Arturia AstroLab 61 vs Nord Lead A1
| Arturia AstroLab 61 | Nord Lead A1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Key action | 61 semi-weighted piano-size keys with velocity and aftertouch (premium synth-action keybed) | 49-key velocity sensitive keyboard (keyboard version) with octave shift buttons (+/-2 oct.) |
| Aftertouch | yes | — |
| Polyphony | — | 26 |
| Sounds / presets | 1800 | 0 |
| 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) | None (line out only) |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| USB audio | No | No |
| Pads / faders | no | — |
| Weight | 9.9 kg | 4.85 kg |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 935 × 99 × 330 mm | 802 × 92 × 260 mm |
| Battery power | no | — |
| Released | 2023 | 2014 |
| Release month | — | 1 |
| USB to host | — | yes |
| Status | current | current |
| Keys | 61 | 49 |
| Pedals | — | Sustain pedal input, Control/expression pedal input |
Which one should you buy?
- Choose the Nord Lead A1 if lighter to carry to gigs and lessons (9.9 kg vs 4.85 kg).
- Choose the Arturia AstroLab 61 if you want more variety of built-in voices (1800 vs 0).
- Choose the Arturia AstroLab 61 if you want wireless MIDI/audio from a phone or tablet.
Full spec sheets: Arturia AstroLab 61 · Nord Lead A1. Rows with a highlighted background differ.