USER’S MANUAL
PROGRAMMING: Robert Bocquier Tyler Pei INDUSTRIALIZATION: Nicolas Dubois MANUAL: Randy Lee Tomoya Fukushi Jerome Parrod DESIGN: Glen Darcey Axel Hartmann Morgan Perrier © ARTURIA SA – 1999-2013 – All rights reserved. 4, Chemin de Malacher 38240 Meylan FRANCE http://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.
Thank you for purchasing Arturia’s MiniLab! This manual covers the features and operation of Arturia’s MiniLab, a full-featured MIDI controller designed to work with any DAW software or plug-in you own. Note: While MiniLab is part of a package which includes our Analog Lab software, this manual will focus only on the MiniLab controller hardware. Please refer to the Analog Lab user manual in order to learn about the features of the software.
Special Message Section SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE: The information contained in this manual is believed to be correct at the time of printing. 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.
Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................ 7 2 MINILAB OVERVIEW ............................................................................................................................... 8 2.1 FIRST STEP: MAKING THE CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................. 8 2.2 FRONT PANEL OVERVIEW ........................
5.1.3.3 5.1.4 5.1.5 5.1.6 5.1.6.1 5.1.6.2 5.1.6.3 5.1.6.4 Select the MIDI note number: Snare ......................................................................................................... 30 Assign a Pad to toggle a MIDI CC # between two values ............................................................ 30 Assign an Encoder to control a MIDI CC # between two values .................................................. 32 Assign the Mod strip to Aftertouch ........................................
1 INTRODUCTION MiniLab is Arturia’s most compact and feature-filled USB MIDI keyboard controller yet. It has a 25-key velocity-sensitive mini-keyboard along with a control surface designed for perfect integration with our software synthesizers. The attention to detail poured into MiniLab also makes it perfect for working with any other software plug-in or DAW you have available.
2 MINILAB OVERVIEW 2.1 First step: Making the connections Setting up the MiniLab keyboard for use with Analog Lab is fast and simple: 1) First install the Analog Lab 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 keyboard to the computer. MiniLab is powered by its USB connection, so all you have to do is connect a USB cable from your computer to the MiniLab keyboard.
1: Shift button Hold Shift and press a Pad to select a Snapshot Hold Shift, press a key to select the MIDI Channel 2: Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button Use to access Pad banks 1-8 or 9-16 3: Octave Down / Up 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.
2.2.2 Pitch and 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.
2.2.5 Parameter control encoders The sixteen encoders can be assigned to control any editable parameter on the selected device. The assignments within each Analog Lab preset and within each synthesizer type may vary according to the parameters that are available. The Parameter control encoders 2.2.6 The pads / preset buttons The eight large buttons arranged across the front of the MiniLab serve a dual purpose. Their exact duties are determined by the state of the Shift and Pads buttons.
2.3 Side panel overview The side panel of the MiniLab contains two important connectors: the footswitch jack and a USB Type B jack. Side panel The footswitch jack functions as an on/off switch and can be configured for either momentary applications (such as sustain pedal) or latching behavior (first press/release sends one event, second press/release sends the next event). 2.4 Rear panel overview Arturia’s MiniLab is highly portable, so we’ve added a Kensington security lock to the rear panel.
3 USING MINILAB WITH ANALOG LAB The information in this chapter will focus mostly on the MiniLab keyboard and how it interacts with the Analog Lab software. As a result this chapter will touch only briefly on the various Analog Lab parameters that MiniLab controls. For more details about Analog Lab, please refer to the Analog Lab user manual. 3.
Audio and MIDI Settings window 3.1.2 MIDI setup Connecting a USB MIDI keyboard controller with Analog Lab is very simple. As shown above, navigate to the Audio & MIDI Settings window by pressing [Command] + [,] or by selecting it from the Analog Lab drop-down menu as shown in section 3.1.1. This will open the Audio & MIDI Settings window, which is where the preferred MIDI controller will be selected. The Audio & MIDI Settings window has a section labeled “MIDI Devices”.
3.2.1.2 Selecting Presets in Analog Lab: Knob 9 For rapid scrolling through the Analog Lab Preset list, simply turn the left-most knob in the second row: Knob 9. The preset will be selected shortly after the scrolling stops. 3.2.2 Selecting MiniLab Presets 1-8 Each of MiniLab’s eight presets can be configured to work with other software applications such as a DAW or a plug-in. To select one of the preset locations from 1-8, hold the Shift button and press one of the pads (1-8). 3.3 Setup In section 3.
You’ll discover immediately that Knob 1 is reserved for the Master Volume parameter and Knob 9 is reserved for preset selection, which is why it is grayed out (see section 3.2.1.2). But it is possible to change the parameter assignments for every other knob by using the pull-down menu under each knob inside the Analog Lab screen. Note: Each time you select a new preset it is possible the knob assignments will change.
3.5.2 Select a Snapshot If the Pad 1-8 / 9-16 button on the MiniLab is lit then when a pad is pressed the MiniLab will select either a new Sound or a new Multi, depending on how it has been set up already. The exact preset chosen by these pads can be defined inside Analog Lab by clicking on the blue tab on the left side of the virtual keyboard (the one labeled SNAPSHOTS). A virtual panel will slide out to the right and allow access to the settings for pads 9-16.
4 MIDI CONTROL CENTER The MIDI Control Center is a separate utility that can be used to configure the MIDI settings of your MiniLab keyboard. This is especially useful if you would like to make the most of the potential relationship between the MiniLab and non-Arturia plugins and DAWs. 4.1 System requirements: MIDI Control Center 4.1.1 REQUIRED MINIMUM CONFIGURATION: PC: 2 GB RAM; CPU 2 GHz Mac: 2 GB RAM; CPU 2 GHz 4.1.2 PLATFORM SPECIFICATIONS: Windows: XP/VISTA/SEVEN/EIGHT Mac OS X: 10.6 or higher 4.
4.3 Launching the MIDI Control Center Before launching the MIDI Control Center, make sure your Arturia MiniLab keyboard is connected to your computer. The MIDI Control Center is specifically designed for the MiniLab keyboard; it will not work with another MIDI device. 4.3.1 The virtual keyboard and its controls The MIDI Control Center utility will detect the MiniLab keyboard automatically and load its current configuration into the computer memory.
4.3.2 The Global and Selected Control Parameter sections The top area of the screen is where the keyboard settings are edited. There are Global parameters such as MIDI Channel and Velocity curve, and the Selected Control Parameters section allows you to determine the MIDI controller setting for each control. The lower half of the screen corresponds to the actual components of your MiniLab controller and is used to select a knob, pad, control strip or the pedal input so you can alter its MIDI assignment.
Each type of control has its own range of possible settings: the encoders, the pads, the control strips, and the pedal. There are two windows in the Selected Control Parameters section which always mean the same thing for each of the controls: Name Channel The name of the selected control will appear (not editable) The MIDI channel for each control can be set independently or it can remain assigned to the Global channel.
4.4.2.1 Settings for the Encoders Available settings for each of the encoders are: Continuous Absolute: The default setting for Analog Lab: the knobs will send absolute values from 0-127. Relative 1: The knob will send values 61-63 when turned in a negative direction and values 65-67 when turned in a positive direction. The turn speed determines the parameter response. Relative 2: The knob will send values 125-127 when turned in a negative direction and values 1-3 when turned in a positive direction.
4.4.2.2 Settings for the Pads Settings that are available for each of the pads are: MMC Set the CC number value to the same number to configure the pad to send the following MIDI Machine Control commands: 01 Stop 02 Start 04 Fast forward 05 Rewind 06 Record Switched Toggle: With each press of the pad a value will be sent for the selected CC number: first the Max/LSB number and then the Min/MSB number, and so on.
4.4.2.3 Settings for the Pitch Strip Settings that are available for the pitch strip are: Pitch Bend Standard: After the pitch strip is released the value will return to zero (center) Hold: When the pitch strip is released the most recent value will be retained until that strip is touched again. 4.4.2.
4.4.2.5 Settings for the Pedal To access the pedal control, click on the image of the pedal jack on the left panel, just above the image of the USB connector. Settings that are available for the pedal are: Switched Toggle: With each press of the pedal a value will be sent for the selected CC number: first the Max/LSB number and then the Min/MSB number, and so on. Gate: When the pedal is pressed it will send the Max/MSB value for the selected CC number, and when released the Min/LSB value will be sent.
If you want to start creating a new set of controller assignments from scratch, simply press the “Default Values” button. This will reset all of the controller assignments and the Global settings to their factory defaults. 4.4.5 Saving settings to the computer You will probably see before long that there are a lot of different ways you can use your MiniLab.
5 USING MINILAB WITH OTHER SOFTWARE 5.1 Creating MIDI Presets with the MIDI Control Center 5.1.1 Overview: What is a MiniLab Preset? Thanks to the MIDI Control Center software described in chapter 4 it’s possible to configure the MiniLab to work with practically any device or software capable of responding to MIDI information.
5.1.2.2 Set the MMC Message number Once the Mode has been set to MMC, the trick is to set both the LSB and MSB to the same number so the pad knows which command to send. We learned in section 4.4.2.2 that the MMC Stop command needs the CC number set to 1, like so: Next, select Pad 8 so we can set it to the MMC command for “Start”.
Now you should have Pad 8 set to start your song and Pad 7 set to start it. Of course you can assign those functions to any pad you like, now that you know how to do it. Note: Refer to section 4.4.2.2 for a complete list of MMC commands that are available for use with the MiniLab pads. 5.1.3 Assign a couple of Pads to MIDI notes The natural thing to do when you’re starting a song is to lay down the kick and snare tracks.
We’ll show you how to set Pad 2 to the Snare drum note number in section 5.1.3.3. 5.1.3.3 Select the MIDI note number: Snare Setting Pad 2 to trigger the snare is done the same way, only by choosing a different MIDI note number (38 in this case): So now you’re ready to lay down the groove for your song: You have Pads 1 and 2 set to play the Kick and Snare, and Pads 7 and 8 set to Stop and Start the song. 5.1.
These settings will allow you to send two different values of a particular MIDI CC number each time you press the pad. There are a couple of MIDI CC numbers that have been assigned the task of controlling filter brightness (CC# 74) or harmonic content (CC# 71). We’ll use CC# 74 for this example.
The first press of Pad 6 will send a CC# 74 command with a value of 78, which will close the filter down part way but still let a lot of the audio pass through. The second press of Pad 6 will send a value of 127, opening the filter completely. Note: Be sure to check the MIDI Channel assignment to make sure it matches that of the receiving device. 5.1.5 Assign an Encoder to control a MIDI CC # between two values The encoders are assignable using the same techniques described for the pads.
The Min / LSB and Max / MSB fields are set in such a way as to limit Encoder 5 to operation only within a certain range. To summarize, the settings seen above mean that Encoder 5 will control the Vibrato Rate of the target device, sweeping it between the values of 10 and 32 only. The vibrato will not become too fast, nor will it become too slow. Naturally you can choose settings that are appropriate for the MIDI device you are using. Note: Some devices may not use standard MIDI controller assignments.
5.1.6.3 Standard vs. Hold Next to the Mode, which you just set to Aftertouch, is another drop-down menu. It probably says “Standard”, which means Aftertouch will ‘snap to zero’ when the Mod strip is released. If you want the Aftertouch value to remain where you put it, select “Hold”. 5.1.7 Save the changes to a Preset So let’s review what we’ve done in section 5.
Once you’re sure where the preset will be stored, click the “Send to Keyboard” button: That’s all there is to it! The preset you created has been safely stored to memory location #2, and can be recalled by using the Shift button and Pad #2 together. See section 5.1.8 below for details. 5.1.8 Recalling a Preset / Switching between Presets Once you’ve created a couple of presets you can switch between your personalized configurations very quickly.
and indicate which key you should use in conjunction with the Shift button to change the Global MIDI Channel setting. For example, if you want to switch the Global channel of the MiniLab to MIDI Channel 2, hold the Shift button and press the first C# key: Then when it’s time to switch to channel 1, for example, use the same technique but press a different key: in that case, you would hold the Shift button and press the first C key on the keyboard.
6 ADVANCED SETUP INFORMATION 6.1 Pad calibration Pad thresholds are calibrated at the factory, so you shouldn’t encounter an overly sensitive pad. These settings are not user-editable. On the other hand, the full range of the pad is not set, and should you wish to alter that somewhat, you may use the pad calibration page: Here you can alter the pad velocity gain. Each of the 8 hardware pads has a dedicated setting. Please be cautious with low values, as they could have some negative side effects.
6.2 Upgrade firmware We’ve done our best to provide you with bug-free firmware (the software inside the keyboard itself) Should a problem be found later however, you should be able to upgrade it using the procedure described below. We strongly advise you to perform such an upgrade only if instructed to by an Arturia support engineer. The current firmware revision is automatically displayed at launch time provided the keyboard is plugged in.
7 ARTURIA MINILAB – LEGAL INFORMATION 7.1 SOFTWARE LICENSE AGREEMENT In consideration of payment of the Licensee fee, which is a portion of the price you paid, Arturia, as Licensor, grants to you (hereinafter termed “Licensee”) a nonexclusive right to use this copy of the Analog Lab Software (hereinafter the “SOFTWARE”). All intellectual property rights in the software belong to Arturia SA (hereinafter: “Arturia”).
4. Support, Upgrades and Updates after Product Registration You can only receive support, upgrades and updates following the personal product registration. Support is provided only for the current version and for the previous version during one year after publication of the new version. Arturia can modify and partly or completely adjust the nature of the support (hotline, forum on the website etc.), upgrades and updates at any time.
“as is” without warranty of any kind. The complete risk as to the quality and performance of the programs is with you. Should the program prove defective, you assume the entire cost of all necessary servicing, repair or correction. 9. Remedies Arturia's entire liability and your exclusive remedy shall be at Arturia's option either (a) return of the purchase price or (b) replacement of the disk that does not meet the Limited Warranty and which is returned to Arturia with a copy of your receipt.
Relocate either this product or the device that is affected by the interference. Use power outlets that are on different branch (circuit breaker or fuse) circuits or install AC line filter(s). In the case of radio or TV interferences, relocate/ reorient the antenna. If the antenna lead-in is 300 ohm ribbon lead, change the lead-in to coaxial cable. If these corrective measures do not bring any satisfied results, please the local retailer authorized to distribute this type of product.
