Arturia Astrolab: They put plugins INSIDE this keyboard!

[@SanjayC]

⬇ All Links ⬇ Get the Astrolab geni.us/gmMFEx

[@TonyAndersonMusic]

Was wondering where my nest thermostat controller went. Now I realize they used it as the wheel on this instrument. Thanks arturia.

[@SanjayC]

I would trade my Nest for the Astrolab! Hi Tony!! Always awesome to see you in my comments!! Hope you guys are doing well.

[@Only1Dharti]

😂😂😂🥵🌊

[@UndergroundMusicGroup]

😂😂😂😂

[@ArturiaOfficial]

You are welcome to pass by the office to have it back, thanks! 😉

[@MannyfromdaD]

😂

[@towjam2359]

To be fair, I'm not the target market for the Astro but I was very disappointed that there was no announcement of a KeyLab mk3 during the live announcement this morning.

[@smartinussen]

Well, 4 month later - Are you happy with the announced mk3 ?

[@towjam2359]

@@smartinussen TBH, no. I just watched Sanjay’s review and it looks like Native Instruments doesn’t have anything to worry about.

[@lucdrouin2625]

You have a consistently logical, useful and objective presentation style of a true expert.

[@SanjayC]

I truly appreciate that. You don't know how much I toil over these videos and wonder if people like what I make. You made my day.

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

The sad thing is, this is close to something I pondered them making, but, instead of giving us a full set of knobs and controls in a hardware Pigments, they reduced the number of controls from the Keylab and stuck with the Analog Lab approach. It still has some conveniences, but it's more cost efficient just to get a Keylab. Maybe a smaller, more MicroKorg priced edition is coming down the road.

[@pianokaraoke379]

this...

[@radiofloyd2359]

Well it's just a better (perhaps even ideal) stage piano. Like it's a stage piano that has actually good sounding presets AND the ability to manipulate them externally. That's pretty cool. Not for me, but really cool concept.

[@towerrunner4675]

That's a big milestone on their way to a workstation.

[@vaughnmiller4371]

Back to the Future.

[@tiffanyanthony]

It's such a beautiful piece of equipment. I love that they put the screen in the dial! Genius

[@qiqi2692]

That’s exactly the problem : people are wowed by some flashy design and have to buy it immediately ( and max their credit cards ) on a mediocre product that is completely redundant . The new market angle Now is : get away from computers , just turn this big knob with a tiny screen , we even get more near sighted after smart phones . They want to sell the idea it’s practically a stand alone , but you still need an iPad or a laptop to really find your way around their affiliate software of 1000 s of still virtual sound , and who wants to wear a headphone set all the time , so you need also a decent speaker amplifier set . Sorry if I’m whining but after so many KZbin videos trying to inform myself for a new good midi controller - which I haven’t found yet - I’ve had it with this plastic with fake or real wood trim miracles they spew out like it’s iPhone 32 every 6 months

[@S-jq1yk]

@@qiqi2692 lol wut?

[@andretmadrid]

The idea is excellent! I have been working with Arturia keyboards and VST for a few years now, and I think that a much larger screen is extremely necessary on this device, to face the competition.

[@KC-lg8qf]

My first thought......no drum pads in BLANK SPOT on the keyboard......and needs a bigger screen

[@andretmadrid]

@@KC-lg8qf True. There's enough room for the drum pads

[@gb3496]

We're STILL waiting... for the KeyLab 88 mk3... in black...

[@SanjayC]

I'm sure that's on the way....hopefully soon

[@sahrngaujah8812]

Yes we are and they need to get that right. Folks are waiting with bated breath.

[@nelauren]

All 3 of you 😂

[@rizkipuruze]

No one hoping for other colors in Nord Keyboard?

[@FirstLast-nr6gf]

And if it is not black then you could not play it? Buy Yamaha or Roland, they are usually black. I guess Nord is not good enough for you because it is red.

[@MrFn65]

Cool move by Arturia! Yes larger screen and I think hosting other a vst plugins would have been a slam dunk !

[@park171]

Game changing for one reason. You don have to mentally think about a computer but still can have the analog lab tho of sounds. Great first start.

[@Simbosan]

If they could do this, it wouldn't have been a stretch to add general VST support. Now THAT would have been something. Imagine how happy I would have been to have all my existing synths in the keyboard

[@jacklifeson]

Yes, THAT would be the future.

[@christianthompson1473]

Akai will do it soon

[@babybrown4289]

Great video mate. Clean informative. 🙌🏽

[@pratitghosh5973]

THIS IS WHY I LOVE ARTURIA! THEY KNOW WHAT WE WANT!!!! First the 16rig with 16 actual inputs, now this. They're something else❤❤❤❤❤

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, I'm so excited about this - so glad they made it!

[@pratitghosh5973]

They embody their tagline.

[@joellanier]

I'd agree with the exception that they should give current customers a price break. I've already invested in the V Collection, I shouldn't have to turn around and purchase those same sounds again.

[@pratitghosh5973]

@@joellanier Well, it's like owning a second set of licences, since these plugins are standalone with the keys, right? So you're essentially buying a second set of licenses for V Collection. So I don't think a discount makes sense. Ofcourse I'd still love a discount though. Gotta save whatever can be saved.

[@hasan7786]

They paying for comments now? Might one to tone it down. No one is that excited about an audio interface or a stage piano when 1000’s exist and neither is doing anything revolutionary.

[@DrawAndErase]

They were soo close! If only this had a screen we could use to adjust more parameters, or atleast given us 9 faders this would be a gamechanger. If I could create a setlist like the kronos on my phone and if the pitch bend and modwheel where to the left, it could be interesting. I'd need a footswitch pedal to transition my setlists and more hands on controls to warrant buying this, but hardware for software instruments is exactly what we want, it's just not in a package that's usable for keyboard players. But I play prog so I do need a lot, I'd take a 6 inch screen like the fantom any day just to be able to organise my workflow.

[@jacklifeson]

I agree. Needs more physical controls and a bigger screen. I would love if I didnt have to lug computer to gigs.

[@KlassikMafiaProduction]

It would be nice if we could upload install any vst plugins from different companies to it and use it portable on the stage that will be a game changer. And I'm sure they can easily do it...because its already running linux inside it...

[@Idonttakethisseriously]

whenever something new comes out, who better than Sanjay to show it?

[@jyack]

this is actually game changing, i feel like the need to tweaking around in an software will be gone because of this, it'll be all feel from now, I'm so hyped for this

[@renehasp]

I can't stop seeing our Google Nest Thermostat on the keyboard.

[@cyborgmetropolis7652]

It adjusts filter cut-off and humidity.

[@cigarbearreviews]

So my question. Does this have to be connected to a computer to emit sound, or is it more like a Roland juno GI, and plugged into an amplifier?

[@JohnDoe-xv1se]

But...if I have a computer and a midi keyboard, you can run any plugin, from any supplier, not just Arturia's plugins. And while cool looking, I can't manipulate the plugins in the Astrolab anywhere near as much as I could with a PC running that plugin and... it would appear that you can only use Arturia's plugins. So.... that's not really a deal at all. AND... you can use any of Arturia's plugins with your computer, AND... you can fully manipulate them. You can also use that computer to do "other" things. $1,600 buys you a pretty sweet computer these days. It ends by comparing Astrolab to very expensive Nords, and disses some popular sequencers / gloveboxes pretending that they just play "plugins too" ignoring the fact that they are full on samplers, sample editors, synth engines and multitrack sequencers, etc. etc... This is a sales video for a newbies keyboard.

[@jimsuber6784]

I know it must sound amazing. I own almost all of Arturia's patches. Having said that, there are two ways to make stage keys accessible. One is the Nord method. All controls up front and tactile. The other is a huge touch screen. Even the RD 2000 doesn't quite get the accessibility thing done. There is absolutlely no excuse for any new stage board not employing one method or the other. I am sure it is a quality build but it is still a studio board on steroids. Thanks for the video. OK you are saying the same thing I just said at this very moment.

[@-303-]

I carry a great touchscreen with me to every gig… my iPad. An iPad running an app that enables sound design with a touch interface would be a game changer, and I’d be surprised if they aren’t already working on that.

[@DMG1723]

Two years from now the screen will be at least 4 inches and touchable, I'll wait

[@brandonleemoss]

Exactly I'm so not impressed this is literally the prototype for the true product😂 that will be the one I will consider and hopefully it will have drum pads in faders to make up all that empty space😂

[@maccagrabme]

@@brandonleemoss You really dont know how spoilt you are to say you are not impressed. A Korg triton would have cost you more than this 20 years ago, not taking into account inflation and comes nowhere near close to what this can do.

[@brandonleemoss]

@@maccagrabme I mean it's an incredibly niche product 🤔 if I'm going to pay that kind of money I want to at least be able to make an entire song off of it. And I also want to have full control over said sounds and not just a few controls here and there. If you really want to tweak and make custom sounds you literally have to make it on the computer and then exchanged it over to this monstrosity 😅 I mean it looks extremely beautiful, but in my eyes it's just a glorified toy.

[@LaurenceCousins-ov9tn]

​@@maccagrabmeYou get more from a Korg Kross 2 for half the cost. I'll wait for an updated version.

[@armoredsaint6639]

You can wait.I'm gonna start playing

[@SamTRajkumar]

Great video as always Sanjay ❤

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much, Sam! Thanks for coming by to support my videos, man! Hope you're keeping well!

[@WarpedBlinds]

For the price point there seems to be a huge lack of physical features. Look at all that unused space on the left side!!! Its like they forgot to add the faders/extra knobs and accidentally sent it for mass production and said "fck it!" The fact they made a mobile app just screams "We didnt want to pay for a bigger screen, so yall gonna have to use your phones...what? You guys dont have phones???" Idk man this product is so confusing as to who this is actually for. As far as I can see is this is just a preset machine. Little room for actual sound designing on the keyboard itself. Ehh

[@babonneau]

Exactly, no computer but a phone or tablet? A badly defined, badly designed and overpriced product in my opinion. I'm looking towards a much cheaper Midi keyboard + DIY Raspberry Pi synth :)

[@RockyMountainSounds]

I totally see Arturia designed this to expand. That USB-A port means they likely could create a full control interface that would sit on top in that space for those of us that would want deeper physical control.

[@kevinlbrockway]

Awesome idea!!!

[@ForecastGrim]

That will never happen. Great idea though.

[@ForecastGrim]

I mean for a 2000 dollar preset player that should already be on the board.

[@ArturiaOfficial]

@@ForecastGrim Never say never 👀

[@sahrngaujah8812]

Great reviews as always @Sanjay C Arturia keeps wowing us. Interesting days ahead.

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much. What do you think of the Astrolab?

[@sahrngaujah8812]

@@SanjayC This is a dope keyboard, Sanjay. It's the future of music. Arturia is weighing the market and positioning themselves for the competition.

[@二加二]

1.6k for a keyboard with 2 layers of sound only? Serious? If they cut all that fancy stuff and price it below 1k, then this will become a best buy. No fader, no pads, no sequencer, hard to edit details on the fly, 2 layers of sound make it difficult to use on actual scenarios. If you already have a main keyboard and you want something more or different, then I think this is the one that stand out.

[@LonelyStarOfficial]

This is insane for me, i would use it normally in my future studio as the lead keyboard and the sounds are very great

[@jubinroy4987]

Missing the faders and drum pad.hoping to see a keyboard loaded with vst synths with Ableton session view like features. Going back to the good old Yamaha par days. Wed record patterns to be triggered like styles. Arturia spark 2

[@SanjayC]

I was going to comment about drum pads...but Arturia doesn't really make drum pad-friendly software instruments so may not be necessary. What do you think?

[@Youknowho562]

My thought exactly.

[@phelper4554]

What’s with spark 2? that’s from Arturia right 😅

[@Madmohawkfilms]

No mention of Polyphony , didn’t hear you mention that an Analog Labs V license included either so assume it is NOT. At this price point I probably would grab a MODX6+ or Korg Nautilus 61 tbh but does look like a nice board. The Bright white also not for me

[@Only1Dharti]

♥️🎶🙌🏽Love you!!! You are so hard working, talented and put in so much thought and work into your videos- especially to help those watching and learning! This is why people love you! Great job!!!🙌🏽👏🏽👏🏽✨

[@SanjayC]

Thank you so much!! You're so sweet!! :-)

[@christianthompson1473]

But i already have a keylab and v collection.? This thing needs a proper sized touch screen and 32 rotary encoders with mini screens underneath and v collection inside.

[@G6304]

Funny thing is, I had a small chat with a NI engineer and suggested they make an instrument exactly like this. They have the sound library, the man power, and the skills. Arturia took it up, now to integrate an onboard sequencer powerful enough to rival DAWs (OK I'm reaching I know huh?) and boom, you've got me. Cheers, sounds pretty nice, well done Arturia!

[@AboutHouseMusic]

NI seems to be struggling to create a standalone device that can handle their Komplete collection. Would definitely be a game changer for sure.

[@AceeSoul]

Good lookin board

[@SanjayC]

Thanks so much for the Super Thanks, Acee. Do you think this is a keyboard you'd use?

[@AceeSoul]

​@SanjayC I would replace my ASR-10 61 key with it if I got one. I own most of Arturia's sounds, so I'm already in the ecosystem lol

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, then that kinda makes sense since you have their plugins already

[@shreepadgandhi6739]

How is this different than those Casio keyboards with speakers? Limitations being remaining confined to only Arturia sounds... As you said, this is meant for Live performance...so no question of using to compose in a DAW... Anyways, thanks for this informative video.

[@motebike]

Many folks are already complaining about the stupidly small, and cumbersome controller knob, and when Arturia finds out, they will eventually make an Astrolab '2'. Of course they will, because it's business as usual.

[@matthewgaines10]

Wait…a keyboard with built in sounds. Amazing. Someone should tell Yamaha, Roland, Kurzweil, Kawai, Casio, and Korg about this development.

[@waltwilliams5195]

Wow! Just wow! I am going to have to rethink some things financially to get this.

[@mariomedina7077]

Meh. I could already transfer sounds to the stage by taking my computer - along with a controller that has faders, pads, etc. I could see where this might make sense for someone who's unwilling to use a computer live, but otherwise, I don't really get it.

[@joeymc5272]

I was just going to say this? I wouldn’t pay for this. You’re not replacing a laptop and a full fledged midi controller.

[@brandonleemoss]

Exactly 😢

[@jwillbassist]

How is the keybed ?

[@kennyboy7971]

Mini would be nice keep screen size and the lay out

[@SledgemanGuitar]

That keyboard is absolutely stunning! 😍 Great review as always! Two big thumbs up! 🙂 Imagine if that blank space to the left on the keyboard was an XY pad! 🤯

[@RecordingStudioLoser]

This is nuts… I need one

[@DerekPower]

The rebirth of the Origin. Still waiting for the Keylab mk3 myself =D

[@UndergroundMusicGroup]

Does kontakt work with this? Like kontakt on the go with out using a pc or ipad

[@musicieniihizq]

No Kontakt. Analog Lab/Arturia VST's.

[@simbaking6338]

World first round rotable screen...how cool is that? (just need the scrreen more bigger & is a touchscreen...hope no other brand steal that idea)........Arturia being really creative & innovative.......wish they never ditch the sliders though.

[@HOLLASOUNDS]

Its got a physical modelling digital synth inside it which is being used to copy or make Arturia Analog lab presets and functions stand alone.

[@omlecado]

I was super excited when I got the email from Arturia. Hope to get this awesome instrument sometime soon! Great vid as always Sanjay!

[@_mickmccarthy]

If they made this with a DAW setup similar to the Akai MPC keys it'd be a proper winner! Granted this looks useful for the gigging musician, but probably not of much interest to the producers that I imagine your channel is more popular with.

[@PtownCaDaBay]

the screen is just too small. There's some things I like about it. Using it with your daw having the zero latency is pretty cool. I don't know if any other companies are doing that. I like it. I bought the original analog laboratory keyboard Because I liked what I saw with doing the hybrid thing. at the time it was the only keyboard that was doing it. That I know of. I still got my keyboard the keys turn yellow I restored it. Then a screw broke off inside and got stuck under a key and cracked the key. waiting to fix it again.

[@margaretchristo6859]

This was a great demo of Arturia’s Astrolab. You did a great job. Thank you Sanjay C. Good to have you back after a short break. I saw a cute white dog walk by in the video. Did you get a new dog?

[@SanjayC]

Thank you! Good to be back. That's my sister's dog. She's always happy and cute!

[@agnibhchakraborty1116]

I myself am first a keyboardist then a producer and for me its really cool to see brands making session musician oriented equipment but I still see myself using the Yamaha MODX

[@thenextmrsbrownful]

If it has no CPU clipping issues that Pigments or other patches can cause on a laptop. The gap between the screen and mod wheel is obviously going to be for adding drum pads on the next model. It would be great if it was workstationable like a Kronos or old M1 or Trinity. Being able to have midi or audio at the same time is great without having to render it.

[@altrogeruvah]

Linux saves the day again! Jokes aside, I hope to see more software vendors supporting Linux in the near future, especially with the CLAP format allowing effortless development and support for all systems at once.

[@lamardoss]

Looks great. Really was hoping for more of a flagship device though. Looking forward to when they release a new board with full weighted keys. Not semi. Holy mess. That loud click on the buttons is horrible. Def need that gone. Even on stage, that click sound is a bit much.

[@ktvbeatz5560]

Native Instruments could kill with a concept like this for their plugins

[@Shepard7]

Whenever I want a true review with good quality, trust and enjoyment I go to your channel Sanjay. God bless you and your family.

[@PaceyPimp]

Still waiting on the KeyLab MK3

[@brandonleemoss]

We're all waiting on it😢 This is just a big gimmick imo

[@PaceyPimp]

@@brandonleemoss totally agree 👍🏼

[@mont-doggBeats]

But I heard it doesn’t do the 16 channel of midi out of the astrolab. Meaning say for example i have my mpc and I connect the astrolab as a sound module and want to put different instruments on separate tracks inside the mpc

[@SMAAAASHTV]

The fact that they have a huge area on the left with nothing, but decided to use a tiny circular screen in the middle is mind boggling. They should have included a 5 or 6 inch touch screen and put a regular encoder knob next to it for optional navigation. Not sure who at Arturia decided to make this without consulting people who would be using it, cause I can't believe no one brought this up before they went into production.

[@thelinkofperfectioncharity9469]

They arrIved to that product very smoothly😊

[@medusasound7396]

1:58 sounds so good (the others aswell) does anyone know the preset and plugin?

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

what about Input/Output audio connection?... where are the speakers connect to?....

[@cthulholmhastur5317]

I was skeptical. But...the tones are beautiful. I'm a believer. Also... Liked and subscribed!

[@vatsalismusic]

Arturia is working towards the future for Sure!

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, I agree...this is a step in a cool direction for them

[@odmusicman]

The Modx7+ now runs neck a neck in price and I think with the Modx7 screen, extra keys and infinitely better navigation with easy search and much more editing and DAW control, it easily beats this offering. I am quite surprised at the dinky screen for playing out.

[@George75869]

For that price you could get a used m1 mac book and an arturia mk2 midi keyboard and then use the sample pads as switcher between sounds for live usage.

[@zurlocker1]

Thanks. Looks really cool. So you can't use it as MIDI controller for Logic Pro? That seems weird!

[@teddybeargram3]

I wonder how many presets you can save on the astro keyboard.

[@Diddddu]

Can't lie this is pretty sick was not expecting this.I will most likely be picking up one of these

[@CornelioAustin]

This is actually incredible

[@lance134679]

This is a great idea. I really like VST instruments, but they always need to run inside my DAW and I have to set my drivers to low latency and turn off the other VST effects in the project. Nice to be able to have access them outside a PC/Mac. Hopefully it will run virtual instruments Arturia releases in the future. Thanks.

[@tsbs7s]

Pretty sure next year we'll have the more expensive "Astrolab Pro" with probably bigger screen and more controls on that blank surface on the left!!

[@ForecastGrim]

For 3500?

[@indigosnow_]

I dig it! Im set with the siftware and the keylab essential mkiii fir now but if I ever upgrade to performing live more often I'd totally consider this. Currently using a Juno DS61 for live stuff

[@athag1]

How do you get sounds without a laptop? What do I need?

[@paulfabian7274]

This is a no-brainer for Arturia VST performers. The Holy Grail, in my humble opinion, is for all major industry players to establish a standard Linux operating system that any VST maker can create virtual synths for. If I could play Arturia VSTs, Dexed, and the awesome, free OB-Xd on the same box without a computer attached, I'd be set. Then companies could compete building their own VST hosting keyboards.

[@phelper4554]

Looks great but as we know Arturia next year they will have a better version with better screen more encoders more cpu and and and and… or maybe they make a groovebox out of it with sequencer and Ableton link ❤ I mean everybody has keyboard already

[@HonorV2ultimate1tb]

wil there b an 88 key version?....

[@cameronpritchard626]

This looks really nice, very slick and it really looks like an Arturia product

[@SanjayC]

Yeah they did a great job with the design for sure. Do you think you'd use something like this?

[@cameronpritchard626]

@@SanjayC I definitely would, I’d scrap my current mini lab and just rely on this, and I’d take it out live too, is there a dedicated headphone out?

[@KandMe1]

I see there is a nice sized space for placing your iPad, makes me wonder about potential for using it in tandem with mobile apps and all.

[@alice10888]

I am not a keyboard collector or one who’s gotta have the newest gear. But I got this on the day it came out. Am liking it and being inspired by it so far 😋

[@Rubencinto]

I have a very very important question, can I use mainstage to control? How many splits can you do on this keyboard?

[@guymorrison4800]

I was wondering whether they would make Pigments a hardware instrument - thought they should. This looks like part of the way there. Hardware Pigments would be fairly elaborate though

[@djdman999]

Do the instrument buttons also double as favorite buttons for live recall of sounds?

[@rickoneill4343]

Why no full screen though? Tablet integration?

[@grandmasterjo1]

Nice attempt by Arturia. On the right side of the mod wheel is almost 6x6 inches of real estate Arturia could have easily had a touch screen The little screen on the dial is disappointing This could help with editing and using the lab software Lastly they could have priced it at $999 🤪🤪

[@thomasneumeier1058]

that s great stuff, they run it on linux you said? this means they could make it available for linux as well, right?

[@Screaming-Trees]

Not sure. I would be interested if it was a way to have V collection without the computer. For the simple reason that the V collection UIs are a little RAM heavy. But if it's just preset surfing that is less appealing. I'm sure some will love it and have a use case for this.

[@pratitghosh5973]

Sanjay, I got a question for you. With Astrolab being able to control so many synths, both analog-styled Arturia synths and the more modern Pigments... What would you choose between this and Polybrute? If you absolutely HAD to choose? And why?

[@SanjayC]

Oh man...they are different beasts completely! I think it will come down to what you want to do on the road (or without a computer). If you intend to sound design, ten the Polybrute will let you get into the details on the road. If you just need to pull up presets and tweak them a bit (but really want TONS of various synth sounds), then get the Astrolab. I hope that helps.

[@pratitghosh5973]

@@SanjayC Yeah, that's true. Thank You! It does help!

[@lance134679]

I'm getting Deja vu of the Muse Receptor...

[@manofmatter.yvezchannel]

Did you say layering and light guides?

[@andorvanreevenmusic8123]

The future is here. This keyboard is for me a good addition to my studio. Thanks for the review!❤

[@simonbay3044]

Is it possible to run multiple sound presets simultaneously in different key zones? Arturia's Analog Lab only supports two sound layers in one preset (as far as I know). My current live setup is based on a MacBook with Mainstage, where I can set up multiple zones with multiple instances of AUs, which I definitely make heavy use of. At the same time, Arturia's sounds are so good that I've been using their plugins 90% of the time over the last few years. In order to have a more compact setup (ideally without a laptop) on stage, it would be very helpful if at least 2-3 Arturia presets could be spread across the keyboard.

[@simonbay3044]

Alternatively: How quickly does AstroLab switch between presets? Is it possible to switch between presets seamlessly via footswitch without audio dropouts (e.g. that a sound can still be held while I am already loading the new preset)?

[@MediaMusik777]

Pitch bend mod wheel are in wrong place

[@duggepoguisaac5926]

Extraordinary 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 great move of arturia

[@SanjayC]

Yeah, I think its pretty genius of them to get the performers into their instruments.

[@klyklyklykly]

Hey Sanjay, thank you for this review! day reckon they will do an astrolab 88 soon?

[@chandruc196]

nicely explained bro

[@browniac]

Is this keybed the same as in the Keylab Essential?