Arturia Analog Laboratory synth workstation review

24

Hey what’s up fam, got a new review for ya on a non new, but recently updated plugin.

Today I’m showing Arturia’s Analog Laboratory

I’m reviewing the software only version, not the hybrid version with it’s own keyboard controller

Let’s check it out!

What is Analog Laboratory?

Basically it’s an “all in one” synth workstation from Arturia that lets you taste the flavor of each and every synthesizer they produce.

If you don’t know, Arturia is well known for their attention to analog detail and recreating many of the classic analog synthesizers from the past.

It’s scaled down in terms of what you can edit, but streamlined in terms of finding the sounds you want.

They have a software only version and also a version that comes with a dedicated controller (I believe they were the first to start the software+controller trend if I’m not mistaken)

They’ve recently updated all of their plugins to 64 bit while at the same time cutting the price in half from 199 to 99 bucks.

Quick Specs

  • content: 4300+ presets, 200 scenes
  • format: VST 2.4, VST3, RTAS, AU
  • price: $99 ($129 boxed)

How does it sound?

Sound is never really an issue when it comes to Arturia, as their stuff sounds great

They, like most developers, have their own methods of producing the analog sounds they are after and they succeed very well in my opinion.

You get it all from thick deep bass to raw piercing leads, creamy pads, fat brass….all the types of sounds you would expect from the various synthesizers represented.

The organization, while not part of the sound, really helps you find the sounds you’re looking for much faster.

As I think back to Analog Factory years ago, I remember seeing their sound browser, I wasn’t much into software then but I thought it was cool, and possobily one of the first plugins that allowed attribute based filtering of sounds….again…I could be wrong but that’s how I remember it ๐Ÿ™‚

As for the sound, I love how it captures the warmth, grit, and imperfection that many of us love from analog synthesizers.

What’s the Bottom line?

This is really a must have plugin in my opinion, as it allows you taste all the goodies from Arturia in one go. Sure, you can’t go super deep or really build sounds from scratch, which is reserved for the full version of the plugins, but if you want an enormous collection of top quality analog sounds, it’s hard to look past Analog Laboratory.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 subs, the whole concept is awesome, the sounds a fat, and the interface is a pleasure to work with.

I would like to see the ability to layer more sounds together directly in the interface, also the option to start with a blank scene would be cool. Sure I can create a default one and save it as a user scene but, I think a quick way to initialize the scene preset would be super smooth.

At $99 bucks, there’s no reason not to have some of that premium Arturia sound in your toolbox, and for many, this may be all the Arturia you ever need….it’s really that deep.

However being able to integrate it with the full plugins if you wish, really makes it awesome. So if I find myself going to specific instruments all the time, I can purchase those, and open of the patches from Analog Laboratory for editing in the full plugin.

Sick!

Definitely download the demo and check it out for yourself:ย http://www.arturia.com/evolution/en/products/analoglaboratory/intro.html

I know Arturia isn’t new to the game, have you used them before, what are your thoughts? Let me know below!

 

24 Comments

  1. Cool Joe. I’ma jump on that exact thing right now for the weekend.
    How big is the download and install program for this?
    My hard drives are almost to the limit is why.
    I just got the Minibrute and In love it because it’s all manual programming.
    It makes you think and remember, which is a good thing for the brain.
    Keep up the reviews man,it’s a great service indeed!

    Reply
  2. This definitely sounds good, and I like that despite being presets at the roots that core parameters such as the high-level filter and the envelope controls are available.

    Needing an eLicensor/Synchrosoft dongle is a turn off, though.

    Reply
    • I believe you can use the soft e-licenser to install it on your computer with no dongle, but you may want to double check first. Yeah you get some decent control over the sounds as well, it’s a great deal imo.

      Reply
  3. I’ve always been curious about this and thought “eh, do I really need another synth vst, since I have komplete?” Well I stand corrected, especially with the price drop. Now if they had made the keyboard w/a bit more functionality (i.e. axiom, impulse,etc.) then I might’ve been more inclined since I was in the market for a controller at one time. Good look’n out with the review.

    Reply
    • yeah the keyboard seems nice, looks like it has universal transport control so you can start/stop most daws, etc. I really wanna check it out at some point as they make really nice controllers.

      Reply
  4. Joe you stay killing me with these reviews! Got me like a dope fiend for these pieces! Great work man another one I have to add to the buy list! Big up from London.

    Reply
    • Hahahaha, no doubt fam LOL I feel you…man I’m just always on the hunt for good stuff man, I know everyone has their own things they like so I try to keep it diverse ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  5. SJ: The sounds coming from this synth workstation has all the vibe. The price makes this a worthy purchase. Thanks for bringing this review.

    Reply
  6. While today we have many dairy products, calcium intake is lower and this is due to low intake of foods that are
    naturally in the mineral, for example, nuts
    and seeds. What they don’t realize is the majority of people who
    are overweight suffer from some degree of insulin and leptin resistance.

    Place the mixture in a container and place in the freezer.

    Here is my webpage :: paleo (Francisca)

    Reply
  7. Pretty portion of content. I simply stumbled upon your
    site and in accession capital to claim that I get actually enjoyed account your weblog
    posts. Anyway I will be subscribing in your feeds and even I achievement you get entry to constantly fast.

    Feel free to visit my blog post: Dave Blair Music

    Reply
  8. No matter what culture you live in, a woman always wants to
    show off her best features. The fashion industry is so much more than it used
    to be only a decade ago. At 40 pounds, the pc is quite heavy compared to the many Apple laptops that you may have come to know the brand
    for.

    my blog post; mac pro (Brigette)

    Reply

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.