Arturia Astrolab Review- 25 Years Of Synths In One Instrument
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- Опубликовано: 3 авг 2024
- I take a look at Arturias Astrolab Plug Out Synthesizer! A Standalone Version of Analog Lab with amazing sounds!
Thanks so much to Arturia for sending me Astrolab for review!
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BRO......BEST Phuking Demo of this synth we have Seen so far!!!!...My wife subd. Your channel yrs.ago.....You have grown in subz...but even Better....You have established Yourself as the Artist....and Reviewer who REALLY knows His Craft!!!!..... BRAVO!!!!!!! 🍺.
I see this not as a studio instrument but as a solution for gigging. I use a laptop with a boatload of synth plug in’s with improvised music and preset management using Ableton can be difficult when switching between both presets and plug in’s. It’s pricey but not in comparison to high end Korg, Yamaha or Roland workstation’s. It doesn’t have a lot of performance control but I have found that there is a limit on how time and brain power is available for tweaking when gigging. I think it’s a great idea. Not for everyone but for a performing musician who doesn’t want to lug around a bunch of keyboards it could be a perfect fit.
Huge thanks to Arturia for sending this over and HUGE thanks to YOU for watching!
Ps: the original info from Arturia was that Astrolab would be priced at around 1600$, but it seems that it is now 1999$
it's still 1599 at Perfect Circuit, so idk!
It’s also $1,599 at Sweetwater, and comes with some sweet surprise extras… well… maybe not surprises to people who have ordered from Sweetwater in the past. 😊
your reviews have love in them. love for the art, the science, the technology. thank you
i like the editing in this video. Something feels different. great video
This was great. You know synths, you know how to create music and how to teach.
The Astrolab is in a league of its own. I was at Sweetwater Sound yesterday and out of 80 + keyboards on display, there was nothing that came close to Astrolab in terms of sounds, touch and ease of use. Plus, it is simply stunning in appearance.
A must have instrument!
You’re the synth reviewer I trust most, again well-done! ✌️😌🎹✨
Great video dude congrats! 50k soon 🤛🏻
Best demo out here thanks!
This looks awesome! Great video.
Huge thanks for the kind words! See you soon!
Astrolab is AstroPriced at $1,599 here in USA for 61 keys, a teeny tiny non-touchscreen. The board has no mpe, faders or ability to operate via Bluetooth without usb-c cable.
it's $1599 at Sweetwater.
@@xiaoxia5 even at the sweetwater price, can't justify spending $1700 (tax included) on what could essentially be a raspberry pi 4 under the hood, simply running plugins/software and outputting audio.
Great review !
Watching the Arturial livestream and saw this notification pop up. Huge congrats my man!
Thanks so much my friend! Always appreciate you here!
@0VRLNDR I saw the same thing! 😊🎶✨️
No poly-aftertouch, engine specific polyphony restrictions and disabled features in standalone make this a hard sell for me, but I don't think I'm the target audience.
At this price point too
This video deserves a lot more likes. Under 1000? no no, this was super helpful
Thanks so much my friend!!🙌🏻🙌🏻
Google Nest x Arturia V collection
😂😂
Great presentation. Arturia is notorious for updates, so this piece of gear will evolve, and you can design in your daw and save on the hardware, which is cool.
Wow! Amazing video! Congrats
Thanks so much!! See you soon my friend!
yes, in the Seo dining room 😊
Awesome dude! Looking forward to this! A minute before loopop too! Hahah!
LOL, the launch time was.... complicated haha, thanks for watching!
@@MidlifeSynthesist hahah! No worries man, great review!
Looks very cool!
Thanks for coming out brother! It´s certainly a looker! You could go on any stage with this one proudly! Talk to you soon!
I keep repeating this on every review I come across in hopes that Arturia takes note. I love the concept. I already own the V Collection so I'm already bought into the Arturia ecosystem. If they would just give current customers a price break so we are not essentially having to buy the same sounds twice I'd buy it in a heartbeat. For now I am on the fence though.
Your videos are so relaxing and beautifully crafted in addition to being informative and easy for me to understand. Thank you so much for uploading!
Thank you. Great review. Looks a bit overwhelming having so many presets. But maybe it's easy to dip in and get what you need quickly without too much searching. The categories and artist tributes seem interesting. Cheers!
Great vid, loved the jam at 11:00! I don't think this makes sense for me since I don't play live, but can totally see how it'd be great for that
Thanks so much for watching and leaving a kind comment brother! I think it´ll be a great weapon for a live player too! See you soon!
GREAT STUFF!!
Thanks so much!!
Just bought it, first with it. Love it.
by far the best review of Astrolab, I've seen - and you've made some points that actually make me wanna buy it :) (I am not a big fan of the look though)
Está hermoso el teclado, me parece super práctico para tocar en vivo o cuando estas escribiendo canciones y necesitas una buena paleta de sonidos para que las ideas vayan fluyendo. Como sea está espectacular, ojalá mas a futuro puedan seguir agregando los nuevos synths que salgan con cada V Collection. Abrazo, muy buen video.
If that's you singing, you have a great voice.
Thanks so much🙌🏻🙌🏻
Thanks for the review. It expressed my thoughts exactly - it's a musician's synth. It's a refreshing take from Arturia who faces a lot of negativity from many people who actually spend more time tweaking knobs than doing music. It has something new and unique that's missing in other brands, especially with so much cloning going on. And many people seem interested in the same, getting surprisingly angry when something new comes up.
Great and informative video! Difficult to compare to anything else i guess, which will turn the Astrolab into a giant succes i think.. Myself i'm using a looper(Roland rc-505) and a simple but efficient novation circuit tracks, so this really completes my setup. It's like you say in a different way: to have pleasure making/creating music you need to feel control over your setup so you can focus on that pleasure in stead of focussing on a whole procedure of things you need to keep an eye on.. Thanks for your passionate videos, keep them coming!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback my friend! Here’s wishing you happy jammin! See you soon!
Looks like a winner to me. Hoping for a 73 weighted key version with built in power supply 🤞🤞
Excellent review. You covered everything Arturia forgot to mention!
Been wanting VSTs in the keyboard ever since VSTs came out. With aftertouch and at the price point, hard to resist. Someone was commenting about the "unused space" to the left but it looks big enough for an iPad to use their included app. Also, that space could be nice for someone who wants to add a physical midi fader or pad controller to the setup.
They were so close. It would have hit it out of the park if it had the 9 faders, the lack of controls is sad, you can't even edit sounds on the phone app and seamless transitions not 100%. Will need to get some midi hardware, damn, but maybe I'm just in shock haha.
Thanks so much for watching and for your kind comment my friend! I think they nailed the esthetic and the sound bank here. Definitely a Keyboard players synth!
I need this but for the Native Instruments ecosystem
What about loading synths into a Maschine+?
I thought NI missed a HUGE opportunity not doing exactly this with the new komplete controller
From the people that designed the Smart Thermostat
WOW wow wow
🤩
Now I’ve seen it all in my 42 years playing synths. From analog hardware to digital to VSTs and NOW hardware with VSTs built in? Good idea for who does not own a laptop with V9 collection, but now we are going to be stuck buying upgrades for this synth AND having to own the V9 in order to edit sounds. Also, WAAAY to expensive. For much less I bought my incredible weighted NumaX GT. 88 key, good sounds (Pianoteq in my pad). Saludos desde Barcelona.
Saludos amigazo! Y gracias por comentar🙌🏻
Interesting. Looks familiar though, and I love it. @01:06 -> Intro of Arriving Somewhere But Not Here by Porcupine Tree
I fell in love with it too! ❤️❤️❤️ thanks so much for watching!
I have to admit...I am drooling over this keyboard and I want one(but not enough to pay TWICE for the f**king software.)
Hi .. love your channel kind of new to the latest Synth systems .. could you tell me more about that MPCX you hooked up to the Arturia Astrolab ?… what does that do .. because it sounded amazing .. sorry for my lack of experience… but you got to start somewhere.. been playing guitars and basses for years .. now I got the keyboard 🎹 bug ✋🏻.. thanks for any advice
Hey!! Thanks for watching! Don’t worry, we’ve all been there lol. In this case, the Astrolab is acting as a sound library. Since the main appeal of the MPC is sampling and sequencing, the Astrolab compliments it by feeding it a wide palette of sounds from different synth engines. Hope that makes sense! Thanks for watching my friend!
Very interesting. Is this the new release Arturia was priming us for?
You know what rocks? Your presentations, they're so much fun to watch.
You know what sucks? "Assembled in China", but... I live in China and this one's completely unavailable here. :(
I would LOVE to have one of these. Ever since selling my Jupiter 80, the only synth I've ever sold, I've completely lacked any meaningful way of emulating and using a lot of physical instrument sounds like piano and er hu, (traditional Chinese instrument that sounds amazing in tracks), so something like this grabs me immediately.
Unfortunately, I'll have to wait however long it's going to take for this to be available in the very country it's made in. Sheesh!
Anyhow, thank you for the awesome presentation, your videos are always just so excellent.
Whoa!!
I want that screen with a knob around it on everything.
But give me five. And instead of 4 buttons, give me 8, with 4 top and 4 bottom.
Maybe some left and right arrows, too?
Seems like this would be a great tech to reinvent the Origin.
Wow! Very interesting concept - especially for the price. I would be interested in a comparison with a Nord Stage 4 - an incredibly good live instrument with a lot of sounds, but also rather limited sound design potential. But the Nord also seems to be just right - if you ignore the price ;)
But well done video! Thank you.
It´s a great option for someone who want the sounds without needing all the parameter control on stage. I can see lots of bands picking these up for the live synth section. As far as comparing it to nord, I´d love to put these two up toe to toe...
@@MidlifeSynthesist hell yes, so far the keys and sound quality of the Nord is a league of its own.
Is this what we all wanted the Maschine + to be? A stand-alone bit of hardware that can run our favorite plug-in suite, but live? I'm curious as to how Arturia achieved this. Is it a Linux based SBC hosting software (like MPC Live, Maschine + and Ableton Push 3)? OR have those mad geniuses sorted out something new? I'm hopeful for this platform.
I didn't know you can sing? Nice pipes.
Congrats with getting free gear like other RUclips fellows !
Thanks, but it´s not really free 😅. You wouldn´t believe the amount of time and man hours that were dedicated to studying the synth, scripting, shooting and editing the video, all in time to meet the embargo deadline. It´s a great gig and I´m extremely grateful, but believe me, there´s no such thing as a free lunch lol. Thanks for watching the video my friend! See you soon!
But anyway it’s a real achievement 🎉
Obviously NOT for studio work where you get your choice of any control surfaces with VCX on the PC. What touring pro would go with this over the alternative gigging boards with the keybed and sounds matched to the sets they play AND a long established roadworthy track record?
I have an Arturia Keystep 37 and I wouldn't mind if the keys felt a little more hefty and quality, not so much plastic. How do the keys on this compare? Average synth quality or nice electric piano quality?
I was just syaing to myself that they were going to put something out with the new essentials. What are the odds?
One of the exciting things this has is physical modeling because sometimes samples can sound janky. Korg Nautilus has physical modeling but only on string synths. Roland Fantom has physical modeling on pianos as does Studiologic Numa X.
Ok, dude - tell me about your microphone setup, fx and so on :)
Looks like (almost) everything I have been wishing for. But why doesn't it have the Mellotron from V Collection as one of the intruments? And I'd also love to see that Tape Mello-fi added at some point.
Maybe I'll wait a little and hope for the inevitable black version along with a firmware update to add those missing features.
If I understand correctly, apparently the Mellotron is too processor hungry? You still have some Mellotron presets but they are sampled versions of it. I hope they continue to expand the roster here, especially in the fx! Thanks so much for watching!
@@MidlifeSynthesist It seems odd that the one instrument that is made primarily of samples would tax the processor more than the likes of the CS80. Especially seeing as my Nord Electro 3 from 15 years ago managed it (albeit without the wow and flutter effects that I love with the Mellotron V).
It's a nice idea but, 1600€ it's a bit pricey IMHO... Accesing Arturía's catalog in a HW dawless platform is something cool, but maybe as a desktop unit like the Hydrasynth with more knobs and a bigger screen for a more fancy UX could be a more desirable solution. Or if you want it to be truly an on-the-go solution something rackable like the Integra7.
Daaaayuuuuummm
Can you tell me what the reverb situation is like? The Fantom only has one reverb to use for all instrument at one time which I’ve found extremely limiting.
Same thing here 😓 one reverb and one reverb for the entire system. Fx1 and 2 are routable to Part 1 and/or 2 in bitimbtal mode. Thanks for watching!
@@MidlifeSynthesist thanks dude. Does this have an audio interface?
Wait for Roland Cloud, Korg and Native Instruments to do this 😅😅😅
I wonder how quick this center dial will break assuming it's flimsy look
I want a desktop version.
Seems there will be no problem with the buttons this time
I like this but for a performance instrument they should have included fully weighted keys, especially at this price. I like my Keylab 61, but the keybed is way worse than even a base model Yamaha P-45.
This is what NI should have done with Komplete and their new controller
Question, does the Dial also control my Thermostat when my beats get hot?
😂😂 I believe you can set it to “Fire track” or “Chill beats”
Encoders still on the right (wrong) side?! 😕
What is the boot time? Thanx
This is definitely cool for someone who does not have any of arturia software. Me
On the positive side, you've been using your VST for a while now
@@raul0ca I rarely use software. I'm a hardware head
@@biggrime A lot of hardware is software now. Roland Fantom, Korg Nautilus, AKAI MPC, granular synths, wavetable synths, even a lot of modular stuff is software running on CPUs
@raul0ca true but not my Matriarch, neutron, pro one, tiaga, ms-1, ms-20, k-2, cat, odyssey, crave
@@biggrime Apologies, I misunderstood original post. I do think a CPU is the only way a synth can save a preset so I think synths all the way back to the Prophet 5 have been blessed/cursed by digital
Turning over new leaves when gear isn’t for me. It’s for someone who will have a good experience.
Nice review.
I tried one of these, but the interface dial caused the Nest thermostat to oscillate… 😏😏🙃🙃
😂😂LOL!
No views! oooh i'm early!
Yes!!! Thanks for showing up!
I am still confused about this and can't seem to find a definitive answer. Do you need to buy additional software in order to edit all of the patches that come on it?
Yes in order to edit of make init patches.
@@Charlieboy2680 Cool thx.
Imagine a desktop version…
So basically a midi keyboard with an embedded PC, perhaps with Linux OS or similar running a custom V Collection inside
Hard pass for me, thanks
That's a great controller/performance keyboard that will sell well once the price hits $800.
I´m actually very curious to see how well it does sales wise!
@@MidlifeSynthesistIt’s going to flop like a fish I have no doubt. Who wants a preset machine that you STILL need to buy the software!?🤦♂️
Full size keys?
Ohhhhh
Grande perrin!!
@@MidlifeSynthesist grande perro, puta que la guardaste bkn
Where is vst version😢 ?
This would be a killer synth IF V Collection was included so you could access the full synths. Having to pay an additional $600 makes this a no go for me. It's basically just a stand alone Analog V. If that works for you at $1600, go for it.
You cant even make and edit patches without the additional software 😂
Absolutely love the design but the fact that you have to press the screen... i know it's ergonomic but the screen looks so beautiful so i don't want to leave my fingerprints on it! Also this small screen would fit smaller let's say 37 keys version even better. Gotta give to them french dudes, the thing looks like a million bucks. Prolly the most beautiful synth in recent years for my liking.
But my biggest gripe is the fact that their full blown synth offers less controls than Arturia's own Keylab... I was expecting all that Keylab controls and more but. Still don't get it!
So many great options at this price point and this isn't one of them. Great video though ! Thanks
@@Charlieboy2680 thanks for watching❤️🙌🏻
Had they made an 88 key... and hammer action.... ..
Just because you’re not getting paid cash, doesn’t mean you’re not getting paid.
I've seen some pricing at $1699.
GAS warning appreciated dude but this won't be a problem for all viewers. Beautiful looking piece of gear with some interesting concepts but it didn't induce enough gas to power a fart
LOL! It´s not for everyone but I personally grew very fond of it! Thanks so much for watching my friend! See you soon!
@MidlifeSynthesist your review was very fair and entertaining, maybe if you sent the astrolabe over to me it would grow on me too...see what I did there ?
Yeah I agree, calling this GAS inducing was sort of like the video he did comparing the Oxi One to the Deluge. It’s like “huh?” However I am a fan and like this channel, but this thing has “avoid me” written all over it.
@@jospehbloseph7172 I guess it will fire up GAS in the specific user base it is aimed at, gigging studio performance artists, it will be interesting to see how well it sells because it doesn't have crossover potential among different bases of users whereas a synth might be used by a performer or someone happily twiddling their knobs at home.
I guess I was slightly disappointed hoping for a new synth announcement but I'm sure Arturia has the next generation of Polybrute/ MaxiFreak coming at some point. I have succumbed to GAS on occasion, the most recent example being the KOII. Teenage Engineering marketed that well and it turned out great for me as I've had so much fun with it, zero problems and have now developed an interest in the sampler scene. The Akai Key 37 might be my next purchase as a result.
I purchased a Polybrute after a major GAS flare-up, Benn Jordans video being my 1st contact with it and that has turned out
perfectly as I love it.
Maybe the real test of GAS is if it is for something you never even considered? I'm currently under the spell of the Elta Music Solar 42 even though I have zero experience in the modular arena.
I agree this is a great channel, always fair, interesting and entertaining...maybe @MidlifeSynthesist might do a video on the subject of GAS, with pros and cons, and coping strategy? Or maybe a look at the Akai MPC key 37 before I pull the trigger
Same here ... even if it does synthesize all those sounds, they're pretty much fixed unless you tweak the parameters on your computer. So to me, it is very much like a rompler where I'll probably spend most of my time browsing through 1500 presets instead of making music (and I'd prefer a Korg M3 then which has 88 fully weighted keys and costs 1/3 less). Some other review said "this is for solo entertainers or cover bands doing weddings" and I pretty much agree.
how long does it take to boot?
20 min give or take
@@Charlieboy2680 You mean seconds right? Because if it takes 20 minutes to boot then Merry Christmas!
You are fast becoming one of my most trusted opinionators. You do tend to nail it. This video was very well produced, And you may have convinced me to ignore the Roland Gaia 2, or Korg king Korg Neo, or subsequent 37 as my next purchase. This truly appears to be designed by Apple! It’s a very “borrowed from the future” synth.
It will compliment my iridium keyboard and akai force/maschine plus Dawless adventure. Exciting development.
The debate over Real Analog and Virtual analog is really becoming pointless.
My system 8 convinced me that digital is already there.
NOW WE JUST HAVE TO BAN ALL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN MUSIC.
Not enough Faders and Knobs.
That's what I'm saying!
It must be really hard to try and sound enthusiastic for video as long as this about what clearly this is.
It’s a miss for me., no GAS at all I don’t get the tiny screen you have to purposely avoid covering with your hand. Only four macro knobs for the Instrument and four for the FX when there is plenty of real estate for more. The key-bed doesn’t look like it has a premium action, l hate pitch/mod wheels there (I only put up with them on the Take 5 because you get a P5 sound for less than half the price). Finally I have heard polyphony count with some of the analog engines is low (8 voices total). But you guys have to put a positive spin on it to get pre-release gear and the opportunity to make embargo lift releases.
Love the idea but the price is honestly way beyond rational. It is not a midi keyboard, as it has a full synth in it (sort of?), but it is not a synth as it is like a rompler that does not play samples... It is a weird thing.
It does not work for me though, as it is too limited as main synth away from a computer, and too expensive to be my PC midi master controller. I hope they will make a version with just midi connectivity so I can retire the Keylab pro, as long as they price it below 600 dollars, that is.
Pretty cool and it'd be quite the thing if they keep updating it to add arranger, sequencer functionality and even a way for developers to port their VSTs, but to be honest, I find it sounds kinda sterile and empty compared to Arturia's analogue offerings. No worse than anything anyone else is doing in the DSP space, but not any better either. It sounds like a collection of quality VSTs 🤷
Boomers gonna boom
Mm this is a commercial clip.
If by that you mean it has high production value and snappy editing, I’m taking this as a compliment😜
@@MidlifeSynthesist yeah the video looks great and smooth. But I lost interest due to the overwhelming amount of recommendation information. You would only say it this way if you get paid for it. But the discloser I missed at the start. Sorry. Usually I appreciate your content.
@@gwsound no worries, I know I sometimes sound like I’m selling this stuff😂 appreciate you stopping by though! Cheers!
The pianos don't sound so good ... is this by accident?
Maybe youtube compression? They sound amazing over here🤷🏻♂️ thanks for watching!
That's a weird looking computer
😂😂
Awwww… it has a Nest Thermostat for a UI!!! How sweet! Not.
I’m not feeling it at all vst bs nfm
Not for 2k! Nope! You could buy a cheap keylab and get analog lab free! 799.99 max!!!
But why does anyone need this stage keyboard? It has no drawbars and lacks quality piano and organs of a good stage keyboard and if a synth head you’re stuck with presets. Is this really for people with 2K to burn but no computer or a gigging player who wants more sound variety and is willing to sacrifice the basics of a stage keyboard?
WTF...No poly-aftertouch no no no.
I'm not really impressed with it's synth sounds. Any cheap synth can do that. I'm more like real acoustic instruments fan, like real sounds of trumpets, basses, guitars, saxes, drums, pianos, Rhodes, violins, fill strings, full brass, percussions, choirs, and more. This keyboard lacks of what I need