Arturia AstroLab 61 vs Arturia MicroFreak
| Arturia AstroLab 61 | Arturia MicroFreak | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 61 semi-weighted piano-size keys with velocity and aftertouch (premium synth-action keybed) | 25-key capacitive keybed with polyphonic aftertouch |
| Polyphony | — | 4 |
| Sounds / presets | 1800 | 512 |
| Sequencer | — | 64-step sequencer; 2 patterns per preset; 4 automation tracks |
| Sound engine | 40+ instrument engines from Arturia's plugin line (V Collection/Analog Lab platform: vintage and modern synths, pianos, organs, hybrid instruments), expandable via Analog Lab Pro | Digital oscillators (14 types incl. Pluck/Granular) + analog filter |
| Effects | 2 dedicated FX (delay, reverb) + 2 assignable FX knobs; up to 12 insert FX types | 4 FX slots |
| Speakers | None (line out only) | None (line out only) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| USB audio | No | Yes |
| Pads / faders | no | — |
| Weight | 9.9 kg | 1.02 kg |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | [935, 99, 330] mm | — |
| Battery power | no | 6× AA |
| Released | 2023 | 2019 |
| Status | current | current |
| Keys | 61 | 25 |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if budget is the priority — it is about $1600 cheaper (approx.).
- Choose the Arturia MicroFreak if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (9.9 kg vs 1.02 kg).
- Choose the Arturia AstroLab 61 if you want more variety of built-in voices (1800 vs 512).
- Choose the Arturia AstroLab 61 if you want wireless MIDI/audio from a phone or tablet.
- Choose the Arturia AstroLab 61 if you play away from mains power.
Full spec sheets: Arturia AstroLab 61 · Arturia MicroFreak. Rows with a highlighted background differ.