Arturia has unveiled the MiniLab 37, a new 37-key version of its hugely popular MIDI controller series. Building on more than two decades of controller development, the MiniLab 37 adds extra keys, expanded performance features, deeper playability and a portable form factor, giving musicians, producers and performers more room to create without sacrificing valuable desk space.
Key Features
- 37 slim keys for expanded two-handed performance
- Built-in arpeggiator, Chord mode and creative workflow tools
- DAW-integrated pads, faders and real-time display
- Compact, lightweight design with a 5-year warranty
- Includes a premium software bundle with sounds and production tools
More Keys, More Musical Possibilities
Sometimes 25 keys can feel a little restrictive. You find a bass line you like, reach for a chord voicing, and suddenly you’re hitting octave buttons instead of staying in the creative flow.
That’s where the new MiniLab 37 feels like a natural evolution. By adding 12 extra keys to the familiar MiniLab format, Arturia has created a controller that sits comfortably between ultra-portable keyboards and larger studio controllers. The result is a setup that feels noticeably more playable without taking over your desk.
For producers working in smaller studios, travelling musicians, or anyone building a compact music production setup, those extra notes could make a bigger difference than the specifications suggest on paper.
Designed Around Creativity
One thing that has helped the MiniLab range become so popular over the years is its focus on immediacy. Rather than burying functionality behind layers of menus, the MiniLab 37 keeps the most important controls within easy reach.
The controller features smart DAW-integrated pads and faders, alongside a real-time display that provides useful feedback while working. The updated 2×4 pad layout is designed for comfortable finger drumming and clip launching, reducing the amount of hand movement required when performing or producing.
Creative features such as the built-in arpeggiator, Chord mode, custom DAW mappings and quick transposition controls are also onboard, helping users move from an idea to a finished track with fewer interruptions.
In an era where software can sometimes feel overwhelming, there’s something refreshing about hardware that simply encourages you to play.
A Compact Controller That Doesn’t Feel Compromised
The challenge with portable controllers has always been balancing size against functionality. Go too small and you lose playability. Go too large and portability disappears.
MiniLab 37 seems aimed squarely at that middle ground.
Its lightweight chassis and shallow footprint make it an attractive option for compact studios, bedroom producers, mobile rigs and live performance setups. Whether it’s sitting next to a laptop on a café table, tucked into a backpack for a writing session, or becoming the centrepiece of a streamlined home studio, the controller is clearly designed with flexibility in mind.
For musicians already working with Ableton Live, Logic Pro, FL Studio or other major DAWs, the seamless integration should make setup quick and painless.
Built To Go The Distance
Another notable inclusion is Arturia’s focus on longevity. MiniLab 37 features a rugged construction and eco-conscious design approach, backed by a generous five-year warranty.
That’s becoming increasingly important in a world where musicians expect their gear to survive years of gigs, studio sessions, travel and daily use.
While many entry-level controllers are treated as temporary stepping stones, MiniLab 37 appears positioned as a long-term creative companion rather than a disposable upgrade.
Software Included From Day One
The hardware is only part of the story. Like much of Arturia’s ecosystem, MiniLab 37 arrives with a substantial software package designed to get users making music immediately.
The included bundle provides access to premium production software, an industry-standard DAW and hundreds of synth and keyboard sounds. For newcomers building their first home studio, that’s a significant amount of value straight out of the box. For experienced producers, it adds even more creative options to an already capable controller.
It’s also a reminder of how far modern MIDI controllers have evolved. What was once simply a keyboard for triggering notes has become the centre of an entire creative ecosystem, connecting hardware, software and workflow into a single instrument.
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing your compact controller had just a little more room to breathe, MiniLab 37 might be exactly the sweet spot. Portable enough to take anywhere, yet substantial enough to inspire proper performance, it feels like a logical next chapter for one of the most successful controller ranges in modern music production.
