Arturia KeyStep Controller

SEQUENCER The KeyStep features
eight sequencer slots, each of which
can be up to 64 steps in length.
ARPEGGIATOR The arp has a
choice of eight patterns, including
randomised and user-defi ned modes.
KEYBED The keys are a ‘slim’ design,
but are velocity and aftertouch
sensitive, so are relatively playable.
PORTABILITY Its compact frame
makes the KeyStep lightweight and
easy to fi t into any set-up.
step-by-step, with a button for
adding rests and tie notes.
Sequences can be recorded or
replaced in real time too, simply by
hitting play and record. There are
Append and Clear Last functions too,
for adding or removing steps from
the end of a sequence. While the
hardware itself only offers eight
sequence slots, it’s possible to save
and load an unlimited amount via
the MIDI Control Centre software,
where users can also create
sequences via a piano roll and
upload them to the device.
The arpeggiator, meanwhile,
offers eight patterns, including a
Random mode and a user-defi ned
Shift button. With Shift pressed, the
keybed is used to select the MIDI
output channel as well as control
gate length and swing. Having gate
and swing controls up front like this
is actually a nice little touch,
providing a quick way to add subtle
rhythmic variation to sequences on
the fl y. Shift also gives access to a
Transpose mode and Keyboard Play,
which allows the keyboard to play
notes via the MIDI output and output
a sequence via CV simultaneously.
Aside from the fi ddly clock
selectors mentioned above, my only
real gripe with the KeyStep is the
fact it ships without a power adaptor.
Obviously, this isn’t uncommon
these days – and the KeyStep can
function via USB power – but it does
mean that, straight out the box, it
can’t be used without a computer,
which is a shame for a device that
boasts of its standalone CV and MIDI
credentials. It’s an extra expense to
take into account, rather than a deal
breaker. With this much functionality
packed into a portable and
convenient controller keyboard, all
for less than £100, the KeyStep is
easy to recommend.
FM VERDICT
9.2
With lots of functionality
and fl exibility packed into a
convenient and affordable
package, the KeyStep gets a
big thumbs-up.
Order mode. The tempo and timing
of the sequencer and arpeggiator are
controlled by Rate and Note Division
rotaries along the top of the KeyStep,
the latter of which offers eight
rhythmic delineations. The tempo of
both can be sync’d via any of the
rear inputs, with the clock source
selected via a pair of small, indented
switches on the rear of the unit.
These switches are actually one of
the KeyStep’s few design missteps
– they’re small and fi ddly, and
tucked away in a position that’s
awkward to access without picking
the controller up and turning it over.
Beyond these, there are a few
other features accessible via the
CHORD MODE
The KeyStep’s Chord Mode feature allows users to defi ne
a chord and then trigger that shape transposed across
the keyboard. This is done by hitting Shift and holding
down the Hold/Chord button. Up to 16 notes can then
be inputted consecutively, which will form the saved
chord shape. The lowest note entered acts as the chord’s
root note, by which the chord is transposed across the
keyboard. These chords can be sequenced, although
doing so reduces the
maximum chord size
from 16 notes to the
sequencer’s per-step
capacity of eight
notes. Used alongside
the arp, Chord mode
makes it very easy to
create single-fi nger
arpeggiations.
THE ALTERNATIVES
Arturia
BeatStep Pro
£199
If you’re not too
fussed by the lack of
a keyboard and want
a mix of melodic and
percussive sequence
control over multiple
devices, the Pro is
still the way to go.
www.arturia.com
Korg SQ-1 £89
The SQ-1’s
sequencing is less
fl exible and there’s
no keyboard or arp,
but it offers a similar
range of outputs
and can run on
battery power.
www.korg.com
M-Audio
Mini 32 £39
If you like the sound
of a portable 32-note
controller keyboard
but don’t need the
sequencer, arp or
chord mode then
M-Audio’s Mini range
offers good value.
www.m-audio.com
Reviews | Arturia KeyStep
94
FMU311.rev_arturia.indd 94 10/5/16 4:55 PM