With the AstroLab 88, Arturia presents a modern performance synthesizer that combines the best of 25 years of innovation, development and passion. AstroLab 88 combines Arturia's innovative software instruments with studio and stage-ready hardware. The Hardware initially impresses with its attractive appearance and tidy control panel. The 88-key hammer action keyboard is fully weighted and conveys a very pleasant playing feel; channel aftertouch is also generated. Thanks to the dual multi-timbrality, two sounds can be played and reproduced simultaneously. In a live context, this can mean that one part is played by hand and the other is played via the DAW. A split point can also be defined so that both parts can be played by hand at the same time. To the right of the porthole, which is the central control element, there are ten preset buttons for quick direct access to sounds and the four macro controls. Effects can be quickly adjusted using the four knobs and buttons. Details such as the flexible arpeggiator, a chord mode and the MIDI looper underline the claim to be a stand-alone instrument for live performances.
With the power of the V Collection
In terms of sound, the AstroLab 88 draws on the full range of ten sound engines. These include Virtual Analog, Samples, Wavetable, FM, Granular, Physical Modeling, Vector Synthesis, Harmonic, Phase Distortion, Karplus Strong and Vocoder. Over 1600 sounds are pre-installed ex works. If you connect the AstroLab to a computer on which Arturia's analog Lab Pro is installed, you have access to well over 10,000 sounds. In other words, with this synthesizer you have all the plug-ins from the V Collection right at your fingertips! The four macro controls can be used for quick changes. With 17 insert effects plus Delay and reverb, you have everything you need to spice up your chosen sound. Of course, you can also import your own sounds. The operating concept is deliberately designed to have countless sounds from the excellent engines available at the touch of a button. If you still want to tweak sounds, you can do this on the computer, which must be connected to the Astrolab 88.
An elegant eye-catcher
The futuristic exterior of the AstroLab 88 looks particularly premium thanks to the modern design in white in combination with the tidy surface and the beautiful wooden side panels. All buttons are backlit, which makes it easier to find your way around in diffuse lighting. In addition, the rotary controls are equipped with LED rings and even the modulation wheel is adorned with an LED bar. A trigger LED above each keyboard key indicates the corresponding keys during playing and when outputting via a DAW. The circular navigation wheel with OLED display, which primarily shows the selected engine with the current Preset, is very successful.
Professional connections
The rear of the AstroLab 88 is pleasingly flexible. In addition to the keyboard, there are foot pedal connections for expression, Sustain and two footswitches. This increases the expressive possibilities on the keyboard with the usual pedals. MIDI is communicated via the In and Out connection duo and USB. This is perfect for anyone who wants to play additional equipment such as a rack expander with the AstroLab 88. In its capacity as a performance synthesizer, audio inputs are of course a must! On the input side, Astrolab scores with Stereo line inputs, which are designed as XLR combo sockets and are also suitable for microphone signals; for signal output, there is a balanced stereo output pair with a large jack. The USB-C port is intended for data exchange with the computer. An external memory (USB stick) or an additional MIDI USB controller can be connected to the USB-A port.
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