Arturia AstroLab Review // pros, cons and one sneaky way to make the most of it

[@blinksy7201]

it's dope it has a nest thermostat glued on top. Don't even need to get up to change the temp.

[@gffg387]

LOL

[@Healthy_Toki]

*sits at keyboard and effortlessly makes the place cooler*

[@PBVideo1962]

Probably a pigment of their imagination…or the product manager shouted just be hive ….sorry

[@perge_music]

Lets you know the temp of your jams

[@StroberTube]

🤣🤣🤣

[@Distortic]

1999 is a bit steep for what it is, that said this is EXACTLY what I have been saying the market has been missing. Not a daw in a box but something that brings powerful VST instruments to a stable stage instrument. Pigments happes to be my favorite virtual synth, so this is high on my list now

[@larsuk9578]

£1350 in the UK…

[@biko1973]

$1599 USD

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

You mean like MPC Keys?

[@americoperez810]

​@@BrunodeSouzaLino MPC keys and Astrolab are different products. The Astrolab is meant to compete with other Stage keyboards - i.e. more geared towards professional live gigging. Not to say it can't be used by non professionals in a non live setting. The MPC keys competes more with a Workstation-in-a-box or Standalone DAWless gear Also, the MPC keys synths can't compare with the YEARS of sound design experience that Arturia has put into this. Not to mention that you can tweak every single parameter of every synth that's on the Astrolab if you use the App or connect it to your PC. So the sound design depth is definitely there. Again though, that's not really what this keyboard is trying to be. No professional is going to be on stage sound designing live.

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

@americoperez810 And no professional is gonna use this AstroLab on stage either. For starters, it's too slow. You're still tied to an app on another device, which means this isn't standalone. This thing has no controls on its face, which means you have very limited tweakability on layers and things of that sort. Now go look at a Yamaha YC or Nord Electro/Stage and see how much more stuff they have by comparison.

[@daveparker9855]

I'll add a different perspective on this based on some recent experience. Sorry for the long post. This is obviously designed for a specific crowd. I could see this being hot for the synth pop world and some other realms. Gigging. Maybe/maybe not pro level touring, depends. Preset players surely. I like the idea of crafting some tunes/sounds in your DAW using the V collection, tossing the presets into your Astrolab and you're off to a gig. I really don't think they had the studio in mind here, I think they made that clear and it makes sense. Contrary to what seems to be popular belief I think they really thought this thru and are on an interesting path. Here's a scenario where this could work really well- I recently played a run of shows, same setlist every night. Had to recreate sounds from material that I mostly didn't play on, I had some stems but I didn't have access to the original sessions/plugins etc and I had to recreate all sounds. I used my Nord Wave 2 (which I love) because the material was synth heavy and I needed to sample some sounds. Some of these sounds were made on the ACTUAL vintage gear that Artuia modeled. All of my sound design was done before rehearsal and was done in my home studio. I needed ALL the knobs at this point, I'm purely in sound design mode and using my laptop constantly anyway to listen to the tracks, cut samples up, backup, move presets around, practice etc. The other thing I needed at this point was a huge variety of sounds/ synth engines etc, which the V collection has. I can't recreate everything accurately enough with my Nord alone. I could easily see myself using my V collection and my MK3 (or whatever your fav midi controller is) to do this. Then just dump my presets into Astrolab when i'm done. That's pretty cool! I'm done with sound design by the time I get to rehearsal and I'm basically just tweaking a volume here and there. For the shows I'm not tweaking anything past the first night or 2. I def don't need my laptop again after rehearsal. Nor would I want a laptop/ interface set up every night. I want it to be as simple as possible and standalone. How many controls did I realistically need for rehearsal and shows? Sustain pedal, expression pedal, pitch bend, mod wheel, volume and like 1 or 2 other knobs here and there for fx/filter/etc. That's it. I'll admit that I didn't even use aftertouch. What about sequencing/other bells and whistles? That was a different set of gear. More key splits? 61 keys split too many ways isn't all that playable. I'm not saying they completely knocked it out of the park in every way with this one and I have no idea how good the build quality is, what it's like to actually use etc, I haven't touched it. I am VERY curious to see how this progresses. I think the idea is awesome! I'd bet they really get this idea down in the future based on customer feedback/ real life use. I'm not gonna nit pick it now. And yes, I know there are lots of other options. I'll keep my eye on it and see what happens. I have a lot of questions that can only be answered by getting my hands on one but I could easily see this being a great/useful accompaniment to my Nord in the future as long as it's durable. My Nord survived life in a trailer for a few weeks including some unintentional offroading in the desert, but that's another story lol (don't skimp on road cases). Hope that helps!

[@JonValtandtheEvilRobots]

What you said is exactly right. I have a very complicated looking rig. And it can do all kinds of complicated stuff!!! But most of it is pre-worked out, pre wired, etc etc so that when I’m on stage, I can play with controls expressively rather than scramble to hit all the right buttons. Simple controls. Several expressions, pitch, arp on or off. Simple.

[@roszyknuke]

@@JonValtandtheEvilRobots The V collection needs to be included at this price point. If I need to spend hundreds of $$ more to get the full use of the Astrolab I'm saying NO.

[@Jonathan_Doe_]

They should’ve used all of that blank space on the left for a 7 inch screen that’s actually legible from playing position.

[@Etienne.6329]

Can't wait to see the badgear episode on that

[@Goettel]

Went from finding the round display silly to loving the idea of integrating a knob with a display within a few minutes, well played Arturia.

[@harveytherobot]

It's reminds me of a Nest thermostat.

[@mikemeengs5720]

It's pretty cool, isnt it?

[@GizzyDillespee]

New movie out now - Built 2 Last: Maybe. We could have a mud wrestling match between the Arturia Nest and the Sinclavier Swiper, to see who is more robust... who has more endurance? Who is faster? Which one is easier to dial/swipe thru different parameter ranges? Which one is less annoying? I'd also kinda be curious how Synclavier V presets sound out of this, compared to similar Synclavier Regen presets, if they were A/Bed on a similar recording system. That's a different video, tho. I'm sure someone will have both at some point, and the time.

[@bricelory9534]

It's almost like this product is for a different audience than more standard synths. I could see this being a powerhouse for live performance, non-studio work. Or just those who do sound design in a different session than they do recording. There is something freeing about not being able to worry about all the parameters when you're looking to compose and record.

[@echodub81]

It‘s exactly that.. products like fantom, nautilus, nordstage and such are the target market.. not the synth enthusiasts only

[@henrikhansen6617]

My thoughts too.

[@zoomzoom3950]

I've owned Arturia V collection for many years, have Pigments since it was released too. I have many patches I've created over the years, don't really tweak them unless I use them as a starting point for a new sound. Loading my patches into a small portable stage keyboard and not needing a computer for it is a win for my needs. Hoping I can add my KMI K-Board-Pro-4 to it over USB.

[@mvsr990]

The tiny screen, weird dial and no sequencing make it worse for "live performance, non-studio" work than the sub-$2000 workstations it's up against though.

[@emmafitzmaurice499]

I thought that until seeing the long load times and amount of shift function, they’re not conducive to live performance

[@MartinStuertzer]

Wow, you can play all Arturia synths standalone with your own presets? I am impressed! I really like the route Arturia is taking, also with the Minifreak's hard / soft integration.

[@MrTanukiD]

Almost there but Pigments in a box without even poly aftertouch feels like a crime.

[@RetiredEE]

Especially for $2K

[@marcbrasse747]

Just wondering about that. Agree.

[@AntonMochalin]

Do you actually use poly aftertouch midi devices with Pigments and if yes which ones?

[@MonadTransformer]

@@AntonMochalin I did use the Linnstrument with Pigments, and I find it has a pretty nasty quirk when it comes to PolyAT support. Namely when you release the key, the PolyAT value immediately goes to zero, and the Release curve of the ADSR envelope doesn't trigger. It seems like an obscure little thing, but when you modulate some critical parameter of the sound with PolyAT, like the volume, it makes the R part of the ADSR barely usable. You have an ADS envelope instead of ADSR. One way to deal with it is to channel the PolyAT pressure through the Lag combinator, but it has its downsides too. Also Pigments has no support for release velocity. The other Arturia instruments are worse in that regard, since none of them have the Lag combinator, and some have no support for MPE at all. Or very rudimentary support. Which is a shame because I really like the Arturia instruments otherwise, but I still end up using BitWig Grid.

[@MrTanukiD]

@@AntonMochalin I don't have a poly aftertouch keyboard so that might have tipped me into getting the Astrolab. Best control i have is using poly pressure with my MPC pads but it's not ideal.

[@jrnyfn]

Korg Nautilus 61 key is $1700 and a full on workstation.

[@JonesyTheCat]

Right, or MODX.

[@federicoagudelo5801]

yeah but it doesn't have the Arturia instruments which are on another level , including pigments.

[@SantiagoGT15]

This one is a very expensive preset machine

[@martyg374]

Not everyone wants/needs a workstation in every one of their keyboards.

[@drigodesousa]

For everyone commenting about Loopop uploading it b4 the announcement, they’re given instructions about when to upload. That’s why everyone uploaded at the same time.

[@sebastos1394]

Yes, but publish it after the end of the presentation would have been more appropriate.

[@Crushcarter]

​@sebastos1394 who cares at this point

[@sebastos1394]

@@Crushcarter , you're right, it's a detail...

[@torino1138]

Weird thing to care about

[@Matt-Horizon]

I think it's not meant to be in a studio. You can get the V collection and keylab for under a € 1000,-. This one looks all fancy and is meant to be played with, get the sounds you need for live quickly, you don't need another keyboard. This is not for me, but I can see why people would like this

[@droid-9]

Wow impressive glad you got to review it for us first!

[@JeffPalmer83]

This is a great idea and a decent execution, but...only bitimbral? 16-part layers/splits with "scenes" should be the expectation in 2024. Korg was doing this as far back as 2008 with OASYS.

[@cermet1320]

You buy a Arturia Keylab Essential mk3 > add a Windows Ipad > buy V collection when it is on sale and you have the most advanced all in one synth ever. You can control basic parameters and switch presets wirth the keyboard itself and adjust the synths themselves on the tablet.

[@ltsme_You]

dont even need to buy the V collection, it comes with the mk3

[@dirtyharry1881]

What is a windows ipad?

[@cermet1320]

@@ltsme_You maybe just analog lab pro?

[@cermet1320]

@@dirtyharry1881 I meant windows tablet :D

[@dirtyharry1881]

@@cermet1320 OK, I get it, but adding a 2-in-one machine, powerful enough to do this will add too much to the overall cost of the combination you are describing. It is still preferable to the 1700 € Arturia is asking for this weird thing, though.

[@greyaltaer8788]

Would be great in 19” format. Bit big for a preset box, but would be a great way to offload processing from a composer’s main machine, especially since Arturia typically use quality DACs and output hardware. Nice one Arturia

[@AlekVila]

I'm glad to see this direction for Arturia. How is the Astrolab latency compared to what we're used to from Yamaha/Roland? I found the Akai MPC 61-key latency too long, which is why I ask. One thing I don't like about working with plugins in a DAW is the latency, so that's part of what drives me to go DAWless. (Kinda bizarre to dedicate a button to Chord mode.)

[@djcrouton2680]

It’s interesting but pretty expensive to mostly just be able to play presets with minor adjustments unless you own the software as well. And if you have the software then you already have the sounds so then it’s a question on how much you prefer this keyboard over a different midi keyboard or if you really don’t want to take a laptop or do something like multi sample your sounds into a different hardware unit to go along with a midi controller. I don’t hate the idea of it and have a bunch of their software and like how a lot of their stuff sounds but to get full use out of this you’d need to own the software as well so your overall price goes up. Otherwise you have limited controls so you may as well just use multi-sampled versions. I’d either do that or use a laptop and midi controller with more controls mapped if I wanted more flexibility in control but can see this being a good fit for some people. Price still seems a bit high to me since it’s really a way to get more people into their ecosystem to buy more licenses and upgrades, which companies often do through lower cost hardware.

[@sundevil98]

“If you have a license…” This is where this falls shortest… Arturia is pretty good about including virtual instruments with their hardware… This should licenses for all the onboard instruments. C’mon Arturia… throw in a V collection and Pigments license with this thing.

[@jumpstar9000]

That and taking seconds to change presets. And that thermostat is going to get caught on stuff and broken off in no time if it really goes on stage.

[@stinkypete9070]

Yeah that’s my main gripe with it, overall I like it - who’s honestly sound designing on stage beyond a couple tweaks. Some are, but a lot aren’t, I don’t - but having to pay for the actual software to edit the sounds at home is a huge miss

[@joellanier]

Or give those of us who already own the licenses a break on the cost of the unit.

[@stinkypete9070]

@@joellanier Yeah, that would be great too.

[@roberthollander4522]

especially for THAT price. wow.

[@gazpacho22]

Thx guy, as usual so clear and useful to understand and discover sounds. You're the pal, pal

[@phranquepeasant7526]

I think it's beautiful.

[@preamble466]

our videos are always the best, thank you. Loved the outro music!

[@KordTaylor]

Another great video. Thank you! I’ve been looking forward to these types of things coming out. 👏🏻

[@StefanHanrath]

Arturia NestBrute

[@BananasananaB]

hahah that dial

[@zemertz]

😂

[@xp50player]

We have one of those thermostats😅

[@voreshbo7031]

Cant wait til they come out with the first update! Arturia are generous with them. I see potential in this AstroLab , but needs some tweaking for sure 😊

[@azurite6452]

I would just like to politely point out that it may be $1600 in the U.S, but here in Canada with a weaker dollar its $1999. I see some people commenting about the cost are being corrected on the price, but it depends on which country you live and how strong the currency is. There is a substantial difference upon the wallet according to where you live! Thank you for taking the time in sharing this review with us.

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words about the video. I think most people mean US Dollar when they quote dollar prices or use the $ sign without a country next to it. KZbin stats show this channel is viewed in the US far more than other countries, so that's what I defaulted to. I can't account for others but as far as I'm concerned I'll use USD for the sake of Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and other dollar using countries :)

[@chinidadian]

That price point is fantastic. Great job Arturia! And great tutorial as always Loopop.

[@FileTransferProtocol]

I wonder if they are leaving room for an AstroLab Pro - with Arturia V collection included and a ton of knobs, but for a seriously higher price?

[@jrnyfn]

$2000 USD is rather steep for a 61 key "stage keyboard". edit: $1600. $2000 list price on the Arturia website.

[@federicoagudelo5801]

it has the entire Arturia suit inside with no need for a pc ,including physical modeling with pigments , I think it is very worth the price there is nothing in the market like this

[@straighttalk2069]

@@federicoagudelo5801 It's a big con because you can't edit the presets without owning a license for the appropriate plugin from Arturia.

[@NEOREV_MUSIC]

​@@federicoagudelo5801Well, you actually also have to buy V Collection if you want to be able to fully dive in and edit each synth.

[@thehandoflenin]

Basic editing - you need v collection or a full version of pigments if you want to really edit. I'm not sure what Arturia were thinking here - I just don't think it hits any high spots and falls short. Basically its a VST preset keyboard without the real power of being able to fully edit and create new presets.

[@NEOREV_MUSIC]

@@thehandoflenin Exactly

[@David_Leone]

as a standalone instrument i can see this being very useful, but in the studio, i wouldn’t be able to justify getting this especially compared to komplete kontrol which allows you to tweak almost every parameter on the instrument you choose. always been my go to for editing sounds and presets

[@ptkelly80]

$2,000 seems grossly overpriced for what it is. Add extra controls to that huge blank space and the add the ability to fully edit the built in sounds on the fly (and make sounds from scratch like you can do on a computer), and it might be worth that much.

[@valdir7426]

it's 1600 euros. It's a product for a very specific audience: stage keyboardists. you're meant to edit the sound on your computer. I'm absolutely not the target for this but the price doesn't shock me. it's basically a computer/midi keyboard/sound interface combo.

[@zeronyne]

@@valdir7426 Yep. Guitar Center priced them at $1599 in the US. I think this is a great idea and perfect for the intended use case.

[@lordundhimself1310]

@ptkelly80 I completely agree. Not putting more controls on the panel is ridiculous. If someone doesn’t wanna edit the programs, then they can just not touch those controls and stick to the presets. Easy.

[@AntonMochalin]

​@@valdir7426It's not an audio interface and is an overpriced and quite limited midi keys + computer combo. As stage keys it justifies its price for only a limited number of keyboardists who really need those synths onstage instead of their samples and are not interested in having a sequencer etc.

[@NamelessSmile]

​@@lordundhimself1310 "just make the keyboard cost another 1000 pounds and it's ok because the people that don't need the extra won't use it"

[@ZetaCarinae]

I'd probably get this if there were more physical controls; I don't want to have to go back and forth with a computer all of time to refine my sounds. Reminds me of the Osmose Expressive E, which is very cool but is flawed in the same way.

[@bricelory9534]

We all play in different ways, certainly, but I personally find very little reason to want to twiddle knobs when playing my Osmose. The on board macros, plus the keys itself, gives me a lot of control in areas I'd want to change anyway. I get immediately drawn into playing the Osmose and just have no desire to spend time fiddling around with knobs. It plays very differently than traditional synths.

[@milk_bath]

Oh boy, wait until you discover a piano. It is so "flawed" that it doesn't have ANY knobs.

[@nvrmor023]

So wait for the keylab mk3?

[@thepauloapo]

really coming full circle since the origin

[@BananasananaB]

full circle... I see what you did there.

[@iancain6647]

At least the origin is standalone..

[@obshaky]

@@iancain6647 Well this has wifi and stuff so the "standalone" thing gets really blurred

[@thehandoflenin]

People keep saying it's the Origin - the Origin was a totally different beast. It was way more modular, you could program a Moog Osc with Roland Filter and ARP envelope. You can't compare these two synths.

[@robertusmaximus1911]

This one is not for me, but your review is thorough and thoughtful. Great work as always @loopop , Thank you.

[@Intermernet]

My guess is that Arturia will release Keylab Mk3 in a couple of months. Hopefully with more physical controls and poly aftertouch. I'm gonna keep waiting as I don't need a standalone performance keyboard.

[@brently8833]

Initially at least I see no reason to switch over from a NI S49 MK2 midi-controller to the Astrolab. I can see some advantages if you played live frequently using Pigments or VCollection. Since Arturia already supports the NKS Preview Files for the NI controllers, I'm shocked they didn't add that capability to this keyboard. As an owner of Pigments and VCollection, throw in the free soundbanks and a few that I have bought, and I have over 12,000+ Arturia presets to chose from. So to be able to preview the sounds quickly to identify exactly what I want is invaluable and a HUGE time saver!!

[@Asmuk]

As usual, the best review on KZbin, thanks. I appreciated greatly the outro improv.

[@vadimmartynyuk]

i like how they put a nest smart thermostat right in the middle. very convenient

[@bjornkreuze7423]

And left from that i wil put my ashtray 😊

[@jumpstar9000]

​@bjornkreuze7423 Haha Bjorn, good man!

[@jono_young]

@@bjornkreuze7423just enough room 👌😂

[@RP-mp4ow]

"I know im not playing this well, but the only benefit to have practiced this would have been a copyright strike" Loopop's sharp and subtle comedy hits like a dagger 😀

[@RP-mp4ow]

@@stephanrewind yeah, that's what I said

[@jono_young]

@@RP-mp4owhe was being one of those spelling warriors mate. Every soul on this earth knows what you meant, but there is always one hey ✌️☺️

[@RP-mp4ow]

@@jono_young seriously, the standards for what a person types when they're waking up or taking a sh*t sure have gotten high 😀

[@RP-mp4ow]

@@stephanrewind lol I'm calling BS on that politicians response. Your original reply wasn't some helpful "Copyright*" It was a judgemental "Copyright..." You're not altruistic, you're a know it all

[@Volcaniced]

So we get v collection dawless ... Why not for iPad?

[@ktreier]

No MPE, and no 88 key version, along with wasted empty space that could have accommodated more controllers are downsides. The ability to play any VCollection or Pigments sound w/o a PC is fantastic. As always top notch review @loopop

[@mudi2000a]

I think the target audience for this doesn’t need MPE.

[@ktreier]

@@mudi2000a really. Need and want are not always the same in market. :)

[@SynthfulDuck]

We've fully entered the era of synths with DLC 🤨

[@obsoletecd-rom]

You will own nothing and be happy!

[@MyNameJeff..]

@@obsoletecd-romeat zee bugs and get back in your pod

[@jono_young]

@@obsoletecd-rom😂 facts

[@JoeyDeSnake]

My Osmose has a section in the on-board software that just says "Coming Soon". Infuriates me knowing that they didn't even finish the software before selling them to people. It's been nearly a year, so not sure what their definition of "soon" is.

[@deepsoy165]

surprisingly, the Arturia owners do not appear to be members of the World Economic Forum

[@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.

[@nickolasyounker]

Well Done Arturia! Looking forward to an 8 track keysteppro, hehe

[@DrawAndErase]

They were so close. If they just had a small screen like on the fantom, and actual faders 9 pls, this would be pretty good. Its just not doing enough when this could have been it, the next era in integrated software and hardware

[@nickr3526]

They want you to use your phone / tablet.

[@gooberthoreau]

Did I misunderstand, or is this 2k, and you can't make new sounds without separately buying the licenses of each of the instruments that are in the keyboard already?

[@mattmattga]

you understand correctly. it’s crazy.

[@jrnyfn]

Comes with Analog Lab Pro but not V Collection.

[@daniel_dumile]

Arturia is such a good company all around

[@lordspam2721]

I had hoped they would release a keyboard that runs VST's without a PC.... and they did it!

[@supercompooper]

Not my experience. My dud of the Origin was abandonware. Their emulations don't sound teue.

[@MrCcfly]

interesting.. 1600 for keys plus 600+ for sw then u need pc for sw that is another 1k yea good ... lol

[@mattmattga]

The more I think about it, the price makes truly no sense. When the entire V collection is $500 why on earth would you pay $1500 for a midi controller with no poly aftertouch and an extremely limited UI. You could buy the software for $500, a decent laptop and controller with $1500 and actually be able to edit the presets!!

[@wiil54321]

It's standalone, basically has the laptop built in. Good for jamming dawless. I'd buy it if it were 88 keys with poly aftertouch without hesitation. Maybe sometime in the future

[@jumpstar9000]

Yeah I totally agree. Isn't it $2000 anyway? Everyone with $2k spare will have the laptop and probably the full plugins already as well as a master keyboard with probably more knobs. This is a really strange product. I'd take a Novation Summit or a Fantom any day.

[@Crushcarter]

2000? I seen it on Reverb for 1599

[@mudi2000a]

It is for live players who don’t want to go on stage with a laptop.

[@zoomzoom3950]

That's what I've been doing for years, using MIDI keyboards and a computer. FWIW, I don't do a lot of deep tweaking to my Arturia patches live, I tweak when I created my Arturia V / Pigments patches. The available controls should be sufficient for what I need, guess I'll see as I ordered one already. This is a small, compact stage keyboard that lets me bring my sounds without a computer - which is great for my needs. I have a KMI K-Board-Pro-4 for poly aftertouch and MPE; which I hope I can get working with the AstroLab. Saved me a few hundred vs the Nautilus AT-61 I was considering, and the KeyLab 61 MkII is around $600, plus bringing a computer!

[@FlorentCorchia]

I think this looks like an amazing product, especially for stage performance. For people who complain about the blank space on the left side, as Loopop mentioned, it could be used to fit an extra controller on top or a laptop, which give it great flexibility. Amazing review as always!

[@loopop]

Thanks! The empty space is 20cm so a laptop probably not but small controller yes

[@denmartos6019]

You are usually the voice of reason when it comes to making a new synth purchase. Sometimes my ears don't listen. Synth wax build up. I'm a walking poster child when it comes to showing the difference between purchasing for Ego vs purchasing for functionality and actual use. In all cases, you were right.

[@damelos4039]

Very cool. I have the whole V collection so that's good. But, As Loopop said, with all my licenses, all I need is a solid midi controller (preferably Arturia) and I'm good ot g.

[@Wrenchfist_Studios]

pretty neat. im not a HUGE Arturia plugin fan, but watching to see if they seem more responsive etc in the instrument. of course i want one. glad to see its 61 key

[@walterharris7421]

Why announce something without a proper review first ? Its NOT a synth it’s a tool to better implement things that already exist and are in use the world over. Great Review. Everything I find out about is usually through this very channel anyways. If Loop hasn’t covered it, is it worth being covered ……? That is the question to ask yourselves

[@xani666]

they could put a nice big screen on the side on it for that kind of price.

[@Sven.Bornemark]

This is such a good review! You cover every part so well, and the music is truly beautiful! Good work!! 🥰👍🎵

[@krisrhodes5180]

With licenses, you can bring in new presets. But to make sure I understand, that's not really having the power of the whole synth "at your fingertips" within the astrolab itself, right? That's more like the astrolab just being a midi controller for a VST, correct? Or is there a subtlety (or obviosity) I'm missing?

[@UrbanGarden-rf5op]

This one's a no brainer for me. "Problem" is I've got enough nice keyboards and not much physical space left. So I made a request at Arturia for a rack version 😎 Please join my quest. Nice presentation, as usual.

[@MrCcfly]

lol get mini pc buy v and have "rack"

[@UrbanGarden-rf5op]

@@MrCcfly Why the lol? That’s just condescending. Do you really believe you have the experience and knowledge to judge my needs and preferences. Please stop trolling.

[@MrCcfly]

@@UrbanGarden-rf5op lol u are troll here ...to say this is best for 3k is just loool same like u

[@houbeytmusic9802]

It would be really cool, if they let you control the full synth engines in the astrolab app if you own them. You could use that on Stage with an Ipad for example. I also hope the make a version more aimed at professionals. For example with higher quality 96khz and better signal to noise ratio converters and a synth action poly aftertouch keyboard(hopefully the new fatar poly aftertouch keyboard) Id be willing to pay quite alot of money for a version that did that

[@Jason75913]

Higher SNR is typically done with 24-bit capable converters, higher sample rates are superfluous.

[@avace917]

I understand what they were trying to do. Make the ultimate retro keyboard players for live use. It's a bit pricey but I get it.

[@NullStaticVoid]

I like the general concept. The ergonomics seem good. The looks are more along the lines of a fancy air purifier though. Also not feeling the pitch and mod wheels above the keybed on such a wide keyboard. I was REALLY shocked to find that you are expected to buy Pigments or V Collection if you want anything past Analogue Lab (which is pretty limited) Though if you already have those programs this might be a good fit. They should at least give customers a discount if they want to upgrade though.

[@musiclover-lh2hb]

Thank you for this coverage Mr.Loopop, and for all your other reviews, you are the gold standard for electronic music gear. IMHO your "cons" section could have used some coverage of the MIDI implementation in this great device; it's basic at best and buggy at worst. As a "stage" keyboard it's kind of surprising to me that there is no ability to send MIDI program change messages to Astrolab. And Astrolab makes a mush out of MIDI, notes hang all of the place, not useable. Hoping for a firmware fix, I love this KB. Thanks again. (BTW, I send MIDI from a Roland Fantom, I don't think anyone is going to accuse Roland of not knowing their MIDI! :)

[@loopop]

Thanks for the comment, I indeed did not test the MIDI implementation.

[@gabrielreinert8458]

What a display! Barely larger than a smartwatch. And why is there so much blank space without additional controllers? Come on... Building a hardware controller, but if you really want to control something you have to go back to the computer. Yeah, for sure...

[@-crash]

Is the empty space a laptop holder?

[@isc4915]

*Thermostat

[@NotSoCoolStoryBro]

@@-crash It's a hot plate where you can place your food, temp is set by centre thermostat.

[@zemertz]

My only thought was for adding graffiti or stickers, but yeah like even an oscilloscope or something would have been cool from pigments design or the analog lab view

[@greysuit17]

There’s something you can add on to have more control, Anderton’s talks about it

[@hvhvgitaar]

Thank you for this great review. This looks like an amazing instrument from Arturia. That company keeps coming up with great new stuff.

[@roberthollander4522]

That price is crazy for a controller with a Nest slapped on the top. They could have at least made this the Keylab MKIII (since those come with Analog Lab, anyway) and included all the pads and sliders, etc. Now THAT would make a lot more sense to me. Even THEN, the price is nuts. YMMV

[@Cysubtor_8vb]

I had pondered the idea of putting a soft synth inside hardware, but was thinking something more like Pigments or Diva with a full set of knobs. This essentially just kept the Analog Lab approach, but threw it in a midi controller with fewer controls than their own Keylab, which is already marketed as a companion to their soft synths. It still has some conveniences, but, since I already own Analog Lab, it's more cost efficient for me to go with the new mk3 Keylab Essential than this. Maybe they'll follow up with a cheaper micro edition down the road in the MicroKorg price range.

[@mylarmelodies]

Allow me to add some thoughts to this review as someone who was sent an AstroLab but chose not to make a video of it. It's not mentioned here that the Chord and Scale mode you spent time setting up is lost every single time you change patch, making the feature effectively unusable for recording sessions. Hopefully this will be addressed and the setting made 'global'. Something only really apparent when you have the actual keyboard in front of you and you try to multitrack record with it - if you don't have access to the app, then you cannot (yet?) browse sounds by meaningful Styles and Characteristics and therefore must use the very coarse Category Buttons/Sub-types to filter sounds by - effectively you must scroll through hundreds of sounds alphabetically and you only have the name of the sound as your clue to what it is. That's a very 90's experience (I say that as someone sat next to a JV1080). There are not buttons for all the available instrument types either (eg. Vocal, Drums). I found this greatly impacts studio recording but isn't an issue live where you would have pre-prepared playlists. You can't (currently) filter sounds by creator - so if you have made sounds and named yourself as the sound designer, you cannot filter by them on the keyboard alone. The external WIFI network you connect to must be old school 2.4ghz wifi, as 5ghz wifi won't work. I have never been able to get AstroLab Connect to work with the keyboard on my iPhone 11. A 9.7" iPad will not fit on the whitespace to the left of the keyboard, although a phone will. Indeed you absolutely cannot map more of the controls to MIDI beyond the 9 extra faders Loopop mentions, it is as limited in editability as Analog Lab is. There are a few extra MIDI CCs it apparently responds to (including ones to advance preset/song and engage certain functions like Arp and Record), but editing has to be done entirely on computer and ported over.

[@loopop]

Allowed and welcome! Re Chord and Scale modes (and Arp) - I didn't mention that because they are saved (I'm on firmware 1.1.6 but I see many videos still show 1.0.2 in the startup). I would have gone nuts if that wasn't saved as I use chord mode and a custom arp in the intro patch which I jumped in and out of quite a lot to tweak here and there. I actually didn't test for scales before I saw your message but I just checked that gets saved too. Re finding presets - yep - every time I found a preset I liked I just "liked" it or saved it to a playlist - it would be really helpful if they added a search feature Re wifi - I have a relatively new dual network so I guess that's why it worked for the video. Did you try pairing with AstroLab as an access point? As I mention in the video there are still a few bugs in there too - I sent them to Arturia and they're aware of them (many were fixed in 1.1.6)

[@mylarmelodies]

@@loopop Thanks Ziv, noted. Theres a 1.1.6?! Never got sent that. I am on 1.0.2 🤷 Have also fed my feedback to them so I expect it all to improve with time. ✌️

[@loopop]

@@mylarmelodies yes 1.1.6 is very new - I got it over the weekend before the launch

[@mylarmelodies]

@@loopop Oh wow. That’s the kinda thing they might have wanted to send to everyone who was making a video of this thing.

[@albee8642]

Thanks for this. Much appreciated.

[@nothankyou]

Love the encoder light rings - more synth makers need to clue into this kind of interface for endless encoders and patch recall!

[@oupahens9219]

Sort of a modern M1 rompler in program mode with plenty space. Although in the M1 U could layer in Performance mode more programs. That and then the different synth engines that Korg was implementing later on. Arturia made already some deal with Korg, when they did the MS20, which has Korg's logo on it. Is this the brides dress? Nice and shiny white, sparkling with diamonds?

[@Dogboy73]

I’m getting Arturia Origin Part Duex vibes from this one. V collection in a keyboard? That round display button thing, when there is an omnibus of space on the left side, is totally bizarre.

[@bushdada]

So far this is brilliant. I wonder how Arturia addresses access by users with older macOS operating systems that can’t or haven’t upgraded their Arturia VST instruments. I have most of the VSTs but can’t upgrade some to newer versions. For instance can I program on my older version of the Jupiter V and use it on the Astrolab? Having Pigments, Matrix 12 V and CZ V on a stand alone keyboard is practically worth the price by itself for me. Also I am wondering about polyphony.

[@FaidedBTB]

we for sure need a module version

[@spencermiller4661]

A laptop?

[@oliverwheatley9494]

​@@spencermiller4661 😂

[@FaidedBTB]

@@spencermiller4661 with a laptop you would also need a audio interface to send the audio signal to an MPC which is not worth that hassle if a Module version is made. no need for a laptop

[@molenz1960]

This isn't the keylab 88 mk3 I was waiting for.

[@GrizzlyWang]

Or for GODS SAKE a full sized keystep wtf I would buy one of those so fast lol

[@JonesyTheCat]

Keylab 88 mk3 with improved interface and keybed (the new Fatar TP/110) is what we need.

[@ispianist]

​@@JonesyTheCat Also don't forget built in audio interface 😉

[@fredmanteghian5913]

Bakelite! Like the old 1950s kitchen radios! Cool!

[@echobenav8]

Another wonderfully clear and informative review, thanks loopop! Already have V Collection X with a KeyLab controller so this isn't really for me. Don't really perform without a laptop nearby either.

[@gabrielegelfofx]

Are you sure that the outputs are TRS balanced? What about the internal sample rate, is it fixed at 44,1Khz? What about the dacs used? I'm just curious if the equivalent Mac/Pc Arturia software sound better with a professional audio interface.

[@loopop]

Re: Balanced outputs: I didn't open it up but I had noise using TS cables when connected to a computer, which cleared up using TRS, but I'd bet yes. Re Sample rate: I don't know but what does it matter? It just outputs audio DACs: I don't know

[@SlavicSon]

I dig it. It’s clean looking and different. And for someone who’s not a keyboard player but wants to create some underscores and backing tracks for film projects, seems perfect for me. And now a price drop.

[@neoaltima]

Arturia really needs to learn to set their embargo to end AFTER their event.

[@eaman11]

So I'm scared about asking for the price: a mono AT keyboard with a smarhphone CPU (I guess) and a smartwatch display, I'd say 800e, so is it maybe 1600e? Kudos to Arturia for doing this before Native Instruments.

[@mudi2000a]

When you are all complaining about mono AT: neither Korg nor Yamaha nor Roland has anything with AT in this price range (I talk about Euro prices, no idea about US) and still they get away with it. I think it’s sad but that’s how it is. Poly AT is a niche application.

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@mudi2000a I have a KMI K-Board-Pro-4 that has MPE, poly aftertouch...hope it works with my new AstroLab. It's really a nice to have, just adds complexity for live use, at least for me.

[@mudi2000a]

@@zoomzoom3950 I don’t say it’s not good to have it. Only I thought it was a bit unrealistic to expect it at this price. I don’t play live but I specifically bought the Launchpad X instead of the lesser model because it has dynamics and poly AT, I use it also additionally to a regular keyboard.

[@zoomzoom3950]

@@mudi2000a I agree; I think we'll be seeing more MPE / poly AT keyboards in the future. Live I play mainly organ, and having a variety of synths in the AstroLab is going to be great not needing a computer and audio interface simplifies things for me. FWIW, I've also used my Korg MiniLogue for live synth sounds whenever I could, instead of bringing a computer rig.

[@eaman11]

@@mudi2000a Well Arturia is competing with brands like Native Instruments and Novation, they have poly AT or MPE.

[@AliBros]

Screen is pretty awesome. My current live setup is pretty much v Collection and main stage so this could be a nice replacement but it costs more than a whole computer plus a couple of controllers so doesn’t quite make sense financially.

[@raisontheroof]

I have asked Arturia if I’m missing it or to implement it. Perhaps this will differentiate the 2 systems. Mine is an 80s band and it would save a lot of time, and more importantly sound perfect if I had that search feature.

[@vcr210]

Agree about the screen, but what a value for all the sounds/presets!!!

[@fossilcrab]

A module Would Be phenomenal!!!!

[@fossilcrab]

I meant to say a desk top (no keyboard) - especially a trackable one. It s be all in for that!!! I have to many great keyboard beds as it is…

[@bricemi2346]

Man! Just wanted to say that! Unfortunately looks like no one is making modules anymore since they can sell their sounds online .

[@PanopticMotion]

I want the quality of this instrument as a Midi controller.

[@brandonleemoss]

The best quality midi keyboard controller would be the panorama P6❤

[@sammykhayo7757]

Look at the LG Washcombo. It uses the same exact screen dial.

[@fischergreen4134]

As a non keybord player using hardware sequencers a smaller rack mount would be great a stand alone gizmo that could load any VST in would be even better

[@keyhoarder]

Great wideo. I like the fancy design of the circle display, but in live performance the lack of precision may be problematic when dialing through presets. Other producers make it better by using buttons. For me its much more comfortable to have the controls on the left. They should leave the additional space on the right. But If its a space for additional midi controller it misses the whole point of everything in one box. But the best use of this empty space would be for another set of knobs.

[@ryanhursh6322]

I honestly love this and I’m not even sure it’s too expensive when you consider the price of the OP-1 Field goes for but for those who already own V Collection, it feels like you’re buying it twice. I think V Collection owners should get it for 500 less. I also feel like it should have more knobs though. Stage or not, why make something this great and limit it so much. I understand sacrifices are always made but 4 only 4 macros seems silly.

[@andybside]

I think it's a cool looking instrument. I'd personally prefer a matrixbrut, but I wouldn't mind this as well.

[@boimesa8190]

Wish u would've explored loading samples into pigments and onto the astrolab

[@loopop]

I did, I just didn't show it in the video. It works! As I mention in the video you first need to save the preset because when editing the synths themselves the sync isn't automatic. Arturia mentioned they'd be working on full sync but didn't give me a date.

[@jean-fabricevernet8947]

Not many boards offer such a curated sound set with an arp and looper and modwheels. In a way it's comparable to Clavia or Yamaha or Korg "stage pianos" but it has more sounds and the interface is more straightforward. It's understandable VST lovers would not want anything like this but it must be great to play around with the splits with all those electromechanical sounds plus retro synths.

[@levirphillips]

Thanks for such an in-depth review, went way beyond all the release-day info and it's been great to see it in use by someone who knows Analog Lab well. Some amazing tips on Analog Lab in here too! This is such an interesting product. Last year I had a nice little interaction with Arturia about chucking Analog Lab into a stage piano setup. After watching this, I see some missed opportunities. They prioritised aesthetic in the design, sometimes over usability - that screen and encoder...! It certainly fits the minimal, sci-fi aspect and the name, but a larger, hi-res touch screen might have worked better with browsing and making use of the great graphics in the 'live player' view. Poly aftertouch or MPE would have been amazing for things like Pigments and Minifreak V, but you're looking at extra costs. Osmose managed it though that's a different beast. I'm hoping the design direction of the Keylab (when it finally arrives) won't be too similar in the minimal aesthetic, though I'd expect to see these encoder LEDs and the bakelite wood effect...it's going to be an interesting year for Arturia!

[@levirphillips]

Forgot to mention I've owned a Nest thermostat so I know EXACTLY what using that encoder is like! 😆

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words! Indeed as I mention in the video AstroLab only have mono aftertouch, but I tested it with a LinnStrument and it actually does support MPE with an external controller.

[@playonkorg]

There is a keyboard here in the house, when I press a key, it immediately produces a sound without having to take a typing course or have a socket nearby. Disadvantage: you have to practice to play Advantage: this keeps you unique

[@Dubstep_KuulCast_140]

Looks good, nice layout of the deck. Nice knobs and nice round display. i'd like a midi control keyboard like this

[@rumo201]

Thx for this video, perfect as always. A good idea from Arturia for live-performing! ✌️

[@Daring2Win]

I have a feeling that once the complaints start rolling in, Arturia will at least make those knobs multifunctional for other parameter. I'm also thinking maybe I should hold out for the AstroLab of V2. that's likely window flush out all of the works animal limitations. it should at least be 4 part multtimbral with 16 Voices of polyphony.

[@f_c_r_]

Dang I've been wanting to use my pigments sounds at shows without needing a laptop. Nice to have on my radar

[@jumpstar9000]

are you going to buy it?

[@f_c_r_]

@@jumpstar9000 unlikely for the time being, but it'd be cool if I gigged more

[@MarianoPerez]

Sounds nice but using excess inventory from google nest to try to save money is a none starter for me. They could have used a bigger touch screen. I thought they would introduce a better controller. Oh well.

[@zemertz]

Yeah bakelite is back 🤘Its a bit like vendor lock in though. does it work with non arturia plugins, like as a midi keyboard, not that i need another midi keybed, i lile the idea of standalone version of analog lab, hmm torn except for price being steep, would be nice if cheaper for someone with analog labs

[@loopop]

Yes you can use it as a MIDI controller too

[@benoitpiret9065]

That Keybed makes me think of the 61 semi weighted keys of the CS80….. too bad it’s not poly AT

[@dronazfilm5214]

Amazon Tutorial!! Is it possible to change the Pitchbend range, as well as the glide speed, without owning V Collection? Thanks in advance