Astrolab versus Roland Fantom 6 EX for trance music

[Uncle E]

What do you mean by just managing with two synths?

AstroLab is only 2-voice multi-timbral.

I was thinking of maybe getting the Korg Multipoly as well, it offers a nice range of sounds and could be a good complement to the Astrolab.

That would be a nice combination of sounds, and would also give you enough voices to work with. I was imagining adding an SH-4d but Multi/Poly would probably be better.

So the Digitakt 2 could be perfect in this case, much better than the TR-8S.

Yes, agreed.

[Trancer]

Thank you so much for your reply and feedback.

I understand the two channels for the Astrolab.

It's true, it does seem a bit limited.

But even with only two channels, there are some superb sounds, and as you said, it's a great sound source for my musical style.

Why were you thinking of the SH-4D?

To get Roland sounds, or is there another reason?

What I like about the Korg is its very wide range of sounds.

Even though my initial thought was more along the lines of the TR-8S, the Digitakt 2 would be an excellent choice.

Even if, initially, I only use the samples included in the Digitakt 2.

The Digitakt 2 will offer many more possibilities.

[Uncle E]

SH-4d was a thought as a way to get you 4-parts multi-timbral, but I think your idea of a Multi/Poly is even better. It sounds like a fun setup!

[Trancer]

Thank you so much for your reply.

I understand your point about the SH 4D.

Astrolab 61 or 88.

I'm still undecided, I know I'm going in circles about this.

But even though the 88-note version is 33% better, I tested it and found that despite the more powerful processor, the performance wasn't great.

Now, the firmware version of the Astrolab 88 was the version before 1.50, so maybe it's more optimized now with version 1.70?

I don't need an 88-note version, but if I were certain of a real improvement over the 61-note version, I would get the 88-note version.

Beyond the choice of the Astrolab, a Digitakt 2, a Korg Multipoly, and the RC-505 MK2, I agree with you, it's a nice setup.

Thanks again for your reply and your opinion.

[Uncle E]

The extra power of the 88 will probably only help you if Arturia expands the multi-timbrality. I did see that the Emulator can have multiple parts in AstroLab, and I wouldn't be surprised if Jup-8000 and Synthx can be layered, but it doesn't sound like the 88 will handle these any better than the 61.

[Trancer]

A huge thank you again for your always invaluable answers.

It's truly astonishing that Arturia made such an underpowered processor development error, effectively limiting the Astrolab.

While I highly doubt a module booster version or a Mega Astrolab X will be released anytime soon, it would be a very welcome development from Arturia.

The Astrolab, marketed as a stage keyboard, has missed the mark given its limitations in live performance (preset loading and polyphony management).

In any case, the Astrolab remains a truly beautiful instrument.

[Uncle E]

AstroLab 37 seems like a nice and inexpensive way to add JP-8000 sounds. Ableton Move can now host Osirus and maybe some day it will also host the JE-8086.

[Trancer]

Thank you for your reply.

The 37-note version, however, wouldn't suit me, simply because I have large hands and fingers, so playing with a 37-note keyboard isn't easy.

Oh, I didn't know that about the Move and Osirus.

How does the Move integration with Osirus work?

If the Osirus version is as excellent as the version for the Ti2 virus, it's a marvel.

A truly prodigious and invaluable piece of work from the talented Usual Suspects.

We are incredibly lucky that this company exists.

Regarding the Move, you'll still need to use Live at some point, so it's not really standalone.

I'm asking this question because I haven't really looked into the Move.

Compatibility with the JE-8086 would indeed be great for Move users.

[Uncle E]

It's the original Virus, not the TI. So far that's the only TUS synth they've added. I hope they add more. Move only has 8 knobs, though, so Multi/Poly and SH-4d are probably better options unless you're specifically looking for the Virus. 8 knobs is a big issue with AstroLab, too.

How does the Move integration with Osirus work?

My understanding is it runs in parallel with the normal Move software. That way you can use both together.

[Trancer]

Yes, indeed, not the Virus Ti2.

The other Virus models are already great.

That would be cool, indeed.

The Korg is what I chose; it has a beautiful sound palette and is versatile.

It's clear that if a module or keyboard ever integrates the Ostirus, it's an immediate purchase for me.

The Ostirus is truly fantastic; it's like a Virus Ti2 in VST format.

[Trancer]

The Virus Ti2 is a synth with a special place in my heart.

I love all the Virus synths, but the Ti2 is truly unique to me.