Arturia MiniLab MKII Wit User manual
UUSSEERR’’SS MMAANNUUAALL
Special Thanks
DIRECTION
Frederic Brun Adrien Courdavault
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Nicolas Dubois Sebastien Colin Frédéric Brun
PROGRAMMING
Dew Zhang Sebastien Colin
INDUSTRIALIZATION
Nicolas Dubois
MANUAL
Randy Lee Sébastien Rochard
DESIGN
Glen Darcey Sébastien Rochard Axel Hartmann
© ARTURIA SA – 2016 – All rights reserved. 11 Chemin de la Dhuy 38240 Meylan
FRANCE http://www.arturia.com
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a comm itment 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.
Revision date: 17 November 2016
2 ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII– USER’S MANUAL v1.0
TThhaannkk yyoouu ffoorr ppuurrcchhaassiinngg AArrttuurriiaa’’ss MMiinniiLLaabb mmkkIIII!!
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.
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.
ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII – USER’S MANUAL v1.0 3
SSppeecciiaall MMeessssaaggee SSeeccttiioonn
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.
4 ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII– USER’S MANUAL v1.0
TTaabbllee ooff CCoonntteennttss
1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 7
2 MINILAB MKII OVERVIEW .................................................................................................................... 8
2.1 FIRST STEP: MAKING THE CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................ . 8
2.2 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 8
2.2.1 Keyboard ........................................................................................................................................ 9
2.2.2 Pitch + Modulation touch strips ................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 Shift + Pad Bank buttons .............................................................................................................. 10
2.2.4 Octave buttons .............................................................................................................................. 10
2.2.5 Encoders ....................................................................................................................................... 11
2.2.6 Pads .............................................................................................................................................. 11
2.3 REAR PANEL OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................................ 12
2.3.1 Footswitch jack ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.3.2 USB jack ....................................................................................................................................... 12
2.3.3 Kensington lock port ..................................................................................................................... 12
2.4 FACTORY RESET .................................................................................................................................... 12
3 MINILAB MKII AND ANALOG LAB LITE .......................................................................................... 13
3.1 AUDIO & MIDI SETUP ........................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.1 Audio setup ................................................................................................................................... 13
3.1.2 MIDI setup ................................................................ ................................................................ .... 14
3.2 PRESET SELECTION ................................................................................................................................ 14
3.2.1 Preset #1 + Analog Lab Lite ......................................................................................................... 14
3.2.2 Analog Lab Lite preset selection ................................................................................................... 14
3.2.2.1 Encoders 1 and 9 ....................................................................................................................................... 14
3.2.2.2 Pads 15 and 16 .......................................................................................................................................... 15
3.2.3 Presets 2-8 .................................................................................................................................... 15
3.3 USING THE ENCODERS ........................................................................................................................... 15
3.4 USING THE PADS.................................................................................................................................... 16
3.4.1 Play a Note (Pads 1-8) .................................................................................................................. 16
3.4.2 Control Analog Lab Lite (Pads 9-16) ........................................................................................... 17
3.4.2.1 Pads 9-11: For Multis only ................................................................................................ ........................ 17
3.4.2.2 Pads 12-13: unassigned ............................................................................................................................. 19
3.4.2.3 Pad 14: Clear all filters .............................................................................................................................. 20
3.4.2.4 Pads 15-16: Next/Previous Preset ............................................................................................................. 20
4 MIDI CONTROL CENTER BASICS ...................................................................................................... 21
4.1 SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................................................ 21
4.2 INSTALLATION AND LOCATION .............................................................................................................. 21
4.3 CONNECTION ......................................................................................................................................... 21
4.4 WHERE TO FIND THE MANUAL ............................................................................................................... 22
5 USING MIDI CONTROL CENTER ........................................................................................................ 23
5.1 MIDI CONTROL CENTER FEATURES ...................................................................................................... 23
5.2 DEVICE MEMORIES ................................................................................................................................ 23
5.3 TEMPLATE BROWSER ............................................................................................................................ 24
5.3.1 Drag and drop .............................................................................................................................. 24
5.3.2 Revise a Template ......................................................................................................................... 24
5.4 STORE TO/RECALL FROM ...................................................................................................................... 25
5.4.1 The ‘Store To’ button .................................................................................................................... 25
5.4.2 Recall a preset from MiniLab mkII ............................................................................................... 25
5.4.3 Save, Delete, Import/Export, etc. .................................................................................................. 26
5.5 IMPORT/EXPORT DEVICE SETTINGS ....................................................................................................... 26
5.5.1 Export Device Settings .................................................................................................................. 27
5.5.2 Import Device Settings .................................................................................................................. 27
5.6 EDITING BASICS ................................ ................................ ................................................................ ..... 27
5.6.1 Data entry ..................................................................................................................................... 27
5.6.2 Selecting the tabs .......................................................................................................................... 28
ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII – USER’S MANUAL v1.0 5
5.6.3 Device Settings tab........................................................................................................................ 28
5.7 WORKING WITH DEVICE SETTINGS ........................................................................................................ 29
5.7.1 Keyboard Channel ........................................................................................................................ 29
5.7.2 Knob acceleration ......................................................................................................................... 29
5.7.3 Key Velocity Curve ....................................................................................................................... 29
5.7.4 Pad Velocity Curve ....................................................................................................................... 30
5.8 EDITING TEMPLATES: UNIQUE FEATURES .............................................................................................. 30
5.8.1 MIDI Channel settings .................................................................................................................. 30
5.8.2 Control strips: Pitch Bend Hold ................................................................................................... 31
5.8.3 Assignable pedal ................................................................................................ ........................... 31
6 ARTURIA MINILAB MKII – LEGAL INFORMATION ..................................................................... 33
6.1 SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT .............................................................................................. 33
6.2 FCC INFORMATION (USA) ............................................................................................................... 35
6.3 CANADA ............................................................................................................................................. 36
6.4 EUROPE ................................ ................................................................ ................................ ............... 36
6 ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII– USER’S MANUAL v1.0
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 plugin 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 – MiniLab mkII – USER’S MANUAL v1.0 7
2 MINILAB MKII 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!
2.2 Front panel overview
MiniLab mkII front panel
8 ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII– USER’S MANUAL v1.0
2.2.1 Keyboard
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 button
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 select
search filters; turn/click encoder 9 to select presets.
For other software programs use the MIDI Control
Center software to alter their assignments.
6: Encoders 2-8 and 10-16
Analog Lab Lite: Memory #1 is pre-configured to
control AL Lite parameters with these encoders.
For other software programs use the MIDI Control
Center software to alter their assignments.
7: Pads 1-8 / 9-16
Analog Lab Lite: Play notes from pads 1-8; control
various features from pads 9-16.
For other software programs use the MIDI Control
Center software to alter the pads’ assignments.
8: MIDI Channel selector keys
Press the Shift button and then one of the keys to
select the current MIDI channel for MiniLab mkII.
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.
ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII – USER’S MANUAL v1.0 9
2.2.2 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.
The modulation strip may not be assigned to modulate a parameter in some Analog Lab Lite presets.
Pitch and Modulation strips
2.2.3 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.
The Shift and Pad Bank buttons
2.2.4 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.
Octave buttons
10 ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII– USER’S MANUAL v1.0
2.2.5 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.
The Parameter control encoders
2.2.6 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 MinLab 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.
The pads
ARTURIA – MiniLab mkII – USER’S MANUAL v1.0 11
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