Create and tweak huge patterns of up to 64 steps, and up to 8 notes of polyphony deep, all with the same controls as the arpeggiator. As a sequencer, it totally redefines what’s possible with a small-format MIDI controller. As an arpeggiator, KeyStep lets you play arpeggios in multiple modes and time subdivisions, and in perfect sync with your DAW or other gear. KeyStep has two switchable modes: arpeggiator and sequencer. I think that with the additional performance options, this is the one to beat.Arturia KeyStep is a small but powerful MIDI and CV step sequencer controller keyboard, featuring an arpeggiator, chord mode, and multiple outputs that will let you create music using all your audio gear, whether you have outboard synth modules, virtual instruments, or a modular synth setup.įeaturing a great-feeling 32-key keyboard, Arturia’s own small format “Slim keys” give you more range than regular small MIDI controllers do, and have a nice professional feel that’s often missing in budget MIDI keyboards. Its power consumption is low enough to work with iPad, etc., without additional power.(Hello, Linux/Raspi, etc., in addition to mobile, of course) It works with USB when you need it – no drivers required.There’s a standalone option (including a dedicated power plug).There’s MIDI DIN support for external gear.Plus, even with some of its rivals, Arturia has a serious edge: It’s not hard to imagine something that expanded this with extra features.īut for now, the KeyStep stays nice and compact – and you could always add a little box with some faders or knobs, since it is so small. And obviously there will be limits to how much Arturia can do with key combos (which already mean a little time spent cracking the manual), or software editor options. Having to use tiny DIP switches to set sync modes is a pain. It’d be terrific to have a keyboard with some knobs for parameter controls. I still would love to see a KeyStep Pro, akin to the way the BeatStep Pro built on the original BeatStep. Pattern Mode is borrowed from Arturia’s MicroFreak synth.Ĭhange LED brightness. You can set randomness to Brownian Motion (“drunken walk) or “Pattern,” which creates randomized but repeating patterns. So for example, you could keep your drum machine running with the master clock, but turn on and off the sequencer on the keyboard, stop and jam for a second live, or whatever. You still pass the sync on to other gear. But switch this to on, and the KeyStep lets you start and stop the sequencer as you see fit. Off is the original mode – the KeyStep Pro will just run or pause or stop with your external clock signal. There’s now a new parameter for switching on or off Arm to Start, which determines how the KeyStep responds to external clock. This gives you the option of using external sync, and passing it along, but controlling the KeyStep’s sequencer with the play button. Three modes are available in the updated MIDI Control Center software editor (so not onboard, but something you set in advance): You’ll need the editor to access some new features. I can’t think of anything that works quite like this it’s really cool and performative, because it’s all on the fly. Hit the +/- key multiple times for multiple octaves. It’s actually cooler than this.) So hold Shift+Octave + or -, and whichever notes you’re playing will be arpeggiated up or down by octave. (The Arturia site is a little unclear on this – it sounds like they mean just shifting the arpeggiator up and down by octave. (127.62, anyone?)Īrp Octaves: With the arpeggiator running, you can now shift notes you’re playing up or down the octave. That lets you round off bpms from the tap tempo or quickly dial in a bpm without winding up with something weird. Quantized tempo adjustment: Now you can hold shift and turn the tempo knob to move by increments of 1 bpm. This actually works from 1 – 64 steps, just by pressing a few keys in sequence. Hold Record, and press one of the MIDI Channel keys, and you set length of the sequence on the fly. Three new features are now available from the KeyStep’s physical controls, as you play: A ton of power is now available on the fly, as you play. Let’s look at this in detail – though the sequence length and arp octaves alone already have me sold. But the 1.1 update improves some details and adds major new musicality. Arturia’s KeyStep was already appealing – a mobile MIDI keyboard with sequencer and arpeggiator.
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