I Built a Virtual AstroLab in Ableton (So I Could Decide If I Need One)

I’ve been seriously considering the Arturia AstroLab—but before committing to dedicated hardware, I wanted to understand what I’d actually gain from the workflow.
In this video, I build a “virtual AstroLab” inside Ableton Live using Analog Lab’s native 8-macro layout, mapped directly to an Instrument Rack. This mirrors the control philosophy of AstroLab hardware and allows me to test the experience using controllers I already own—before buying anything.
I’ll walk through:
Why this works (and why it’s not an arbitrary mapping)
The exact tools involved
Step-by-step setup in Ableton
Playing and swapping controllers (Launchkey → Move)
Evaluating the workflow before you buy.

Arturia AstroLab
👉 https://amzn.to/4aablb3
Arturia Analog Lab
👉https://www.arturia.com/products/soft...
Novation Launchkey MK4
👉 https://amzn.to/3ZthskC
Ableton Live
👉 https://www.ableton.com
Ableton Move
👉 https://amzn.to/4riyZrQ

Who This Is For
Musicians considering AstroLab hardware
Ableton users who already own Analog Lab
Anyone wanting a hardware-style performance workflow without committing to new gear
Producers who prefer system design over impulse buying

Your Turn
How would you use AstroLab—or a setup like this—in your own workflow?
Would hardware add something meaningful for you, or does this get you most of the way there?
Let me know in the comments.

Where you can find my music:

• BandCamp: https://lectronin.bandcamp.com
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/696PM...
• Apple Music:   / lectronin  

Where else to find me:

• Web: http://lectronin.com
• Facebook:   / lectronin  

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#Arturia #AstroLab #AnalogLab #AbletonLive #MusicProduction #SynthWorkflow #TryBeforeYouBuy #Lectronin