MusicRadar Tech Puts the AstroLab 37 to the Test: Small Keys, Big Moves?

The AstroLab 37’s biggest flex is its size. Whether you’re a live performer with a stage rig that’s already bursting at the seams or a bedroom producer working out of a shoebox flat, this synth slides right in. MusicRadar Tech is quick to note that it’s ideal as a top synth for gigging musicians or as the main board for those with limited space.

It’s not just about portability, though. The review makes it clear that you’re still getting the full AstroLab experience—minus a few rear-panel sacrifices. If you’re tired of rearranging your entire setup every time you want to try a new keyboard, this one’s for you. No more Tetris with your gear just to fit one more synth on the desk.

Arturia hasn’t skimped on the AstroLab 37’s feature set. You still get those all-important macro knobs for both instrument and effects control, plus the usual pitch and mod wheels. The interface has been tweaked—gone is the old dialled screen, replaced by a fixed display and a separate navigation knob. According to MusicRadar Tech, this is a win: no more fingerprints all over your screen or awkward hand gymnastics while scrolling.

The real party trick is the AstroLab Connect app. It hooks up via Wi-Fi, letting you browse, edit, and organise sounds from your phone. The app mirrors the hardware’s menu system but adds some handy extras, like a playlist function for live sets and more detailed control over effects parameters. It’s not perfect (more on that later), but it’s a big step towards making the AstroLab ecosystem feel modern and flexible.

Now for the gripes. First up: aftertouch. Yes, it’s there, but the slim keybed means you barely get any travel, making nuanced expression a bit of a pipe dream. MusicRadar Tech points out that while it’s cool to have, you’ll be fighting the keys if you want anything beyond basic wobbles. And forget about mapping aftertouch to macros on the hardware—you’re stuck doing that in software, which feels like a missed trick for live performance.

Then there’s the app. While the AstroLab Connect app is great in theory, in practice it’s a bit flaky. Connection issues, dropouts, and a general sense that you shouldn’t wander too far from your keyboard or you’ll lose your link. MusicRadar Tech is hopeful future updates will sort this, but for now, it’s more of a nice idea than a rock-solid tool. If you’re banking on seamless wireless control mid-set, you might want to keep your expectations in check.

Despite these annoyances, the overall vibe is that the AstroLab 37’s positives outweigh its negatives—especially if you’re willing to live with a few firmware updates down the line. Just don’t expect perfection out of the box.