ARTURIA ASTROLAB Unboxing, First Impressions & Demo

The ARTURIA ASTROLAB Avante Garde STAGE KEYBOARD is IN THE SHACK! Leisurely unboxing, discussion, first impressions review and demo of this very interesting synth slash keyboard hosting best of ARTURIA V COLLECTION and ANALOG LAB plugin VST software instruments.
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[@NoirEtBlancVie]

👏🏾 Very happy they got you one Woody! I think you’re so the right musician to try it out! Enjoying watching you test it! 🍿

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hey noir, enjoyed your take on it too, thanks!

[@mr_floydst]

Congrats, they sent you one! This looks so nice. That it sounds great was to be expected.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks, yes if you have already played arturia software then it will come as no surprise how nice it sounds

[@barryward7633]

Very nice indeed, and yes I did watch the whole episode Woody apart from a interruption part the way through so put you on pause, once again thanks for all the hard put into making this for us, cheers from New Zealand.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

Cool, thanks!

[@ChrisP3000x]

Very informative video as usual. Thanks!

[@johnnyb9654]

Amazing playing (and sounds)!

[@mariodumitrescu8881]

I’m still watching ❤😂

[@timweinheimer1]

Thanks Woody for your in detailed unboxing.I Use the Analog Lab software with KeyLab MK plus other Arturia MIDI controllers.Arturia just keeps building on great ideas.

[@lundsweden]

First things first, doing we all love that little, round screen! 😅

[@sergiodeoliveira5358]

I just can’t get past the round screen. If this is geared towards live performance, it’s at a disadvantage with the 7 inch touchscreens on Fantom’s and Montages. Price seems high for what you get. You can buy V Collection, a controller and a decent MacBook Air for same amount of money.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yep, not gonna lie, that's all true, factor in an audio interface as well tho

[@chrisbunchofflowersmusic]

You are a very funny guy....but I like it the way how you explain everything. Thanks a lot. Many regards from Chris Bunch of flowers music

[@furiobisotti8150]

It's a huge step forward to allow fast use of VSTs when playing live. But I am too in love with plugins which are not Arturia so I prefer going on stage with 2 controllers, one MacBookPro and one audio board. Software like GigPerformer makes everything extremely powerful.

[@ServingMyJesus]

I was at IMSTA London today, 1st June and the gentleman I was speaking to at the Arturia stand said that they were sending you an Astrolab.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

that's pretty astonishing that he would know that!

[@ServingMyJesus]

@@WoodyPianoShack I was asking how many of these units were sent out worldwide pre release as there were a load of videos on KZbin about the Astrolab on release day. I then said that you had not done a review. That is when he mentioned that they were sending you a unit.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@ServingMyJesus COOL! and thx for mentioning me

[@exhumus]

My GAS for this is strong even though I have absolutely no need for a stage keyboard that's only going to sit right next to the PC with all the same plugins installed on it. My only complaint is that Pigments, SQ80 V, CS80 V, and other are poly aftertouch capable. A channel aftertouch keyboard is a conspicuous limitation at this price point.

[@offworldsynths2019]

Very enjoyable video,woody!

[@Denvermorgan2000]

Beautiful instrument thanks for the video I did watch to the end.

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

I guess this is a perfect hardware addition to the Arturia VST suite. You could use their VSTs for production and sound design, then you use this on stage. But I am still a Roland addict

[@PearlPaisley]

Love the sounds on this one. Warm, rich and luscious. You should do a full version of "the way it" is btw. Sounds great on this keyboard 🙂

[@arcanics1971]

It's a good looking piece of kit, isn't it? And yes I was still watching when you got to the sounds. Still very intrigued by this thing. I look forward to a fuller demo of the patches. But nice vid so far, sir.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

thanks. appreciated! yes a most intriguing keyboard, i fully agree, will sort out the playing video pronto as soon as i finish the garden work

[@kenstephens2955]

Thanks Woodie!

[@touchthatdial]

Thanks for this, great video as always. FWIW I just A-B tested an Astrolab against a Nord Electro 6D 61 key version. I'm looking for a compact stage keyboard with great pianos, EPs and other sounds. I was v impressed by the build quality of the Astrolab, and while the rotary screen thing seems like a gimmick at first I quite liked it. What really surprised me, in a bad way, was the keyboard. I like good quality semi-weighted waterfall keys (like on Nords, Yamaha YC61 etc) and thought the Astrolab would be a contender (although not waterfall). But it wasn't. The keys felt quite flimsy, very lightweight for a semiweighted action and with really sharp edges in between the white notes. Going from the Astrolab to the Electro 6D was like day after night by comparison, I was really surprised how great the Nord keyboard felt after the Astrolab. Spent about 20 minutes with each keyboard... and FWIW I bought the Nord. I know keyboard action is v much a personal preference thing. But it felt like Arturia didn't compromise on build quality with the Astrolab apart from the keybed, which was really disappointing. An Astrolab with a Fatar TP8O as used in the Nord would be superb IMO.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

great observations, i totally agree. good catch on the sharp edges, it is something I notice when playing large intervals

[@pianomikeoct]

I just got one for myself, maybe you can explain how to save and explain how to find it after you stored it and also how to bring it back up layer quickly. I am not good with tech explanations in the manual.

[@tom221263]

Woody for president!

[@sams110571]

Somebody’s learned his Bruce Hornsby very well 😍

[@WoodyPianoShack]

just gettin started :)

[@Zypinz]

niceeee

[@pizzagogo6151]

Agree with the other commenters, when saw this I thought be right up his alley. This is for someone that’s wants quality sounds as “ plug & play” with minimum hassle which is no criticism but that’s my impression of Woodys approach to instruments. Yes I do think It’s a bit pricey& a bit too much of form over function- but that’s never done Apple any harm 😉 If it wasn’t such a loaded term I’d tempted to call this equivalent to a modern “ rompler”.😅

[@KidMrRemixes]

Panerai Radiomir? 16:40 the scribbled pencil on the back panel adds a lovely touch to the finish! 😂

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i wish...! darn my shaky pointing hand!

[@MusicOfDreamweaver]

When I saw this board, I really liked it and was entertaining getting one... until I saw the pricetag. Given the feature set, I feel it is a wonderfull companion to a more knob pr function synth, but this is so expensive and no 88 keys means that I'd prefer to have two more keyboards. A great idea, but it's in bad spot pricewise I think.

[@htheman1971]

Next time, Arturia needs to give you first testing rights as your videos are very informative and you go deep into the products that you test and review.

[@raul0ca]

If anything could use a 7" color screen after the Arturia Orgin this is it

[@zoomzoom3950]

I ordered an AstroLab as soon as it was available; I've been using V Collection for years, and Pigments since it was released. Only complaint is the time to change patches can be long

[@WoodyPianoShack]

congrats on yours and thanks for confirming my findings

[@ivanivkovicmusic]

Man you need to try the Korg Modwave! It sounds like u-he Hive in a hardware, and better. Simply the best synth modern sounding I have EVER heard.

[@tecnos-uk]

Why are screens on hardware keyboards getting so small these days? The screen on this thing looks like a smart watch lol

[@ChrisP3000x]

It attracts it primary market......casuals and hipsters.

[@eprohoda]

How u doing?, Woody, you created breathtaking masterpiece-

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i'm doing even better now and reading that!

[@ericnataf9206]

Thanks to you , i was on my way to order it as a modul conecting to my 88 key roland rd 2000, You mentioned that there is a delay of 2 -4 seconds when lowding patchs or sounds , it is critical , cant use it when playing live

[@frenchysound]

@ericnataf9206 the 2-4 seconds comment is somewhat misleading. Most presets load instantaneously, definetely under 1s. It's mainly some of the Augmented instruments (Augmented Strings, Voices and Grand Piano) that can take a few seconds to load, due to their large sample-based layers, and possibly some Pigments presets (again, only the ones using large sample-layers). But all the modeled instruments (physical models or synth models) load very fast. Also, it should be noted that if the current preset is still playing sustained notes (sustain pedal or holding the keys down), the sustained audio does not cut out when switching preset (even while an Augmented instruments is loading), but only when new keys are pressed after the new preset has been switched.

[@marcom.]

Love this Keyboard - if you don't need it anymore please send it to me, Woody. :)

[@jamietopolski4019]

My favorite feature is the LED rings that change to reflect each patch as it is loaded (combined with endless encoders). On all my keyboards, I am so tired of parameters jumping whenever I touch a knob or fader (or doing nothing until I reach the "latch point"). The only other keyboard that I know of that implemented something like this is the Nord Lead 3. I can't understand why this feature isn't more common.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

must come down to the increased cost for led encoders i guess, but becoming quite common on flagship instruments

[@canipoable]

17:00 Unfortunately I don't think it's a nice design. The computer USB C next to the USB A is prone to costly mistakes. I myself damaged part of the synth functionality with regards to MIDI playback when I disconnected the USB C cable from the back to reconnect it back in only to hear a high pitch sound from my speakers resulting from some likely short circuit. I noticed that when I was reconnecting it I did touched the USB A port. The design should have placed more separation between both ports. Sometimes people will disconnect and reconnect a cable from the back panel without seeing where they are inserting it back, especially when the keyboard is sitting in a tight desk.

[@MrDejanPesic]

Finally!

[@tlkshowhst]

Sounds amazing. Great build quality. I just wish the iOS app would connect to it. Are you able to use it?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

not tested app connectivity yet, or pc integration

[@AndrewAHayes]

Are the 10 favourite buttons quicker in loading? they would have to be for performances!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

will have to test that out, good question, gut feeling, no difference in load times, it's just a shortcut to select the sound, perhaps other owners can chime in, thanks

[@chrisdavies9143]

They aren't offering any noticeable advantage in loading times as far as I can tell. Just handy for those who have some well worn presets they want to be able to select quickly. The time between patch changes is one of my biggest issues with this keyboard (polyphony being the other big issue for me)

[@moogy77]

Thanks!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

hej there moogy, thanks for your generosity and support, have a good one! :)

[@MarcoZambardi]

to be a stage keyboard there are some design flaws imo, all the control are on the right / far right and this make complicated on-the fly adjustment using your left hand (as usually happens on stage), shift functions requires two hands to be reached (one hand to keep shift button down - no hold option unfortunately - and one hand to move the knob)s. Arp has not a tap tempo, to set or adjust the tempo you need to dive into arp menu, so unless you programm arp / sequence in advance and play to click, there is no way to use it live on the fly. patch loading in some cases take several seconds (thought luckly there is no sound cut of the previous patch). having to spend additional money to access "normal programming parameters" is a bit of a blocker. using the screen as "enter button" sometimes is not always working at first push. thought the build quality has a premium feeling.

[@gowithgoldstraw]

Emjoyable video, Woody, thanks. It’s a good-looking unit and I really wanted to like it, but as a stage instrument it has too many limitations, particularly polyphony and those patch load times. Plus it’s the same price as a MODX+ which has far deeper editing, much better polyphony, a full-size touch screen AND an audio interface built in which, coupled with a laptop or iPad, brings more possibilities for expansion too.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yep, good call, modx is a great value competitor. having both, i would say that the analogue and digital synth emulations are more accurate and nicer sounding on the astro, 2nd to none in fact for a hardware synth. but you gotta deal with the 8 note poly! :)

[@levidiemaschine6147]

So i have a few questions that may be dumb(i am a noob lol). So how does the sound come out of the thing, is there soundboxes in there and does it sound good? 2. question: So it comes with all the presets. So i can also play the keyboard when connected to my mac book, and play these notes with all its presets in my daw, even if i havent bought the stuff that the astrolab already brings? Thanks already if somebody answers me

[@66guidos]

Great video! You drew on it with a pencil :D

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i may have slightly done that, yes :)

[@rjakiel73]

Nice package but bang for buck I’d rather pick up a used Yamaha MX61, cheap iPad for Loopy Pro and FM Essentials and Melas Tools to modify to your hearts content. In the process save about $700. If you’re fixed on semi weighted keys just grab a MODX6 for about $900-$1000 coupled with Soundmondo and Melas Tools and still have $500 or so left in your pocket. If Arturia could bring this in closer to $1,100 - $1,200 instead of $1,600 they’d have something.

[@pmsrodrigues]

Yeah, using a pencil with the lead forward to point at things is rarely a good idea. 😁

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i have extremaly good hand eye coordination. but my shaky fingers could lead to disaster so you may have a point

[@FLH3official]

Thanks for the review. Cute keyboard. Well, 8 notes of polyphony, not a lot and a little bit short for pro use with strings, pads and piano, in my opinion. Even 16 is not enough today. But if you have Analog Lab V on your laptop, with same sounds, you can have a lot more if needed. Maybe Arturia will launch a "pro version" of it soon?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

yes, in my testing of this, with my playing style you will get note stealing on the synth part when doing piano pad layers. this is the pro version afaik, would not be surprised to see a budget version though in the future, plastic, cheap keys etc...

[@FLH3official]

@@WoodyPianoShack A budget version, with 4 motes of polyphony? 😁 Anyway, as I said, with a keyboard, a laptop and an Analog V licence (free with an Arturia keyboard) you can solve the problem.

[@YotamPiano]

Very nice, Woody . Congratz ! Are you gonna keep it?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

for the foreseeable future yes :D

[@timrichmond5226]

I did watch all the way through and my main concern still remains, this is just a restricted version of Analog lab in a very nice chassis. I use NI kontrol S88 MK3 which gives me access to analog lab and on a huge screen with physical controls. I get that for stage you might want something easy that you can setup quickly. But when I play live all I need is my laptop and kontrol. I know you have a kontrol S61 mk3 so would be interesting to do a comparison between Astrolab and analog lab. I love the aesthetics of the Astrolab, but just think it's a lot easier and gets better results from the software version.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

the s61 would make a killer controller for analog lab, and given that it is NKS compatible, you can browse patches by genre, tags, and have access to all the macro controls. pretty similar to the experience of astrolab i suppose, for studio use!

[@timrichmond5226]

@@WoodyPianoShack ah I thought I saw you with one, is yours the 49?

[@musicmaniac1965keyboard]

Loading time for sounds? Howcome other high end keyboards only have a boot up time, but swapping instruments is instantaniously? How can this new synth screw that up? If you make music in a studio recording everyting seperatly will be no problem, but if you play live, and want to swap sound, that would be cringe worthy.... I wonder for what kind of musician this instrument was made for. Who accepts a avarge loading time from 3 seconds? (as i hear you say it can be from 2 to 4 seconds, so i take it that the avarge time would be 3 seconds) Since i never owned a synth, i wonder if other brands also have this? Thanks for this unboxing and sound demos. Have a nice day. Kind regards, Ronald.

[@frenchysound]

@musicmaniac1965keyboard : The 2-4 seconds comment is somewhat misleading. Most presets load instantaneously, definetely under 1s. It's mainly some of the Augmented instruments (Augmented Strings, Voices and Grand Piano) that can take a few seconds to load, due to their large sample-based layers, and possibly some Pigments presets (again, only the ones using large sample-layers). But all the modeled instruments (physical models or synth models) load very fast. Also, it should be noted that if the current preset is still playing sustained notes (sustain pedal or holding the keys down), the sustained audio does not cut out when switching preset (even while an Augmented instruments is loading), but only when new keys are pressed after the new preset has been switched.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

no other keyboard workstations have such loading times, maybe akai mpc keys which is also a vst plugin host basically. if you are browsing presets in a category, for example piano, then each new sound will often take a few seconds to load in my experience. I wonder if this could be fixed in software by loading all instrument engines into memory when starting the machine so they are always cached and ready to go.

[@robinwindsrygg9568]

That screw connector has me a bit worried. By essentially extending the plug, wouldn’t this add external leverage and thereby increasing movement on the internals?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

no need to worry, the socket is mounted to the back panel so no strain going to the internals. although if you tripped on the cable, you might break it instead of pulling out the plug.

[@db7643]

I confess I hevent read all the comments so it may have been mentioned. You noted the lack of USB audio, but I thought if you were connected to the PC you would basically use the computer based versions of the instruments to generate the sounds anyway. I know that is not compulsory, but if you are modifying sounds and auditioning them would that not be the asiest way?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you're right, but how do you hear the sounds that you are playing on the pc. you will have to plugin usb audio interface, and then take out headphones from the astro and plug in to your audio interface to hear the analog lab software.

[@croolis]

Nice looking and sounding synth .. i'd find the 8 note polyphony a bit worrying in what seems to be mostly a performance-oriented synth. How does the keyboard feel quality-wise? Arturia aren't exactly known for their high quality keybeds!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

probably prefer my nord electro over this, but i've enjoyed those for decades. quality wise i can't find anything to complain about, perhaps plastic keys feel a bit thin and hollow if i am picky. action feels fine. you need to try one for yourself!

[@croolis]

@@WoodyPianoShack I think I will, and thank you for the insightful reply. Did you ever feel it running out of polyphony when playing legato / with a sustain pedal ?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@croolis not with the piano sounds, but if you layer piano with synth, then you hear the synth cutting out, even without pedal

[@aleksandarbonchev2593]

Please, compare the keybad with korg PA5X. Thanks 😀

[@WoodyPianoShack]

pa5x wins! but that is better than any other i have played in years, as you would expect on a 5k keyboard :) long key action is the major difference and just the smooth feeling and perfect weighting.

[@adoxographer]

Looks very nice, but so expensive!

[@moogy77]

Mini Moog's volume was on the right.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

minimoog?

[@janpieternieman5295]

Still watching 🙈😂

[@Acrimonious_Snake]

Ha, a great example of how the design of this keyboard is so much better than the functionality. Loading time, editing options, effects and polyphony make my Juno DS laugh. I also prefer the sound of the DS.

[@RobinPalmerTV]

It would be nice if they developed an app to connect with an iPad or something for a larger display but it looks like a nice quirky thing and sounds great. They have some niggles to workout,

[@WoodyPianoShack]

arturia told me that there is an app for this, presumably connect over wifi or bluetooth, came as a surprise to me since i never saw that mentioned anywhere

[@RobinPalmerTV]

@@WoodyPianoShack Oh? I've not seen anyone mention anything in a review!

[@chrisdavies9143]

Can confirm, it's called Astrolab Connect. Works on apple and android. It allows you to browse, manage and upload presets.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@RobinPalmerTV apps.apple.com/se/app/astrolab-connect/id6471487067

[@paulkerlin6823]

Watching

[@djkanyon]

It seems like they kinda fixed poor keybeds Arturia tends to have on cheaper models. Good move on their part. Also had a chance to try this screen. Dammit still can't see a thing on the screen without my second pair of glasses! ... Why ppl doing that is beyond me. Maybe they will have new model with big screen?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

accessibility for people with less than perfect eyesight seems to me to be ignored by designers of nearly all synths with screen UIs, correct me if i'm wrong

[@djkanyon]

@@WoodyPianoShack this one is too small for me, i can see a lot on Fantom and Genos and of course MPC 37 but at least font is very very sharp, gotta give them that

[@calikokat100]

Nice looking keyboard ..what does semi weighted mean ?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

weighted would mean that there are weights under each key, to make them less springy, but good question, what is semi weighted? every other key has a weight, or just the white ones...? :)

[@johnzzhou9537]

Manufacture?

[@kinnikushiba]

which knobs correspond to ADSR? Like on Analog Lab.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you get an envelope time knob on hardware. it kind of adjusts them all.. that's it.

[@kinnikushiba]

@@WoodyPianoShack that sound like an undeniable omission considering ADSR id front and center in Analog Lab

[@ChrisP3000x]

@@kinnikushiba It looks to be created/marketed for the casual-home-preset-player-applehipster market, whereby the majority of which don't know (or care) what ADSR is in the 1st place.

[@vibetone355]

Does the washer have a sequencers and filters

[@WoodyPianoShack]

got lfos!

[@vibetone355]

@@WoodyPianoShack l live in a mobile park home when the washer is on a certain cycle the walls vibrate l have to hang on to keyboards and stuff 😧

[@ultrium2000]

So how good or bad the keys are?

[@WoodyPianoShack]

as always you gotta try one out yourself, very hard to describe actions and preferences are a personal thing, what good for me might be awful fo you! the quality of the keys feels pretty good so far.

[@leslie1526]

Keyboard remind me of crappy maudio old keyboard Why Arturia doesn’t use Fatar keybeds on their premium keyboards instead of opting cheap alternatives?!

[@leslie1526]

Your comment about display says it all. - use magnifying glass 😂

[@ginises83]

Why only 61 notes? 🤔🤔

[@WoodyPianoShack]

well, wouldn't be too surprising to see additional models in future if this one is success for arturia

[@wkelly-hn4kb]

Good shirts .nice pianos . Forgive me for trying ..but couldnt there be an output to connect an ipad or some screen to see what the fk youre doing at a glance ? The wheel is cute but needent be miniature

[@WoodyPianoShack]

you are supposed to connect it to PC and edit it on the analog lab software.

[@fburton8]

Bit of a three body problem going on there in the boot up.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

what kind of problem is that, sorry?

[@fburton8]

@@WoodyPianoShack Sci-fi reference, sorry! I’m currently obsessed with the Netflix series based on the novel The Three-Body Problem. It’s premised on the unpredictability of trajectories when 3 stars orbit each other. Didn’t mean to alarm you there, Woody!

[@jeanpepin5869]

Music with a cheap computer for a typewriter revolution. ;)

[@nonsuch]

Well, the haven't improved their keybeds. Look at how uneven the keys are. That's a shame.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

someone else said that when i posted a photograph, i have not noticed this in person, will have to check later

[@nonsuch]

​@@WoodyPianoShack Look at the angle as we are seeing you play it in the video, I guess the head on camera's perspective. It may not be noticable when your playing it. Unfortunately, I'm a bit sensitive to uneven keys now having my Keylab 61 open 3 times to fix them.

[@b00ts4ndc4ts]

The most pointless keyboard ever made. A midi keyboard and a laptop with Arturia's software is still way cheaper and just as good.

[@kris_lx]

30 minutes of talking, 3 minutes of actual synth sounds.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i have a lot to say about this synth! don't fear, lots of playing to come.

[@leslie1526]

You should NOT post videos with your dishwashers running in background-common sense 🤣

[@WoodyPianoShack]

dishes have to be washed. but it was inaudible, why are you upset about this?

[@oblitafier]

23 minutes into a 33 minute video before you switch it on is too much, Woody. You do you of course, but I hope feedback is welcome.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

u're not wrong and thx for the feedback! thank goodness for the fast forward and skip ahead buttons!

[@qqryqq123]

1500 euro device with no usb audio...? No, thanks.

[@WoodyPianoShack]

i am hopeful it could be added in firmware.... what do you all think?

[@qqryqq123]

@@WoodyPianoShack not sure.. I think it would need additional hardware (adc/dac). On the other hand there must be a couple of those on the board already so perhaps it is possible via firmware . It's just a shame that they excluded that (and rather surprising considering the fact that they do Arturia software which would be an excellent match for the instrument)

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@@qqryqq123 it's a very puzzling omission, which makes me hopeful that their USB chipset supports it, but they didn't get the software done in time.. wishful thinking probably.