Want to pick up a Keystep? Here's a few different versions (affiliate links) Keystep Pro redir.love/wcdKr2aG Keystep 37 redir.love/8p6u4mQR original Keystep redir.love/14zGkiaM An alternative is the Novation SL Mk3: redir.love/OpiiymOF
Just bought one and it arrives Tuesday. Can't wait to sequence the Moog MiniTaur, Korg Electribe EMX-1 (Blue) with floor cabinet 15inch & horn tweeter JBL's and 1600 watts! My neighbours are going to love me!
Sick. Just ordered mine to use with my brand new Moog minitaur, and in the future I plan on getting a Roland JU-06A. How does it work with the minitaur?
BO! I was looking at both these keyboards to go with my RC 505/Circuit setup, not knowing you did this review comparing the two. Thank you for all you do! You have helped set up my studio so much!!!
This video may be 7 years old, but it's still very helpful as I just bought this exact keyboard but have not yet started to work with it. Thanks! -Gary
Been meaning to comment: of all the synth reviews I watch, you are the ONLY person who makes consistently great music in the review. During other reviews the music is so basic/boring/pedestrian you've to use your imagination as to how you'd actually use the gear in music with some actual style/feel to it; not so with your stuff.
Great... I was just looking at the Arturia KeyStep... and I thought. 'I wonder' if Bo has done a review. and here we are.... I have not watched it yet, but I know I will enjoy it
@@BoBeats Yes, it has some features that I did not fully understand... and now I do. so Thanks. It's more than I need... I just need a small midi keyboard. I was given, by one of my Fans, a Korg nanoKEY2. and it's great for what it is. love the size, but the buttons are not the same as keys. and I am struggling to play at speed. (I struggle to play at speed on my big keyboard :) I went and tried the M32, nice size but the Knobs all had different resistance... after hours of demo use and I just did not like the quality. I know you gave it a good review. I watched your review on the Yamaha CS... I love my Yamaha, but once again more than need. But I think they should start making minie keys. An wow you look young back then... is that what a few years of being a RUclipsr does to you.... I look old enough already lol.
Just bought myself one today as I needed something to control the MiniBrute 2S I bought by accident last month. I'm also thinking of getting a couple of those Volcas for shitz and gigglez
The Volca's are super fun and intuitive. I've had a volca keys for a few years now, and as a guitar player with a palette for synths, I can tell you they're easy to use, super fun, and sound great. They're also a great first step for Synth enthusiasts. Also they're cheap as I'll get out. I'm excited to get more out of it with my arturia (I just ordered one of these).
The Keystep is a great little keyboard I've had mine since launch, although I had to send it back just yesterday as one of the keys was not playing on every press! hopefully it's a quick fix and I'll get it back soon, it hasn't put me off as I'm looking to get a second one. For the price they are a great small form factor midi keyboard...with actual midi cnnections! - good mini review.
Micro Banshee Arturia is notorious for releasing broken hardware and shipping it out anyway. My origin that I waited two years for arrived not working and physically broke.good luck its hit or miss with that company. Peace 👽✌🏻🎶🛸Christo
Hello. Is this compatible with Korg Volca Series? I'm looking for a keyboard that has midi in/out that can control any Korg Volca Series. Yes, I'm considering the Arturia Keystep 37. But I'm considering the price point of that Keystep. Thanks!
Looking into buying my first set up, so is The Arturia KeyStep USB Keyboard and the Novation Circuit Mono Station is the best combination? Also what would be a good Modulator to buy? I think I'd need a complete set but a decent one around £500 preferably. Or do you have a clip describing how to build one? I'm brand new so trying to figure it all out. Your channel is the best I've found and helping me learn, thank you.
did you ever tried in slave mode? i have a terrible latency so the arp/seq function is quite useless for me unless i compensate it with the multiclock. with bsp i had a similar problem.
I prefer this a lot. But you can also check out the MiniLab MK2 from Arturia. That one is better for pure use with a DAW. This keyboard does not have any knobs for controlling soft synths
I think the MiniLab MK 2 has much better build quality and comes with nice soft synth package (the Akai does as well, but I prefer the Arturia soft synth collection because it can be expanded)
hello Bo ! Great review mate ! Gas make me hesitating between the kestep and the beatstep pro... I allready had a circuit, a monologue and a mininova. Going for a sequencer it s a way to avoid as much as possible my computer, and for that the beatstep pro with its patterns up to 64 and the possibility to chain them seems to be a good choice... but no polyphony. .. Damn it, i m lost !) take care !
The Beatstep is definitely better if you want to sequence different things. Like two-three synths. But yes its monophonic so that will make it more limited in that sense. On the other hand its more capable as a sequencer.
Brilliant video answered a lot of questions for me. So would this work with an microkorg as a sequencer? I'm new to all this so don't shout at me haha If this was connected to my mk when you play the keystep you would hear the sounds from the mk? Cheers
Very nice Bo. Was all set on a BeatStep until I saw this. Polyphonic sequencer, two channels, all that cv stuff. Intriguing kit. What would be a good volca to pair with this?
The upside with the BeatStep is that you have more control over the sequences, and you have more channels. The Keystep is not as good as a pure sequencer, but more playable. Also lacks the knobs obviously. I would say the Volca Keys is the only Volca that would make a little sense to pair with. The FM has onboard arpeggiator and since all others also have sequencers the Keys is the only which benefits greatly from the arp functions of the Keystep. Not sure I would go with a Volca tho because they already have good onboard sequencers =)
BoBeats Thanks Bo, good points. So in consideration of a multi channel sequencer for a synth what's some other options. Can the Circuit control outboard gear? Is the BeatStep Pro worth the extra for live jamming? Cheers mate
Hi, great video. Does it record just one sequence on one channel or can it record different sequences on top of each other on different channels? Thanks.
Hey Bo, thanks for the review...I have been considering a keystep for a while now.....One thing I noticed, when you had the sequence running and changed the time division, the circuit seemed to stop syncing ?
Hey Andrew, I do not think it was the Circuit stop syncing rather the time division creating a situation where it was all a bit out of sync. The sequence I was playing wasn't a perfect 16-step sequence (64 max). I have not noticed any big drifts when it comes to sync so far.
Thx for the video BoBeats, interesting where you're mentioning the ability to play a sequence in a channel and play Iive in another. Is it possible though to actually have the difference sequencer slots playing independently and simultaneously on different channels? That would allow layering several synths and almost play a full song with all instruments live.
junglist1soldier Same boat, except I'm just dipping my toes into recording for the first time. Have you made your mind up yet? I'm also considering the Alesis VI25 but.. it's only 25 keys and it's too big to lug around. Does have pads though, and I do want pads and keys (separates could be the way to go)
@@iamdansimons I still haven't made up my mind. I'm even more confused! Korg Volca-Keys, the Circuit or, Circuit Mono, Roland SE-02, minilogue, minibrute, etc.??? All I know is that I would prefer midi I/O & analog but, polyphony and something that isn't too limited. I've seen so many vids, just made it harder to decide. The Keystep Pro would be my choice if I were able to purchase it but, I just got monitors, isolation pad's, Furman power conditioner, & my DJ controller with TRS sequencer/drum machine. So, as much as I want to noodle I have time to decide. I'd probably do the MK3 for now though? Maybe?
Great review, already got the Beat Step Pro and been looking for a small compact keyboard controller to compliment it. By the way, whats the stand that you've got your Machine Studio on? Its exactly what I'm looking for.
+marko Tardito thanks! Yeah I tried it and it works really nicely with it. Only problem is that the M32 sequencer starts when it recieves clock... a bit annoying.
Thanks for the review. I see that the Keystep doesn't come with the Arturia Analog Lab 2 software like the MiniLab MK II has. Does that mean that if I don't have any kind of synth or piano software on my computer, then I won't be able to use this properly? Does Ableton Live have any virtual instruments packaged with it? What about other DAW software like Reaper? Would the MiniLab MK II will be a better buy since it comes pre-packaged with software? The only thing about the MiniLab is that it has fewer keys and no arpeggiator/ sequencer, and no MIDI sockets, and of course no after touch. The Keystep seems to have almost everything I might need except for any accompanying software. I'm just wondering how much extra software I will need to buy on top of the Keystep in order to be able to use it properly. Will I need to still spend more to actually use it?
There are plenty of open source, demo and free piano and organs available for PC, and mobile devices. Caustic is one of them for free for PC and can easily connect stuff like this. Caustic for tablet costs I believe 6 dollars. It's like "Reason to go".
jättebra recension, jag var nära att beställa beatstep men denna verkar ju vara lite smidigare... iofs gillar jag inte arturias keybords ( har en minilab mk1 som jag köpte enbart för ljudbibliotekets skull )
What about this with the Arturia KeyStep USB Keyboard set upto the Novation Circuit Mono Station and the Pittsburgh Modular Microvolt 3900 Patchable Synthesizer? Would that all go? Any advise on a good way to record music created by this equipment? Maybe a microphone and drum set to add. Would like a full set up that could record completed songs.
I wonder what is wrong... The Rate know seems to send the message to Mother32, but not sure about 2 other knobs. Also Mother doesn't receive the notes signals from Keystep.
Hi! Bobcats, apart from the standard Midi cable did u also connect the keystep with Mono jack to the Novation circuit? More also was the Keystep connected to computer the same time? I like to know, please.
nooneknows you can sequence one over midi. Then live play over another midi channel to the other. But I suggest you get the beatstep pro and the keystep.
Hi Bo! Does the Modulation Touch Fader hold the Value which is put in or is it behaving like the Pitch Bend always jumping to the middle/Zero position? Thank you so much
Heu! Which is better, the arturia keystep or the minilab mk2? I am not into electronic music, I play on a funk/rock band and just want to add some ambient sound and fills.
I am not sure really... With a mk2 you need a computer to host the sounds. To be honest I would look at a hardware synth like the Circuit, Korg Electribe 2, Minilogue, UltraNova, MiniNova, Korg Micro
Yeah that makes sense. Maybe for recording, the mk2 would be enough for me. On the other hand, when it comes down to live performance the synth is much easier to carry and to set up maybe. I was considering the Microkorg xl. What opinion do you have about it?
I have no hardware synths.. Will all the functions in the keystep, like arp and sequencer, work with my vst plug ins in Ableton, like Massive, Omnisphere etc..? Thanks for any answers..
So, the Keystep is controlling the Circuit and you're only recording from the Circuit? So the only cables from/into the Keystep are power and MIDI into the Circuit? And the cables from the Circuit are power, MIDI to the Keystep and then into a recorder?
In Arpegiator , what is the diference in This arpegiator and the Arpegiator in Analog Solution Leipzig V3 ? i Think im not shure, the Arpegiator in analog Solution have a diferent vibe ( analog vibe ? ) The Apegiator in Arturia have a digital vibe ? This Exist ? In Arpegiators ?
I just received the Keystep and am trying to get it running with solely Live 9. There is no Live Control surface script for the Keystep anywhere to be found. I can't get it to work in a complementary way where you can use all it's features within Live working with VST's. It's set up as 'usb', updated and well. But I can't get none of the features to work in Live this way. When used as 'master' it overrules Live's parameters. When set as 'slave' it seems to be a bland midi controller you need to set up as any other basic midi controller. I've searched the Arturia forums, Reddit and google but all I see is people with similar questions unanswered. There's no 'how to work with the Keystep in Live' video or anything. Mainly musicians using it icm with their analog gear. I'm not an expert at all but something seems to be very off. If anyone has a clue on how to set the keystep up in combination with Live where you can utilize the sequencer function (as in above video) while still using Live as the master playing in sync please let me know!
Would it be possible to connect 2 Roland Boutiques and split the keyboard to play one Boutique as a lead on the high end of the Keystep and another Boutique as bass on the low end of the Keystep??
Thanx Bo, im just getting my head around mine. the quality is great, the only thing I don't like is that there is no BPM readout!! I would have thought that was fundamental to a sequencer. Cheers :)
I purchased this keystep and not a single video how to even get it to work....I have it connected to windows 10 and installed the midi control center software.. Nothing in the manual that is simple to get this to work in windows. I guess you have to be an experienced user just to use this thing. Right now I have a $118 paper weight. Any help or a video that would show from beginning to end connecting and then getting this to work in windows would be great! Thanks in advance..Right now I am having a heck of a time.
Would you happen to know if there is a way to use the Keystep as a controller for plugins in Logic Pro X, but ALSO connected to a Deepmind 12D to be used as the controller? Not that I would be using both at the same time. So far I can do one or the other but not both. This is a huge pain because I have to disconnect and reconnect every time I want to do this.
I plan on buying one of these sooner than later, BUT! Kinda holding off cuz I just know that as soon as I buy it Arturia will release a Mk2 version. LOL One thing you neglected to mention is ..... AFTERTOUCH! \o/ WOOT It's the only MIDI controller in this price range that I'm aware of that has aftertouch.
S.R. Smith I've powered it from a portable phone charger type battery but you might need to test specific units as I suspect some might switch off power when the.device is idle. I haven't looked into this thoroughly enough yet. any usb wall charger does the job
I have read about people hooking it up to a power bank but I feel you. Runs of iPad/iPhone power tho so that is one way to simply power it on the GO! =)
Want to pick up a Keystep? Here's a few different versions (affiliate links)
Keystep Pro redir.love/wcdKr2aG
Keystep 37 redir.love/8p6u4mQR
original Keystep redir.love/14zGkiaM
An alternative is the Novation SL Mk3: redir.love/OpiiymOF
Är det här något man har användning för att planka låtar? Är ute efter något portabelt till min sambo som jobbar med musikundervisning.
I know Im pretty randomly asking but does anybody know a good place to stream newly released series online ?
@Myles Ernesto Flixportal :)
@Jayson Lee thank you, signed up and it seems to work :D I really appreciate it!!
@Myles Ernesto Happy to help =)
This is a super-accessible intro, I appreciate that. Thank you Bo!
Just bought one and it arrives Tuesday. Can't wait to sequence the Moog MiniTaur, Korg Electribe EMX-1 (Blue) with floor cabinet 15inch & horn tweeter JBL's and 1600 watts! My neighbours are going to love me!
Why do people feel the need to brag about their hear on here? No one is interested buddy
Odd way to flex your setup but alright
Sick. Just ordered mine to use with my brand new Moog minitaur, and in the future I plan on getting a Roland JU-06A. How does it work with the minitaur?
BO! I was looking at both these keyboards to go with my RC 505/Circuit setup, not knowing you did this review comparing the two. Thank you for all you do! You have helped set up my studio so much!!!
This video may be 7 years old, but it's still very helpful as I just bought this exact keyboard but have not yet started to work with it. Thanks!
-Gary
So good tutorials Bo, thank you! always enlightening and making things easier :D
CV out, midi merge. Pair of these is gigging/traveling musicians' dream come true for ultimate portability
Plastic in the front, Metal in the back 🤘🏼
*Like my Head after my Accident ;)*
I love these little controllers, they are great!
+Pure Ambient Drone sure are!
And again another very informative video :)
Thanks Bo!
Thank you John! Glad you dig it =)
I just received both black and white KeyStep and I am very happy with the solid build and feel. Great videos!
This is the piece of gear I have the most fun with, I got a second one. Money well spent.
Yeah definitely ALOT of fun. Not perfect but for the money its really really good.
So can u create individual sequence/arp per midi ch ? Thanks in advance
Been meaning to comment: of all the synth reviews I watch, you are the ONLY person who makes consistently great music in the review. During other reviews the music is so basic/boring/pedestrian you've to use your imagination as to how you'd actually use the gear in music with some actual style/feel to it; not so with your stuff.
Thank you Nicholas! I try my best and I am glad if it helps you get a good feel for the synth.
I use my key step with my Waldorf blofeld, volca keys, microfreak and volca FM and I use the beatstep for volca Bass and vocal drum
8:34 Finally found a review to point this out.
Mitchell Kirby still have not found one showing how to add up to 32 nots to an arp!
Awesome review!
thanks mate!
Great... I was just looking at the Arturia KeyStep... and I thought. 'I wonder' if Bo has done a review. and here we are.... I have not watched it yet, but I know I will enjoy it
one of my old videos :) but hopefully it still works
@@BoBeats Yes, it has some features that I did not fully understand... and now I do. so Thanks. It's more than I need... I just need a small midi keyboard. I was given, by one of my Fans, a Korg nanoKEY2. and it's great for what it is. love the size, but the buttons are not the same as keys. and I am struggling to play at speed. (I struggle to play at speed on my big keyboard :)
I went and tried the M32, nice size but the Knobs all had different resistance... after hours of demo use and I just did not like the quality. I know you gave it a good review.
I watched your review on the Yamaha CS... I love my Yamaha, but once again more than need. But I think they should start making minie keys.
An wow you look young back then... is that what a few years of being a RUclipsr does to you.... I look old enough already lol.
Useful review, good work!
+Jazzy Lau thanks Jazzy!
You look like a gentleman I would get along with in the studio and creatively
R. Kelly - Bump N' Grind
Awesome vid Bo!
Just bought myself one today as I needed something to control the MiniBrute 2S I bought by accident last month. I'm also thinking of getting a couple of those Volcas for shitz and gigglez
The Volca's are super fun and intuitive. I've had a volca keys for a few years now, and as a guitar player with a palette for synths, I can tell you they're easy to use, super fun, and sound great. They're also a great first step for Synth enthusiasts. Also they're cheap as I'll get out. I'm excited to get more out of it with my arturia (I just ordered one of these).
I am so in love with it. I hope I get lucky this Christmas 😆
I do wish that they put CV in/out on the larger Keystep keyboards. I prefer larger keyboards for playing pads.
The Keystep is a great little keyboard I've had mine since launch, although I had to send it back just yesterday as one of the keys was not playing on every press! hopefully it's a quick fix and I'll get it back soon, it hasn't put me off as I'm looking to get a second one. For the price they are a great small form factor midi keyboard...with actual midi cnnections! - good mini review.
+Micro Banshee thank you mate! I hope you get it back soon
Micro Banshee Arturia is notorious for releasing broken hardware and shipping it out anyway. My origin that I waited two years for arrived not working and physically broke.good luck its hit or miss with that company. Peace 👽✌🏻🎶🛸Christo
Great video man! Great work! Thank You!
Hello. Is this compatible with Korg Volca Series? I'm looking for a keyboard that has midi in/out that can control any Korg Volca Series. Yes, I'm considering the Arturia Keystep 37. But I'm considering the price point of that Keystep. Thanks!
Very nice. Man. Lots of good info.
Thanks mate!
Thanks for the review. I think are cheap for not including the 9v power adapter.
Very off-topic, but I love those couches!
IKEA! =)
Looking into buying my first set up, so is The Arturia KeyStep USB Keyboard and the Novation Circuit Mono Station is the best combination? Also what would be a good Modulator to buy? I think I'd need a complete set but a decent one around £500 preferably. Or do you have a clip describing how to build one? I'm brand new so trying to figure it all out. Your channel is the best I've found and helping me learn, thank you.
did you ever tried in slave mode? i have a terrible latency so the arp/seq function is quite useless for me unless i compensate it with the multiclock. with bsp i had a similar problem.
Ah you mean as in receiving clock from another source?
yes, normaly my octatrack is the masterclock abd i wanted to record arps and sequences, but it doesn't work like i wanted
+nachtaktiv music i have to test this! Thanks for the heads up
I am looking for a midi keyboard to keep on my desk for DAW work. Was wondering what you thought of this compared to the Akai MPK Mini MKII?
I prefer this a lot. But you can also check out the MiniLab MK2 from Arturia. That one is better for pure use with a DAW. This keyboard does not have any knobs for controlling soft synths
BoBeats Thank you! So what about the Akai MPK Mini MKII compared to the Minilab MKII? Sorry, but I only want to have to buy one midi keyboard. Lol
I think the MiniLab MK 2 has much better build quality and comes with nice soft synth package (the Akai does as well, but I prefer the Arturia soft synth collection because it can be expanded)
7:00 You do not have to press shift in order to add a rest....
hello Bo !
Great review mate !
Gas make me hesitating between the kestep and the beatstep pro...
I allready had a circuit, a monologue and a mininova.
Going for a sequencer it s a way to avoid as much as possible my computer, and for that the beatstep pro with its patterns up to 64 and the possibility to chain them seems to be a good choice...
but no polyphony. ..
Damn it, i m lost !)
take care !
The Beatstep is definitely better if you want to sequence different things. Like two-three synths. But yes its monophonic so that will make it more limited in that sense. On the other hand its more capable as a sequencer.
BoBeats thanks for your answer Bo !)
Im curious...as keyboard feeling-touching how diferent is this one compared Yamaha Reface's series?
I picked one up to accompany the electribe2. It's replacing the MK2mini which only has usb out.
Brilliant video answered a lot of questions for me. So would this work with an microkorg as a sequencer? I'm new to all this so don't shout at me haha
If this was connected to my mk when you play the keystep you would hear the sounds from the mk?
Cheers
yes
Thanks for the great review!
Thank you Brian!
Very nice Bo. Was all set on a BeatStep until I saw this. Polyphonic sequencer, two channels, all that cv stuff. Intriguing kit. What would be a good volca to pair with this?
The upside with the BeatStep is that you have more control over the sequences, and you have more channels. The Keystep is not as good as a pure sequencer, but more playable. Also lacks the knobs obviously. I would say the Volca Keys is the only Volca that would make a little sense to pair with. The FM has onboard arpeggiator and since all others also have sequencers the Keys is the only which benefits greatly from the arp functions of the Keystep. Not sure I would go with a Volca tho because they already have good onboard sequencers =)
BoBeats Thanks Bo, good points. So in consideration of a multi channel sequencer for a synth what's some other options. Can the Circuit control outboard gear? Is the BeatStep Pro worth the extra for live jamming? Cheers mate
Hi, great video. Does it record just one sequence on one channel or can it record different sequences on top of each other on different channels? Thanks.
Just one sequence that is sent to one channel
Hi Bo, in your example how are you powering the keystep? Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer my question!
Hey Bo, thanks for the review...I have been considering a keystep for a while now.....One thing I noticed, when you had the sequence running and changed the time division, the circuit seemed to stop syncing ?
Hey Andrew, I do not think it was the Circuit stop syncing rather the time division creating a situation where it was all a bit out of sync. The sequence I was playing wasn't a perfect 16-step sequence (64 max). I have not noticed any big drifts when it comes to sync so far.
Ahh ok, that puts my mind at rest a bit. thanks mate :)
I have a 49 midi keyboard ,which is great,but need another smaller one just for convenience and if a friend of mine comes by to jam together.
Si if it has a sequencer this could be a better choice than a Korg sq1?
Thx for the video BoBeats, interesting where you're mentioning the ability to play a sequence in a channel and play Iive in another. Is it possible though to actually have the difference sequencer slots playing independently and simultaneously on different channels? That would allow layering several synths and almost play a full song with all instruments live.
I can't decide on my first midi controller/synth. Arturia Keystep or, Minilab MKII?
BTW I have a TRS drum sequencer. Roland DJ-505.
junglist1soldier Same boat, except I'm just dipping my toes into recording for the first time. Have you made your mind up yet? I'm also considering the Alesis VI25 but.. it's only 25 keys and it's too big to lug around. Does have pads though, and I do want pads and keys (separates could be the way to go)
@@iamdansimons I still haven't made up my mind. I'm even more confused! Korg Volca-Keys, the Circuit or, Circuit Mono, Roland SE-02, minilogue, minibrute, etc.??? All I know is that I would prefer midi I/O & analog but, polyphony and something that isn't too limited. I've seen so many vids, just made it harder to decide. The Keystep Pro would be my choice if I were able to purchase it but, I just got monitors, isolation pad's, Furman power conditioner, & my DJ controller with TRS sequencer/drum machine.
So, as much as I want to noodle I have time to decide. I'd probably do the MK3 for now though? Maybe?
Great review, already got the Beat Step Pro and been looking for a small compact keyboard controller to compliment it. By the way, whats the stand that you've got your Machine Studio on? Its exactly what I'm looking for.
Looks like a stanton laptop stand if i am being honest with you but I am sure Bo can answer that accurately
Nice review Bo, have you tried with a Moog Mother 32? I'm looking for a nice sequencer for 2x mother 32...
+marko Tardito thanks! Yeah I tried it and it works really nicely with it. Only problem is that the M32 sequencer starts when it recieves clock... a bit annoying.
oh i see... so what is a better sequencer for mother 32, to expand the possibilities of m32 sequencer?
+marko Tardito not sure really! Something with good CV capabilities... not sure what would be useful really. Maybe a BeatStep Pro!
Thanks for the review. I see that the Keystep doesn't come with the Arturia Analog Lab 2 software like the MiniLab MK II has. Does that mean that if I don't have any kind of synth or piano software on my computer, then I won't be able to use this properly? Does Ableton Live have any virtual instruments packaged with it? What about other DAW software like Reaper?
Would the MiniLab MK II will be a better buy since it comes pre-packaged with software? The only thing about the MiniLab is that it has fewer keys and no arpeggiator/ sequencer, and no MIDI sockets, and of course no after touch. The Keystep seems to have almost everything I might need except for any accompanying software. I'm just wondering how much extra software I will need to buy on top of the Keystep in order to be able to use it properly. Will I need to still spend more to actually use it?
There are plenty of open source, demo and free piano and organs available for PC, and mobile devices. Caustic is one of them for free for PC and can easily connect stuff like this. Caustic for tablet costs I believe 6 dollars. It's like "Reason to go".
As controllers go, the form factor is very appealing. Great review. Do you use your Maschine Studio much?
I use the Maschine Studio for some thing. But less now since I use more hardware stuff. But I have ideas =)
tnx man, that was really clear! i will buy one for shure, but the black one :-)
jättebra recension, jag var nära att beställa beatstep men denna verkar ju vara lite smidigare... iofs gillar jag inte arturias keybords ( har en minilab mk1 som jag köpte enbart för ljudbibliotekets skull )
bobeats, how many different sequences can it store? can it store different ones similar to the microbrute? thank you :)
+Samuel Bonello i think it stores 8 sequences onboard and you can save and backup them using a computer
I'm confused why would there not be a power supply included?
What about this with the Arturia KeyStep USB Keyboard set upto the Novation Circuit Mono Station and the Pittsburgh Modular Microvolt 3900 Patchable Synthesizer? Would that all go? Any advise on a good way to record music created by this equipment? Maybe a microphone and drum set to add. Would like a full set up that could record completed songs.
A missed opportunity to sample the neighbor's lawn mower.
Plus 1 for the foam
I wonder what is wrong... The Rate know seems to send the message to Mother32, but not sure about 2 other knobs. Also Mother doesn't receive the notes signals from Keystep.
I might score one used but can you tell me if this can be powered VIA usb? Thanks Bo!
Thanks for the review. So, if I don't need all the extra connections of keystep, then minilab might be a better choice for me, right?
Sure! The Keystep is best if you hook it up to say another synthesizer and the MiniLab is a better midi controller for a computer
How does the keys feel as compared to the Yamaha Reface series?
Hi! Bobcats, apart from the standard Midi cable did u also connect the keystep with Mono jack to the Novation circuit?
More also was the Keystep connected to computer the same time? I like to know, please.
DJ ARI-G no he didn’t. It’s also a stand-alone controller. No comp needed
I bought one and it's great so far, but I wonder if you know how to hook it up to multiple volcas? Specifically, the FM, and Bass.
nooneknows you can sequence one over midi. Then live play over another midi channel to the other. But I suggest you get the beatstep pro and the keystep.
Hi Bo! Does the Modulation Touch Fader hold the Value which is put in or is it behaving like the Pitch Bend always jumping to the middle/Zero position? Thank you so much
kidmono it hold it
Heu! Which is better, the arturia keystep or the minilab mk2? I am not into electronic music, I play on a funk/rock band and just want to add some ambient sound and fills.
I am not sure really... With a mk2 you need a computer to host the sounds. To be honest I would look at a hardware synth like the Circuit, Korg Electribe 2, Minilogue, UltraNova, MiniNova, Korg Micro
Yeah that makes sense. Maybe for recording, the mk2 would be enough for me. On the other hand, when it comes down to live performance the synth is much easier to carry and to set up maybe. I was considering the Microkorg xl. What opinion do you have about it?
I have no hardware synths.. Will all the functions in the keystep, like arp and sequencer, work with my vst plug ins in Ableton, like Massive, Omnisphere etc..? Thanks for any answers..
Absolutely! Honestly the key step is a bit tricker to run with hardware synths if anything
So, the Keystep is controlling the Circuit and you're only recording from the Circuit? So the only cables from/into the Keystep are power and MIDI into the Circuit? And the cables from the Circuit are power, MIDI to the Keystep and then into a recorder?
In Arpegiator , what is the diference in This arpegiator and the Arpegiator in Analog Solution Leipzig V3 ? i Think im not shure, the Arpegiator in analog Solution have a diferent vibe ( analog vibe ? ) The Apegiator in Arturia have a digital vibe ? This Exist ? In Arpegiators ?
I just received the Keystep and am trying to get it running with solely Live 9. There is no Live Control surface script for the Keystep anywhere to be found. I can't get it to work in a complementary way where you can use all it's features within Live working with VST's. It's set up as 'usb', updated and well. But I can't get none of the features to work in Live this way. When used as 'master' it overrules Live's parameters. When set as 'slave' it seems to be a bland midi controller you need to set up as any other basic midi controller.
I've searched the Arturia forums, Reddit and google but all I see is people with similar questions unanswered. There's no 'how to work with the Keystep in Live' video or anything. Mainly musicians using it icm with their analog gear. I'm not an expert at all but something seems to be very off.
If anyone has a clue on how to set the keystep up in combination with Live where you can utilize the sequencer function (as in above video) while still using Live as the master playing in sync please let me know!
nice sequences at 7:44!!
Would it be possible to connect 2 Roland Boutiques and split the keyboard to play one Boutique as a lead on the high end of the Keystep and another Boutique as bass on the low end of the Keystep??
Thanx Bo, im just getting my head around mine. the quality is great, the only thing I don't like is that there is no BPM readout!! I would have thought that was fundamental to a sequencer. Cheers :)
Yes! I think this is a problem with the unit. For sure!
I purchased this keystep and not a single video how to even get it to work....I have it connected to windows 10 and installed the midi control center software.. Nothing in the manual that is simple to get this to work in windows. I guess you have to be an experienced user just to use this thing. Right now I have a $118 paper weight. Any help or a video that would show from beginning to end connecting and then getting this to work in windows would be great! Thanks in advance..Right now I am having a heck of a time.
John Oakes it’s because of windows. Windows is trash with this controller. Sorry
is the aftertouch already on it or do you have to set it via something
+James Thomas Winn aftertouch is enabled by default
will the arpeggiator and pattern function control soft synths just like it does a hardware synth in this video?
Would you happen to know if there is a way to use the Keystep as a controller for plugins in Logic Pro X, but ALSO connected to a Deepmind 12D to be used as the controller? Not that I would be using both at the same time. So far I can do one or the other but not both. This is a huge pain because I have to disconnect and reconnect every time I want to do this.
hi there! thanks for the video... Can i midi map those 3 knobs when not using the sequencer?
could I connect this to my Yamaha reface CS? It has a built in looper but I would really love a sequencer/arp
Is there a way to program a key as a 'sustain pedal' for when you don't have a true sustain pedal ?
Hi. Thanks for a great video. Can you sync this with a beatstep using the clock connections rather than midi? Thinking BS clock out to KS clock in.
Thanks mate! I think that is possible but I have not tested yet.
RainClouds yes. That is how I use mine.
Idk if you’ll see this but can I control an ms20 mini and a jdxi at the same time with this
Do they not make keyboards that don’t req a hook up to a synthesizer or computer that’s small?
Let's "scheck" it out ! In Sweden. With doctor Bo.
I plan on buying one of these sooner than later, BUT! Kinda holding off cuz I just know that as soon as I buy it Arturia will release a Mk2 version. LOL
One thing you neglected to mention is ..... AFTERTOUCH! \o/ WOOT
It's the only MIDI controller in this price range that I'm aware of that has aftertouch.
artao5 it’s after touch is actually trash... but it’s still amazing none the less
Can I just use this via USB only into Onyx iMac using Logic Pro X? No midi connections.
how did you connect them to each other?
Bo, can you tell me what is that “circuit’ elide the key step pro, can you tell us what do you use it for ? Thx
Let me ask about the transposition regime on it, I bought it and did not find this sunshine, thank you
where did you get that amazing wood thing for your circuit
I dont remember which one I use here but its either Synths and Wood UK or Crema Caffe Design
thanks now I can look cool like bo
Where i come from a shop found some china monkey ones and selling em triple the price of the ones at t/man as 'custom made' 😂
I bought one but the sequencer is a problem for me i don't like how it works . Same with the Beatstep .
can u make a note last 2 steps in the sequencer mode?
Can one set the octave range on the keystep arp similar to how one can set the octave range in Reason's RPG-8 ? ( ie. 1 to 4 ? )
Will the usb of the Circuit power the Keystep ? That would be schweet !
I don't know! I don't have a cable that fit. Interesting question tho!
S.R. Smith For what it's worth, my ipad powers my keystep.
I'm hoping a Novation Circuit will . . . thanks !
S.R. Smith I've powered it from a portable phone charger type battery but you might need to test specific units as I suspect some might switch off power when the.device is idle. I haven't looked into this thoroughly enough yet. any usb wall charger does the job
No, cause the Circuit isn’t a USB host. The OP-Z will though!
Will this sequencer work with Roland SH-201?
where do we order the wood ends for the Circuit !?!
+Recloh Synths And Wood UK. :-)
Why is your behringer swing white?
😎 10/10 meme
The fact that you can control one synth with the seq. and another with the keys is very nice ! Too bad no battery power . . .
I have read about people hooking it up to a power bank but I feel you. Runs of iPad/iPhone power tho so that is one way to simply power it on the GO! =)
Pffff launchley mini mk3 OR keystep... Can't choose... :( What software is included with the keystep?
You are GEEK! ^^
Does it come with any softsynths?
+Reid Mclellan no software except for editing the controller
Thanks Bo.....In every demo you see Arturia Analog Lab running on the laptop. That would have been nice.
Analog Lab Lite comes with MiniLab MK2 keyboard
BoBeats i bought a keystep
Keystep comes with ableton Live lite only!