The Arturia AstroLab represents a interesting fusion of hardware and software, delivering the versatility of virtual synthesis with authentic piano-feel playability in a streamlined performance setup. Available in both 61-key and 88-key configurations, AstroLab eliminates the complexity typically associated with live performance rigs while empowering musicians to push the boundaries of their creative expression.
At its core, AstroLab provides instant access to 40 iconic instruments, each expertly engineered and meticulously modeled using Arturia's proprietary technologies. The instrument spans the entire spectrum of keyboard sounds, from legendary analog synthesizers and digital workstations to classic electric pianos, Hammond organs, and innovative augmented acoustic instruments. This comprehensive sonic palette is organized into 10 distinct sound categories, making it effortless to navigate and discover the perfect timbre for any musical context.
The user experience is defined by intuitive, uncluttered controls. A central navigation wheel provides effortless exploration of instruments, presets, and playlists, while dedicated preset buttons offer instant access to any instrument type. Four powerful macro controls—Brightness, Timbre, Time, and Movement—sweep multiple parameters simultaneously, enabling profound sonic transformations with simple gestures. Additionally, four dedicated effects knobs handle Delay, Reverb, and two insert effects per preset, providing immediate access to spatial and textural enhancements.
AstroLab's multi-instrument capabilities unlock entirely new sonic possibilities through instrument blending, split setups, and layered configurations. Whether used as a standalone instrument or integrated into a studio workflow via the included Analog Lab Pro software, AstroLab seamlessly bridges the gap between hardware immediacy and software flexibility.
The instrument's design philosophy emphasizes both form and function, featuring a distinctly modern aesthetic with minimalist appeal while maintaining the durability required for professional touring. Comprehensive connectivity options, including multiple pedal inputs, MIDI ports, USB connectivity, and Bluetooth audio, ensure seamless integration with any performance or studio setup.
Technical Specifications
Models Available
- AstroLab 61 (61-key configuration)
- AstroLab 88 (88-key configuration with included music stand)
Sound Engine Architecture
- Total Instruments: 40 iconic instruments
- Synthesis Engines: 11 different types
- Virtual Analog
- Samples
- Wavetable
- FM
- Granular
- Physical Modeling
- Vector Synthesis
- Harmonics
- Phase Distortion
- Vocoder
- Karplus Synthesis
Instrument Categories (40 Total)
Analog Synthesizers (15 instruments)
- Acid V - Corrosive bassline machine
- ARP2600 V - Coveted semi-modular classic
- Buchla Easel V - West Coast sound-design playground
- CS-80 V - Animoid articulate synthesizer
- Jup-8 V - The analog vanguard
- Jun-6 V - Instant analog love
- KORG MS-20 V - Primal black monolith
- Matrix-12 V - Programmable analog freedom
- Mini V - The greatest of all time
- Modular V - Modular genesis giant
- OP-Xa V - Legendary growl machine
- Prophet-5 V - Faithful analog archetype
- SEM V - Spellbinding analog synthesizer
- Synthi V - Experimental London soundscape
- Vocoder V - Ultimate voice electrifier
Digital Synthesizers (8 instruments)
- CMI V - Peerless sampling character
- CZ V - Phase-distortion shapeshifter
- DX7 V - FM synthesis game-changer
- Emulator II V - Textural sampling ensemble
- MiniFreak V - Spontaneous algorithmic softsynth
- Prophet-VS V - Exploratory vector synthesizer
- SQ80 V - Organic digital wavemaker
- Synclavier V - The digital dream machine
Keyboards & Organs (5 instruments)
- B-3 V - Mighty organ monarch
- Farfisa V - Compact organ echoes
- Mellotron - Psychedelic analog sampler (sample-based)
- Solina V - Authentic orchestra machine
- Vox Continental V - Red-hot transistor hitmaker
Acoustic & Electric Pianos (4 instruments)
- Clavinet - Physical funk machine
- Piano - Universal piano expression
- Stage-73 - Electric soul machine
- Wurli - Soulful electric bite
Augmented Acoustic Instruments (5 instruments)
- Augmented BRASS - Acoustic instruments reinvented
- Augmented GRAND PIANO - Acoustic piano reinvented
- Augmented STRINGS - Acoustic instruments reinvented
- Augmented VOICES - Acoustic instruments reinvented
- Augmented WOODWINDS - Acoustic instruments reinvented
Additional Engines (2 instruments + 1 variant)
- Pigments - Sound design synthesizer
- Sampler - Classic sampler
- Sampler - Organic sampler
Sound Categories (10 Types)
- Pianos
- Electric Pianos
- Organs
- Bass
- Leads
- Keys
- Pads
- Strings
- Brass
- Sequencer
- Playlist
Control Interface
- Navigation: Central navigation wheel for instrument/preset browsing
- Preset Access: Dedicated preset buttons for instant instrument type access
- Macro Controls: 4 assignable macros (Brightness, Timbre, Time, Movement)
- Effects Controls: 4 dedicated knobs (Delay, Reverb, 2 insert effects per preset)
- Multi-Instrument: Part 2 button for multi-instrument setups and splits
Effects Processing
Insert Effects (12 types)
- MultiFilter
- ParamEq
- Compressor
- Distortion
- Chorus
- Flanger
- Phaser
- StereoPan
- Analog Phaser
- Wah
- Twin Amp
- Rotary Speaker
Delay Effects (3 types)
- Analog Delay
- Digital Delay
- Tape Delay
Reverb Effects (14 types)
- Digital Reverb
- Small Piano Room
- Soft Room
- Small Studio
- Large Studio
- Jazz Club
- Small Concert Hall
- Large Concert Hall
- Bright Room
- Bright Space
- Factory Hall
- Small Plate
- Large Plate
- Spring
Connectivity
- Pedal Inputs: 4 total (1 sustain, 1 expression, 2 customizable)
- MIDI: 2 MIDI ports for external keyboard/device connection
- USB: Dedicated USB port for playlist import/export via USB drive
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth audio input for play-along functionality
- AstroLab Connect: Remote connectivity for Sound Store access
Software Integration
- Included Software: Analog Lab Pro
- Compatibility: Full integration with V Collection and Arturia software instruments
- Advanced Editing: Macro creation and parameter control via software
- Multitrack Recording: DAW integration capabilities
- Sound Store: Access to expanding library of compatible sound banks
Multi-Instrument Features
- Instrument blending and layering
- Split keyboard setups
- External MIDI keyboard support for separate part control
- Full key-range utilization across multiple parts
Design & Build
- Aesthetic: Modern, minimalist design
- Durability: Professional touring-grade construction
- Music Stand: Included with AstroLab 88, attachable design
- Optional Accessories: Compatible with Arturia Wooden Legs for ergonomic setup
Proprietary Technologies
- TAE® (True Analog Emulation): Precise analog synthesizer modeling with soft clipping
- Advanced Physical Modeling: Mathematical algorithms for acoustic/electro-acoustic instrument reproduction
- Expert Sound Design: Professionally crafted presets and sound programming
Expandability
- Monthly Sound Store updates
- Genre-specific sound banks
- Artist-inspired sound collections
- Unique instrument expansions