Arturia announced a standalone synthesizer called AstroLab. It's basically a mini keyboard with ALL of Arturia's sounds packed in.
In it is 35 virtual instruments (most found in the V Collection).
Now you may be wondering why pay $2,000 for this if it's simply a mini keyboard with the V Colletion. You can get an M-Audio Mini plus V Collection for much less.
The AstroLab is built to be a stage keyboard intended for live performances. Beyond the tough casing, the AstroLab includes 12 insert FX options and the ability to loop up to 32 bars. It also includes a vocover and the option to plug in a mic.
And if that wasn't enough, it comes with a dedicated mobile app to manage presets.
Arturia AstroLab Performance Features
Multi Instruments
Load up two different sounds on the same keyboard. This is pretty cool. You define a split point - ie every key above this point plays one sound (say strings) and every key below this point plays a different sound (say a piano). Super cool and innovative.
Chord, Scale, and Arp
Great for performances where you need to add a bit extra. These triggers help you embellish your performances. Use these functions to easily play chords, move up/down the scale, or create arpeggios.
Loop & Record
Easily loop any melody or chord. This function captures MIDI so you can switch out the sound.
Vocoder
Plug in a mic and let the vocoder do its thing.
