Arturia AstroLab is a new, powerful synthesis-packed stage keyboard Synthesizer that turns the Analog Lab software into standalone, first look!
Hardware and software are often seen as two worlds. Although many prefer hardware instruments, software is often part of the former. Whether it is firmware and extra functions in the analog world or code in digital synths, software is almost always in hardware.
Recently, we have seen a growing amount of software becoming hardware in music tech: Korg with its Logue SDK, Akai MPC/Force with the plugins, NI Maschine+ with Massive/FM8, Ableton Live Push Standalone…
The next big player is now following this trend. Arturia takes its instruments from the V Collection and Pigments into a hardware product. Welcome to Arturia AstroLab!
Disclaimer: Arturia kindly gave me the opportunity to take a closer look at the AstroLab. This is not a review but a first-look article. I will follow up with a review with my final thoughts at a later date.
Arturia AstroLab
AstroLab is a new keyboard that melts hardware and software. It’s standalone, not another MIDI controller. Arturia describes it as an avant-garde stage keyboard. It’s more than just a stage keyboard; it’s a powerful Synthesizer.
For the synth nerds, the first look is unusual. Few parameters, lots of space between the knobs… yes it’s not a knobby monster synth like the Matrixbrute or Polybrute. AstroLab was developed for players in the studio and on stage. Less for the sound tweakers, but it is also very interesting for them. I like to call it a anti-nerd synth.
In terms of hardware, it’s a stage keyboard/synth with 61 semi-weighted piano full-sized keys with velocity and channel (monophonic) aftertouch. PolyAT would have been a nice feature, but it’s missing here. Pitch wheel and mod wheel with a light indicator, nine knobs, an array of illuminated buttons, and an intriguing display.
It looks like a common MIDI controller setup. However, the arrangement and features make more sense if we examine the core closely. That’s the most exciting part of this stage keyboard.
Analog Lab Goes Standalone
The AstroLab core is a well-known friend for many. This is based on Analog Lab (Pro), a software that converts the advanced, fully customizable sounds from Arturia’s instrument plugin portfolio into player-friendly patches.
In simple words, AstroLab is the hardware version of the Analog Lab (Pro) plugin. Since Analog Lab generates sounds from the V Collection and Pigments, this is the standalone version of V C and Pigments, with fewer available parameters to tweak.
Like its software counterpart, AstroLab is a bi-timbral instrument with splitting and layering options. Each part can host an instrument supported by customizable effects, global delay, and reverb. The instruments from V Collection 9 are available in the current firmware, and V Collection 10 support is coming soon in an upcoming update.
To avoid audio dropouts, the polyphony is limited per part to 8 voices for the synths and 48 voices for pianos/organs. AstroLab ships with 1300+ hardware-optimized presets and projects on its internal drive (22.55GB). That’s a lot of sound content, but that’s not all.
Analog Lab Pro gives you over 2000+ sounds, and you can import 700+ more sounds straight into the hardware. Owners of Analog Lab, V Collection, and Pigments have access to an endless sonic world.
In addition to the 10,000+ sounds, they have the big advantage of opening the plugins in Analog Lab (Pro) and modifying the sounds to the last detail. This way, you can import your instrument plugin patches into the hardware. If you start your AstroLab adventure naked (without V C or Pigments), you are limited to pre-mapped macros.
And it’s not a stripped-down engine. The hardware supports all 10 plugin synthesis forms. For example, Pigments patches with granular and additive synthesis work smoothly in the hardware.
Modern User Interface
The user interface was designed to be quick and efficient. It reflects the functions of the software in the hardware. A highlight is the innovative multi-tool display that visualizes information but also lets you turn and press it.
With the rotation function, for example, you can browse through categories, presets, playlists, and more. If you stop, the sound is loaded instantly in 1-2 seconds. If you switch from one sound to the other, the transitions are super smooth, allowing you to switch patches in performances.
It’s a fresh concept to dive through a menu. Very simple and self-explanatory. The AstroLab interface also offers plenty of buttons and knobs for the key functions, including direct access to the individual parts of a split/layer, the sound categories, and playlists.
Then, it comes with eight color-coded knobs with which you can tweak the sounds. The first parameters are the pre-mapped macro controls, while the other four are the effects. Two are customizable; the other two are global delay and reverb, just like in the Analog Lab Pro software. Plus, there is a volume control.
It also hosts a versatile arpeggiator, scale/chord support, and a MIDI looper as extra goodies. The latter captures the played notes and plays them back on the loaded instrument or multi-patch. You can also save the recordings. However, an overdub function is missing in the current firmware. I hope this will be added later.
Synced Operation
Hardware and software integration is a key AstroLab keyboard/synth feature. To make this as versatile as possible, there are three ways to communicate with the software—either classically via a USB-C cable or wirelessly via the built-in WiFi module.
It doesn’t stop there. In addition to the standalone and plugin versions for macOS and Windows, Arturia also offers the Analog Lab Pro software as an Android/iOS Analog Lab Connect editor app with which you can connect via WiFi.
In my testing so far, only the classic cable method worked. According to Arturia, the next firmware will fix the problem with the WiFi. But it’s nice that the option exists. Once connected to the software, both run in sync.
In practice, if you change a patch on the hardware, it also changes the software. So far, everything has worked perfectly in the plugin/standalone version. The iOS app test is still pending. It also allows you to import and export patches, generate playlists, and more.
Connectivity
On the backside, you have an ON/OFF button, a screwable power supply input, a USB-C port for computer connection, a USB-B port for storage and MIDI data. The fact that the power supply is screwed is good, but the plug is proprietary, which could be a problem. Especially when you’re on the go, it can happen that you forgot the cable, and then nothing works.
A built-in power supply with an IC connector would have been much better. As a studio user, I find it fine as it doesn’t leave the room. Further, you have a headphone input and a stereo 6.3mm (L/R) output.
Next to this is a stereo input with a dedicated gain control, allowing you to route audio in the AstroLab, for example, to use it with the Vocoder engine. In addition, you have two assignable AUX controls, expression and sustain pedal inputs and a full-size DIN MIDI interface.
First Impression
My first impression is positive. The AstroLab is an exciting stage keyboard/Synthesizer. It’s something fresh that has a different vibe. Technically speaking, even without tons of knobs, it is one of the most powerful and versatile digital synthesizers on the market.
As the V Collection and Pigments continue to grow, AstroLab’s sound possibilities will also continue to grow. That’s a very powerful aspect of this keyboard. Plus, we don’t know what kind of plugin we will see in the future.
One thing is certain: it’s not a synth for tweakers who want to craft sounds from scratch—the anti-nerd synth. It’s a keyboard/synth for players who want ready-to-use sounds. The target group here is live musicians who want sounds at their fingertips. I can imagine them on stage worship bands and others.
I was particularly impressed by the smart interplay between the hardware and software. Also the display/knob is special and fun to use. There are bugs here and there that still need to be fixed. A new firmware is around the corner. But I’m super interested in seeing how the instrument evolves. It has tons of potential.
Arturia AstroLab is available now worldwide for $1599/1599€.
More information here: Arturia
Available at my partners
Watch out for Arturia hardware, it will bring problems to your setup!
I currently have several Arturia products with connection problems and software connectivity issues!
Support is extremely slow and does not help at all in many cases.
I had so many problems with Polybrute, only Firmware V2 made the software / hardware usable together.
So many bugs before that, a slap into the face of the buyers of a premium products.
The Astrothing released today: round mini-display where you can see only four elements in a list is a design desaster.
Only two-timbral is really weak. NO MIDI THRU! ARGHHH! For LIVE sets midi thru is so important to avoid additional hardware.
But even with only two timbres, of course two stereo output pairs would have been a must!
No analog filters!
The knobs are on the wrong side. In the video you can see how hard it is to change from left hand modwheel to right hand knobs, very unpractical.
You want one play hand and all controls easily reachable with the other hand. Very basic design problems, really not good for live use.
This product should have a big touch screen to edit and manage sounds, would not have done too much to production cost.
The need to use a smartphone is another source of problems. This is a design idea by an old man who things smartphones are cool.
Did you say you had problems with Wifi? Watch this closely! They will put it out in broken state, I bet! Firmware updates will maybe fix it, maybe not.
Arturia has some weekness in this exact hardware/software connectivity engineering department, things seem to be developed only on the happy path, result is that it does not work in many cases.
Journalists and Bloggers should do a good job keeping the standards high and protect users from beta products.
In hindsight we can see now how far advanced the Korg Workstation concepts have been, how many years ago…? Compared to this Astrothing Kronos is still a monster.
Overall really disappointing.
Sorry that the product doesn’t suit your taste. Every user has their own wishes and they vary greatly. One likes this, the other likes that. Arturia chose this design. They can’t meet every wish of every single customer. That a product doesn’t have every wished features is normal. It’s impossible to make it 100% to a taste.
If you don’t like a product, you don’t have to buy it. That’s a big plus in our world and big choice on the market.
“Journalists and Bloggers should do a good job keeping the standards high and protect users from beta products”
That’s why this is not a review but a first look. I will review over time how it evolves with upcoming firmware updates. It’s not a beta product that’s for sure!
At first I did not get it however kind of do no! Personally, I think the price is too high. You are basically geting a keyboard with loaded VST’s and to get the best out of it you need the V-Collection. I’m assuming Arturia think buyers are those who already have the V-Collection however the cost of the V-Collection should be in with the keyboard price – you are kind of getting them anyway so why not give the computer version as well? Until then I’d say a very limited market. Most people will be just as happy taken a laptop and controller on stage than paying put for basically a controller.
Very useful product. Midi looping a big plus. I could integrate this for live and to continue to record with my hardware setup. A little frustrating that it doesn’t have MPE. The price is good for new Arturia users but those that have the software should pause.
If you are a new Arturia user, you get a teaser of what is possibe. Software owners get the full sonic power of it (V Collection and Pigments) 🙂
I don’t think this product will attract new users. Very limited without adding another £475 on top of the price, making £1,844.
No mention of their original attempt at this concept? Ironically named Origin. https://www.ebay.com/itm/325827647601?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=325827647601&targetid=1598648634217&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9013463&poi=&campaignid=19851828444&mkgroupid=145880009014&rlsatarget=pla-1598648634217&abcId=9307249&merchantid=138372010&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_QDh99_fa4ugvfOqqlC20vx8vj4&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3ufq_N61hQMV3zzUAR0l-AR0EAQYASABEgJ_sfD_BwE
true but was a different concept of a synth. It was a modular oriented synth
Actually the same general concept. Bringing all their software synths into a hardware unit. It’s a fantastic idea, but no company has yet to figure out a solution that connects in a significant way. I love the sound of Arturia stuff so I should be a primary target for this but alas, after my initial excitement, looking at the details, it just does not fit the bill yet.
Brilliant concept, and that is what Origin is, a concept of an ineptly engineered and incomplete operating system and that is being generous. I realise it nearly bankrupt Arturia in their early days.
Astrolab could have been so much more, and I do not understand why this is being called a stage synth if every parameter is editable? Unless I am missing something. I like the round LCD screen, however it should have been larger.
Fantastic handle.
Cheers Peter.
The Origin was a very different concept. The Origin was more modular where you could mix and match different synthesizer components such as a Mooflg Filter with an ARP envelope. The Astrolab does nothing like this.
1600 bucks for a virtual preset players that needs a computer and additional licences on the computer. WTF? The round screen is horrible, you have to push it like a button and so leave finger marks on the screen. The controls are on the right and nothing on the left. Everything is connected and subject to drivers and bugs… April Fools’ Day? No, Arturia Fools’ Synth 😀 Honestly, this is a joke and a very bad trending. In the end, planned obsolescence at its best (worst). Twice the price of a superior Wavestate or Modwave. Same price than a KORG Nautilus, Roland Jupiter Xm, Juno X, Fantom 07, Yamaha MODX, Osmose, Hydrasynth Deluxe… Come on!
No it doesn’t need an extra license on your computer out of the box. It works standalone without connection to the computer. But if you want to craft your own sounds using the 10 synthesis types, you need V Collection and Pigments installed on your computer
Yes, you have to pay some DLC software to edit presets. You have to buy the full software, and even the previous version, the last one is not yet compatible 😀
I’ve never seen that before, a synth that can’t create a sound from scratch. OK, it is not a synth. It is just a costly preset player in a Teenage Engineering / Apple case, that costs more than a real synth or a workstation. Joke of the decade, supported by ridiculous influencer videos trying to impress with the void of this thing.
A colleague of mine received a “copy” of this synth, and I had some time to spend with it last night. Underwhelming and cynically devised are the first thoughts. I suppose for its intended purpose, it is acceptable and just barely that. I would think that for a 25th year anniversary ‘commemoration’ product , Arturia would be more creative and thoughtful, however this is the company that released the Origin and just as easily abandoned it.
Calling it “avant-garde” does not make it so, there is nothing daring, original, or exceptional about it except perhaps gulling? I like Arturia, however in its current iteration, it should be met with the derision it deserves. Happy 25th and perhaps for their 30th, they can spend the next 5 years correcting this.
I agree. From what I see on these YouTube vids, quite a lot of people left some intelligent comments (moderated – stay at the topic thanks)
I replied to Gen and quoted the term “ridiculous influencer” used in Gen’s comment, see above! Why was this term in my comment “moderated” (deleted)? That term is still in Gen’s comment! Why was it not “at the topic”? Are you actually such influencer that Gen talked about in the above comment?
Call me whatever you want. It is off topic because the comment is aimed at content creators and their work in a negative way. You don’t pay for the videos, they are offered to you for free. So they don’t harm you financially, physically or morally.
It doesn’t help the discussion or the topic to pointing the finger on them. As many discussions of the last few months show: it only triggers negativism and doesn’t help any normal, social conversation. It only flips the discussion in the opposite direction. If you have any problem with videos, leave it on the videos. I don’t need such debates here. This is about the product and not whether content creators/influencers suit you or not. I’m not their lawyer but I’m interested in a pleasant discussion and not on a troll, hate… culture. Cheers
A stage keyboard for who? Max 8 voices per section, except for piano and organ allowing 48 voices, so a layer sound with a
piano and strings using a sustain pedal?
Buttons and knobs on the right??
And the interface for presets/patches, a keyhole screen and no numpad or other logical way of selecting patches in a non linear fashion (singer changed the entire playlist two minutes before the gig…).
Useless…
The price is OK, but this micro-display is really awkward for a live instrument. And the knobs are on the wrong side to control while playing live. Drawbars for the B3 organ would have been fine but would increase the price for sure. But only 2x multitimbral is really weak – no piano+strings onthe right plus a bass on the left for example….
I’m getting real midi controller vibes form this one. Different design kind of but nothing new to see which was disappointing. If you boil it down since they already sell all of the synths, all of the midi controllers to control those synths, the only utility here is arturia synths without a computer…kind of. Let’s say Arturia Presets.
With every new gear released, I think im just over the same ol since we’re living in such an age of possible innovations but trapped in small steps to release product. I understand it, just dont really like it much. Like the bigger the company gets, the cornier their product become. Yeah, not for me but with everything out there, its for someone but so is all the other similar products…jsut not “arturia” presets.
“With every new gear released, I think im just over the same ol since we’re living in such an age of possible innovations but trapped in small steps to release product. I understand it, just dont really like it much. Like the bigger the company gets, the cornier their product become. Yeah, not for me but with everything out there, its for someone but so is all the other similar products…jsut not “arturia” presets.“
Amen. I feel the same. Thank you.
+1, the display is truly on the small side for a performance instrument. And given the new crop of polyAT keyboards, and that this seems to be aimed at the performing musician, the lack of polyAT seems to be a missed opportunity. Especially given the price point. To the positive, I like the look of it:)
Yeah, I commend Arturia for the aesthetic design here, but I’m scratching my head. It’s just standalone Keylab IMO. Maybe I’m being cynical but 1600 for this is a stretch, it’s not even a controller for their software. And extremely limited without a computer (huh?).
Not sure this does anything more than my NI NKS controller does, except maybe a live keyboard that doesn’t haven’t to have a laptop. Definitely a performance bit of gear.
Very odd release but happy 25th I guess. Slightly underwhelming.
No poly AT, complete miss here
A few wedding and/or cover band people I know are somewhat excited about this – Load Setlist/Sounds, take it to Gig then Play kind of folk.
I’m actually somewhat tempted myself, there’s a lot of synths in the VST collection I like, but don’t like enough to get the real hardware for so this might be a good inbetween for me just to sit in the front room or bring to friends houses to noodle about.
What will make or break this would be the feel of the thing in person and actual street price locally, depending on where you are in the world – I mean, if the RRP is converted locally for me, that’s… osmose/second hand nord territory so I’ll guess I’ll see when it hits the stores.
Considering that I recently paid around 1400 Euro for a Fantom-08 with weighted keys, 16x multitimbrality, more than 250 voices, 3000 presets and fully editable Zencore Engine, standalone, DAW control and so on, I find this product overpriced and underwhelming. But good luck Arturia and happy 25th.
Seems like I could just pick up a used Kronos which has pretty in depth synthesis as well and some excellent acoustic sounds. This is an interesting product but I’m finding used Kronos’ for less than a grand here in the States.
Terrible design with that little tiny display! They should have spent some time studying Yamaha MODX8+
MODX6+ is US$1,350 and it is almost like a Montage.
It’s kinda simple.. Sell the world keys with everything on it and they’ll buy it.
Than go out of business because nobody buys anything else.
That’s when the marketing team steps in “let’s build the AstroLab, It will be an astronomical fu in practical use but they’ll buy it anyway”.
Lotta negativity here, for me the ability to take pigments on stage w/o a computer
has a lot of value.
Lots if negativity because we have a presets player at 1 600 euros + v-collection to edit presets ats at 600 + a laptop for the v-collection, let’s say 2 200 euros for the full product + a laptop. And the laptop is not an option.
We are at the level of a Waldorf Iridium or a Roland Jupiter X (ironically called VST in a box when they were released, at least the PC was also in the box and the laptop optional), Fantom, KORG Kronos, Nautilus, a Prophet, a MOOG… Or two UB-X 😀
We can’t judge this Apple Google keyboard like a MicroFreak at 350 bucks. And it falls short for an instrument at +2 200 with a pretty stinky business model in the background. This is not really a musical instrument nor a VST in a box, more a disposable smartphone. Hence the disappointment.