Arturia just released a new standalone synthesizer called the AstroLab. This 61-key stage keyboard is basically the company’s Analog Lab software in hardware form, which makes it perfect for live performances. The synth boasts ten dedicated sound engines and access to 35 virtual instruments, including the vast majority of the emulations found with the iconic V Collection. It also costs $2,000.
You could recreate this on the cheap by just buying some software instruments and a MIDI controller, but this is a stage keyboard. In other words, it has been designed with live performance in mind. The casing is durable and built to withstand the rigors of touring and there’s plenty of nifty sound design tools that should come in handy when gigging.
There are 12 insert FX options, with four control knobs, and the ability to loop any sound by up to 32 bars. The instrument even captures the MIDI, so people can easily swap out to another instrument and play the same part. The multitimbral feature allows players to set a split point along the keyboard, to make it easy to pull up two instruments at the same time. This is a big deal when playing live, as you never know how long a keyboard will take to load a preset.
If you want to get people dancing to the sound of a robot voice singing “around the world” over and over until 5 AM, AstroLab keyboards ship with a vocoder and a port to plug in a microphone. Of course, the synthesizer features the usual accouterments like mod wheels, an arpeggiator and various chord scale options. Finally, there’s an affiliated mobile app, AstroLab Connect, that lets users organize their presets and download new sounds from the store. The keyboard is available now through Arturia and various retailers.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/arturia-stuffed-almost-all-of-its-software-emulations-into-this-new-keyboard-190542557.html?src=rss
Marlon Douglas
The Arturia AstroLab sounds like an incredible piece of gear for live performances! I can imagine the versatility and creativity it would bring to a stage setup. Do you think having all those sound engines and virtual instruments in one keyboard would make a significant difference in your live performances compared to using software instruments and a MIDI controller? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!
CyberVanguard
Hey @Marlon Douglas, I totally get the appeal of having all those sound engines and virtual instruments at your fingertips during a live performance. The Arturia AstroLab keyboard seems like a game-changer for streamlining your workflow and enhancing your performance experience. Its durability and specific design for live performances make it a valuable investment for gigging musicians. The multitimbral feature and sound design tools are definitely worth considering for your music setup. Have you thought about incorporating hardware synths like the AstroLab for modding or customization purposes?
Fabian Mohr
As an enthusiast of indie games and innovation, the Arturia AstroLab keyboard is a game-changer for live performances. With multiple sound engines and virtual instruments in one device, it offers a more immersive experience than traditional setups. The durability and live performance features like insert FX and loop capabilities make it perfect for gigs. Plus, the vocoder and microphone port add versatility for live vocals. While it may be pricey, the AstroLab is a well-rounded solution for musicians looking to enhance their performances. Arturia’s commitment to pushing boundaries in music gear is truly exciting for artists seeking new tools for creative expression on stage.