The Arturia PolyBrute 12

The PolyBrute 12 is Arturia’s newest synthesizer that makes a perfect connection between human touch and analogue sounds. Moreover, the system has a FullTouch keyboard, a Morphée Pad, a Ribbon Controller, and, of course, many beautiful effects and sounds!

Sounds

The PolyBrute 12 has 12 voices that, when combined with the built-in effects, provide you with 480 beautiful and dynamic presets. The sound it produces is also extremely dynamic and expressive, so you’ll always be able to enjoy playing it. Furthermore, the system is very sensitive, which is a good thing, as every detail and nuance get caught and translated into the highest resolution sound. Arturia has thus managed to build a bridge between human emotion and modern technology. Another interesting addition to the system is the Morphée Pad. This is a sort-of touchscreen with which you can easily control three different parameters. Consequently, you’ll have access to professional and handy modulation.

Functions

The system also has a FullTouch keyboard which will provide you with polyphonic aftertouch. As such, you’ll have a better connection with your keyboard and thus also with the sound. The system makes precise notice of every movement and securely measures the pressure you put on the individual keys, so these details and emotions you put into it are properly transformed into sounds. Moreover, FullTouch is adjustable so you can perfectly edit it to fit your preferences. Arturia has also brought back an old and trusted function: the Ribbon Controller. These controllers were a staple on every classic synthesizers and are sorely missed. However, the PolyBrute 12 has one! Now you can effortlessly adjust the modulation by gliding your finger along the ribbon. Would you also like to record your sound? That’s no problem. With PolyBrute Connect (MAC/PC) you can connect the system to your DAW, manage your patches and presets, and import sounds.

The Arturia AstroLab is a new workstation from the well-known French company. The AstroLab is a brand new innovative way of creating and generating sounds. Instead of using 1 sound generator that contains many sounds, Arturia goes in a completely different direction. Namely 10 different sound generators, each replicating a different type of instrument! This completely different way of processing sounds makes obtaining the right sounds and settings a lot easier. That's why this Arturia AstroLab is definitely worth trying out!

Total package for a small price

Arturia uses 34 different sound engines. These sound generators are also available for PC or Mac under the name Analog Lab. You read that right: The Arturia AstroLab is a short keyboard with an internal VST. But this is not just any VST: Analog Lab has been seen for many years as the most complete package for analog and acoustic sounds. This package contains a grand piano, Hammond B3 acoustic strings. But also an extensive Yamaha CS-80, Roland Juno-106, Sequential Prophet V, Rhodes MK1 and many other legendary instruments! 

These instruments have quite a lot of presets: no less than 1300 in total! You can adjust these presets even further with the 8 rotary and function buttons. There is also a wide range of effects available to enhance the sounds even more. 

Hardware

In terms of hardware, the Arturia AstroLab can certainly be called a professional instrument. Thanks to the white steel housing with wooden finish, this instrument is stylish and sturdy! The operation is simple and effective. You control most of the settings of this keyboard with the high-resolution screen that is stylishly processed on the top of the keyboard. As expected, the Arturia has a line output and MIDI, but also a stereo line-in to which you can also connect a vocoder! In total there are 4 connections for different pedals such as sustain and expression. A complete package as we expect from this brand!

Compatibility with computer

Naturally, because the AstroLab uses VSTs, it is also a very user-friendly workstation in combination with a PC or Mac. This is what you get as standard with the Arturia AstroLab Analog Lab Pro: with which you can adjust the presets even more to your taste. This synthesizer can also be expanded considerably with Arturia's sound store. In this digital store you can purchase various sound packages that broaden the horizons of your keyboard even more!