Arturia: KeyStep Portable Keyboard + Step Sequencer

LAB POINTS

• USB MIDI controller w/ polyphonic step sequencer for analog + digital devices
• Arturia’s custom 32-note slimkey keybed offers full-sized key feel across 32 narrow keys with velocity and aftertouch
• MIDI control via USB, standard MIDI, CV/Gate (for vintage analog gear) + DIN sync (for vintage Roland units)
• polyphonic sequencer with up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous notes per step
• 8-mode apreggiator
• chord play mode (play a chord and reproduce it across the keybed)
• capacitive touch pitch + mod wheels
• sustain pedal input + hold button
• low power, can run off iPad (camera connection kit req’d)
• DC jack for standalone operation

“KeyStep is a new breed of portable musical tool combining the functionalities of a keyboard controller with a polyphonic step sequencer to control both analog and digital devices.” - Arturia

LAB REVIEW

Arturia Keystep Controller inherits the best elements of the popular Beatstep and adds a 32-key Slimkey keyboard for a musical playing experience. Designed to be at the center of your production studio, the Keystep offers the ability to control MIDI, USB, CV/Gate, and even DIN Sync hardware and has a built-in polyphonic sequencer that offers 64 steps per sequence. In addition, the Keystep also boasts an onboard 8 mode arpeggiator, chord mode play (play a chord and reproduce it across the keybed), sustain hold and pedal input, pitch + mod wheels, and more. For anyone that uses a combination of software and hardware for production, and would like the ability to play keys, the Keystep is an excellent choice.

TECH SPECS

• 32-key slimkey keybed with velocity and aftertouch
• arpeggiator mode: up, down, inclusive, exclusive, random, note order, double up, double down modes
• sequencer mode: 8 polyphonic step-sequences with Rest, Tie, and Legato note entry
• rate control and tap tempo: REC, PLAY, and STOP buttons for performance control over the sequencer and arpeggiator
• sustain HOLD button
• sustain pedal jack
• chord play mode
• SHIFT button selection: MIDI channel selection, GATE time, SWING values
• DC jack for standalone operation (optional 9V power supply)
• USB MIDI connects to computers and our MCC editor
• MIDI I/O ports
• 1x Sync I/O ports: supports 1 pulse per step, 2 PPQ (Korg Volca), 24 PPQ DIN sync, 48 PPQ DIN sync
• Sync select switches: Internal, USB, MIDI, Clock
• 3x CV/GATE outputs: CV supports 1Volt per octave, Volt>Hz modes, Gate output 5V or 12V for modern or vintage gear support, CV Velo/Aftertouch/Modwheel output
• capacitive-touch pitch bend and mod wheels
• each sequence can have 64 steps, each step can have up to 8 notes
• low power; can be powered by Apple iPad® (camera connection kit required)
• dimensions: 1.5” x 19” x 6” / 3 lbs