Arturia KeyStep Midi Keyboard Controller

The Arturia KeyStep, a versatile and feature-rich portable keyboard controller with a focus on providing both keyboard playing experience and sequencing capabilities. The KeyStep offers various functionalities that cater to musicians, producers, and performers who require a compact yet powerful tool for their music production and live setups. Here’s a breakdown of the main features and capabilities highlighted in your description:

Keyboard Action:

The KeyStep features a specially designed “slim key” keyboard action that combines the portability of mini-keys with the musicality of full-sized keys. It includes velocity and aftertouch for expressive playing.

Polyphonic Step Sequencer:

The device is equipped with a polyphonic step sequencer with 8 programmable memories. This sequencer allows you to create and control musical sequences with up to 64 steps and 8 simultaneous notes per step. It offers features like gate times, swing settings, real-time recording, overdubbing, and transposing sequences on-the-fly.

Arpeggiator Mode:

The arpeggiator mode enables you to play each note of a chord consecutively, offering eight possible playing directions and a Time Division knob for creating intricate melodies.

Connectivity Options:

KeyStep provides a wide range of connectivity options, including USB MIDI, standard MIDI in and out ports, clock sync and DIN sync jacks, and CV/GATE outputs. It even has a modulation CV output that can be assigned for various purposes.

Versatility:

The device is designed to be compatible with various types of synthesizers, both analog and digital, hardware and software. It includes CV outputs for analog instruments and modules and MIDI outputs for hardware instruments and software plugins.

Sustain Pedal and Sync:

KeyStep integrates a socket for a sustain pedal, sync input and output for clock signal synchronization, and MIDI input for external keyboards. It can also function as a MIDI to CV converter.

Modes of Operation:

The KeyStep operates in three main modes: Sequencer mode for recording and playing polyphonic sequences, Arpeggiator mode for creating arpeggios and melodies, and Controller mode for utilizing the keyboard and various performance controls.

Performance Controls:

The device offers capacitive-touch pitch bend and modulation strips, octave shift buttons for transposition, transport buttons for controlling the arpeggiator and sequencer, and a tap button for tempo control.

USB and Standalone Operation:

The KeyStep can be powered through USB and operates as a class-compliant MIDI device. An optional USB power adaptor allows for standalone usage.

CV/Gate Outputs:

The KeyStep provides 1 volt per octave CV/GATE outputs and a separate modulation (MOD) output for added creative possibilities.

MIDI I/O:

The device features standard MIDI input and output ports, allowing you to connect it to other MIDI-compatible hardware and software.

Sync Modes:

Sync mode selectors let you choose the clock source for synchronization, whether it’s internal, USB, MIDI, or an external sync input.

The Arturia KeyStep aims to provide musicians with a compact and powerful tool that seamlessly integrates into various setups, whether they involve analog gear, digital synthesizers, MIDI instruments, or modular systems. Its combination of keyboard playability, sequencing capabilities, and versatile connectivity makes it a valuable addition to both studio environments and live performances.

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