Arturia's Pocket Synth Powerhouse: AstroLab 37

Arturia has launched the AstroLab 37, a more accessible version of its stage keyboard, delivering a vast sonic library in a compact and affordable design. This 37-slimkey instrument, priced at $699, provides access to over 1,800 presets featuring diverse sounds from acoustic pianos to classic analog and digital synthesizers, serving as a portable collection of Arturia's acclaimed V Collection.

While the AstroLab 37 retains the sonic capabilities of its larger counterparts, its hardware is scaled down, featuring a plastic faceplate and a synth-action keybed with mini keys. This makes it ideal for musicians prioritizing portability and a wide sound selection over extensive sound design capabilities or premium keybed feel, which are found in the pricier 88- and 61-key models.

Navigation is streamlined with filtering options for sound types and the ability to create Songs and Playlists for live performance. Although it offers limited hands-on control for sound editing and has a less premium build than its predecessors, the AstroLab 37 represents a significant step in making Arturia's powerful synth emulations available in a standalone, cost-effective hardware instrument for performing musicians.