One of the world’s most trusted music tech brands, Arturia recently launched their new instrument AstroLab as part of their 25th aniversary celebrations. Although people did not expect this, on closer inspection this can be assumed to be their goal all the time.
Arturia started in the year 1999 with Storm. The company soon went big. In 2003, the company launched their first instrument plugin Modular V.
Fast forward to 2023, the company did something very interesting. It turned one of its physical instruments, the MiniFreak into a software plugin the MiniFreak V. The AstroLab is a step ahead in the similar direction, blurring the lines between hardware and softeware.
Arturia AstroLab – Standout Features
- Arturia’s Analog Lab Pro “In-a-Box”
- Unique and intuitive Screen Encoder
- 22GB+ of onboard storage
- Integrates seamlessly with Analog Lab Pro software and AstroLab Connect mobile app
- Balanced audio inputs for signal processing through FX and instruments such as Vocoder V
- Beautiful design and sturdy construction
Arturia calls this instrument as an “Avant-garde Stage Keyboard” and very rightly so. The AstroLab isn’t just a regular synthesizer but a stage keyboard. Its a sturdy instrument with good keybad action. The keys are a semi-weighted synth action but with full face drops at the front. Alhough AstroLab IS NOT a powerful, standalone, programmable synth. It is definitely not another MiniFreak. It is a stage keyboard with with some of the best acoustic and synthesized recreations.
Concept behind Arturia AstroLab
Analog Lab Pro has been known as an easy way to access Arturia’s V Collection of software instrument plugins. It has got all your favourite patches. It also acts as a simplified interface which can tweak the performance. The developers behind AstroLab seem to have the same concept in mind in the form of a physical hardware device.
V Collection pro’s powerful plugins placed inside the keyboard so that the musicians can take over the stage without the any laptop or audio interfeace. One can just plug it in, turn it on and start playing. Whether it is the CS-80 V pads or the MS-20 V lead, its all there just a dial away. AstroLab packs in Arturia’s best FX algorithms. Easily illuminated dials makeit easy to tweak the sound in real time as well. You can connect another instrument to it’s pair of inputs and process that live as well.
Software Integration
The feature can be made effective using the Analog Lab Pro. Connect the instrument via USB-C connection to your computer and open Analog Lab Pro. Clink on “Link to AstroLab” and now you can browse and play your Analog Lab library on the AstroLab Pro. The audio comes from the instrument itself. Unlink the two and the Astrolab goes back to its own sounds. Very simple.
Something that is not expected from a stage keyboard, the AstroLab does exceptionally well in the studio as well! Use the Analog Lab Pro as your DAW and you can directly control the sound library from AstroLab itself. You can swap patches within the DAW.
On stage performance
This AstroLab has been made keeping stage performance in mind. LED lights per note above the keyboard to the rotary positions on the beautifully smooth pots and the mod wheel strip make everything clearly visible on stage.
Regular MIDI connections are there should you wish to hook up other stuff. There are four pedal connections: sustain, expression and two other of your choice. The pair of balanced audio combo inputs that accept line, mic or instrument levels. The large dial button with an LED screen helps you quickly navigate through the list of options.
Performance Features
The device comes with an arpeggiator, a chord function as well as a MIDI looper with some settings. AsatroLab can hold upto 127 MIDI recordings, each upto 32 bars in length. The scale mode makes it easier to play notes only on a particular scale!
Connectivity
AstroLab comes with WiFi and Bluetooth cnnectivity, which can be used to connect to Analog Lab Pro. It also functions as a WiFi hotspot for a seamless on stage experience. AstroLab also comes with a free mobile app with most of Analog Lab Pro’s features to send and receive patches.
Also read: List of Touring Essentials for Every Musician on the Road
Final thoughts on AstroLab in brief
Pros:
- Physicality – Extremely lightweight (10 Kgs only); solid encoders and buttons; LEDs used make it clear and visible on stage.
- Use – The device has inbuilt 1300 presets. Even more when connected to Analog Lab Pro. Quick navigation and ability to work without a laptop.
Cons:
- Doesn’t support individual V Collection instruments like their KeyLab range.
- No instrument support for V Collection plugins.(in subsequent updates maybe?)
- Limited mount of polyphony or FX in some patches.
Arturia AstroLab: In Conclusion
Although many other players have entered this market with their unique hardware and software functionality, none have been this seamless and user friendly. Arturia AstroLab is an example of how to balance powerful features with simplest controls. With few more updates, this beast can kill it! If you are looking for a stage keyboard right now, you might have a few apparent better options though the AstroLab is a close competitor.
