Today, we are going to review the compact, avant-garde stage keyboard, the Arturia AstroLab 37. The flagship AstroLab series of keyboard instruments, developed by the French company Arturia, continues to evolve. Following the release of the five-octave AstroLab 88, Arturia introduced a compact version for users who prioritize mobility and portability. The AstroLab 37 is equipped with 37 miniature keys and is significantly smaller than the full-size Arturia AstroLab 61 and AstroLab 88 models.
Importantly, the AstroLab 37 retains all the key features and high sound quality of the flagship series while being more affordable and easier to transport. Additionally, the AstroLab 37 can be an excellent choice for musicians who would like to have an Arturia stage instrument but are not ready to make a large investment in full-size models.
For those unfamiliar with the series, AstroLab devices are not classic MIDI controllers. They are full-fledged stage keyboard instruments and hardware implementations of the AnalogLab virtual instrument. The device is equipped with powerful digital signal processors (DSPs) that allow for the full implementation of Arturia's high-quality algorithms.
Unlike traditional digital pianos, which reproduce pre-recorded tones, the AstroLab is a synthesizer that models various physical processes in real time. For this reason, the sound of the AstroLab presets remains as first-class as that of AnalogLab virtual instruments. This allows AstroLab to be used successfully not only on stage, but also in studio work. So, as usual, let's start by looking at the specifications of the Arturia AstroLab 37 before moving on to the main part of our review.
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Best Price on Arturia Astrolab 37
Arturia, known for its innovative music production gear, introduces the AstroLab, a versatile and feature-rich synthesizer designed to inspire creativity and push sonic boundaries. |
Classic Package
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The compact AstroLab 37 model by Arturia uses a six-core ARM processor with a clock speed of 1.8 GHz. This processor is identical to the one installed in the full-size AstroLab 61 model, which we reviewed separately. Thus, the AstroLab 37's performance is on par with the full-size version. The DSPs' power is sufficient to create any combination of instruments, even the most resource-intensive ones, without any problems. The most complex calculations are optimized for stable, uninterrupted operation, ensuring that there are no sound issues with the AstroLab 37.
The AstroLab 37's appearance echoes the beautiful design of previous models. The device stands out with its snow-white body and wood-style side elements. It is based on a metal frame to which the plastic body components are attached. Particular attention should be paid to the high quality of the assembly. There are no squeaks at the joints, and the elements are securely and firmly fixed. At the same time, the device is very light, weighing only about 2 kg (4.30 lb).
As expected, the AstroLab 37 has fewer controls. However, the key buttons and controls have been retained and rearranged. The display remains in the center, with the controls and buttons now distributed on both sides.
While not the largest by modern standards, the display size looks quite appropriate and harmonious in the AstroLab 37, unlike full-size models. Its high resolution and brightness ensure a clear, detailed display of lists, menus, and graphical representations of presets.
Senior models had a unique round controller that resembled a puck with a screen inside for control. The AstroLab 37 does not have this feature; the display is built into the device. However, the function of the puck is now performed by a rotary knob located below the display. This knob can also be used to conveniently move the cursor through the list of presets or settings menu and select the desired item.
For ease of navigation, duplicate buttons below the screen allow you to switch between presets sequentially. In some cases, using the buttons to navigate the menu may be preferable, especially when switching tones sequentially. Presets load almost instantly.
AstroLab is based on the synthesizers and keyboard instruments included in the AnalogLab Pro software product. These include 44 instruments and over 1,800 presets from the popular Arturia V Collection. The AstroLab sound library is very well structured. Presets are grouped by tags, which allow you to instantly sort presets by characteristics and narrow down your search. You can sort presets by category, instrument, artist, user favorites (Like Preset), creator, playlist, or various combinations of these tags.
AstroLab has special buttons that provide quick access to instrument tones in specific categories. Pressing one of these buttons loads the most representative preset from that category, allowing you to search for sounds only within that group.
Each preset has four macros assigned to separate controls. These are typically parameters that significantly alter the sound timbre, such as the resonance filter, envelope, and modulation. Typically, several synthesizer parameters are assigned to one macro. For simplicity, the macros have straightforward names: Brightness, Timbre, Time, and Movement. These four macros significantly enliven the sound and add dynamics to monotonous timbres. Macros cannot be reassigned in AnalogLab presets, but if the full version of the virtual instrument is installed, reassigning parameters becomes possible.
Full-size AstroLab models had circular level indicators around the controls. These indicators are absent here, but all controls are touch-sensitive, and the current value is displayed on the screen when a control is touched.
The Effects section is located on the right side of the screen. You can use two types of effects and two buses with delay and reverb simultaneously for each timbre. The first two slots are inserts, while delay and reverb work as FX buses with send level adjustment. Use the rotary controls to adjust the intensity or signal feed to the bus. The buttons below the controls can be used to disable the effect or access the menu with detailed settings. The following effects are available for the first two slots: Multi Filter, Parametric EQ, Compressor, Distortion, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Stereo Pan, Analog Phaser, Wah, Twin Amp, and Rotary Speaker. In the Delay and Reverb slots, only the processing algorithm can be changed, not the effect itself. Depending on the preset, the assigned effects differ, but they can easily be changed to more suitable ones. For speed and ease of use, presets are provided within the effects themselves, in addition to the detailed settings.
Like the AnalogLab software version, the AstroLab device supports multitimbral mode. The collection includes many interesting two-layer presets. Some provide simultaneous playback of two sounds, while others divide timbres by zones. While using a three-octave keyboard for zone playing may not always be convenient, it is sometimes necessary.
AstroLab has a huge database of various presets. A playlist system is provided for quick access to the desired tones. This system allows users to create individual preset lists (Playlists), which greatly simplifies the workflow. It is noteworthy that within each playlist, in addition to the general list, you can create additional categories (Songs) to organize presets according to more specific criteria. This functionality is especially important for professional use, particularly when used in stage conditions, and AstroLab implements it at a high level.
The process of creating and editing playlists directly from the AstroLab device or detailed configuration via the menu is not always convenient. In this regard, one of the key advantages becomes particularly important – full integration with AnalogLab Pro software and the AstroLab Connect mobile app.
Two-way interaction allows users to control all keyboard settings from the app. Changes made on the AnalogLab app screen are synchronized with the AstroLab keyboard in real time. This allows the keyboard to be used for more than just creating and editing playlists; it can also be used as a support tool during performances.
Additionally, the AstroLab Connect mobile app is worth noting. It is compatible with iOS and Android operating systems. Devices can be connected via a wired connection, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. It's important to note that no additional adapters or devices are required because the wireless module is integrated into the AstroLab keyboard by default.
A Wi-Fi connection is possible via an existing network or directly to the device via an access point. The AstroLab works with both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. Please note that the Wi-Fi connection is only used to synchronize settings and manage presets and playlists. A wireless connection does not imply the transmission of MIDI messages between devices. For that purpose, a more reliable wired USB or MIDI connection is preferable, or at least Bluetooth.
The Arturia AstroLab 37 has excellent wired connectivity options that are practically the same as those found on full-size models.
The synthesizer can be connected to a computer or mobile device using a Type C USB connector. Additionally, the AstroLab 37 is equipped with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules for wireless connectivity. The USB-A port is intended for external storage and MIDI controllers. There is also a full-fledged MIDI DIN input and output. The balanced line output and headphone output use traditional TRS connectors. There is an XLR/TRS combo jack for connecting a microphone or other analog source. The synthesizer cannot process the incoming signal, but it can be used with the Vocoder V. Pedal connections are limited to a single TRS jack for use with a sustain pedal.
The keyboard comes with a full version of AnalogLab Pro. As you probably know, AnalogLab Pro can be used as a standalone application or as a VST, AU, or AAX plug-in in any DAW. In both cases, the AstroLab device is fully integrated with the application and can be used with the keys simultaneously.
This is useful, especially in a studio environment or when working on an arrangement project. When playing the AstroLab hardware instrument, you will always have zero latency, regardless of your computer's power, buffer size, or DAW project load. At the same time, everything played on the AstroLab will be correctly recorded to a track with the same preset in AnalogLab Pro.
The AstroLab 37 features a miniature, three-octave keyboard. Its mechanics are sensitive to keystroke speed and are equipped with aftertouch functions. The keys feel similar to those used in Arturia controllers but are slightly more elastic and quieter. To make playing easier, there are three types of velocity curves: Light, Medium, and Heavy. Aftertouch has three gradations (Linear, Logarithmic, and Exponential) that differ in the amount of pressure required to activate the effect.
In terms of sound quality, the AstroLab 37's line outputs are on par with those of modern stage keyboards. A comparative analysis of AstroLab and AnalogLab Pro presets played back through a studio interface shows that the AstroLab's sound quality is acceptable.
Finally, we've reached the end of our Arturia AstroLab 37 review, it's time to summarize the results. As we mentioned earlier, AstroLab's new instruments successfully combine the flexibility of software plug-ins with the reliability of hardware synthesizers. At the same time, AstroLab devices harmoniously combine the functionality of a stage instrument with that of a studio instrument. And while the full-size AstroLab 61 and, even more so, the AstroLab 88 are primarily intended for stationary use, the AstroLab 37 is ideal for traveling and use as an additional instrument on stage.
We are particularly pleased that the compact AstroLab 37 is not a stripped-down version of the larger models but rather has inherited their full functionality. This applies to both DSP power and control capabilities, including integration with AnalogLab software and the AstroLab Connect mobile app. The AstroLab 37 is also very affordable by hardware synthesizer standards, significantly lowering the entry threshold for using the Arturia ecosystem and making it accessible to a wider range of users.
We hope you enjoyed our review of the Arturia AstroLab 37 compact performance keyboard synthesizer. Please feel free to leave your comments, questions, and suggestions in the section below. We will be happy to answer them all as soon as possible. If you already own AstroLab 37 and have used it for a while, don't forget to share your impressions and tell us what you liked or disliked about this synthesizer.
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9.8
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