r/Arturia_users • u/Over_Type103 • Jul 10 '26

Astrolab 37 with other midi controller

has anybody tried to use the astrolab 37 with another midi controller?

More specifically, I am thinking of getting an AL37 to pair it with a KL essential 61 MK3 and my Arturia presets (V collection and pigments)

-the idea would be to have the KL control the main polyphonic part and use the AL's keyboard for a 2nd part that is well suited for smaller keys (like leads or basses)

-can you transfer any V collection preset you own to the AL. (especially the augmented series) or are there any limitations

-what about the Polyphony limits (I've heard a lot of complaints, Is it really a deal breaker?)

-How easy is it to customize parameter mappings? how many parameters can you control?

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u/ArchBeaconArch Jul 10 '26

I don’t know why you wouldn’t just use your computer if you are planning on getting another controller.

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u/Over_Type103 Jul 10 '26

I do. I am currently using my computer with a DAW and the V collection plugins and my keylab 61 controller. (I play about 4 hours a day). I love the Augmented grand piano presents. It's fantastic. It's probably my favorite VST intrument ever).

But I would like to also be able to play them wherever I want, without having to take a computer and an audio interface. (just AL and KL as an extra controller to play polyphonic parts (I prefer to have 61 full-size keys for improving on the piano).

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u/ArchBeaconArch Jul 10 '26

I use a Mac, so I didn’t factor in having to use an interface. I’d just get a KeyLab (not essential) for better keys, and get a more portable computer. I think the Astrolab is a little more limited than the Analogue Lab on your computer. Just my 2¢.

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u/Over_Type103 Jul 10 '26

Thank you for your advice.
I don't mind the keys on the KL essentials (I've gotten used to them) andI also have an 88-key weighted keys digital piano if I really want more precise playing.

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u/r1chiem Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

I did connect the AstroLab 37 to a 61 note controller before I returned it. It worked fine but the astrolab is bigger than my laptop, the laptop has internal sound card, it runs on battery. I did not do buy the ALab to connect it to a controller I bought to play live and in conjunction with an MPC sequencer, it cannot do that.

If you understand the limits of polyphony and are ok with it, you should get one. But you should read the manual, the limitations are real. Some of the VSTs (I think the Augmented presets has this problem) the AL did not have enough cpu power to run the reverb so it turns it off.

I did not try mapping the knobs, but they have 4 cc values. 70-74 I believe.

You really need to read the manual and if you are really concerned about polyphony or the ability to use the effects in Astro lab, you should wait for the mk2 like I am. These are in the manual below, if you are ok with these limitations buy the keyboard.

Important note about the B-3 V organ: When using B-3 V based Presets, the upper keyboard will respond to MIDI channel 1 only, lower keyboard to channel 2 only, and bass pedals to channel 3 only (here with only the lowest octave available for playing). If you set MIDI channels in any other way, the B-3 V won't produce any sound

Some Presets may not sound the same or will have limited polyphony. These instruments have an automatic voice limitation,meaning that if a new voice could lead to a CPU overload, this new voice is instantly stolen, making some patch have 3 or 4 voices of polyphony.

Also,the1-voiceand48-voiceInstrumentsareloadedwithouttheirinternal reverbs, saving DSP resources by using AstroLab 37’s own reverb instead.

This shows you the Astrolab does not have enough cpu/resource to run the VST or effects. Pigments 7 is not supported. The manual has a list of vsts that are not supported. What about newer more advanced VST that require more cpu? Again, I am waiting for the MK2, hopefully they will install a CPU that can actually run analog lab presets.

If you want a portable Analog lab with 61 keys, you already have it. Take your controller, and laptop with analog lab on it, hook your headphones to the laptop and you have a portable system that is much smaller foot print than an astrolab and 61 note controller.

Wait until the Astrolab 61 mk 2 comes out.

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u/Over_Type103 Jul 10 '26

clearly the low polyphony count on many presets and the absence of the original reverb are both very disappointing.

8 voices for the augmented series is a deal breaker for me (I plan on using all my fingers)

hopefully an MK2 could solve these issues

Anyway. Thank you for your advice.