Arturia AstroLab: Streamlining Sonic Alchemy for Marina Herlop’s Avant-Folk Performance

Arturia’s AstroLab is introduced as a tool that distills the often overwhelming world of plugins and digital options into a focused, performance-ready instrument. Marina Herlop highlights how the device allows her to curate a specific palette of sounds, reducing the friction that comes from navigating endless plugin menus. This approach is especially valuable for artists who want to leave the computer screen behind and immerse themselves in the tactile experience of making music.

The workflow is centered on selecting and storing favorite presets directly within AstroLab, making them instantly accessible during a performance. Herlop demonstrates how she can drag a piano preset into AstroLab’s library, ensuring it’s always at her fingertips. This kind of integration is emblematic of Arturia’s push to bridge the gap between digital flexibility and hands-on immediacy, a theme that runs throughout the video.

One of AstroLab’s standout features is its use of physical modeling technology for piano sounds, bypassing traditional sample-based approaches. Herlop explains that this means the sound is generated in real time within the keyboard, aiming for an analog-like response even though it’s not an acoustic piano. The result is a more organic and expressive playing experience, with nuances that can be shaped on the fly.

This technology not only reduces memory demands but also allows for a more dynamic interaction between the player and the instrument. Arturia’s choice to implement physical modeling aligns with their broader philosophy of merging digital innovation with the tactile qualities performers crave. For artists who rely on expressive piano timbres as a foundation, this is a significant architectural decision.

AstroLab’s playlist mode is designed to solve a classic live performance challenge: switching sounds quickly and reliably. Herlop demonstrates how she can create separate playlists for each song, with up to ten sounds per playlist. This allows her to pre-arrange her sonic arsenal for a set, minimizing the risk of menu-diving or awkward pauses on stage.

Switching between presets is handled with a dedicated button, making transitions nearly instantaneous. This feature is especially relevant for artists who blend multiple timbres and need to maintain flow during complex arrangements. The video underscores how playlist mode supports seamless musical expression, reinforcing AstroLab’s role as a performance-focused instrument.

The video takes a reflective turn as Herlop describes the emotional highs and lows that come with making music. She speaks candidly about moving through darkness, hesitance, and moments of self-doubt—experiences familiar to many artists. Yet, these are balanced by flashes of euphoria and creative breakthroughs that make the entire process worthwhile.

Herlop likens the moment of discovering a piece you truly love to holding a secret embryo of a song—something precious and not yet shared with the world. This metaphor captures the vulnerability and excitement inherent in the creative process, especially when working with new tools and technologies.

Arturia’s video frames AstroLab not just as a technical solution, but as a companion in this emotional journey. The instrument’s design aims to support musicians through every phase, from tentative exploration to confident performance, making it more than just a sum of its features.