6. DAW Control ................................................................................................................................................................. 24
6.1. Custom Controlled DAWs .............................................................................................................................................. 24
6.1.1. Transport Control ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 25
6.2. DAW Control with Mackie Control Universal................................................................................................... 25
6.3. Analog Lab Mode............................................................................................................................................................... 26
7. Declaration of Conformity................................................................................................................................... 27
8. Software License Agreement............................................................................................................................ 28

1. WELCOME TO MINILAB 3
1.1. What’s MiniLab 3?
MiniLab 3 is a compact MIDI keyboard controller. But don’t let its small size fool you —
it’s huge on features usually found on larger and more expensive keyboards. You’ll play
MiniLab3 using its slim-key 25-note keyboard with velocity sensitivity and the eight backlit
performance pads that sense velocity and aftertouch.
We have also rethought and expanded the user interface compared to its predecessor
MiniLab MkII. Eight endless encoder knobs are now joined by four faders, not to mention a
dentented main encoder/selection button with a bright OLED display.
Out of the box, MiniLab 3 is tightly integrated with our Analog Lab software, letting you
browse presets and adjust parameters without reaching for your mouse.
MiniLab 3 also automatically recognizes and controls popular DAWs including Ableton
Live, Apple Logic Pro, Reason Studios Reason, Bitwig Studio, and Image-Line FL Studio.
(Certain DAWs, such as Steinberg's Cubase, are supported via the Mackie Control Universal
protocol.) You can control your DAW transport with the pads, use the knobs to tweak plug-in
parameters, and adjust track volumes, sends, and pans by using the MiniLab 3 faders.
MiniLab 3 also features our innovative pitch and modulation touch-strips plus an onboard
arpeggiator that brings plenty of classic synth vibes.
In addition to Analog Lab Intro, MiniLab 3 includes a license for Ableton Live Lite, an
introductory but powerful version of the DAW that revolutionized clip-based music
production and performance. You can trigger clips with the MiniLab’s performance pads,
adjust the current plug-in with its encoders (knobs), and much more.
As a MiniLab 3 owner, you also become the owner of Native Instruments' The Gentleman
(a fine sampled acoustic upright piano), UVI Model D (a German concert grand piano), a
Loopcloud subscription and a Melodics subscription.
On top of that, Arturia's MIDI Control Center software (a free download) lets you map
parameters directly to MiniLab 3’s physical controls to create custom configurations. You
can then save these as user programs and recall them from the MiniLab 3 hardware.
2 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - We come to MiniLab 3

For example, would you like to make the pads play a custom scale of bass notes — using
a different sound on a different MIDI channel — while you solo or play chords on the
keyboard? No problem!
! For further information about the MIDI Control Center, our companion software available for
download from the Arturia website, please consult the MIDI Control Center manual.
For musicians on the go, laptop-based performers who have to squeeze into crowded DJ
booths, home studio creators with limited desktop space, and many other sound explorers
we haven’t even thought of yet, MiniLab 3 is simply the biggest little MIDI controller on the
planet.
1.2. MiniLab 3 Features Summary
• 25-key slim-key velocity-sensitive keyboard.
• Eight velocity- and pressure-sensitive RGB pads.
• Two pad banks for a total of 16 functional pads.
• Dentented and clickable main encoder knob for navigation.
• High-contrast OLED display visible even under bright light.
• Eight endless encoder knobs.
• Four faders.
• Low-profile touch-strips for pitch-bend and modulation.
• Shift button provides access to alternate functions.
• Hold button for hands-free (and feet-free) sustain.
• Octave and semitone transpose functions.
• Full-featured classic synth style arpeggiator.
• Chord mode memorizes and plays user chords from one note.
• USB-C powered and highly efficient; can even be powered from an iPad.
• MIDI via USB-C and standard 5-pin MIDI output.
• 1/4-inch TRS input accepts sustain, switch, or expression/continuous control
pedal.
• Included software: Arturia Analog Lab Intro, Ableton Live Lite, Native Instruments
The Gentleman and UVI Model D pianos, Loopcloud and Melodics subscriptions.
• USB-C to USB-A cable included.
Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - We come to MiniLab 3 3

2. INSTALLATION
The first thing to do when you receive your MiniLab 3, after having completed the
registration process, is to update its firmware. Indeed, Arturia releases periodic firmware
updates to add functionality and improve performance.
To proceed with the update, you'll first need to download and install the MIDI Control Center
(MCC), the powerful companion software we designed to work with our hardware, from our
Downloads & Manuals page.
Once this is done, you can follow these steps to upgrade the firmware of MiniLab 3:
1. Download the latest firmware either from the 'Resources' tab of the MiniLab 3 product
page, or from the Downloads and Manuals page of our website (search for MiniLab 3 ).
2. Launch the MIDI Control Center.
3. Please make sure MiniLab 3 is selected under Device in MIDI Control Center. Click on the
box showing the firmware revision:
4. Click “Upgrade” in the dialogue box that follows, then navigate to the firmware file on
your computer and select it. The four buttons are now lit in blue, running in cycle.
5. Follow the rest of the onscreen instructions. When the firmware loading is complete,
MiniLab 3 will restart and be ready for use.
Once your MiniLab 3 is ready, you can start using it to control various virtual instruments,
like our own Analog Lab V [p.18].
For more information on how the MCC works with the MiniLab 3, please refer to the
dedicated manual in the MiniLab 3 section of our Downloads & Manuals page.
4 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - Insta ation

3. HARDWARE OVERVIEW
3.1. Front Panel
The controls on the front panel of MiniLab 3 are as follows.
Number Name Description
1. Shift Button Provides access to alternate functions [p.7].
2. Hold Button Sustains notes played from the keys (not the pads) when active.
3. Octave Buttons [p.7] Transposes the keyboard up or down an octave.
4. Touch Strips [p.8] These low-profile controllers act as pitch-bend and modulation
“wheels”.
5. OLED Display Shows parameter names, values, and all information about MiniLab
3 status.
6. Dentented Main Encoder Navigates Presets in Analog Lab [p.18] and performs other functions in
DAWs [p.24]. Is also a clickable select button.
7. Endless Encoder Knobs Control parameters in software e.g. instrument parameters.
8. Faders Control parameters in software e.g. instrument parameters.
9. Pads [p.8] For finger drumming and playing MIDI notes, to access MiniLab 3
functions, and control DAW transport. Velocity- and pressure-sensitive.
10. MIDI Keyboard Keyboard with 25 velocity sensitive slim-keys. Velocity curve can be
edited in the MIDI Control Center App.
Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - Hardware Overview 5

3.2. Rear Panel
Here are the connections on MiniLab3’s rear panel.
Number Name Description
1. Kensington Lock
Port This socket accepts a standard Kensington laptop lock for anti-theft.
2. MIDI Out 5-pin DIN MIDI output for controlling hardware synth modules. Can also be
used as MIDI Thru.
3. Control Pedal
Input
1/4" TRS; accepts sustain pedal, footswitch, or a continuous controller
(expression pedal).
4. USB-C Port For providing power to the unit and communicating with a computer or other
external hardware.
!Velocity sensitive: Both the MIDI keyboard and the pads on MiniLab 3 are sensitive to how hard
you play them. Hit harder for higher volume.
!Pressure Sensitivity: Playing a pad and then pressing it harder will send out Pressure data that
can trigger various modulation changes (filter, volume etc.). Pressure sensivity is sometimes called
Aftertouch.
3.3. Control Values Display
By default, the main OLED display momentarily shows a graphic of whatever control you
touch, along with the value sent by that control as you move it. For example, this is what is
displayed when you move a knob:
When you strike a pad, the display first shows your initial velocity. If you then apply after-
pressure, it will then display that value.
6 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - Hardware Overview

4. MINILAB 3 OPERATIONS
4.1. Shift Functions
Holding Shift while operating certain controls or pressing any of the pads executes alternate
functions. This next table summarizes what they are for applicable controls. We’ll provide
more details on each in upcoming chapters.
Control Shift Function
Hold Button Engages or disengages Chord Mode [p.16]. Long-pressing while holding Shift enters Create
Chord mode.
Octave Shift
Buttons Transpose the keyboard up or down in semitones.
Dentented Main
Encoder knob Varies depending on connected software.
Pad 1 Toggles Arpeggiator [p.9] on and off. Long-pressing the pad while holding Shift enters Arp
Edit mode.
Pad 2 Switches pads between bank A and bank B.
Pad 3 Switches MiniLab 3 modes between Arturia instrument control and DAW control [p.24]
modes. From here, you can also switch between User Programs you have created.
Pads 4–7 Controls transport of connected DAW (Loop mode on/off, Stop, Play, and Record).
Pad 8 Allows you to enter Tap Tempo [p.15] information.
Keyboard F in first octave to G# in second octave select MIDI transmit channels 1–16.
4.2. Octave Up/Down and Transpose
To shift the keyboard up or down an octave, press the Oct+ or Oct- buttons. You can
transpose 4 octaves down and 4 octaves up. When the keyboard is transposed one or
several octaves, the button turns white.
To transpose the keyboard up or down one semitone, hold Shift and press either Octave
button. When the keyboard is transposed one or several semitones, the button turns blue.
When both octave and semitone are engaged, the button is blinking white and blue.
The OLED display will reflect your action in either case. Octave-shift and transpose apply to
the keyboard only, not the pads. The pads send MIDI note numbers that may be edited in
MIDI Control Center app.
! By pressing Oct+ and Oct- at the same time, any octave shift or transposition is reset.
Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations 7

4.3. Touch Strips
The pitch-bend strip on the left acts like a spring-loaded pitch wheel: when you remove your
finger, the “wheel” snaps back to the center. The bend range can be adjusted in the MIDI
Control Center software (see separate manual). The MIDI Control Center app allows you to
customize the function of almost every physical control on your MiniLab 3 or other Arturia
controller.
Moving your finger up the modulation strip on the right increases the modulation amount.
As with modulation wheels on synths, the value stays where you leave it when you remove
your finger, until you manually swipe the modulation strip back to zero.
The modulation strip sends MIDI CC 1 (the usual control number for modulation) by default,
but this can also be changed in the MIDI Control Center app.
Movements on these strips will be reflected in the OLED Display.
4.4. Pads
The eight velocity- and poly pressure-sensitive pads on MiniLab 3 serve multiple purposes.
In their default state, they send MIDI notes on channel 10 — the channel most commonly
used for drums in a DAW or multi-timbral synthesizer.
4.4.1. Secondary functions
Hold Shift and the pads perform alternate tasks. The most common layer of these tasks is
described in the Shift Functions [p.7] table above: Shift + Pad 1 turns the Arpeggiator on and
off, and so on.
When Shift is held, pads 1-3 are lit in blue. Pads 4-7 are lit to reflect DAW transport functions:
amber for loop mode, white for stop, green for play, and red for record.
8 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations

Hold Shift and press Pad 2 to switch between pad banks A and B. Bank B sends other MIDI
notes, also on channel 10. The default note numbers — which may all be changed for User
Modes in the MIDI Control Center app — are:
Pad Bank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
A 36 (C1) 37 (C#1) 38 (D1) 39 (D#1) 40 (E1) 41 (F1) 42 (F#1) 43 (G1)
B 44 (G#1) 45 (A1) 46 (A#1) 47 (B1) 48 (C2) 49 (C#2) 50 (D2) 51 (D#2)
4.4.2. Pads and Program Selection
MiniLab 3 has several main operating modes: ARTURIA and DAWs plus the 5 custom User
Programs you can create. Hold Shift and press Pad 3 to switch between them.
•ARTURIA mode: Automatically detects if Analog Lab is open. All controls are
automatically mapped control Analog Lab.
•DAWs mode: For controlling digital audio workstation software. Supported DAWs
are automatically mapped. For all other DAWs, transport controls will work.
•User Presets: MiniLab 3 can store up to five User Programs — custom control
mappings you have created in the MIDI Control Center app (see separate
manual). User Presets may be individually enabled or disabled in the Device
Settings of the MIDI Control Center app. We will explain what to do in more
detail in Chapter 5, but for now, know that holding Shift and pressing Pad 3 will
also cycle through any enabled user presets alongside the ARTURIA and DAWs
modes as described above.
4.5. Arpeggiator
MiniLab 3 includes a fun and flexible Arpeggiator fashioned after those in classic synths,
letting you craft rolling, percolating patterns out of held chords.
An arpeggiator is included in many synthesizer models. It takes chords played on the
keyboard and converts them into arpeggios. An arpeggiator usually includes controls for
Speed, Range (in octaves), Mode (if the pattern moves up, down, or up/down etc.), and Hold
(continues playing the arpeggio after the keys have been released).
Arpeggiator information is transmitted as MIDI data over the USB-C port and/or 5-pin MIDI
output, depending on which are selected in your host software’s MIDI settings.
4.5.1. Activating and deactivating the Arpeggiator
To turn the arpeggiator on and off, hold Shift and press Pad 1. The MiniLab display will
momentarily reflect its state:
Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations 9

When the Arpeggiator is engaged, the display (which in this example shows a Preset name
from Analog Lab) shows a small icon of four dots at the lower right corner:
! The Arpeggiator is triggered only by the keyboard, not the pads.
! To determine whether the Arpeggiator is on or off, press the Shift knob. Apr Pad is light blue =
Arpeggiator On. Arp Pad is dark blue = Arpeggiator Off.
! When the Arpeggiator is activated, the pads can still be used to trigger sounds.
! While in Arpeggiator Edit mode, you can start and stop the Arpeggiator by turning encoder knob 1
or main encoder knob 1. The display goes from Off to On and vice versa.
4.5.2. Entering and leaving Arpeggio Edit mode
You enter Arpeggio Edit mode by holding Shift and pressing the Arp button for a second .
You leave Arpeggio Edit mode by holding Shift button and pressing Arp button briefly .
When in Arpeggiator Edit mode, the display will always show this:
!Arpegggio mode (whether the arpeggiator is running or not) and Arpeggio Edit mode (where you
tweak the arpeggiator's behavior) are somewhat independent of each other, i.e. the Arpeggiator doesn't
automatically start just because you enter Arpeggiator Edit mode. Also, quitting arp menu doesn't turn
off the Arpeggiator.
10 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations

4.5.3. Editing the Arpeggiator — Main Encoder knob
Please read the previous chapters about the two distinct Apreggiator modes – Arpeggiator
Play and Arpeggiator Edit. Once you've learned that part, we can start editing the way the
Arpeggiator plays patterns.
So, Hold Shift and hit Pad 1 to activate the Arpeggiator. Then, hold Shift and press Pad 1 for
a second to get into Arpeggiator Edit mode.
The display will now look like this:
The Arpeggiator parameters are:
•On/Off: Engages or disengages the Arpeggiator.
•Mode: Chooses the order in which the Arpeggiator plays notes.
•Div: Adjusts the rhythmic subdivision relative to master tempo.
•Swing: Adds a swing factor for a “behind the beat” feel.
•Gate: Adjusts the gate time of notes, i.e. the lenght of each arpeggiated note.
•Rate: Sets the Arpeggiator rate in beats per minute when Sync is set to Internal.
•Sync: Selects MiniLab 3’s internal clock (Int) or an external source such as
connected software or hardware (Ext) as the source of master tempo.
•Oct: Chooses the octave range of played notes, from zero to three octaves.
You could use the main encoder knob to select each parameter and change its value. Scroll
to move through the parameters like so:
When you get to the desired parameter, click on it to edit its value:
Turn the knob to adjust the value, then click again to confirm and go back up a menu level.
Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations 11

4.5.4. Editing the Arpeggiator — Quick Access
Navigating menus is what a clickable main data dial on a keyboard is supposed to do, but
we have also built in a much faster way to edit the arpeggiator. When in Arpeggiator edit
mode (once again, hold Shift and long-press Pad 1 to get there), the eight encoder knobs
provide quick direct access to the Arpeggiator parameters.
Please note the convenient two-row layout used in both the screen and the knobs.
Knob Arpeggiator Setting
1 On/Off
2 Mode
3 Division
4 Swing
5 Gate
6 Rate
7 Sync
8 Octave Range
Grab any knob and twist, and you’re immediately adjusting its parameter. The display
momentarily shows your adjustment, then returns to the parent Arpeggiator menu. This
way, you can tweak several knobs and hear the results immediately.
! You need to exit Arpeggio Edit mode to be able to use knobs as controls again.
4.5.5. Arpeggiator Parameters
Now let’s take each arpeggiator parameter in more detail.
4.5.5.1. On/Off
Adjusting this menu item or moving Knob 1 has the same effect as holding Shift and tapping
Pad 1. It simply turns the arpeggiator on and off.
12 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations

4.5.5.2. Mode
Mode governs the play order of arpeggiated notes. The choices are:
•Up: Plays notes in ascending order only.
•Down: Plays notes in descending order only.
•Inc: Inclusive. Plays notes in ascending and descending order and repeats the
highest and lowest notes in the pattern.
•Exc: Exclusive. Plays notes in ascending and descending order and does not
repeat the highest and lowest notes in the pattern.
•Rand: Random. Plays all held notes in random order.
•Order: Plays notes in the order in which you pressed keys on the keyboard.
♪While Order offers the most flexibility, random arpeggiation was a signature of ’80s synthpop hits
such as “Rio” by Duran Duran.
4.5.5.3. Division
This setting controls the rhythmic subdivision of the Arpeggiator relative to master tempo —
whether the tempo source is internal or external. Values include 1/4-, 1/8th-, 16th-, and 32nd-
notes, both “straight” and with triplet feel options. “T” after the displayed value (e.g. “1/8T”)
indicates triplet feel.
! With 1/8 division chosen, even eighth notes are played. With 1/8T, 3 eighth note triplets will play.
This differs from Swing, where a Swing value of 67% will play eighth notes in a triple fashion.
Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations 13

4.5.5.4. Swing
Swing is a “behind the beat” feeling instead of a perfectly even rhythmic pulse.
With 1/8 chosen as a division and Swing set to Off (which is actually 50%), all eighth notes
are played evenly. By increasing the Swing factor, every second note in an eighth note group
will play later. At 67%, you get a true (exact) swing feel. Values in the 55–64 range give a
slightly jerky feel that can be magic in some cases.
This behaviour of course applies to all divisions – 1/8, 1/16, and 1/32.
4.5.5.5. Gate
Gate time is the duration window during which each note is allowed to “speak,” and it’s the
same from note to note. Lower gate times result in a more clipped or staccato sound, while
longer ones give the full envelope of the notes more of a chance to play out.
♪If the volume envelope of a sound has a long release, reducing the Gate time helps arpeggiated
notes sound more defined.
4.5.5.6. Rate
This parameter adjusts the rate of the Arpeggiator in beats per minute, but only when
the Sync parameter is set to Internal. If you turn this knob while external Sync is set, the
message “Ext Sync selected” is displayed.
You can also set the rate using Tap Tempo [p.15].
14 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations

4.5.5.7. Sync
There are two options here: Internal and External.
•Int: Arpeggiator Rate is determined by MiniLab 3’s internal clock and Rate setting
(see above).
•Ext: Arpeggiator Rate is determined by the tempo set in host software such as
a DAW. If there is no clock detected by the Arpeggiator, playing the MiniLab 3
keyboard will have no effect. Also, you'll have to make sure a clock is sent to the
usb port of the ML3 and don't forget to press play in your DAW.
♪Which one to use? If you’re playing Analog Lab in stand-alone mode, using MiniLab 3’s internal
tempo lets you quickly tweak the rate across everything you’re doing. Likewise if you’re controlling
a hardware synth module from the 5-pin MIDI port. If Analog Lab or another instrument is a plug-in
within a DAW session, then of course you’ll want to set MiniLab 3 to External and let your DAW direct
tempo.
4.5.5.8. Octave
The Arpeggiator can play notes in a range of zero to three octaves up. At zero, it plays only
the actual notes as held on the keyboard, at 1 it adds one octave up and so on.
4.6. Tap Tempo
Tap Tempo lets you set MiniLab 3’s internal clock for the Arpeggiator by tapping in a beat.
If performing with bandmates that include a live drummer — or drum machine that’s not
MIDI’ed to anything — this lets you sync up MiniLab 3 by ear.
Hold Shift and tap Pad 8 at least 4 times. The tempo will be the average of last 4 taps. The
more times you tap, the better the clock will match whatever beat is in the air.
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4.7. Hold Mode
The button marked Hold will hold the last note(s) played until a new note is played or until
you disengage the Hold function.
You activate Hold by pressing its button. The button will light up and the display will say Hold
mode ON. You turn off Hold by pressing the button again.
The Hold function differs from using a sustain pedal. After pressing a sustain pedal, every
note you play will keep sustaining until you release the pedal. In Hold mode, only notes that
are played simultaneously will be held. Example: Activate Hold mode and play C and G, then
release the keys. Those two notes will now keep on sounding until you hit a new key or keys;
C and G will stop playing and the newly added note(s) will be held.
4.8. Chord Mode
MiniLab 3 includes a Chord Mode that memorizes chords you input and then allows you to
play them from one key, transposing as it goes.
Chord information is transmitted as MIDI data over the USB-C port and/or 5-pin MIDI output,
depending on which are selected in your host software’s MIDI settings.
To turn chord mode on and off, hold Shift and press the Hold button. Playing one note will
play the last recorded chord.
4.8.1. Creating a Chord
Hold the Shift button and then press and hold the Hold button. Now, play the chord you want
MiniLab 3 to memorize on the keyboard, either all at once or adding a note at a time. The
display shows the following:
Then, release the Shift and Hold buttons. Chord mode is automatically enabled. Your chord
is now memorized and will be retained if you leave Chord Mode and return, and even if
MiniLab 3 is powered off. To overwrite the chord with a new one, simply repeat the process.
16 Arturia - User Manua MiniLab 3 - MiniLab 3 operations