Arturia AstroLab Review // pros, cons and one sneaky way to make the most of it
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- čas přidán 12. 05. 2024
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TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:15 Overview
7:05 Keybed
8:00 Build
8:45 Encoder
10:00 Browsing
10:45 I/O
11:45 Phone app
13:05 Macros
14:40 Effects
15:40 Insert FX
16:40 Send FX
18:20 Master EQ
18:50 Arp
19:35 Chords
20:00 Scales
20:20 Looper
21:25 Split, layer
22:30 Analog lab
24:55 Get sneaky
25:55 User macro
26:40 V Collection X?
27:35 SFZ?
27:55 Pros, cons
30:55 Outro
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NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.
it's dope it has a nest thermostat glued on top. Don't even need to get up to change the temp.
LOL
*sits at keyboard and effortlessly makes the place cooler*
Probably a pigment of their imagination…or the product manager shouted just be hive ….sorry
Lets you know the temp of your jams
🤣🤣🤣
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!
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
£1350 in the UK…
$1599 USD
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.
It's reminds me of a Nest thermostat.
It's pretty cool, isnt it?
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.
Another great video. Thank you! I’ve been looking forward to these types of things coming out. 👏🏻
Wow impressive glad you got to review it for us first!
Can't wait to see the badgear episode on that
our videos are always the best, thank you. Loved the outro music!
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.
dont even need to buy the V collection, it comes with the mk3
What is a windows ipad?
@@ltsme_You maybe just analog lab pro?
@@dirtyharry1881 I meant windows tablet :D
@@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.
They should’ve used all of that blank space on the left for a 7 inch screen that’s actually legible from playing position.
Thx guy, as usual so clear and useful to understand and discover sounds. You're the pal, pal
Korg Nautilus 61 key is $1700 and a full on workstation.
Right, or MODX.
yeah but it doesn't have the Arturia instruments which are on another level , including pigments.
This one is a very expensive preset machine
This is such a good review! You cover every part so well, and the music is truly beautiful! Good work!! 🥰👍🎵
Thank you for this great review.
This looks like an amazing instrument from Arturia. That company keeps coming up with great new stuff.
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.
It‘s exactly that.. products like fantom, nautilus, nordstage and such are the target market.. not the synth enthusiasts only
My thoughts too.
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.
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.
I thought that until seeing the long load times and amount of shift function, they’re not conducive to live performance
Almost there but Pigments in a box without even poly aftertouch feels like a crime.
Especially for $2K
Just wondering about that. Agree.
Do you actually use poly aftertouch midi devices with Pigments and if yes which ones?
@@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.
@@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.
Thx for this video, perfect as always. A good idea from Arturia for live-performing! ✌️
As someone who started with the analog lab, and then bought the v collection, this instrument is semi-worthless without the ability to edit the presets in a quick manner.
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.
Yes, but publish it after the end of the presentation would have been more appropriate.
@sebastos1394 who cares at this point
@@Crushcarter , you're right, it's a detail...
Weird thing to care about
Nice one, Loopop! 😇
As usual, the best review on CZcams, thanks. I appreciated greatly the outro improv.
Thank you Loopop!
Also, major love for arturia's model for selling little preset packs, theyve squeezed quite a few dollars from me beyond initial purchase with their outstanding preset packs which Ive gladly coughed up - theyre really great. While I usually prefer to 'roll my own', sometimes, you just want some good starting points and boy do they deliver. A+ Arturia!
Well Done Arturia! Looking forward to an 8 track keysteppro, hehe
I kind of love the concept of a big dial with a pushbutton screen as an interface element. Pairing this in other applications with the more typical "pots that change a parameter shown on a central screen" and I hope that other companies experiment with this.
I personally hate knobs which can also be pushed. To me it feels always like sth that can break fast. I prefer if knob and button are separated.
Agree about the screen, but what a value for all the sounds/presets!!!
Looks good, nice layout of the deck. Nice knobs and nice round display. i'd like a midi control keyboard like this
excellent as usual. thanks
We've fully entered the era of synths with DLC 🤨
You will own nothing and be happy!
@@obsoletecd-romeat zee bugs and get back in your pod
@@obsoletecd-rom😂 facts
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.
surprisingly, the Arturia owners do not appear to be members of the World Economic Forum
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.
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.
really coming full circle since the origin
full circle... I see what you did there.
At least the origin is standalone..
@@iancain6647 Well this has wifi and stuff so the "standalone" thing gets really blurred
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.
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 😊
"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 😀
@@stephanrewind yeah, that's what I said
@@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 ✌️☺️
@@jono_young_music seriously, the standards for what a person types when they're waking up or taking a sh*t sure have gotten high 😀
@@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
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
Arturia NestBrute
hahah that dial
😂
We have one of those thermostats😅
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.
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)
@@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. ✌️
@@mylarmelodies yes 1.1.6 is very new - I got it over the weekend before the launch
@@loopop Oh wow. That’s the kinda thing they might have wanted to send to everyone who was making a video of this thing.
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!
Thanks! The empty space is 20cm so a laptop probably not but small controller yes
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
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.
I think it's beautiful.
A module
Would
Be phenomenal!!!!
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…
Man! Just wanted to say that! Unfortunately looks like no one is making modules anymore since they can sell their sounds online .
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.
Dang I've been wanting to use my pigments sounds at shows without needing a laptop. Nice to have on my radar
are you going to buy it?
@@jumpstar9000 unlikely for the time being, but it'd be cool if I gigged more
As always, a fantastic and honest review. PRO, PRO 🙌🙌🙌🙌 Thank you!!! One question, is it possible to save the arpeggio settings in the sound preset??? Thank you
Thanks! And yes arp settings are saved
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.
That price point is fantastic. Great job Arturia! And great tutorial as always Loopop.
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.
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
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.
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?
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!
Forgot to mention I've owned a Nest thermostat so I know EXACTLY what using that encoder is like! 😆
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.
Great review. Fiddly interface for such complex instruments... liked the iPhone connection though 😊
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
This one is not for me, but your review is thorough and thoughtful. Great work as always @loopop , Thank you.
This is pretty cool honestly
Does it have a way to attach a music stand? And does the app run in iPad mode? The reason I ask is it would be great to be able to prop up an iPad behind the keyboard to get bigger screen control.
What is the keybed feel comparable to? Korg keystage or more like super Gemini?
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.)
Hopefully once it’s been out a while , they’ll have some offers including a choice of vst bundles.
I’m also curious what parameters could be accessed via an added midi controller, when it is not attached to your computer 🤔
good on arturia or pushing some new UI bits, i think its pretty neat with the center combo encoder/display
Since it has all those synth engines inside, could be they be accesed in their raw form? I know pigments is a way, but using knobs to directly control those engines would be quite interesting to thinker with
hopefully it has full MIDI integration of each synth.
anyway this is a nice product; one that is absolutely the opposite of what I'd be interested in though; it's basically designed for stage keyboardists who want minimal installation and don't need much tweaking. For anything more creative you're better off with a computer and midi keyboard.
What I'd be interested in for Arturia is either
-an evolution of the KS37 with 8 knobs for DAW control; and the arp and sequencer from the minifreak
(the KS37 is my DAW controller right now and it's the perfect format, the 4 knobs do plugin control)
-a pigments in the box that is fully patchable from the interface. or a variant of this astrolab but with full tweakability of any sound (quite a challenge)
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.
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
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! :)
Thanks for the comment, I indeed did not test the MIDI implementation.
“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.
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.
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
Or give those of us who already own the licenses a break on the cost of the unit.
@@joellanier Yeah, that would be great too.
especially for THAT price. wow.
Can you use your own wav samples via Pigments or CMI V and this way use it with Astrolap? But they don't support multisampling if I am correct? Great video as always. Best regards
Yes you can use your own samples (well, I tried Pigments so I assume CMI V will work too...) I believe Pigments added multisampling in one of the updates but I didn't try it. If they added third party SFZ it would be more immediate for sure.
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
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.
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. CZcams 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 :)
And in Australia it’s selling for $2,999!
So we get v collection dawless ... Why not for iPad?
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.
Hu Ziv, great review as always! Maybe a silly question but do you know if Astrolab allows for different tunings apart from the A= 440.00 Hz?
Im asking as Analog Lab does not allow different tunings which is a problem for me.
Thanks
Thanks! I don't recall seeing that setting anywhere but maybe I'm wrong - please check the manual
@@loopop thanks.
Looking at the manual, on the not very obvious settings page, hidden on 3.7.1.1, the tuning ranges from 400-480 Hz. Problem solved! Cheers
@@jPaulofe oh - that option doesn't exist in my firmware! (1.1.6)
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?
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
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.
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
Yes you can use it as a MIDI controller too
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!!
Arturia really needs to learn to set their embargo to end AFTER their event.
nice review, thanks! would a minilab (more keys and knobs) squeeze into that empty space (i doubt it but it's hard to gauge it!)?
Thanks! No, a minilab won't fit there, it's about 20cm wide
i like how they put a nest smart thermostat right in the middle. very convenient
And left from that i wil put my ashtray 😊
@bjornkreuze7423 Haha Bjorn, good man!
@@bjornkreuze7423just enough room 👌😂
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
They want you to use your phone / tablet.
Can you load the efx (Fragments / MOtions / Refract) into the fx slots?
Tellement une bonne idée. Ça va exister en version rack ?
Hey I'm interested in the astrolab for live shows. My question is I have the v collection 9 and I have made some sequence arpeggios that match my tempo in my DAW, so my question is when I want to upload the preset to the astrolab, how do I make sure the arpeggio will match the tempo of my DAW for live use?
Is the keybed similar to Arturia Keylab Essential 88 mkii?
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.
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.
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.
Oh boy, wait until you discover a piano. It is so "flawed" that it doesn't have ANY knobs.
So wait for the keylab mk3?
I am in 😊if Arthuria release a desktop rack version
A great concept. Very tempting. Does it do poly AT / MIDI expression?
Answer to myself: Nope! 😁
Looks super interesting! Lack of poly AT is a bit of a disappointment. If it had that, I would likely be regretting my recent Kontrol S61 purchase. Any word yet on price?
$2,000
$1600 street
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
I think the target audience for this doesn’t need MPE.
@@mudi2000a really. Need and want are not always the same in market. :)
$2000 USD is rather steep for a 61 key "stage keyboard". edit: $1600. $2000 list price on the Arturia website.
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
@@federicoagudelo5801 It's a big con because you can't edit the presets without owning a license for the appropriate plugin from Arturia.
@@federicoagudelo5801Well, you actually also have to buy V Collection if you want to be able to fully dive in and edit each synth.
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.
@@thehandoflenin Exactly
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!!
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
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.
2000? I seen it on Reverb for 1599
It is for live players who don’t want to go on stage with a laptop.
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!
Bet this gets demoed in a Bad Gear episode.
Oh it definitely will
I mean it's already in obscurity unfortunately you can't use it like a workstation that's basically a glorified paperweight as far as I'm concerned😂
@@brandonleemoss it sux because I really love my Keystep Pro and 37. Also, their VST synths are the best I’ve ever used.
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?
That menu wheel is lovely
Curious to see how that holds up on stage with plenty of beer etc...
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.
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.
This isn't the keylab 88 mk3 I was waiting for.
Or for GODS SAKE a full sized keystep wtf I would buy one of those so fast lol
Keylab 88 mk3 with improved interface and keybed (the new Fatar TP/110) is what we need.
@@JonesyTheCat Also don't forget built in audio interface 😉