Arturia AstroLab 37 review - Smaller, but still with its head in the stars

After making its mark with the 61– and 88-key versions, Arturia now completes its AstroLab range with a more compact 37-key format (€699/$699). Far from being a simple reduction, this variation opens the AstroLab universe to musicians seeking greater portability. Same sound engine, same philosophy, but a smaller, more nomadic approach: the AstroLab 37 intends to prove that size isn’t everything — especially when it comes to instruments.

A format 37 keys rethought: compact design and revised ergonomics

As soon as you open the box, the AstroLab 37 impresses with its elegant design and surprising compactness. Measuring 515 × 214 × 59 mm (20.3 × 8.4 × 2.3 inches) and weighing 1.95 kg (4.3 lbs.), the instrument blends clear metal and imitation wood sides, a sober, modern mix that immediately recalls the spirit of the range.

However, it’s impossible not to notice the major aesthetic changes compared to the 61 and 88 versions. The central thumbwheel, which elegantly encircled the screen and was a truly emblematic design element, has been replaced by a simple encoder positioned beneath the display. The latter remains round and pleasant to look at, but the instrument loses that visual detail that contributes to the character of the other models. Editing encoders are now relegated to either side of the central screen section: to the left for instrument editing, and to the right for effects editing. These encoders don’t have the luminous banding found on other models. The modulation and pitch bend wheels are still positioned above the keyboard on the left, but they lack luminous markings here, too.

The small 37-key keyboard with aftertouch remains true to Arturia’s recent designs: it proves pleasant to play, and even musicians accustomed to standard-sized keyboards will quickly get used to it.

On the rear is, as you’d expect, the AstroLab 37's connectivity package. For once, let’s start on the right, where we find the on/off button, then a DC power socket with a screw thread for connection to the supplied AC adapter. Next come the connections dedicated to computing: a USB-C port for connecting the device to a computer, smartphone or tablet, as well as a USB-A port capable of powering the keyboard, but also of connecting a storage medium or an external MIDI controller.

Then there’s a MIDI input and output in DIN 5-pin format, followed by a pair of audio outputs and a headphone output, all in 6.35 mm (1/4-inch) jack format. Continuing to the left, we find an audio input in XLR/Jack combo format, equipped with its own gain control. This is a significant difference from other models, which offer two audio inputs, but this single input can still be used for vocoding. Another difference: the AstroLab 37 has just one pedal socket, dedicated to sustain, whereas other models offer four.

Getting started, workflow and sound exploration of the AstroLab 37

Set-up remains quick and easy: connect power via USB, connect audio and MIDI outputs, and navigate the menu via the central encoder. The ergonomics retain the clarity and logic of the range, and the control layout is easy to comprehend. The main functional difference concerns the keyboard split. Unlike the 61 and 88 models, it is no longer possible to define split zones directly on the AstroLab 37. To do so, you have to go through AnalogLab, which might seem a limitation, but the keyboard’s reduced size makes the use of a keyboard split less relevant. As a result, the luminous markers above the keys, which indicated split zones on larger versions, have disappeared.

The AstroLab 37 retains one of the range’s major strengths: its sound bank. With over 2,000 presets and more than 40 internal instruments, it provides a broad range of sounds. Pianos and electric keyboards are pleasant and faithful, analog and digital synths offer both vintage and modern textures, while layers and experimental sounds create immersive and varied ambiences. The leads are precise, the pads enveloping, and the integrated effects offer a neat rendering without the need for external hardware.

The vocoder input is an added bonus, allowing you to explore original vocal or instrumental textures.

The AstroLab Connect app, available on iOS, iPadOS and Android, unfortunately retains its limitations. Most notably, sound editing remains impossible. Apart from controlling macros and effects, it’s still no substitute for a real touch controller. It would have been interesting to find, for example, harmonic drawbars for organs. As it stands, AstroLab Connect remains essentially an improved preset browser.

AstroLab 37 in studio and on stage

In the studio, the AstroLab 37 comes in pretty handy. Its compact size makes it easy to place on a desk or in a corner of the home studio. Presets can be browsed and organized wirelessly via Bluetooth with AstroLab Connect, or on the computer with Analog Lab Pro, where sound editing is possible (for complete editing with the graphical interfaces of the original instruments, however, you need the V Collection). As for the internal effects, they offer immediate, coherent and directly usable rendering. For composers and producers, AstroLab 37's flexibility is particularly valuable.

On stage, the AstroLab 37 proves its worth. Its portability and light weight make it easy to transport and quick to set up. After that, of course, it’s not for pianists or keyboardists who like to play long parts, as they could quickly become frustrated. The ten quick preset buttons let you navigate between sounds in the blink of an eye, while the macro knobs offer direct control over essential parameters.

The absence of illuminated rings around the knobs slightly reduces the legibility of the settings; you have to view the values on the screen, but this doesn’t hinder use. The slight latency when changing heavily loaded presets is noticeable and to be anticipated for a live performance. The vocoder adds an interesting performative dimension. It allows the voice or a mono instrument to be transformed into harmonic and synthetic textures.

AstroLab 37 vs 61 and 88 : what’s changing and what’s staying the same

Compared to versions 61 and 88, the AstroLab 37 retains the essence of the AstroLab experience: rich sound, ergonomics, an intuitive interface, and hardware/software integration. The main differences are in size, keys, visual cues, number of audio inputs and pedal sockets. The 88-key version remains the best choice for those looking for a complete stage piano with large splits and a quality 88-key Fatar keyboard, while the 61 offers an interesting compromise between maneuverability and versatility. The AstroLab 37, meanwhile, is positioned as the ultraportable model, ideal for touring musicians and small home studios, while retaining the richness of sound and immediacy expected of an AstroLab.