Imagine unleashing a musical revolution in your hands – not just another keyboard, but a groundbreaking shift in performance gear. That's the bold promise Arturia brings with their latest release, the AstroLab 37. But here's where it gets intriguing: can a mere 37 keys truly redefine what's possible in a compact instrument? Stick around, because this sleek powerhouse might just challenge everything you thought you knew about stage keyboards.
Arturia, the innovators behind a slew of beloved synthesis tools, has just unveiled the AstroLab 37. This is a scaled-down 37-key incarnation of their cutting-edge 'avant-garde stage keyboard' powered by Analog Lab software. To give you some backstory, the original AstroLab debuted in 2024 as a 61-key model that crammed countless sounds from Arturia's Analog Lab into a portable package. We raved about it for its expansive sound library and intuitive design, making it a hit for both studio sessions and live gigs. Building on that success, they followed up in May this year with an 88-key version featuring hammer action keys, ideal for those craving a more piano-like touch.
Now, the AstroLab 37 condenses all that musical might into a slim, travel-friendly 37-key format. Arturia boasts that it 'redefines what a compact performance keyboard can be,' even going so far as to call it 'a new era.' For beginners wondering what that means, think of it as a versatile tool that doesn't skimp on features despite its size – perfect for musicians on the go who need pro-level sounds without lugging heavy equipment. And this is the part most people miss: it packs 11 distinct sound engines, including virtual analogue (which mimics classic synth circuits digitally), wavetable (for evolving, morphing tones), FM (famous for bright, bell-like sounds like those on old video game chips), granular (slicing and rearranging audio samples in creative ways), physical modelling (simulating real-world instruments like strings or winds), and sample-based synthesis (using recorded sounds as building blocks). All told, that gives you 44 ready-to-play instruments plus over 1,800 presets drawn from Arturia's acclaimed V Collection 11 and Pigments software. Imagine jumping from lush orchestral pads to gritty basslines with just a twist of a knob – that's the kind of flexibility this keyboard offers.
The AstroLab 37 features a 37-key semi-weighted slim keyboard, which means the keys have a bit of resistance for tactile feedback without being as heavy as full piano keys. It supports channel aftertouch, letting you add expressive vibrato or filter sweeps by pressing harder on the keys after playing a note. You'll also find the same user-friendly combined color screen and navigation encoder as on the bigger models, making menu navigation a breeze even in dim stage lights. Flanking this are two sets of four rotary knobs: one bank handles Macro controls for quick adjustments to an instrument's overall character, while the other tweaks 12 insert effects – think chorus, distortion, or phaser – with dedicated knobs for delay (adding echoing repeats) and reverb (creating space-like ambiance).
But here's where it gets controversial: is this tiny keyboard enough for serious musicians, or does it sacrifice depth for portability? The AstroLab 37 includes an arpeggiator (a tool that automatically plays rapid note patterns, like a built-in sequencer), chord and scale modes (to guide your improvisations and ensure you're hitting the right notes), and a 32-bar looper for layering live recordings. There's even a vocoder engine that processes your voice or an external microphone for robotic, futuristic effects – ideal for experimental artists or pop producers aiming for that Daft Punk vibe. Plus, its 1,800-plus sounds can be split across the keyboard (playing different instruments on different sections) or layered in bitimbral patches (stacking sounds for richer textures).
To expand your creative horizons, AstroLab 37 comes with AstroLab Connect, a handy mobile app for browsing presets and buying new ones on the fly. It's also bundled with Arturia's Analog Lab Pro software, which unlocks even more sounds, lets you customize the keyboard's library, and assign personalized macros. If you own other Arturia software instruments, you can go beyond the basic four macro controls and craft intricate patches to load onto the hardware – a game-changer for producers who want total control.
Connectivity is top-notch, with WiFi and Bluetooth for linking to apps wirelessly, USB-C and USB-A ports for computer connections, MIDI In and Out for syncing with other gear, stereo line outputs for direct playback, a headphone jack for private practice, a sustain pedal input for expressive piano-like effects, and a stereo combo input to plug in a microphone for vocoder fun or live effects. Priced at just $699, this 37-key model makes the AstroLab series accessible to musicians who lack the space or funds for the pricier 61- or 88-key versions – but does that affordability come at the cost of versatility? It's a question that sparks debate: are compact keyboards like this the future of music-making, or do they limit purists who swear by full-sized setups?
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Dive deeper on Arturia's official site for the AstroLab 37.
Don't forget to check out our video review of the 61-key AstroLab below – it's a great way to see the family in action.
Arturia AstroLab review – is this V Collection-powered synth best for studio or stage? - YouTube
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What do you think? Is the AstroLab 37's compact design a brilliant innovation, or does it fall short for demanding performers? Do 37 keys limit your creativity, or have you embraced smaller keyboards for travel? Share your opinions in the comments – we'd love to hear if this 'new era' keyboard lives up to the hype or if it's just hype!
