Arturia announces MicroLab

Music tech pioneers Arturia have announced a new controller keyboard that excites both new users and experienced professionals alike. MicroLab is a small-scale MIDI keyboard with smart design features that you can take anywhere.

MicroLab Key Features

• 25 “Slim Key” velocity sensitive keyboard
• Octave, hold, and MIDI channel select buttons
• Capacitive mod and pitch bend strips
• Protective rubberized shell
• 3 color options
• Integrated USB cable storage
• Includes 3 great software titles: AnalogLab Lite, UVI Grand Piano Model D, Bitwig Studio 8-Track

More information available on the MicroLab product page.

What makes MicroLab so unique?

THE KEYS

MicroLab features the same professional slim-keys as their industry standard KeyStep controller. The keybeds found on budget controllers are often not very inspiring, but the 25 expressive, velocity-sensitive keys on MicroLab are simply a joy to play. The hold button gives you instant sustain, and by holding the shift key, you can access the “Chord” mode, letting you program in a chord and replay with just one finger.

THE FEATURES

The rubberized shell protects MicroLab from and bumps and scrapes when you’re on the move, and also features a recess that perfectly fits the USB cable, letting you store or pack it easily. MicroLab also includes capacitive mod and pitch controls that work in the same way that touchscreens do, these also let you swipe through and select presets with a tap. You can also quickly switch MIDI channels via the dedicated knob and numbered keys.

THE SHAPE

Arturia have designed this controller to work with you, and not get in the way. Because the cable is recessed, you can push it right up against other gear in your studio without cables getting in the way. It’s the width of the average plane and train tray table, and the shell stops it from sliding around. The keys are also recessed slightly into the body, nothing sticks out, so there’s nothing to catch when you slip it into your backpack.

THE SOFTWARE

MicroLab includes 3 great software titles for free:

• Analog Lab Lite
  Explore 600 fantastic presets taken from Arturia’s award winning V Collection series. Analog and digital synths, classic organs and pianos.
• UVI Grand Piano Model D
  A beautifully sampled Steinway for you to play using MicroLab’s expressive, velocity sensitive keys.
• Bitwig Studio 8-Track
  A powerful and innovative software studio to record, sequence, and mix your tracks. Make music right out of the box.

MicroLab is available everywhere.
Retail price: 79€/$

ABOUT ARTURIA

Founded in Grenoble, France, in 1999, Arturia specialises in the development of music software and hardware for professional and amateur musicians. They are a team of passionate people, dedicated to musicians. Their aim is to create original and different instruments, imagine new experiences, and reinvent products. Operating in 55 countries, they have offices in France, the USA, Mexico, and the UK.