AstroLab Sampler - User Access?

Lab AstroLab
#1

Hi folks,

I’ve previously tried out the AstroLab 61 and 88, as I was hoping to replace my trust old Nord Stage 2 - but ultimately I was a bit underwhelmed.

Obviously the 37 is far more accessible from a cost perspective and I’m considering adding it to my setup, possibly to replace my Hydrasynth Explorer (I also have a Hydrasynth Desktop).

Getting live hardware access to my extensive Pigments patch library is the key reason, but I’m interested in the Sampler onboard the AstroLab. From what I recall when trying the bigger AstroLabs, there was not at that stage any way to add user instruments / samples to the sampler - has this changed? I currently use a 1010 Blackbox on Sampler duty, and always looking for ways to streamline my setup (less hardware and fewer cables).

Obviously a general sampler is currently missing in Arturia’s software instrument collection too - so it would be interesting for them to address this also.

#2

Hi @badseed79
Not being an AL owner myself, it’s hard to say…
One can import user samples into Emulator V, Synclavier V and CMI V of course and, AFAIK they’re available on The AstroLab…
I know a couple of people personally who have them, i’ve asked them and am just waiting for a reply, i’ll update once they get back to me…
Interesting question though!

One just got back to me and pretty much said what i have, verbatim, but he’s not tried it himself yet so is unsure…

#3

UPDATE:
Just heard back from him again, and he assures me that YOU CAN import user samples if you do so from one of the plugins i mentioned.

Cool eh!

#4

AstroLab 61 owner here …

Yes you can import user samples into the AstroLab. You’ll need to use Arturia Pigments to shape your sample (that you can import from any source), and then create an AstroLab preset.

Just be aware that adding a sample-based preset as part of a multi-part preset in AstroLab will introduce some delay in selecting it during live performance due to the load time required to get the sample data into memory. Otherwise it works fine. I’m using several myself.

1 Like
#5

The problem is that these are only single samples. There is currently no support for proper multi-samples like they are used in Arturias Sample Instruments. I had a look at them and they are basically SFZ files with some additional information. Should not be too hard for them to open it up for user multi-samples. This would make the Astrolab much more attractive!