Arturia AstroLab 88 expands its new stage keyboard range with an 88-key Fatar hammer-action version, updated hardware, and more.
Last year, Arturia broke new ground and entered the stage keyboard market for the first time with the AstroLab. For the sounds, they ported the popular Analog Lab Pro software with all its V Collection sounds (except Mellotron) into the hardware.
The release of the stage keyboard with “Nest-like Thermostat display” was controversially discussed in the community because, for many, it is too much of a preset player than an actual Synthesizer. Indeed, there aren’t enough synth controls on the hardware, but internally via the editor and the plugins, it’s probably one of the most comprehensive synthesis engines available.
Arturia has now released a larger version of its powerful stage keyboard with the AstroLab 88.
Arturia AstroLab 88
AstroLab 88 retains all the features of the regular 61-key AstroLab. However, there are three main differences: the size, the keybed, and the CPU.
The new Arturia AstroLab 88 features a responsive 88-key hammer-action Fatar TP-40L keybed with velocity and aftertouch support.
According to Arturia, the latest 88 version also has an updated CPU that handles more polyphony and cuts loading times. They do not provide about the updated specs. The rest remains the same.
AstroLab 88 has four macro controls for quick and expressive sound shaping at your fingertips. Next, you get four additional parameters, featuring two dedicated FX (delay and reverb), and two assignable FX slots. Choose from up to 12 insert effects to fine-tune the sounds.
Then, it has the same 10 preset buttons (bass, leads, pads…) for one-touch access to your favorite sounds and setlists. The rotatable and clickable OLED display handles the navigation again. You can instantly browse through tons of ready-to-use presets.
Although the click/rotate display resembles a Nest thermostat, it makes operation very simple and intuitive. It visualizes the instruments crisply and modernly, and the user can quickly navigate them.
Alternatively, you can browse and select sounds from your smartphone or tablet wirelessly via the built-in Bluetooth and WiFi.
Tons Of Sounds + Editable In The Software
Arturia ships AstroLab 88 with over 1600 built-in presets powered by 40 instruments from the V Collection and Pigments Synthesizer. It gives you access to many synthesis types, including analog modeling, FM, granular, spectral, physical modeling, phase distortion, and more.
The eight parameters allow easy tweaking of the sounds on the hardware. The Analog Lab software provides full access to the plug-in instruments and their engines. Once created and edited, the sounds can be sent to the hardware anytime.
Like in the 61 version, you can assign different sounds across the keyboard with programmable split points, allowing you to layer sounds. Build dynamic multi-instruments and save them for instant recall or DAW integration.
Also onboard are the chord, scale, and arpeggiator functionality and the built-in MIDI looper with up to 32 bars. Capture melodies, chord progressions, or textures live, then reassign the loop to any instrument, transforming your ideas in real time with a completely new sound.
On top of that, you can use the external input to feed the built-in vocoder engine powered by Arturia’s Vocoder V plugin.
Connectivity
A look at the back tells us there are no differences from the 61-key AstroLab version. AstroLab 88 has 5-pin MIDI in/out, four expression pedal inputs (2x AUX, expression, and sustain), 6.3mm stereo (L/R) input with gain control, 6.3mm stereo (L/R) output, and headphone socket.
It also has a USB host (MIDI/storage port, USB-C device port, and a power supply input.
Firmware 1.5
Good news also exists for existing AstroLab users. It will receive the next major firmware upgrade, update 1.5, which is due by July 17th, 2025. This update will feature seamless playlist transfer between Analog Lab and AstroLab and let users control external devices on the fly with program-change commands.
It will also introduce direct editing of FX and MIDI straight from the Analog Lab software. The engine will also grow once again with additional instruments.
AstroLab 1.5 will get support for the V Collection 11 instruments, including MiniBrute V, Augmented YANGTZE, Augmented MALLETS, Synthx V, SEM V, Jup-8000 V, and Pure LoFi. Of course, you can also play the Augmented Instruments in version 2.
Arturia also told me that AstroLab is getting a new multi-sampled grand piano, which was a top feature request among users.
First Impression
The AstroLab didn’t get off to an easy start. This is probably because Arturia is more closely associated with synth heads and electronic musicians than traditional stage musicians working with Nord, Yamaha, or other brands. They often have different use cases than synth heads.
I think the Arturia AstroLab 61 or 88 needs to find its audience, and that audience lies outside the hardcore synth world. It’s for people who like ready-to-use sounds without needing in-depth tweaking and a connected computer. I like that they are expanding the AstroLab again to reach more musicians.
It’s also good to see that more firmware updates, with new features and an expansion of the sound palette, are in the works. But still, AstroLab 61 and 88 are not perfect in my opinion. Many areas still need more improvements, such as loading times (61 version) and the MIDI looper.
I also hope for a dedicated MIDI controller that allows you to delve deeper into the hardware engines.
Arturia AstroLab 88 is available now for 2499€
More information here: Arturia
i think, you forgot the wi-fi , bt connect – as you can browsa those preset with your phone – this makes it more interesting.
yeah, I forgot it but there is a big first look article about the AstroLab 61 which covers everything
2 500 euros. No poly AT. Useless without a computer. Wow…
yeah, i would love it except for that computer part. hate PC garbage. no sale… too bad, it would have been brilliant with an ipad app just to monkey with programming the engines expecially with the this keybed.
Buy Korg Nautilus instead?
HAHAHAHA!!
Good luck trying to compete with KORG Nautilus and Yamaha ModX+ here, spending that amount on the AstroTurf or one of the above mentioned in 88 key version, hmmm not a difficult decision.
after all the latest FW updates astrolabe MIDI implementation is still horrible. I was a big arturia fan and am absolutely shocked at the lack of modern MIDI functionality.
What’s the point in this expensive, limited and fragile thing when Roland is releasing Zencore synthesizers with better options, sounds, controls and durability? Th jupiter Xm is a working version of the Arturia Astrolab. If youvwant a better keyboard there is the Jupiter X. And the Fantom is just crazy powerful with all the controls you can dream of. Zencore works the same way, you can create sounds on the hardware or the computer, with full compatibility, for many years now.