Posts
Share this post
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Google + Pinterest Email VK Xing Tumblr Reddit WhatsApp
26AugAugust 26, 2016
I Love the Arturia KeyStep
AKiATECH2017-05-26T17:07:39-04:00
By AKiATECHProduct Reviews0 Comments
AKiATECH Arturia KeyStep Review Intro - YouTube
Tap to unmute
AKiATECH Arturia KeyStep Review Intro AKiATECH
AKiATECH138 subscribers
I’m usually pretty reserved about the products I review but the KeyStep will be the exception. When Arturia first release the controller I thought “How nice another Keyboard Controller” I already had a Minilab and other MIDI keyboards and I know a lot of other musicians or wannabes like myself :) probably have a few laying around their studios. So, why the hell would I or most others need another? Well, the answer is summed up in one word, “Functionality”. The Arturia KeyStep is a very useful and practical device, in addition to that, the thing is loaded. There are more inputs and outputs than you will probably ever need. The built-in Arpeggiator and Sequencer are very welcome, throw a little after-touch into the mix and you have a world-class device on your hands.
Design
The KeyStep carries on Arturia’s tradition of building solid hardware at an affordable price. The build quality is what you would expect from the company. The chassis are built from high-quality plastics and feature a solid weighted metal base. This will be my fourth Arturia hardware device (Their V Collection software is awesome too) and I’m always impressed by how good their controllers look and feel. The KeyStep features 32 velocity sensitive keys with after-touch, a 64 step sequencer with support for 8 notes per sequence and an Arpeggiator with 8 selectable modes. It has USB MIDI, standard MIDI in and out, clock sync and DIN sync jacks, and If that wasn’t enough they also threw in CV/GATE outputs, plus a separate, assignable modulation CV output that can be used with the mod wheel, velocity, or after-touch. As you can see this controller has a LOT to offer. The one thing that I really like about this keyboard is that, although it can’t be powered with batteries it can be used with a micro USB charger, which is great if you want to make music on the road.
Usage
Using the KeyStep was a breeze. Pairing it with the Novation Circuit really showed me how capable a device it is. One of the best features of this controller is the ability to change MIDI ports on the fly. This is great for controlling synths 1&2 on the Circuit, also the actuation of the keys feel okay, not quite the same as weighted keys but good enough. The Sequencer was a little tricky to use at first but once you get used to it, its a breeze. The Arpeggiator is a welcomed feature and is the second most used feature (for me) after the sequencer. Connecting the KeyStep to other devices is as simple as it gets, except for one thing. If you work with a lot of MIDI devices at some point you will need to sync them all. To do this you will need a master clock. The good thing with the KeyStep is that it has a built-in MIDI clock and if you’re going to use it as the main device to sync your instruments then you are golden, But If you need to receive sync information from another device then you may be in for a little surprise. Changing the “Sync source” on the KeyStep is accomplished by adjusting 2 dip-switches on the back of the device. You may think that’s not a big deal, but you will quickly change your mind when you attempt to make an adjustment. Pain in the ass is an understatement. I’m surprised Arturia did not include a tool to adjust these things. For some reason, they designed the switches using the smallest most fragile hardware on the market, and to make it worse the switches are recessed. Maybe they did this to prevent accidental changes to the sync settings but this design was definitely an afterthought. Outside of this major annoyance, the KeyStep is practically flawless, I actually feel a little bad dinging the device as it is almost perfect for it’s intended purpose.
Conclusion
I wanted to present the KeyStep in a positive light because it is a great product. The team over at Arturia really did make a device that could possibly be the ultimate portable MIDI Controller. This is now my go-to device for making music on the road and when paired with the Novation Circuit, it allows tasks that would normally require a full blown DAW to be accomplished without the need for a computer or and advanced setup. I like the KeyStep and (sorry Arturia) it actually stopped me from purchasing a Minibrute. I’m happy to add this device to my setup and for the cost of the unit, I can’t really complain. If you are in the market for a new controller you should definitely take a look at the KeyStep. It will not disappoint. Check out the official product page here.
Specifications
- Arturia’s own 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
- USB MIDI connects to computers and our MCC editor
- MIDI in/out ports
- 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
- 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)
Gallery
Author
Collin A.K.A. Akiatech has been fascinated with new and emerging technology since he could remember. He has held multiple technical positions throughout his career in a variety of industries. In his spare time, you may find him on his computer either making music, videos, nothing or writing a new article on this blog. He loves technology and loves to talk about it, feel free to reach out to him with any tech questions you may have. He doesn't bite (sometime)
Disqus Recommendations
We were unable to load Disqus Recommendations. If you are a moderator please see our troubleshooting guide.
Disqus Comments
We were unable to load Disqus. If you are a moderator please see our troubleshooting guide.
Start the discussion…
Comment
Log in with
or sign up with Disqus or pick a name
Disqus is a discussion network
- Don't be a jerk or do anything illegal. Everything is easier that way.
Read full terms and conditions
This comment platform is hosted by Disqus, Inc. I authorize Disqus and its affiliates to:
- Use, sell, and share my information to enable me to use its comment services and for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, including supplementing that information with other data about me, such as my browsing and location data.
- Contact me or enable others to contact me by email with offers for goods or services
- Process any sensitive personal information that I submit in a comment. See our Privacy Policy for more information
Acknowledge I am 18 or older
I'd rather post as a guest
Discussion Favorited!
Favoriting means this is a discussion worth sharing. It gets shared to your followers' Disqus feeds, and gives the creator kudos!
Tweet this discussion
- Share this discussion on Facebook
- Share this discussion via email
- Copy link to discussion
Be the first to comment.
live.rezync.com
live.rezync.com is blocked
This page has been blocked by an extension
- Try disabling your extensions.
ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT
Reload
This page has been blocked by an extension
pippio.com
pippio.com is blocked
This page has been blocked by an extension
- Try disabling your extensions.
ERR_BLOCKED_BY_CLIENT
Reload
This page has been blocked by an extension
Related Posts
May 8, 2025By AKiATECHProduct Reviews0 Comments
Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS, 45mm] – Starlight Aluminum Case with Starlight Sport…
The Apple Watch Series 8 [GPS, 45mm] with Starlight Aluminum Case and Starlight Sport Band is a testament to Apple's commitment to innovation and user-centric design. This smartwatch seamlessly blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology, making it a standout in the wearable tech market. Design and Display The Series 8 maintains the...
December 12, 2016By AKiATECHProduct Reviews2 Comments
Serif Affinity Photo for Windows Review
It seems like only yesterday that I was bitten by the creative bug. I promised myself that I would do whatever it would take to become a master of the dark art of "Digital Image Manipulation". Back then I was an up and coming player in the Hospitality industry, no-one...
April 23, 2026By AKiATECHProduct Reviews0 Comments
Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor – S3225QS – 31.5-inch 4K (3840 x 2160) up to 120Hz 16:9…
Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor (S3225QS) Review — Big-screen sharpness meets silk-smooth 120Hz in a value-packed 31.5-inch
If you’ve been waiting for a large 4K monitor that nails the everyday essentials while adding just enough speed for modern gaming and buttery-smooth scrolling, the Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor — model S3225QS...
May 19, 2016By AKiATECHProduct Reviews0 Comments
Logitech Orion Spark | The Better Late than Never review
When you think "Gaming Computer", you probably imagine a system that looks like it fell out of a Black Hole or emerged out of the studio of some fancy Italian supercar maker. The last thing that probably crosses your mind is the design of the keyboard. Some are okay with...
Serif Affinity Photo for Windows Review
Dell 32 Plus 4K Monitor (S3225QS) Review — Big-screen sharpness meets silk-smooth 120Hz in a value-packed 31.5-inch