Arturia AstroLab in the Hands of Kerri Chandler: A Performance Keyboard for the Hybrid Age

Arturia positions AstroLab as a performance keyboard that blurs the boundaries between studio mainstay and live rig essential. In the opening moments, Kerri Chandler shares how his lifelong immersion in music and gear led him to appreciate tools that can keep up with both his studio explorations and on-the-road demands. The AstroLab is presented as a solution that eliminates the need to haul a computer or multiple keyboards, promising a streamlined workflow for artists who want everything in one place.

From Chandler’s perspective, AstroLab is more than just another controller. He emphasizes that it encapsulates the full palette of Arturia’s emulated keyboards, making it a portable hub for classic and modern sounds alike. The instrument is designed to serve as a bridge between the tactile immediacy of hardware and the expansive versatility of digital sound engines, aiming to satisfy both the purist and the pragmatist in today’s hybrid musician.

Kerri Chandler’s workflow thrives on the interplay between analog and digital domains, and AstroLab is highlighted as a device that brings these worlds together. He notes that the keyboard allows him to access the character of vintage hardware and the flexibility of software plugins, all within a single, self-contained instrument. This integration is especially valuable for artists who want to avoid the hassle of complex setups or computer dependency on stage.

Chandler points out that AstroLab’s emulations sometimes even surpass his vintage gear in terms of usability and sound, a notable endorsement from someone deeply versed in classic instruments. For him, the ability to compare, combine, and deploy these sounds in real time is a game-changer, streamlining both performance and production workflows.

AstroLab’s semi-weighted keybed earns special praise for its tactile quality—Chandler describes it as feeling almost like wood and ivory, a step above the typical controller experience. This attention to playability is crucial for performers who demand expressive response from their instruments, whether in the studio or on stage.

A standout feature is the dedicated chord button, which allows users to trigger full chords with a single finger. Chandler demonstrates how this function simplifies live performance, especially when juggling DJing and keyboard duties. By holding the chord button and playing a note, entire harmonies can be summoned instantly, opening up new possibilities for real-time arrangement.

The workflow doesn’t stop there. Chandler shows how effects like tape delay and filter tweaks can be layered on top of these chords, all without breaking stride. This combination of hands-on control and performance shortcuts is clearly designed with the modern hybrid musician in mind.

The video closes by spotlighting AstroLab’s real-time performance features, which Chandler credits with enhancing his live sets. He demonstrates how sounds can be edited on the fly—sometimes even from a phone—and quickly added to playlists for instant recall. This level of flexibility is crucial for performers who need to adapt to the energy of a crowd or the flow of a set.

AstroLab’s ability to store and organize favorite sounds streamlines set preparation and improvisation alike. Chandler emphasizes how easy it is to swap patches, tweak parameters, and keep everything accessible without menu-diving or losing creative momentum. The workflow is clearly designed for musicians who value both depth and immediacy.

Ultimately, AstroLab is presented as a tool that empowers artists to focus on expression rather than technical hurdles. While the video showcases Chandler’s personal approach, the underlying architecture suggests a performance keyboard built for adaptability and speed in both studio and live contexts.