Looping features

Lab AstroLab
#1

Hi,

I have a question regarding the looping feature on the Astro Lab.

It’s quite unfortunate that the current looping functionality doesn’t allow for overdubbing sounds. Could this be added in a future firmware update?

If this feature were implemented, I would definitely consider purchasing the Astro Lab, as I’d prefer not to rely on an external looping station.

Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to your response.

Kind regards

#2

As Arturia as noted in the AstroLab FAQs regarding the Looper:
“AstroLab currently offers 1 single track (up to 32 bars), and no overdub function , but changes to these features are planned for a future update. ”

That said, there’s no indication of which improvements are planned for the Looper, nor when they might be implemented. There will surely be several more updates for AstroLab in 2025. I would think that overdub would be a useful addition to the Looper, but Arturia hasn’t specified it yet.

In any case, please keep in mind the AstroLab Looper is a MIDI looper, not an audio looper.
Therefore, even with improvements, it will still only playback the current preset (possibly a split/layer Multi).

#3

Hi, thank you very much for your quick reply!
How come, keyboards half the price (juno d or example) have these arranger functions (audio looping etc) and the astro lab cant do it? I dont mean that in a negative way i am actually trying to understand. Is it because the sounds are way more advanced? Does not seem like such an advanced feature but maybe i am wrong about this.

#4

Juno D has a built-in 8-track sequencer. The Astrolab does not. It can play basically just one sound, which can be either a single synth or a multi made from two layered synths.

#5

Thank you for your response Jan.
I am kind of new to this so this is very helpful.
Still would love to have an astrolab. Is there maybe some additional gear that can add those features tho the Keyboard?

#6

None that I know of. But the synth is of course entirely software-driven, so theoretically Arturia could introduce multitrack recording to it at some point. But I don’t think that’s where they’re heading with it.

#7

I don’t want DAW like features… but do need better looping… and at least a few tracks… I’m using an external looper and well… it’s another liability in the performance chain to setup and deal with… it really would be nice if I could ditch it. And… Of course, would want to trigger start/ stop with an optional pedal setting. Asking too much ?. :heart:

#8

Keep in mind the AstroLab Looper is a MIDI looper, not an audio looper.

That’s already available in the Settings/Pedals menu.
Options of Aux1 and AUx 2 pedals include Looper Play (Start / stop) and Looper Record.

#9

Thanks for the quick response, Sean. I see the start/stop play/record pedal mapping parameters now… awesome! I understand it’s a midi looper… unlike my Ditto pedal. I was playing with laying down a bass loop… and then I assigned part 2 to some piano chords to comp… it would be nice to be able to capture that and loop both… so then I could play (real) guitar on top that… w the ability to re-record each part separately. I haven’t tried overdubbing enough… but I will… maybe can do that way?

In any event… maybe just allowing a midi loop of part 2 separate from part 1 ?

I did more loop playing this afternoon and got further than I expected.

One thing that’s confusing is that the manual shows a different list of Loop Record Settings (p. 49) than what the submenu shows… I don’t see Quantize, Swing… or Fixed length or Arm rec.

Thank you for the consideration!

#10

There are definitely some potential improvements to be made to the Looper.
I just don’t know which ones will make it and when
.
At the moment, it’s just 1 track, no overdubs.
2 tracks and overdubbing would make sense.

As for the manual, I think the orignal manual was written before AstroLaab was ready, and some of those options were planned but didn’t make it on the first release. I’m guessing those should be added in future updates. Again, no idea when.