Arturia - Keystep 37 - Creative MIDI Controller, Sequencer, Arpeggiator and Chord Generator - 37-Note Slimkey Keyboard, Assignable MIDI CC Controls, Scale Mode, Versatile Connectivity

Product Information

However you choose to explore with KeyStep 37, you’ll never go out of key. Activate scale mode to quantize any notes you play to a scale of your choice. Choose from chromatic (default), major, minor, blues, or a user-defined scale. Use with the sequencer or arpeggiator to freely sketch, compose or improvise ideas in perfect harmony. The overall build quality seems excellent and nothing stood out as wrong or odd. I have removed one star for features due to the fact that there seems to be no way to dim the LEDs behind the buttons, and I find this quite distracting and uncomfortable in darker rooms as the lights are really quite bright!

The internal memory of the KeyStep can store 8 different sequences. You can select between them with the "Seq / Arp Mode" rotary encoder. The MCC allows you to set how the change happens when you go from one sequence to another while a sequence is playing.

Chord mode and Scale mode, which makes being creative with chords super easy. It's like having Captian Keys but in hardware instead of software. Where you use your ears instead of your mouse. The KeyStep is probably best known for its classic step‑sequencing functionality. The KeyStep 37’s sequencer is fundamentally the same as on the classic 32, but it is elevated by the new scales and chord features. Novation designed the Launchkey’s controls to integrate seamlessly with Ableton Live, and it also works with other DAWs. KeyStep 37 is designed to be put in control. An accessible interface, a compact design and comprehensive connectivity make it the perfect centerpiece for your rig - whatever your needs. The Time Div rotary encoder allows you to select the resolution of your sequence between 8 possibilities from 1/4 to 1/32 in binary or ternary rythme.

The Arturia KeyStep 37 also features 16 MIDI CC parameters across four switchable banks so you can adjust your settings in real-time using four new rotary controllers.It is truly portable, with the added benefit of not needing any cables to function. The microKey can connect to your iPad/iPhone music apps such as KORG Gadget, KORG Module, and GarageBand, as well as any MIDI-capable music production software on your Mac or Windows computer.

Regardless of which controller you choose, you’ll get access to a bunch of transport controls. Both controllers are pretty basic when it comes to this sort of control, but at 37 keys it’s really all you need. Today, we’re going to go over the best portable MIDI Keyboards for on-the-go musicians. You’ll find they are all affordable, durable, and easy to use. What Are The 7 Best Portable MIDI Keyboards For On-The-Go Musicians? Buy the MPK Mini Plus & you’ll get a total of 8 endless encoders, which can be assigned to pretty much any instrument/ function in your DAW.The Native Instruments Komplete Kontrol M32 is a great choice for those just starting out who want an all-in-one portable keyboard controller, making it our top choice for beginners. Joining the modes from the original 32‑key model and KeyStep Pro is Pattern mode, which was an innovation on the MicroFreak synth. This creates a random note pattern that repeats instead of randomising each cycle, and has a specific length that you can set up to 64 notes. You can add more notes to alter the pattern, and change the length on the fly. It’s a really great way to generate semi‑random sequences within parameters you can control. The only thing you can’t do (which you can on the MicroFreak) is capture the result to a slot in the Sequencer. In terms of weight and form factor, obviously the Mini MK3 is the lighter, as well as the more compact of the two. All the extra keys & features you get with the Plus understandably does demand more space & come with more weight. As with the sequencer, you can adjust swing, gate time and tempo subdivision while your arpeggios are playing. Finally, the LED strip above the keyboard also displays triggered arpeggios in real-time, so you’ll never lose your place.

Note that once the KeyStep has entered the bootloader mode, all LEDS should be OFF as well as the screen. All the knobs on this controller are endless encoders, meaning you’re not restricted by a start/ end point. Useful if you’re working with a bunch of different plugins & samples. Additionally, there are knobs for fantastic hands-on control over any assignable parameter in your music software. With the MPK Mini MK III, you can tweak EQ, sweep a filter open on the fly, push up a reverb tail coming out of a guitar solo, all of that with a great degree of precision. Beyond its 37-note keyboard, knobs, buttons, and LED screen, the KeyStep 37 comes with Ableton Live Lite, making it a complete solution for your portable DAW. Keyboard There’s a total of 8 assignable knobs on each keyboard controller. Although a point goes to the Akai for having endless knobs, opposed to those on the novation, which have both a start/ end point.An added expressive feature is being able to tie the number of notes in the chord to velocity. Play softly for smaller chords, and strike the keys for up to 16 notes. In Sequence KeyStep comes with 8 different patterns. You can select between them with the "Seq / Arp Mode" rotary encoder. The Akai MPK Mini MK3 is the third iteration of the world’s legendary best-selling mini keyboard controller.