To make sure your MiniLab 3 works properly, we advise you to plug your device directly on one of your computer's USB ports, and not through a USB hub.
There are 4 built-in MIDI ports in MiniLab3.
1. MiniLab 3 MIDI: the standard MIDI port needed for all apps including DAWs and standalone software such as Analog Lab V. It enables MIDI communication via the USB-C port on MiniLab 3.
2. MiniLab 3 DIN Thru: Passes outgoing MIDI information from the host software through MiniLab 3’s 5-pin MIDI out connector. This can be useful when you want to sequence and control hardware synths with your DAW using MiniLab 3 as a MIDI interface.
3. MiniLab 3 MCU: Enables MiniLab 3 as a Mackie Control Universal surface via a dedicated port, to not interfere with other MIDI messages as notes or control changes. This port will only be needed in case you want to control a DAW that uses only MCU such as Cubase.
4. MiniLab 3 ALV: Transmits screen messages from Analog Lab V to MiniLab 3.
Note
On Windows make sure to install the MIDI Control Center's latest version for these ports to be displayed properly.
Note
Do not activate the MCU port if not necessary, since it will trigger notes when pressing the transport pads.
To activate the HUI/MCU protocol, you have to go in the Device Settings of the MIDI Control Center, and choose between Mackie, HUI, or 'Both'.
Warning
If you choose 'Both' when using Reaper, and that you set your DAW to listen to MCU only, you'll encounter some issues.
To solve this issue with Reaper, simply pick between Mackie and HUI, instead of choosing 'Both'.
Here is the MIDI implementation chart for faders, pads, and encoders, on MiniLab 3.
| Parameter | Arturia | DAWs | Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main encoder | 114 | 28 | 114 |
| Shift + main encoder | 112 | 29 | 112 |
| Click main encoder | 115 | 118 | 115 |
| Shift + click | 113 | 119 | 113 |
| Encoder 1 | 74 | 86 | 74 |
| Encoder 2 | 71 | 87 | 71 |
| Encoder 3 | 76 | 89 | 76 |
| Encoder 4 | 77 | 90 | 77 |
| Encoder 5 | 93 | 110 | 93 |
| Encoder 6 | 18 | 111 | 18 |
| Encoder 7 | 19 | 116 | 19 |
| Encoder 8 | 16 | 117 | 16 |
| Fader 1 | 82 | 14 | 82 |
| Fader 2 | 83 | 15 | 83 |
| Fader 3 | 85 | 30 | 85 |
| Fader 4 | 17 | 31 | 17 |
| Shift | 9 | 27 | 9 |
| Pad 1 | 102 | 102 | 102 |
| Pad 2 | 103 | 103 | 103 |
| Pad 3 | 104 | 104 | 104 |
| Pad 4 | 105 | 105 | 105 |
| Pad 5 | 106 | 106 | 106 |
| Pad 6 | 107 | 107 | 107 |
| Pad 7 | 108 | 108 | 108 |
| Pad 8 | 109 | 109 | 109 |