Arturia AstroLab 88: The Ultimate Stage Keyboard for Modern Musicians
Arturia has unveiled the AstroLab 88, a groundbreaking stage keyboard that seamlessly integrates the power of its software instruments into a standalone hardware unit. Designed for live performers, this 88-key keyboard offers a blend of premium craftsmanship, intuitive controls, and an expansive sound library, making it a compelling choice for musicians seeking both versatility and reliability on stage.
🎹 Premium Build and Playability
The AstroLab 88 features a Fatar TP-40L hammer-action keybed, providing a responsive and expressive playing experience akin to a traditional acoustic piano. This fully-weighted keybed ensures that every nuance of your performance is captured, whether you’re playing delicate melodies or powerful chords.
Extensive Sound Library
Equipped with 40 onboard instruments and over 1,600 presets, the AstroLab 88 draws from Arturia’s renowned V Collection and Pigments synthesizer. This vast library encompasses a wide range of sounds, from classic analog emulations to cutting-edge digital textures, all accessible without the need for a computer.
Intuitive Controls for Live Performance
Designed with the live performer in mind, the AstroLab 88 boasts a user-friendly interface:
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Navigation Wheel & OLED Screen: Easily browse and select sounds with a tactile interface.
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Four Macro Controls: Quickly adjust key parameters like Brightness, Timbre, Time, and Movement for dynamic sound shaping.
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Ten Preset Buttons: Instantly access your favorite sounds and setlists, streamlining your performance setup.
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Integrated Effects: Utilize two dedicated effects (Delay & Reverb) and two assignable FX slots, with up to 12 insert effects to tailor your ideal performance rig.
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Chord, Scale & Arp Modes: Enhance your performance with chord play, scale modes, and an arpeggiator, allowing for complex musical expressions with ease.
Seamless Integration with Arturia Ecosystem
The AstroLab 88 operates within Arturia’s ecosystem, offering seamless integration with Analog Lab Pro and AstroLab Connect. This allows for easy management of your sound library, editing of presets, and synchronization of playlists, all without the need for a laptop. Additionally, the upcoming firmware update (version 1.5) will introduce support for V Collection 11 instruments, improved preset loading times, and enhanced DAW integration .
Versatile Connectivity
The AstroLab 88 ensures comprehensive connectivity options:
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MIDI DIN I/O: Connect to other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control.
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USB-C Port: Integrate with your DAW setup for recording and editing.
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Pedal Inputs: Support for sustain, expression, and two assignable pedals for hands-free modulation.
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Audio Inputs/Outputs: 6.3mm stereo (L/R) input with gain control and output, allowing for microphone or line input and headphone monitoring.
These features make the AstroLab 88 a versatile hub for your live performance rig.
Final Thoughts
The Arturia AstroLab 88 represents a significant advancement in stage keyboard design, offering musicians a powerful, all-in-one solution for live performances. Its blend of premium build quality, extensive sound library, intuitive controls, and seamless integration with Arturia’s ecosystem makes it a standout choice for modern musicians seeking reliability and versatility on stage.
