Arturia's 88 key AstroLab updates significantly boost its performance capabilities and workflow efficiency.
Arturia's AstroLab 88 Debuts, Boosting Stage Keyboard Capabilities with a Premium Hammer-Action Keyboard
Arturia introduces its AstroLab 88, a significant upgrade to the original AstroLab, designed to offer a superior stage keyboard experience for live performers. With a focus on premium sound, enhanced connectivity, and user-friendly workflow, the AstroLab 88 expands its appeal to pianists, organists, and touring musicians.
Enhancements on the Arturia AstroLab 88
The AstroLab 88 is equipped with a Fatar TP-40L hammer-action keybed, delivering a lighter, yet more authentic piano touch compared to the synth-action keys of the original AstroLab. This upgrade provides a significant advantage for piano-oriented playing and caters to musicians seeking a premium stage experience.
Among the other key differences, the AstroLab 88 boasts a full 88-key layout, providing expanded capabilities for pianists and organists. The updated CPU guarantees smooth performance, ensuring that the expanded sound library and improved features run efficiently.
Rich Sound Collection and Performance Tools
Offering 40 reference instruments and over 1,600 presets onboard, the AstroLab 88 grants access to up to 10,000 additional sounds through Arturia’s V Collection and Pigments software. A varied set of performance tools integrated into the device includes an arpeggiator, chord and scale modes, a looper, hands-on macro controls, and flexible split points across the keyboard for layering sounds.
Extended Connectivity Options
The AstroLab 88 offers a broad range of connectivity options, including MIDI DIN I/O, USB-C, and multiple pedal inputs for sustain, expression, and more.
Integrated Software Ecosystem
Coming with Analog Lab Pro and AstroLab Connect for mobile sound management, the AstroLab 88 also welcomes forthcoming firmware updates to further expand its capabilities.
Upcoming Firmware Updates
A major update scheduled for July 17 will introduce features like updated V Collection 11 instruments, playlist transfer between Analog Lab Pro and AstroLab, and the ability to send program changes to external devices.
Comparison with the Original AstroLab
| Feature | AstroLab 88 | Original AstroLab ||--------------------|--------------------------|-------------------------|| Keybed | Fatar TP-40L hammer action (88 keys) | Synth action (61 keys) || Sound Collection | 40 instruments, 1,600+ presets, up to 10,000 via software | 40 instruments, 1,600+ presets, up to 10,000 via software || CPU | Upgraded, faster | Original || Performance Tools | Arpeggiator, chord/scale modes, looper, macro controls, splits | Arpeggiator, chord/scale modes, looper, macro controls || Connectivity | MIDI DIN I/O, USB-C, multiple pedal inputs | Similar, but less robust || Software Integration | Analog Lab Pro, AstroLab Connect, upcoming updates | Analog Lab Pro, AstroLab Connect || Target Audience | Live performers, pianists, organists | Synth-focused musicians |
In Conclusion
The AstroLab 88 markedly surpasses the original model by featuring a premium hammer-action keybed, a full 88-key layout, a faster CPU, and enhanced connectivity. These upgrades position the AstroLab 88 as a Class-A stage keyboard suitable for a wider array of musicians, further solidifying its status as an avant-garde solution for live performances.
The AstroLab 88, a stage keyboard upgrade by Arturia, offers a top-tier music experience with its premium hammer-action keybed, attracting pianists, organists, and musicians seeking a high-end stage setup. This advanced model also features technology for entertainment, such as the arpeggiator, chord and scale modes, a looper, and performance tools for an enhanced music presentation.
