Arturia AstroLab 61 vs ASM Hydrasynth Explorer
| Arturia AstroLab 61 | ASM Hydrasynth Explorer | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 61 semi-weighted piano-size keys with velocity and aftertouch (premium synth-action keybed) | 37 mid-sized semi-weighted ASM Polytouch® keys with fully polyphonic aftertouch, velocity and note-off velocity |
| Aftertouch | yes | polyphonic |
| Polyphony | — | 8 |
| Sounds / presets | 1800 | 1024 |
| 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 | — |
| Effects | 2 dedicated FX (delay, reverb) + 2 assignable FX knobs; up to 12 insert FX types | — |
| Speakers | None (line out only) | — |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| USB audio | No | No |
| Pads / faders | no | — |
| Weight | 9.9 kg | 3.4 kg |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 935 × 99 × 330 mm | 556 × 255 × 78 mm |
| Battery power | no | — |
| Released | 2023 | 2021 |
| Release month | — | 9 |
| USB to host | — | yes |
| Status | current | current |
| Keys | 61 | 37 |
| Pedals | — | Sustain pedal input, Expression pedal input, CV/Gate inputs and outputs |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the ASM Hydrasynth Explorer if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (9.9 kg vs 3.4 kg).
- Choose the Arturia AstroLab 61 if you want more variety of built-in voices (1800 vs 1024).
- Choose the Arturia AstroLab 61 if you want wireless MIDI/audio from a phone or tablet.
Full spec sheets: Arturia AstroLab 61 · ASM Hydrasynth Explorer. Rows with a highlighted background differ.